If you grill and smoke meats all year-round or love coal-fired pizza, you might want to consider investing in the most versatile cooking device: a kamado-style cooker.
Kamado grills are renowned for their ability to handle everything from low-and-slow cooking to high-heat searing, with the ability to function as a smoker, grill, and even an oven, making them ideal for an outdoor kitchen setup.
Aside from their distinct shapes and iconic ceramic exteriors, kamado grills are eye-catching appliances in any household. Most of our clients come to us with the intention of designing their outdoor kitchens around their kamado grills, whether it’s a Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, or Primo. Each of these options is a showstopper and worth including in your outdoor kitchen.
What Are Kamado Grills?
Kamado grills are modern-day versions of ancient cooking vessels originating from Asia. The term “kamado” is Japanese for “stove” or “cooking range.” Today’s kamado grills combine traditional cooking methods with advanced materials to offer unparalleled cooking versatility.
Made of thick ceramic, they offer excellent heat retention and even cooking, fueled by charcoal or wood. Kamado-style grills also feature air-tight cooking chambers to maintain food moisture and can reach high temperatures for restaurant-quality searing.
Comparing the Best: Primo vs. Kamado Joe vs. Big Green Egg
Kamado grills vary not just in brand but in how they fit into your cooking style. Are you more inclined to slow-cook meats for hours or prefer quick, high-heat grilling? Do you value modular cooking setups or ease of temperature control?
Primo
Known for its unique oval shape, Primo grills excel at offering dual cooking zones. It’s the go-to choice for those who value flexibility in cooking styles.
Pros:
- Oval shape offers more cooking flexibility
- Made in the USA
- Excellent heat distribution for even cooking
Cons:
- Slightly less insulation compared to the Big Green Egg
- Fewer built-in accessory options
Kamado Joe
With innovative features like the Divide & Conquer cooking system, Kamado Joe is perfect for those who want advanced cooking capabilities.
Pros:
- Innovative features
- Built-in accessories like multi-level racks
- Heavy-duty build quality
Cons:
- Some models can be bulky and challenging to install
- Higher upfront cost
Big Green Egg
The original kamado-style cooker, renowned for its exceptional heat retention and versatile cooking options. The Big Green Egg is ideal for slow-cooked meals like chicken wings and brisket.
Pros:
- Excellent for low-and-slow cooking (like chicken wings and long roasts)
- Maintains temperature well for extended cooking periods
- High-quality build with durable ceramic construction
Cons:
- Can be pricey compared to other kamado brands
- Requires regular maintenance to preserve ceramic integrity
Cooking Styles: Slow vs. Fast Cookers
Kamado grills excel at both slow, low-heat cooking and fast, high-heat grilling. Use charcoal for quicker cooking tasks, like grilling burgers or searing steaks, while opting for wood and slower burns for smoking ribs or roasting chicken.
However, not all kamado grills are created equal when it comes to cooking speed. If you prefer low-and-slow smoking, the Big Green Egg stands out for its remarkable ability to maintain temperature over long periods. On the other hand, if you’re more into quick searing, Kamado Joe’s temperature control and Primo’s dual-zone capability offer quicker cooking options.
Building Your Outdoor Kitchen Around a Kamado Grill
Kamado grills are becoming increasingly popular, but they can present installation challenges due to their weight and shape. We excel at designing custom outdoor grill cabinets to seamlessly integrate your kamado-style cooker into your outdoor kitchen layout.
Which Kamado Grill Fits Your Outdoor Kitchen?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing a kamado grill. Your decision should depend on your preferred cooking methods and the space available in your outdoor kitchen.
Choosing the right kamado grill for your outdoor kitchen involves evaluating how you cook and the features you value most. Whether you prefer the versatility of Primo, the innovative features of Kamado Joe, or the reliable performance of the Big Green Egg, each option brings something unique to the table.