Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Grill Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Char-Griller AKORN suits charcoal cooks who want a versatile insulated steel kamado for smoking, roasting, baking, grilling and searing. Its 445 sq in cooking area, cast iron grates and adjustable dampers are balanced by a 97 lb cart-style build.
On this page (8 sections)
- Is the AKORN kamado grill a good fit?
- What does the AKORN offer for everyday cooking?
- How does temperature control work?
- Is the steel body right for you?
- What should you know about the grate and accessories?
- How easy is cleanup and moving the grill?
- What are the main trade-offs?
- Should you buy the Char-Griller AKORN?
The Char-Griller AKORN is an insulated steel kamado for charcoal cooks who want low smoking and high-heat searing in one grill. Its 445 sq in cooking area, cast iron grates and adjustable dampers support a broad range of backyard cooking.
The trade-off is its 97 lb weight and the need to manage charcoal airflow. This review looks at the AKORN as a specific buy, including capacity, temperature control, cleanup and accessories.
Is the AKORN kamado grill a good fit?
The AKORN makes sense if you want a charcoal grill that can smoke, roast, bake, grill and sear. For a guided cook on another charcoal grill, see the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 guide.
If you want a dedicated flat cooking surface too, compare a charcoal grill and griddle combo.
Its stated range runs from 200°F to 700°F, and the triple-wall insulated steel body is designed to retain heat and limit airflow. See kamado grill temperature limits.
Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado Charcoal Grill: Best for versatile charcoal cooks
- 445 sq in cooking area
- 200°F to 700°F range
- Triple-wall insulated steel
- Cast iron grates
A cart-style steel kamado with adjustable dampers and a built-in temperature gauge for cooks who want one charcoal grill for low smoking and high-heat searing.
Pros
- Covers smoking, roasting, baking, grilling and searing
- Triple-wall insulated steel body
- Cast iron grates and removable warming rack
- EasyDump Ash Pan and locking casters
Cons
- At 97 lb, moving it takes planning
- Steel construction differs from ceramic kamado models
- Requires charcoal and airflow adjustment
The cart configuration, foldable side shelves and locking casters give it a practical backyard setup. Still, at 97 lb, it is better treated as a grill you position deliberately than one you carry around often.
For a wider comparison of styles and models, see our Best Kamado Grill guide. If ease of access and comfort matter most, our Best Kamado Grill For Seniors guide offers a more targeted comparison.
What does the AKORN offer for everyday cooking?
The AKORN's 445 sq in cooking area combines cast iron grates with a removable warming rack. The 20-inch cooking diameter gives you a useful surface for a family meal, though the exact fit depends on the shape of your food and how much indirect space you reserve.
The grill's 200°F to 700°F range covers several cooking styles. You can use lower heat for smoking, moderate heat for roasting or baking, and higher heat for grilling and searing.
For spit-roasted meals, see how to choose a charcoal grill with a rotisserie.
Its triple-wall insulated steel construction is intended to retain heat and support longer burn times. Char-Griller also says the body limits airflow for fuel efficiency, but fuel use still depends on the cook, conditions and how you operate the dampers.
How does temperature control work?
The AKORN uses indexed dual adjustable dampers and a built-in temperature gauge to help you control airflow. Small, deliberate damper changes are easier to manage than large adjustments when you're trying to hold a steady cooking temperature.
A kamado's airflow affects how quickly the fire responds. Give adjustments time to take effect, and avoid opening the lid repeatedly because that changes the oxygen supply and releases heat.
The built-in gauge gives you a reading at the grill, while a probe near the food can help you track cooking conditions more closely. Our Best Grill Thermometer For Kamado Grills guide explains what to consider for that separate check.
For a starting point on cooking heat, see What Is the Best Temperature to Grill on a Kamado Grill?. Match the target to the food and method rather than relying on one setting for every cook.
Is the steel body right for you?
The AKORN uses insulated steel rather than ceramic, which sets it apart from many familiar kamado grills. The steel body is designed to retain heat while weighing 97 lb, so it is still a substantial cart-style grill.
Think about where the grill will live and how it will get there. Its 8-inch locking caster wheels help with rolling it across suitable ground, but steps, soft soil and uneven paths can make moving a heavy grill difficult.
The foldable side shelves provide work space when open and reduce their footprint when folded. Tool hooks and a bottom storage shelf keep basic grilling items close at hand.
If you're weighing ceramic and charcoal options, our guide to Which Is Better Charcoal Grill or Kamado Grill Which Is Better? can help frame the choice. For a brand-specific comparison, browse best kamado joe grills.
What should you know about the grate and accessories?
The AKORN includes cast iron cooking grates and a removable stainless steel warming rack. The grate lifter included with the grill helps you access charcoal without handling a hot grate directly.
If you need a replacement grate, the {{product B0CH8DTT76 | GRISUN's 19.5-inch enameled cast iron grate names Char-Griller model 16620 and several other AKORN models; confirm your exact model before ordering.}} The removable 7.2-inch center insert is designed to let you add charcoal without removing the full grate.
For low and slow cooking, the {{product B0CD741S7L | Unicook's 17-inch cordierite stone is named as compatible with several AKORN models and works as a heat deflector for indirect cooking.}} Its care instructions say not to use soap or detergent, and it can also be used for baking.
Check accessory fit against the model number on your grill before buying. The product names cover particular models, and a similar diameter alone does not confirm compatibility.
How easy is cleanup and moving the grill?
The EasyDump Ash Pan is designed to make ash removal quicker after a cook. Let the grill cool fully before clearing ash, and follow the manual for safe handling and disposal.
The 8-inch locking caster wheels help position the cart and keep it parked during cooking. Lock them on a firm, level surface, especially when opening the lid or working around the side shelves.
Charcoal grills still need regular attention to ash and airflow areas. Keeping the ash pan and dampers clear supports the airflow control the AKORN uses for temperature management.
What are the main trade-offs?
The AKORN's strongest case is its combination of broad temperature range, insulated steel construction and 445 sq in cooking space. It is a flexible charcoal cooker for someone who will use more than one cooking method.
Its main consideration is the 97 lb weight. The casters help with rolling, but you should plan placement before assembly and avoid assuming it can be moved easily over every surface.
The steel construction may also be a deciding factor if you specifically want a ceramic kamado. Compare the materials and upkeep expectations before choosing, then confirm that the cart footprint and side shelves fit your outdoor space.
Should you buy the Char-Griller AKORN?
Buy the AKORN if you want an insulated steel charcoal kamado with room for smoking, roasting, baking and searing. Its dampers, built-in gauge, warming rack and ash pan give you a practical feature set for varied backyard cooks.
Choose another model if you need a lighter grill to move frequently or specifically want ceramic construction. If the AKORN fits your space and cooking style, confirm your model number before adding a replacement grate or heat deflector.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Char-Griller AKORN a ceramic kamado?
No. The AKORN uses a triple-wall insulated steel body, while ceramic kamado grills use ceramic construction.
The steel design still aims to retain heat and limit airflow, but buyers comparing materials should consider weight, care needs and how they plan to move the grill.
How much cooking space does the AKORN have?
The AKORN has 445 sq in of total cooking space, including thick cast iron cooking grates and a removable stainless steel warming rack. Its stated cooking diameter is 20 inches, so compare that surface with the number and size of foods you usually cook at once.
Can the AKORN grill at high heat?
Char-Griller gives the AKORN a 200°F to 700°F cooking range, covering low smoking through high-heat searing. Your results depend on charcoal, airflow and setup, so adjust the dual dampers gradually and use the built-in gauge as a reference while monitoring food separately.
Does the AKORN include a heat deflector?
The AKORN package details name a user manual, and the grill description says its smoking stone is sold separately. The Unicook 17-inch cordierite stone names several compatible AKORN models, but check your exact model number before buying an accessory.
