Kamado grills are often called ceramic grills or ceramic smokers. These grills are capable of adding the true charcoal flavor for grilling and smoking foods, especially meats. Kamado grills can be a great cooking solution for outdoor gatherings and parties. Now, if you are looking for a kamado grill, there are two models that may have captured your attention: Char Griller Akorn and Big Green Egg MiniMax. The two models are available in a more-or-less similar price range. Char Griller Akorn is loved by many because of the affordability, whereas Big Green Egg MiniMax is trusted for the quality. Which is the kamado grill that you should choose?
Char Griller Akorn and the Green Egg are two very different kamado grills. Char Griller Akorn is definitely a larger grill. It is fairly huge and bulky, with 314 square inches primary cooking area and 133 square inches warming rack, standing atop a three-foot stand with wheels to allow easy movement. There is a pair of foldable work tables, one on each side of the grill. The frame is constructed of robust tubular steel. The cooking surface is cast iron, with powder coated steel exterior finish and porcelain coated steel interior finish. It features double wall insulation for significantly reduced airflow and improved efficiency. The top lid has a heat gauge, through which you can monitor the heat level inside as you cook. (Read also : Vision Kamado Grill vs. Big Green Egg)
On the other hand, the Green Egg is much more compact. The 13” grid diameter makes it quite portable, easy and simple to transport. However, the small form factor also means that it has limited cooking area. The Green Egg only has 133 square inches total cooking area, suitable for a 12-pound turkey, 4 burgers, 2 steaks, or 1 rack of rib. The ‘nest’ alias the frame is included. The biggest strength of the Green Egg is the construction; the premium quality ceramic material guarantees the grill to be very rugged and durable. It also has a temperature gauge integrated on the top lid.
Another thing to consider, Char Griller Akorn is available in three color variants (black, brown, and red) while the Green Egg, much like what the name suggests, only comes with a green color.
Char Griller Akorn vs. Green Egg
If you need a large cooking area, Char Griller Akorn makes a good choice. While it is not as durable and long-lasting as Big Green Egg MiniMax, it still cooks very well. With care, you can use it for long. However, if you are fine with the small cooking area, then Big Green Egg MiniMax should be your choice.