In outdoor cooking, kamado-style grills have earned a legendary reputation for their versatility and performance. However, their traditionally high price points have kept many backyard chefs from experiencing their benefits—until the Char-Griller Akorn entered the market.
This innovative grill has democratized kamado cooking by offering the core benefits of these egg-shaped wonders at a fraction of the cost of ceramic alternatives. But does this budget-friendly option deliver where it counts? This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the Char-Griller Akorn and its family of products.
Kamado Cooking, Straight to the Point
Kamado grilling is ancient. Clay pots. Fire. Simplicity. The modern version keeps the shape, adds insulation, and masters heat and moisture. You get control. You get flavor. You get options: sear, smoke, roast, bake.
Ceramic kamados like the Big Green Egg? They’re excellent—and expensive. Over a grand, easy.
Enter the Akorn
The Char-Griller Akorn does something bold. It cuts the cost. Ditches ceramic. Uses steel. Triple-insulated. Holds heat. Saves fuel. Delivers real kamado performance for a fraction of the price.
Built to Work
- Triple-Wall Steel: Not ceramic, but still hot and efficient. Holds temp. Seals are in heat.
- Porcelain Coating: Weather-ready. Comes in gray, red, or blue.
- Cast Iron Grates: Heavy-duty. Holds heat. Gives a perfect seat.
- Double-Wall Safety: Stays cooler on the outside. Safer for families.
- Light Enough to Move: At 100 pounds, it goes where you need it.
Space to Feed a Crowd
- Main grill: 314 square inches
- Warming rack: 133 square inches
- Total: 447 square inches — room for 27 burgers
- Bonus: The warming rack adds flexibility
Fire Control, Kamado Style
- Temp Range: 200°F to 700°F
- Dual Dampers: Top and bottom control the air, which controls the heat
- Learning Curve: Sure. But once you get it, it holds steady.
Pick Your Akorn
- Standard Akorn: Full grill. Big space. Fold-out shelves. On wheels.
- Akorn Jr.: Half the size. Same heat power. Portable. Just 40 pounds.
- Auto-Kamado: Digital controls. Wi-Fi. App-connected. Built-in fan. Temp precision. Easy mode for the tech crowd.
The Bottom Line: How It Cooks
- Grilling: Hot and fast. Sear marks are sharp. Even heat. Juicy results.
- Smoking: Low-and-slow runs smoothly. Moist meat. True smoke flavor.
- Baking: Crisp crusts. Even bakes. The meat roast is tender.
Add a heat deflector, and it’s an oven in your backyard.
Verdict
The Char-Griller Akorn strips kamado cooking to its core: heat, control, flavor. It gives you the essentials. It drops the fluff. And it costs less.
Grill hard. Cook smart. Keep it simple. That’s the Akorn way.
Char-Griller Akorn vs. Premium Ceramic Kamados
The most common question about the Akorn is how it compares to premium ceramic kamados like the Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe. This comparison reveals both strengths and compromises:
Char-Griller Akorn vs. Big Green Egg
| Feature | Char-Griller Akorn | Big Green Egg (Large) |
| Price | $300–$400 | $1,000–$1,200+ |
| Construction | Triple-wall insulated steel | Thick ceramic construction |
| Heat Retention | Very good | Excellent |
| Fuel Efficiency | Efficient | More efficient (especially for long cooks) |
| Temperature Stability | Consistent, but less forgiving | Very stable and forgiving |
| Cooking Results | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weight | ~100 lbs | ~200 lbs |
| Durability | May rust over time | Ceramics can crack if dropped |
| Portability | Easy to move | Difficult to move |
Char-Griller Akorn vs. Weber Kettle
| Feature | Char-Griller Akorn | Weber Premium Kettle (22″) |
| Price | $300 – $400 | $175 – $225 |
| Construction | Triple-wall insulated steel with cast iron grates | Single-wall steel with plated steel grates |
| Temperature Range | Broader range, especially at the high end | Standard Range |
| Fuel Efficiency | Uses significantly less charcoal | Standard charcoal use |
| Heat Retention | Far superior for long cooks | Less heat retention |
| Versatility | Better for smoking, roasting, and baking | Classic grilling only |
| Portability | Heavier and less portable | Lightweight and easier to move |
| Setup & Cleanup | May require more effort due to the design | Easier to set up and clean |
| Durability | Sturdier construction, more weather-resistant | Good durability, but single-wall steel can heat warp |
| Lid Lock | Yes, has a lid lock for safe transport | No lid lock |
| Customer Ratings | Generally positive for versatility and performance | Highly rated for ease of use and classic grilling |
| Best Use Case | For serious grilling, smoking, and baking enthusiasts | For casual grilling and portability |
Pros
- Excellent Heat Retention
- Versatile Cooking Capabilities
- High Temperature Range
- Fuel-Efficient
- Lightweight and Portable
- Easy Ash Cleanup
- Affordable Kamado Alternative
Cons
- Steel Construction Is Prone to Rust
- Temperature Control Has a Learning Curve
Essential Char-Griller Akorn Accessories
To get the most from your Akorn, gear up with the right tools. They’re not optional. They’re survival.
Heat Deflector / Smoking Stone
This one’s crucial.
- Shield food from direct flame.
- Let’s you smoke, roast, and bake.
- Holds steady heat for slow cooks
No deflector, no real barbecue.
Akorn Cover
The elements won’t show mercy. Protect your grill.
- Tailored fit for Akorn
- Tough, weatherproof fabric
- Keeps rust off steel
- Makes your grill last
Cooking Grate Add-ons
Expand what your Akorn can do.
- Cast iron griddles: cook the small stuff
- Raised racks: double your space
- Pizza stones: crispy crust, every time
- Rib racks: stack ’em high, smoke ’em all
Temperature Tools
Heat is everything. Control it.
- Digital probes track the temperature.
- Wireless ones let you walk away.
- Vent tools for precision airflow
- Gaskets keep heat sealed in.
Spare Parts
Things wear down. Be ready.
- Gaskets, grates, ash pans
- Dampers too
- Easy to find, easy to swap
- Keep it cooking for years.
Setup and Maintenance
Build it right. Treat it right. It’ll return the favor.
Assembly and Seasoning
- Takes about an hour
- Oil your grates, heat ‘em up
- Dry-run to learn your heat zones
- Check seals before the first fire.e
Lighting
- Use lump charcoal—clean, hot, real
- Build a tight pile in the firebox center
- No lighter fluid. Use starters.
- Lid open for 3-5 minutes, then control vents
Temperature Control
Get this wrong, ruin the cook.
- 225-250°F: Bottom vent ¼”, top barely open
- 350-400°F: Bottom ½”, top ¼”
- 500°F+: Both wide open
Change vents slowly. Wait. Patience pays.
Daily Care
- Dump ash before each use
- Brush grates while warm
- Re-oil the cast iron often
- Replace gaskets as needed
- Cover it up after
Long-Term Care
- Watch for rust
- Touch up paint chips fast
- Oil moving parts
- Store under shelter in rough weather
Akorn Manual
When in doubt, read the book.
- Clear assembly
- Smart vent settings
- Maintenance guide
- Fixes and support
The Verdict
Is it worth it? Depends on who you are.
- Budget Kamado Fans: You get 80–90% of the ceramic experience for a fraction of the cost.
- New to Kamado Cooking: Low risk, high reward. Try it, learn it, maybe upgrade later.
- On the Move: Lighter than ceramic. Easier to haul.
- Long Game Grillers: Ceramics outlast it. Akorn’s good for 5–10 years if you care for it.
No bells. No whistles. Just fire, steel, and food. That’s the Akorn way.
FAQs
- What materials is the Char-Griller Akorn made from, and how does that impact its performance?
The Akorn is built with a triple-wall insulated design. It has a powder-coated steel exterior, a highly insulated middle layer, and a porcelain-coated steel interior. This structure retains heat similarly to traditional ceramic Kamado grills but with added benefits: it’s lighter, more durable, and less likely to crack or break. The insulation allows for consistent temperatures and more efficient charcoal usage, making it great for both grilling and smoking. - How does the Akorn compare to ceramic Kamado grills?
Ceramic Kamados are known for excellent heat retention but are heavy, fragile, and expensive. The Akorn offers a similar cooking experience thanks to its insulated steel body, but it’s more affordable, easier to move, and less prone to damage. It heats up quickly, maintains stable temps, and cools down faster than ceramic—ideal for everyday grillers who want Kamado-style cooking without the high cost or weight. - Can I use both charcoal and wood in the Akorn?
Yes, the Akorn is designed primarily for lump charcoal, which burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes. You can also add wood chunks or chips (not soaked) to enhance flavor when smoking. Avoid using lighter fluid, as it can leave unwanted residues—opt for a chimney starter or electric lighter instead. - How do you control and maintain temperature in the Akorn?
The Akorn uses a dual damper system—a top adjustable daisy wheel vent and a bottom slide damper. These control airflow and, in turn, the internal temperature. It also has a built-in temperature gauge on the lid for easy monitoring. Once you get used to adjusting the dampers, you can maintain temperatures for hours with very little fuel, ranging from 200°F for low-and-slow smoking to 700°F for searing. - Is the Akorn difficult to assemble?
Assembly is required, and it usually takes 1–2 hours with basic tools. The grill comes with all necessary hardware and a clear instruction manual. Many users find the assembly process straightforward, but having a second person to assist with lifting and alignment can help. After setup, it’s recommended to season the grill with a short burn-in before your first cook. - What temperature range can the Akorn reach, and how long does it hold heat?
The Akorn is capable of maintaining low temperatures (200–250°F) for long smoking sessions or reaching high temperatures (600–700°F) for quick searing and grilling. Thanks to its insulation, it holds heat efficiently and uses less charcoal than traditional grills, making it fuel-efficient. You can expect to cook for several hours on a single load of charcoal with minimal temperature fluctuation. - How easy is it to clean the Akorn after use?
Very easy. The grill is equipped with a removable Easy Dump™ ash pan, which allows you to discard ashes quickly and cleanly after cooking. The porcelain-coated grates are also rust-resistant and relatively easy to scrub with a grill brush. For deeper cleaning, you can remove the grates and ash pan for full access to the firebox. - Can I use the Akorn during winter or in cold climates?
Yes! The Akorn’s triple-wall insulation is especially beneficial in colder climates. Unlike many metal grills that struggle in winter, the Akorn holds heat well even in sub-zero temperatures. This makes it an excellent year-round grill for people who enjoy outdoor cooking in all seasons. - How much cooking space does the Akorn provide, and what can I cook on it?
The Akorn features a main cooking surface of 314 square inches (cast-iron grates), which is large enough to fit several steaks, burgers, or even a whole chicken. It also includes a 133-square-inch warming rack, bringing the total to 447 square inches—perfect for entertaining or family meals. Its versatility allows you to grill, smoke, roast, and bake—from pizza and ribs to bread and brisket. - Does the Akorn come with a warranty, and what does it cover?
Yes, Char-Griller provides a 5-year warranty on the grill body and a 1-year warranty on parts and accessories, such as dampers and wheels. Warranty coverage includes defects in materials or workmanship under normal residential use. Make sure to register your grill online after purchase to activate the warranty and keep your receipt for proof of purchase.
Final Thoughts
The Char-Griller Akorn has fundamentally changed the kamado grill market by making this versatile cooking style accessible to everyday backyard chefs. While it makes some compromises compared to premium ceramic models, the core cooking experience remains remarkably similar, producing juicy, flavorful foods across a wide range of cooking methods.
Whether you’re grilling steaks at high heat, smoking a brisket overnight, or baking homemade pizza, the Akorn delivers impressive results that far exceed its modest price point. For most home cooks, the value proposition is compelling: exceptional versatility, solid performance, and affordable entry into the world of kamado cooking.
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