In short: First place in our editorial ranking of kamado grills goes to the Monolith Classic (2.0) (9.5/10). Below it are the 8 highest-rated kamado grills from our individual reviews that were in stock on 21 October 2026.
This page lists eight ceramic charcoal grills from our individual reviews, ordered by score. First place in our editorial ranking is the Monolith Classic 2.0, which the manufacturer has since discontinued. We did not use any of these grills ourselves. The details come from the reviews, which draw on manufacturer pages, manuals and warranty terms, and in a few cases on Amazon texts. The buying guide below is for you if you are weighing up sizes, grate systems and where to buy. It works through the questions that come up before buying a kamado: location, grate size, zones, fan and warranty.
The recommendations at a glance
- Monolith Classic (2.0) (9.5/10): The Monolith Classic 2.0 (item no. 121001-BLACK) is a ceramic kamado with a Ø 44 cm grate, stand and side tables.
- Kamado Joe Classic III (9.2/10): The Kamado Joe Classic III is a ceramic kamado with a 45.7 cm cooking surface diameter, mounted in a cart with folding aluminium side shelves.
- Kamado Joe Big Joe III (9.1/10): The Big Joe III is the 61 cm kamado from Kamado Joe’s Series III, with a three-tier grate system and the SlōRoller for smoking included.
- Kamado Joe Classic II (9.1/10): The Classic II (KJ23RHC) is Kamado Joe’s 46 cm ceramic grill with cart, folding side shelves, two-tier Divide & Conquer including two heat deflector plates, Air-Lift hinge and Kontrol Tower.
- Big Green Egg Large (9.0/10): The Big Green Egg Large is a ceramic charcoal grill with a 46 cm grate diameter, 73 kg and 84 cm height according to the manufacturer.
- Monolith LeChef (Avantgarde) (9.0/10): The Monolith LeChef Avantgarde (AVANTGARDE.66, item no. 301030) is a ceramic kamado with a Ø 52 cm grate, Smart Grid System 2.0 and chip feeder.
- Kamado Joe Joe Jr. (8.5/10): The Kamado Joe Jr. (KJ13RH) is a ceramic charcoal grill with a 34.3 cm cooking surface and a cast iron stand, weighing 37.4 kg according to the manufacturer; the manual requires two people to lift it.
- Kamado Bono Grande Limited (8.3/10): The Kamado Bono Grande Limited (in the manufacturer’s shop: Limited, model number TQ0025) is a ceramic charcoal grill with a 64 cm body and a 54.5 cm grate.
Monolith Classic (2.0): Ø 44 cm, controller-ready port for a fan
The Monolith Classic 2.0 (item no. 121001-BLACK) is a ceramic kamado with a Ø 44 cm grate, stand and side tables. The parts for two zones and a smoking rail are included; a fan and controller for automatic regulation are not. Monolith has discontinued the model, and the successor is the TWO.55.
Our assessment: Our assessment: we would buy the Classic 2.0 only for a spot with no roof above it, so neither under an awning nor on a covered balcony. And on Amazon only once the seller has confirmed that it is a retailer authorised by Monolith; otherwise the manufacturer warranty does not apply.
Strengths according to our review:
- Direct and indirect zone at the same time: the charcoal divider splits the basket, and a half deflector stone and half drip tray shield one side
- Ceramic fully frost-resistant according to the manufacturer FAQ
- According to the manual, up to 24 hours of low-temperature cooking on 2.5 to 3 kg of charcoal
Weaknesses according to our review:
- For automatic regulation, the fan and controller are missing; Monolith does not say in the manual, FAQ or product page which controllers work with the Classic 2.0 adapter
- Discontinued by the manufacturer; whether the Amazon seller is among Monolith’s authorised retailers is unclear
Editorial score 9.5/10, where to buy: Amazon. All data, sources and the FAQ are in the individual review of the Monolith Classic (2.0).
Kamado Joe Classic III: Ø 46 cm, SlōRoller included
The Kamado Joe Classic III is a ceramic kamado with a 45.7 cm cooking surface diameter, mounted in a cart with folding aluminium side shelves. Compared with the Classic II, it comes with a three-tier Divide & Conquer and the SlōRoller, which the manual approves only for 65 to 149 °C. You may set it up only outdoors, with 3 m clearance from walls and roofs.
Our assessment: Our assessment: the Classic III is worth it over the Classic II if you smoke regularly and the grill can stand in an open spot in the garden. If you mostly grill hot or only have a covered balcony, you should not buy it: you will not use the SlōRoller, and according to the manual the grill must not be lit under a roof.
Strengths according to our review:
- SlōRoller smoking insert and three-tier Divide & Conquer are included
- Cart made of powder-coated steel with two lockable castors and folding aluminium side shelves
- Air-Lift hinge, adjustable for easier or heavier opening with a 17 mm spanner according to the manual
Weaknesses according to our review:
- 127.3 kg with cart: according to the manual, roll it only on smooth surfaces and never over steps, and lift only with two or more people
- SlōRoller only for 65 to 149 °C according to the manual; above that, damage to the product is possible
Editorial score 9.2/10, where to buy: Santos Grills. All data, sources and the FAQ are in the individual review of the Kamado Joe Classic III.
Kamado Joe Big Joe III: Ø 61 cm, 3-tier grate system
The Big Joe III is the 61 cm kamado from Kamado Joe’s Series III, with a three-tier grate system and the SlōRoller for smoking included. At 184.3 kg according to the manufacturer, it needs a firm, level spot outdoors, with 3 m clearance at the back, to the sides and above.
Our assessment: Our assessment: the Big Joe III is worth it if you have about 7.3 m of free width without a roof and want to cook large cuts on three levels. If you do not need the SlōRoller and the third level, the equally sized Big Joe II costs €1,000 less in the Kamado Joe shop (as of 1 October 2026); if a 46 cm grate is enough for you, go for the Classic III.
Strengths according to our review:
- Ø 61 cm cooking surface, usable on three levels via Divide & Conquer
- SlōRoller, stainless steel charcoal basket and aluminium side shelves are included, which according to the series overview is not the case with the Big Joe II
- Kontrol Tower made of powder-coated cast aluminium, with even air adjustment when opening and closing the dome according to the manufacturer
Weaknesses according to our review:
- 184.3 kg with cart according to the product page; it may be rolled only when cooled down and only over smooth surfaces
- Needs 3 m clearance from walls, roofs and flammable materials and must never be lit under a covered structure according to the manual
Editorial score 9.1/10, where to buy: Santos Grills. All data, sources and the FAQ are in the individual review of the Kamado Joe Big Joe III.
Kamado Joe Classic II: Ø 46 cm, Divide & Conquer
The Classic II (KJ23RHC) is Kamado Joe’s 46 cm ceramic grill with cart, folding side shelves, two-tier Divide & Conquer including two heat deflector plates, Air-Lift hinge and Kontrol Tower. On Amazon it costs approx. €1,599 (as of 5 October 2026).
Our assessment: Our assessment: the Classic II needs a garden spot with 3 m clearance from walls and roof, a smooth path for 103.3 kg on castors and, going by the timings in the manual, up to a good hour of lead time for every fire. If you can offer that, you need to buy nothing extra for a direct and an indirect zone. On covered balconies and narrow terraces it is ruled out by the clearance rules, and according to Kamado Joe’s warranty terms, what matters for the warranty is that the retailer is authorised.
Strengths according to our review:
- Two grate levels with two half-moon grates and two heat deflector plates from the factory, direct and indirect zone with nothing extra to buy
- Air-Lift hinge considerably reduces the dome weight according to the manufacturer, and the spring force can be readjusted
- Cart with two lockable castors and folding side shelves included
Weaknesses according to our review:
- 103.3 kg with cart: lift only with two or more people, roll only on smooth ground
- SlōRoller not included, can be added as KJ-HYPER for €199.99 in the Kamado Joe shop (as of 2 October 2026)
Editorial score 9.1/10, where to buy: Amazon. All data, sources and the FAQ are in the individual review of the Kamado Joe Classic II.
Big Green Egg Large: Ø 46 cm grate, ceramic body
The Big Green Egg Large is a ceramic charcoal grill with a 46 cm grate diameter, 73 kg and 84 cm height according to the manufacturer. On Amazon there are only marketplace sellers from approx. €1,994 (6 October 2026), and what the listing contains is unclear. According to the warranty terms (07/2024), the limited lifetime ceramic warranty applies only to the original buyer from a recognised retailer and with registration.
Our assessment: Our assessment: the Large suits you if you plan long cooks, want to build up the accessories over time and buy from a recognised retailer. According to the product magazine, zone accessories and a pizza stone cost extra, and on Amazon the Large, at approx. €1,994, is priced above all three kamados we set next to it. If you want two zones without accessories from the start, look at the Kamado Joe Classic II.
Strengths according to our review:
- Adjustable from 70 to 350 °C according to the manufacturer, coarsely via the air inlet vent and finely via the adjustment wheel in the rEGGulator
- According to Big Green Egg, the most accessories of any model, designed for installation in a table, outdoor kitchen or EGG Nest
- Burning in and burning out are not necessary according to the manufacturer; for the first cook you should not exceed 180 °C
Weaknesses according to our review:
- On Amazon at approx. €1,994 (marketplace sellers), more expensive than the Kamado Joe Classic II, Classic III and Monolith Classic in our price boxes; the equipment behind the prices may differ
- Two zones at the same time only with accessories, whereas the Kamado Joe Classic II includes two zones
Editorial score 9.0/10, where to buy: Amazon, marketplace sellers only. All data, sources and the FAQ are in the individual review of the Big Green Egg Large.
Monolith LeChef (Avantgarde): Ø 52 cm grate, grill without stand (item no. 301030)
The Monolith LeChef Avantgarde (AVANTGARDE.66, item no. 301030) is a ceramic kamado with a Ø 52 cm grate, Smart Grid System 2.0 and chip feeder. This offer is the version without stand; the stand with side tables costs €590 extra according to the RRP. In our price box it is at approx. €2,990 at Santos Grills and approx. €3,200 on Amazon.
Our assessment: The Avantgarde.66 suits buyers who want a large ceramic kamado (Ø 52 cm) with an LED handle and Smart Grid System and who budget for the stand (RRP €590). If you want to spend less, look at the TWO.66 in the same size (.66, LeCHEF), with the same grate and without the LED handle. If you can manage with a 44 cm grate, the Monolith Classic (2.0), discontinued by the manufacturer, offers a package with stand and side tables; you should clarify the retailer status and warranty beforehand.
Strengths according to our review:
- Grate Ø 52 cm according to the manufacturer, 8 cm more than the Avantgarde.55
- Smart Grid System 2.0 with split deflector stones, drip trays and half grates included
- Chip feeder with smoking rail and slider from the factory
Weaknesses according to our review:
- Stand with side tables is not included, RRP €590 extra
- Controller and fan for the control port are not included
Editorial score 9.0/10, where to buy: Santos Grills. All data, sources and the FAQ are in the individual review of the Monolith LeChef (Avantgarde).
Kamado Joe Joe Jr.: 13.5 inch (Ø 34.3 cm), cast iron stand
The Kamado Joe Jr. (KJ13RH) is a ceramic charcoal grill with a 34.3 cm cooking surface and a cast iron stand, weighing 37.4 kg according to the manufacturer; the manual requires two people to lift it. On Amazon it cost approx. €467 on 12 October 2026, and €599 in the manufacturer’s shop. By the clearance rules in the manual (3 m from walls and overhead structures) it is hardly suitable for a balcony (our assessment).
Our assessment: The Joe Jr suits you if you want a ceramic charcoal grill to set up in changing outdoor spots, such as at a campsite, and have help with lifting. If you regularly grill for more than a small group, in our assessment you are better served by the Classic II: according to the manufacturer’s page it has 250 instead of 150 square inches of grilling area and costs around €1,130 more on Amazon.
Strengths according to our review:
- Ceramic bowl with cast iron stand and two side handles, 37.4 kg according to the manufacturer
- Folding stainless steel grate: you can add charcoal while cooking
- Ceramic deflector plate with accessory rack for indirect cooking included
Weaknesses according to our review:
- €599 in the manufacturer’s shop, approx. €467 on Amazon for a 34.3 cm cooking surface diameter; cart (€249.99) and cover (€49.99) cost extra according to the German manufacturer page
- 37.4 kg according to the manufacturer; the swivel castors belong to the cart, not the grill
Editorial score 8.5/10, where to buy: Amazon. All data, sources and the FAQ are in the individual review of the Kamado Joe Joe Jr..
Kamado Bono Grande Limited: XL kamado for large groups
The Kamado Bono Grande Limited (in the manufacturer’s shop: Limited, model number TQ0025) is a ceramic charcoal grill with a 64 cm body and a 54.5 cm grate. In its Amazon text, the brand mentions 15 or more people. It costs approx. €1,199 (as of October 2026), weighs 128 kg with packaging, and the lifetime ceramic warranty applies only to private buyers.
Our assessment: Our assessment: the Grande Limited suits private buyers with a garden or terrace, level ground and room for a ceramic grill that weighs 128 kg with packaging, and groups who accept rebuilding the zones. Before buying on Amazon, check whether the seller ‘Kamado bono’ is among the retailers covered by the ceramic warranty. For small groups, the manufacturer’s range has cheaper models.
Strengths according to our review:
- Two-zone system with two heat deflectors, pot/kazan holder and stainless steel grate included in the base set
- Manufacturer’s manual with six set-ups from 0 to 400 °C: BBQ, Indirect, Pizza, Grill, Oven and Split
- Lifetime warranty on grill body, fire box, fire ring and deflector stones (private buyers only)
Weaknesses according to our review:
- Grate Ø 54.5 cm according to the manufacturer’s shop, smaller than the 61 cm of the Big Joe III and Big Green Egg XLarge; the figure of 15 or more people appears only in the brand’s Amazon text
- 128 kg with packaging; the freight carrier delivers only to the house or building door, and the route to the set-up spot is up to you
Editorial score 8.3/10, where to buy: Amazon. All data, sources and the FAQ are in the individual review of the Kamado Bono Grande Limited.
Buying guide: kamado grills
Where should the kamado go?
The location decides before size or features come into it. In the manuals for the Classic II, Classic III and Big Joe III, Kamado Joe requires 3 m clearance from roofs, walls and flammable materials. None of the three may be lit under roofs, carports, awnings or overhangs. For the Joe Jr, the manual gives 3 m from overhead structures and walls. According to the manual, the Monolith Classic 2.0 does not belong under porch roofs or terrace coverings. For the Big Green Egg Large, the German pages give no clearance figure for private users. For the Bono Grande Limited, clearances, ground and balcony information are missing from the manufacturer sources. For these two, you need to work out for yourself what is possible at your spot.
Our assessment: a balcony with a roof above it rules out the Kamado Joe models and the Monolith. Whether charcoal is allowed on an open balcony is governed by your tenancy agreement and house rules. The full safety notes are in the reviews.
Then the weight. The Joe Jr weighs 37.4 kg according to the manufacturer, the Big Green Egg Large 73 kg. The Classic 2.0 comes to 84 kg with stand according to the product page, the Classic II to 103.3 kg with cart, the Classic III to 127.3 kg with cart and the Big Joe III to 184.3 kg. For the Classic 2.0, Classic II, Classic III and Big Joe III, other sources give higher values; the reviews list both figures. For the Bono, the manufacturer’s shop gives only 128 kg with packaging. When rolling, the Kamado Joe rule is: only on smooth surfaces, never over steps. According to the manual, the castors of the Classic 2.0 are not designed for lawn, sand or gravel.
Which grate diameter is enough for you?
According to the manufacturer, the grate measures 34.3 cm on the Joe Jr, 44 cm on the Classic 2.0, 45.7 cm on the Classic II and Classic III, and 46 cm on the Big Green Egg Large. The LeChef Avantgarde has 52 cm, the Bono 54.5 cm according to the manufacturer’s shop (the A+ content table on Amazon gives 56 cm), the Big Joe III 61 cm. For grilling area, the data sheet gives 0.16 m² for the Classic III against 0.29 m² for the Big Joe III.
Among the manufacturer pages, only Big Green Egg gives a number of people: eight for the Large. For the Bono, 15 or more appears in the brand’s Amazon text, but the figure is missing on the manufacturer’s page. Our assessment: go by the largest piece you regularly put on, not by a number of people.
The levels count too. The Classic II has a two-tier Divide & Conquer, the Classic III and Big Joe III a three-tier one. In the manual, Monolith speaks of up to five levels with half grates, the catalogue of up to four. The LeChef Avantgarde comes with two half grates, which gives one level.
How do you get two zones and smoke?
In the Classic 2.0, a charcoal divider splits the basket; a half deflector stone and half drip tray shield one side. A smoking rail with slider is included, with which you push wood into the embers with the lid closed. The LeChef Avantgarde works on the same principle with Smart Grid System 2.0 and chip feeder.
The Classic II comes with two half-moon grates and two heat deflector plates, but not the SlōRoller. You can add it separately. With the Classic III and Big Joe III, the SlōRoller is included. According to the manual, it may be used only for smoking and only between 65 and 149 °C. If you then want to sear, you have to take it out beforehand, by our reading.
The Big Green Egg Large cooks indirectly with the convEGGtor heat shield. For two zones, the product magazine lists the Split Heat Deflector and Dual Zone Deflector Kit as accessories. The Bono has a two-zone system in the base set, and the zones come from rebuilding. Two temperatures at the same time are possible only in the Split set-up.
Should a fan hold the temperature?
In our reviews, only two devices on the list have an expressly stated port for a fan or controller. The Classic 2.0 has a controller-ready adapter, and Monolith does not say which controllers work there. The LeChef Avantgarde is BBQ Guru Ready according to the product page. Neither includes a fan or controller.
For the Bono, no manufacturer statement mentions a fan port. For the Classic III and Big Joe III we also found none, and Kamado Joe’s manual prohibits modifications to the grill. In that case you regulate by hand. According to the manual, changes to the vents take effect on a Kamado Joe only after 10 to 15 minutes, so you adjust them early and in small steps.
Where do you buy, and what is left of the warranty?
All manufacturers on this list tie the warranty to where you buy. Monolith and Kamado Joe require an authorised retailer, Big Green Egg a recognised one, and Kamado Bono a purchase from the manufacturer or from listed retailers. With Kamado Joe, registration with proof of purchase is added, and with Big Green Egg, registration.
For the Classic 2.0, there is the added point that Monolith has discontinued the model; the successor is the TWO.55. For the Big Green Egg Large and the Bono, the Amazon offers come from marketplace sellers according to the review. No source confirms whether these sellers are authorised.
On price: the cheapest device on the list is the Joe Jr. Among the grills with a grate over 50 cm, the Bono is the cheapest. The table below the comparison shows the guide prices.
How this list came about
We did not use any of these products ourselves. The basis is our individual reviews, which draw on manufacturer information, operating manuals and retailer pages; where we make our own assessment, it says so there. The score is our editorial score based on build quality, performance, handling and value for money, as described in the scoring methodology.
This list includes only kamado grills whose review we have reworked and that were in stock on 21 October 2026 at at least one of our shops. Of these we show the 8 with the highest overall score, in that order. We earn a commission on purchases made through our links, and it varies in size by shop; this has no influence on the order.
The comparison winners side by side
| Grill | Type | Rating | Guide price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monolith Classic (2.0) | Kamado grills | ★★★★★ 4.8 | approx. €1,849.00 | To the shop → |
| Kamado Joe Classic III | Kamado grills | ★★★★★ 4.6 | approx. €1,879.00 | To the shop → |
| Kamado Joe Big Joe III | Kamado grills | ★★★★★ 4.5 | approx. €2,999.00 | To the shop → |
| Kamado Joe Classic II | Kamado grills | ★★★★★ 4.5 | approx. €1,599.00 | To the shop → |
| Big Green Egg Large | Kamado grills | ★★★★★ 4.5 | approx. €1,993.78 | To the shop → |
| Monolith LeChef (Avantgarde) | Kamado grills | ★★★★★ 4.5 | approx. €2,990.00 | To the shop → |
| Kamado Joe Joe Jr. | Kamado grills | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | approx. €467.00 | To the shop → |
| Kamado Bono Grande Limited | Kamado grills | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | approx. €1,199.00 | To the shop → |
Prices are guide values and change with the shop and promotions. The retailer page shows the current price; our guide prices and ratings are on the linked review pages or in the full comparison. Prices are in euros from Amazon.de and may differ in your country.