Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado suits cooks who want one charcoal cooker for smoking and high-heat grilling. It has 445 sq in of cooking space and a stated 200°F to 700°F range, with an insulated steel body and charcoal fuel.
On this page (7 sections)
- The Char-Griller AKORN at a glance
- What do the AKORN’s size and construction mean?
- How well does it handle smoking and grilling?
- What are the trade-offs of an insulated steel kamado?
- How does the AKORN compare with its alternatives?
- What should you know about charcoal and care?
- Is the Char-Griller AKORN worth choosing?
The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado is a charcoal grill and smoker for cooks who want low-temperature smoking and high-heat searing. It has 445 sq in of cooking area and a stated 200°F to 700°F range, but its 97 lb weight makes it better suited to a backyard spot than travel.
It uses charcoal, cast iron grates and dual adjustable dampers. Choose it if you want to manage airflow and ash as part of cooking; choose the AKORN Jr. for a smaller portable setup.
The Char-Griller AKORN at a glance
The AKORN suits versatile backyard cooking over charcoal. Its insulated steel body, dual dampers and built-in temperature gauge support heat control across smoking and grilling temperatures.
Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado: Best for all-around backyard cooking
- 445 sq in cooking area
- 200°F to 700°F range
- Triple-wall insulated steel
- Cast iron grates
A full-size kamado-style charcoal cooker for smoking, roasting, baking, grilling and searing. Dual dampers and a built-in gauge let you adjust airflow.
Pros
- Wide stated temperature range
- Cast iron cooking grates and removable warming rack
- EasyDump ash pan
- Locking caster wheels and foldable side shelves
Cons
- 97 lb weight makes moving it a planned task
- Charcoal cooking needs airflow adjustments and ash cleanup
The 20-inch cooking diameter and 445 sq in total cooking area offer more room than the AKORN Jr. The standard model also includes a removable warming rack, foldable side shelves and locking caster wheels.
Who should choose the AKORN?
Choose it if you want one cooker for smoking, roasting, baking, grilling and searing. The broad stated temperature range covers those uses, though you’ll still need to manage charcoal and airflow during a cook.
Consider another style if you want a smoker that runs without charcoal tending. Our guide to electric, charcoal and propane smokers compares fuel and temperature controls.
What do the AKORN’s size and construction mean?
The AKORN combines triple-wall insulated steel with a 20-inch cooking diameter. It weighs 97 lb, so the caster wheels help with positioning, but moving it still takes planning.
| Detail | Char-Griller AKORN |
|---|---|
| Cooking system | Kamado-style charcoal grill and smoker |
| Cooking area | 445 sq in |
| Cooking diameter | 20 in |
| Temperature range | 200°F to 700°F |
| Body | Triple-wall insulated steel |
| Cooking grates | Cast iron |
| Warming rack | Removable stainless steel |
| Temperature controls | Indexed dual adjustable dampers |
| Gauge | Built-in temperature gauge |
| Ash removal | EasyDump ash pan |
| Weight | 97 lb |
| Mobility | 8-inch locking caster wheels |
| Work surface | Foldable side shelves |
Measure the intended spot and route to it before buying. Leave room to open the lid, use the side shelves and move around the cooker.
Charcoal produces ash, and the EasyDump pan makes removal easier. Empty it after use and keep ash away from combustible materials.
How well does it handle smoking and grilling?
The AKORN is designed for low-and-slow cooking and high-heat searing with charcoal. Its stated range starts at 200°F and reaches 700°F, while the dampers control airflow.
For smoking, make small vent changes and give the cooker time to respond. The built-in gauge gives you a temperature reference, but readings can vary across a cooking surface, so follow safe cooking temperatures for the food.
For direct grilling or searing, the upper end of the stated range provides high heat. Switching between these modes takes practice because charcoal amount, airflow and lid position affect the cook.
If you’re new to charcoal, our first-time charcoal smoker walkthrough covers lighting, airflow and temperature checks. For fuel choices, see lump charcoal vs briquettes for smoking.
What are the trade-offs of an insulated steel kamado?
The AKORN uses insulated steel rather than a ceramic body. Char-Griller says the triple-wall construction retains heat and limits airflow to support fuel efficiency and steadier temperatures.
That design may appeal if you want kamado-style cooking without a ceramic cooker. The AKORN still weighs 97 lb, so plan for a substantial outdoor grill rather than a portable one.
The adjustable vents give you control, but they also mean you’ll manage the cook. If you want to avoid charcoal and vent adjustments, compare the choices in our charcoal and offset smoker category.
How does the AKORN compare with its alternatives?
The AKORN is the largest all-around option here, while the other models suit prep space, portability or a kettle layout. Their cooking areas and weights show how they differ.
| Model | Cooking area | Weight | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado | 445 sq in | 97 lb | Broad cooking range and backyard use |
| Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado with Cart | 447 sq in | 109 lb | A large prep and serving surface |
| Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado | 155 sq in | 33 lb | Smaller cooks and travel |
| Char-Griller 22-Inch Kettle Grill and Smoker | 363 sq in | 22.3 lb | Lighter kettle setup |
The cart AKORN’s cooking area is 447 sq in. Its product data also splits the area into 314 sq in of primary space and 133 sq in of warming rack space, while stating that the cart model does not include a warming rack.
Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado with Cart: Best for extra prep space
- 447 sq in cooking area
- 26 x 26 in prep space
- Dual adjustable dampers
- Cast iron grates
This cart version pairs an AKORN-style cooker with a prep and serving surface. The cart model does not include a warming rack.
Pros
- Large prep and serving surface
- Dual adjustable dampers
- Cast iron cooking grates
Cons
- 109 lb weight
- No warming rack
The cart version adds a 26 x 26 in prep and serving surface. Its 109 lb weight and lack of a warming rack may matter if you have limited space or want to move the grill often.
Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado: Best for small outings
- 155 sq in cooking area
- 33 lb weight
- Locking lid
- Triple-wall insulated steel
A compact AKORN for a couple or small group, with side handles and a locking lid for travel. Its 155 sq in grate is much smaller than the full-size model.
Pros
- Portable frame with side handles
- Locking lid
- Cast iron grate
Cons
- Much less cooking area than the 20-inch AKORN
- Still needs charcoal and vent control
The AKORN Jr. has the same stated 200°F to 700°F range in a smaller package. Its 155 sq in cooking area suits a couple or small group better than a large backyard meal.
Char-Griller 22-Inch Kettle Grill and Smoker: Best for a lighter kettle setup
- 363 sq in cooking area
- Adjustable top and bottom dampers
- Removable ash pan
- 22.3 lb weight
A kettle-style alternative with adjustable vents and a removable ash pan. Its 22.3 lb weight may suit cooks who want a lighter grill.
Pros
- Adjustable top and bottom dampers
- Removable ash pan and bucket
- Lighter than either AKORN model
Cons
- Less cooking area than the full-size AKORN
- Kettle layout differs from a kamado
The kettle model has adjustable top and bottom vents, a removable ash pan and a 363 sq in cooking area. At 22.3 lb, it is much lighter than the AKORN, though it has a different shape and less cooking area.
What should you know about charcoal and care?
The AKORN needs charcoal, airflow adjustments and ash cleanup as part of regular use. Follow the manual’s setup and fuel guidance, and let the cooker cool before removing ash.
Char-Griller says the insulated body limits airflow and helps retain heat. Adjust the dampers gradually as you learn how the cooker responds, and avoid leaving it unattended while hot.
Keep the grates clean and check for ash or grease buildup after cooking. Our guide to cleaning a smoker after a few cooks covers a practical routine, while smoker fuel and care covers maintenance basics.
For a new cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for first use. Our guide on seasoning a smoker before cooking explains why that step matters for equipment that calls for seasoning.
Is the Char-Griller AKORN worth choosing?
The AKORN suits cooks who want a full-size charcoal kamado for smoking and high-heat cooking. Its cooking area, stated temperature range, cast iron grates and removable warming rack give it more flexibility than a small portable grill.
Pick the standard AKORN for general backyard use, the Jr. if portability and a smaller grate matter most, or the cart version if you value its prep surface and can do without a warming rack. Choose the kettle if low weight and a different layout matter more than kamado construction.
For more charcoal options, compare the best charcoal smokers for backyard cooks. If you’re deciding between a kamado-style cooker and another charcoal format, our offset smoker guide covers another option.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Char-Griller AKORN good for smoking?
The AKORN is designed for low-and-slow smoking as well as roasting, baking, grilling and searing. Its stated temperature range is 200°F to 700°F, and dual adjustable dampers let you manage airflow.
Charcoal smoking still takes attention as you adjust vents and monitor the built-in temperature gauge.
How much cooking space does the Char-Griller AKORN have?
The 20-inch AKORN has 445 sq in of total cooking space, including its cooking grates and removable warming rack. The AKORN Jr. has 155 sq in, so it fits a couple or small group better than larger gatherings.
Compare the food you cook at once with the grate area before choosing.
Does the Char-Griller AKORN come with a warming rack?
The standard 20-inch AKORN includes a removable stainless steel warming rack. The AKORN cart model does not come with a warming rack, so choose the version that matches whether you need space to hold cooked food above the main grate.
What is the difference between the AKORN and AKORN Jr.?
The full-size AKORN has 445 sq in of cooking space and weighs 97 lb, while the AKORN Jr. has 155 sq in and weighs 33 lb. The Jr. also has side handles and a locking lid for travel.
Choose by cooking area and how often you need to move the grill.
