Char-Griller AKORN Review: Grill & Smoker | Best Price
Introduction
Tired of grill nights plagued by uneven heat, frustrating flare-ups, and a smoky flavor that’s more acrid than savory? Do you crave the versatility to sear a perfect steak one minute and coax tender brisket from a low-and-slow smoke the next? The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado addresses these common grilling woes head-on. This isn’t just a grill; it’s a complete outdoor cooking solution designed to deliver consistent results and delicious, restaurant-quality food, regardless of your skill level.
Overview
The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado isn’t your average grill. It’s a modern interpretation of the classic kamado design, blending traditional ceramic-style construction with a robust, triple-walled steel body. This unique hybrid approach combines the exceptional heat retention and moisture retention of a kamado with increased durability and easier maintenance. Built for backyard grillers, weekend BBQ enthusiasts, and anyone serious about outdoor cooking, the AKORN offers a truly versatile cooking experience, bridging the gap between searing and smoking with exceptional ease. It’s the perfect tool for those who want a premium kamado experience without the ceramic price tag and fragility.
Features
Precision Temperature Monitoring & Control: The integrated thermometer provides real-time temperature monitoring, while the indexed damper adjustments allow for incredibly precise temperature control. This means consistent cooking results, whether you’re smoking a brisket or searing a steak.
Enhanced Durability and Portability: The triple-walled steel insulated design provides exceptional durability and longevity. The 8-inch locking caster wheels allow for easy maneuverability around your patio or deck. The powder-coated finish resists rust and weathering, ensuring years of reliable performance, even in harsh conditions.
Smart Design Details for Effortless Grilling: Char-Griller hasn’t overlooked the details. The included warming rack keeps side dishes warm and ready to serve. A removable Easy Dump Ash Pan makes cleanup a breeze – no more struggling to scrape out ashes. Foldable side shelf workstations provide convenient prep space, while built-in tool hooks keep your essential grilling tools organized and within reach.
Generous Cooking Area for Crowd-Pleasing Feasts: With a spacious 447 square inches of cooking area, the AKORN can easily handle a large family gathering or a weekend barbecue with friends. You can comfortably cook up to 27 burgers at once, roast a whole turkey, or smoke multiple racks of ribs. This ample cooking space removes the stress of cooking in batches and ensures everyone enjoys a hot, delicious meal.
Kamado Cooking Redefined: The AKORN’s kamado design utilizes a unique, insulated construction to achieve incredible heat retention and temperature stability. This means you can set it and forget it, letting the grill maintain a consistent temperature for hours, perfect for low-and-slow smoking. The indexed adjustable dual dampers grant precise control over airflow, allowing you to fine-tune your cooking temperature with remarkable accuracy.
Benefits
Impress Your Guests with Restaurant-Quality Results: The AKORN allows you to recreate your favorite restaurant dishes at home, impressing your guests with perfectly cooked, flavorful meals every time. Become the envy of the neighborhood with your grilling prowess!
Searing Power for Perfect Steaks: Don’t let the kamado design fool you – this grill delivers impressive searing power. Reach temperatures high enough to create a beautiful crust on steaks and other cuts of meat, locking in juices and maximizing flavor.
Effortless Cleanup & Maintenance: Forget about tedious ash removal. The removable Easy Dump Ash Pan simplifies cleanup, saving you time and effort. The durable construction also minimizes maintenance, allowing you to focus on what matters: enjoying your outdoor cooking experience.
Versatile Cooking Options for Every Craving: From searing steaks to smoking ribs to baking pizza, the AKORN’s versatility unlocks a world of culinary possibilities. Satisfy any craving with this all-in-one grilling and smoking powerhouse.
Master Low-and-Slow Smoking: The AKORN’s exceptional heat retention and temperature stability make it a dream for low-and-slow smoking. Achieve perfectly tender brisket, juicy pulled pork, and melt-in-your-mouth ribs with ease, requiring minimal monitoring and adjustments.
Usages
Low & Slow Brisket: The AKORN’s stable temperature control makes it perfect for smoking a brisket to tender perfection.
Tailgating Adventures: While slightly larger than a portable grill, the AKORN’s locking wheels make it manageable for tailgating or camping trips where space allows, bringing premium grilling capabilities to the outdoors.
Weeknight Grilling: Quickly sear steaks or grill chicken for a fast and flavorful weeknight meal.
Family Barbecues: Cook a feast for your family and friends with the AKORN’s spacious cooking area.
Searing Steaks & Smoking Ribs Simultaneously: Utilize the warming rack to keep ribs warm while searing steaks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional heat retention and temperature stability
- Versatile cooking capabilities (grilling, smoking, searing)
- Large cooking area for feeding a crowd
- Easy-to-use dampers and thermometer
- Durable construction and powder-coated finish
- Removable ash pan for easy cleanup
Cons
- Larger size may be unsuitable for small patios or limited spaces
- Assembly required (although relatively straightforward)
- Charcoal-only fuel source – no gas or electric option
- Can be heavier than smaller portable grills
- Ceramic kamado grills can offer marginally better insulation and heat retention, but at a significantly higher price point.
- Requires learning curve for optimal performance.
- More expensive than basic charcoal grills.
- Not ideal for frequent, small-batch cooking.
- Fuel type limited to charcoal.
- Assembly required.
- Takes time to preheat.
- Bulky & heavy.
- Potential for heat loss if lid isn’t sealed properly.
- Cleaning of grate & interior can be time consuming.
- Requires specific charcoal type (lump).
FAQs
Is assembly required?: Yes, some assembly is required. However, the included instructions are clear and easy to follow.
How easy is the grill to clean?: The removable Easy Dump Ash Pan makes ash removal quick and simple. The stainless steel grates are also easy to clean with a grill brush.
What is the temperature range?: The AKORN can reach temperatures as high as 750°F for searing and as low as 225°F for low-and-slow smoking.
What type of fuel can I use?: The AKORN is designed for charcoal grilling and smoking. Lump charcoal is recommended for optimal flavor and performance.
How well does the grill retain heat?: The triple-walled steel insulated design provides exceptional heat retention, allowing for consistent temperatures for extended smoking sessions.
Product Specifications
| grate material | Cast Iron |
| cleaning requirements | Grill Brush, Warm Soapy Water |
| fuel type | Charcoal |
| weight | 97 lbs |
| included accessories | Warming Rack, Removable Ash Pan, Side Shelf Workstations, Tool Hooks |
| Model Number | E16620 |
| hopper capacity | N/A |
| wheels/mobility | 8-inch Locking Caster Wheels |
| temperature range | 225°F – 750°F |
| ignition system | Match Light or Chimney Starter |
| cooking area | 447 sq. in. |
| material type | Triple-Walled Steel, Cast Iron |
| warranty | Limited 1-Year Warranty |
| dimensions | 45″D x 31″W x 47″H |
Ratings
| ease of use | 4.3 |
| cooking performance | 4.7 |
| versatility | 4.6 |
| durability | 4.4 |
| overall | 4.6 |
| smoking performance | 4.8 |
| heat distribution | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado is an excellent choice for backyard grillers who want a versatile and durable grill that can handle both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking. It’s also a great option for those who are looking to upgrade from a basic charcoal grill and experience the benefits of kamado-style cooking without the price tag and fragility of a full ceramic kamado.
If you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use pellet grill, the AKORN might be a bit more complex than some other options. However, with a little practice, even novice grillers can master the AKORN and create delicious, restaurant-quality meals. For experienced BBQ enthusiasts seeking a versatile alternative to pricier ceramic kamado grills, the AKORN delivers exceptional performance and value.
Conclusion
The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado truly strikes a balance between performance, versatility, and value. It offers the exceptional heat retention and temperature stability of a kamado grill, combined with the durability and ease of use of a modern grill design. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned BBQ pro, the AKORN will elevate your outdoor cooking game, delivering delicious, consistent results every time. While it requires a bit more space than a compact grill, the benefits – from succulent smoked brisket to perfectly seared steaks – are well worth the investment.
