Which Is The Best Premium Kamado Grill?

Kamado grills are heavy ceramic style BBQ’s, often known as egg style BBQ’s, that have increased in popularity over the last few years and, for good reason.

Top brands are made from high-quality, heat-resistant ceramic, that can generate heat in excess of 400 °C, with temperatures being carefully controlled airflow regulators.

Kamado grills have become increasingly popular among BBQ enthusiasts due to their versatility, efficiency, and ability to deliver restaurant-quality grilling right in your backyard. 

In the premium kamado grill market, Kamado Joe, Monolith, and Big Green Egg stand out as the top-tier brands. 

These companies have perfected the ancient Japanese kamado-style cooking, each offering their unique features and innovations. 

While there are cheaper kamado grill options available, investing in a premium model from one of these three brands will ensure superior performance, durability, and a range of accessories that make grilling an extraordinary experience.

These brands also have the option for grills to be ‘standalone’ or including a cart.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between Kamado Joe, Monolith, and Big Green Egg, looking at their background, product ranges, features, accessories, and warranty. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which kamado grill brand is right for you.

For more foundational knowledge on kamado grills, check out our related post: All You Need to Know About Kamado Grills .

While more affordable kamado grills are tempting, they often sacrifice quality in materials, cooking efficiency, and accessories. 

Cheaper models may not have the ceramic thickness or quality needed to retain heat as efficiently, leading to uneven cooking temperatures. 

Additionally, premium brands like Kamado Joe, Monolith, and Big Green Egg are backed by extensive research, innovation, and customer service, including warranties that can last a lifetime. 

Investing in a premium kamado grill ensures you are getting a product built to last and that you can rely on for years of fantastic grilling results.

Kamado Joe is a relatively young brand, founded in 2009, but it has quickly gained a reputation for innovation and quality. 

The company is known for its commitment to continuous improvement, making it one of the most forward-thinking brands in the kamado grill market.

Kamado Joe offers several models, catering to different sizes and cooking preferences:

• Kamado Joe Classic: The most popular model, available in Classic I, II, and III variations, each with upgraded features.
• Kamado Joe Big Joe: A larger version of the Classic, designed for larger families or gatherings.
• Kamado Joe Jr.: A smaller, portable version for those who want to grill on the go.

Kamado Joe grills come equipped with some unique, innovative features:

• Divide & Conquer Cooking System: A multi-level cooking system that allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
• Air Lift Hinge: This feature makes opening the heavy ceramic lid easier, reducing strain.
• SloRoller Hyperbolic Insert: Included with the Classic III and Big Joe III, this accessory enhances smoking by evenly distributing heat and smoke around the food.

Kamado Joe offers a variety of accessories, including:

• JoeTisserie: A rotisserie system that transforms your Kamado Joe into a rotisserie grill.
• iKamand: A smart temperature controller that allows you to control your grill remotely.

Kamado Joe offers a limited lifetime warranty on the ceramic parts, along with a 5-year warranty on metal parts and a 3-year warranty on heat deflectors and pizza stones.

Pros:

• Innovative features like the Divide & Conquer system and SloRoller insert.
• Excellent warranty coverage.
• Wide range of accessories.
• Continuous product innovation.

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than some other premium brands.
• Heavier due to added features like the Air Lift hinge and thicker ceramics.

Monolith is a German company that has been crafting premium kamado grills since 2008. 

Known for its precision engineering and high-quality materials, Monolith has earned a solid reputation in the grilling community for blending tradition with modern innovation.

The company was founded by its current managing director, Matthias Otto, due to his immense passion for cooking and BBQ grilling. Prior to starting Monolith, he worked in the clothing industry as a textile engineer, selling his business to set up as a BBQ manufacturer, which still runs as a family business, based in Osnabrück, Germany, with a focus on producing the most versatile charcoal cooker, using the finest quality materials, built with sustainability in mind.

Monolith offers a diverse range of kamado grills, each with excellent usability, quality and craftsmanship, to last for years to come.

• Monolith Classic: The flagship model, perfect for most households.
• Monolith LeChef: A larger version ideal for serious BBQ enthusiasts or those who frequently cook for larger groups.
• Monolith Junior: A smaller, more portable option for those who need flexibility.
• Monolith Icon: This is a great portable BBQ, ideal for camping and tabletop cooking.

Monolith stands out for its smart cooking features:

• Smart Grid System: A versatile multi-level cooking system similar to Kamado Joe’s Divide & Conquer system, allowing simultaneous cooking at different temperatures.
• Smoke Pellet Feeding System: This built-in system lets you add wood pellets for smoking without opening the lid.
• Integrated Thermometer: Ensures precise control over the temperature.

Monolith offers a wide range of accessories, including:

• Rotisserie Set: A motorized spit for perfect, slow-cooked meats and, with a unique design to enable you to cook with seven skewers.
• Pizza Stone: Ideal for creating crispy, wood-fired pizzas.

Monolith offers a limited lifetime warranty on ceramic parts and a 5-year warranty on metal parts, providing peace of mind for long-term use.

Pros:

• High-quality German engineering.
• Unique Smoke Pellet Feeding System for added convenience.
• Excellent range of accessories.
• Slightly more affordable than some other premium brands.
• Exceptional warranty coverage.

Cons:

• Fewer grill sizes than Kamado Joe.
• Slightly less market presence compared to Big Green Egg.

Big Green Egg, founded in 1974, is one of the most recognizable names in the kamado grill market. 

With decades of experience, the company has built a large following of loyal customers, often called “Eggheads.”

Big Green Egg offers a wide variety of grills:

• Mini, Small, and Medium Eggs: Designed for smaller cooking spaces or portable use.
• Large and XL Eggs: Perfect for bigger families or backyard gatherings.
• XXL Egg: The largest in the range, designed for commercial use or serious grilling enthusiasts.

Big Green Egg focuses on delivering traditional kamado grilling with a focus on quality and durability:

• One-piece Firebox: Designed to last longer and prevent cracks.
• Patented draft door and vent cap: Ensures precise airflow and temperature control.
• Wide range of cooking surfaces: From cast iron to stainless steel grates, Big Green Egg offers a variety of options.

Big Green Egg has an extensive collection of accessories, including:

• EggSpander System: A multi-level cooking system that increases the versatility of your Egg.
• ConvEGGtor: A heat deflector for indirect cooking and smoking.

Big Green Egg offers one of the best warranties in the industry: a limited lifetime warranty on the ceramic components, plus a 5-year warranty on metal parts

Pros:

• Iconic brand with a huge following.
• Excellent durability and build quality.
• Wide range of sizes and accessories.
• Strong warranty coverage.

Cons:

• Fewer innovative features compared to Kamado Joe and Monolith.
• Accessories can be more expensive.
• Heavier grills, especially in the larger sizes.

Choosing between Kamado Joe, Monolith, and Big Green Egg comes down to your personal preferences and grilling needs. If you're looking for the latest innovations and don’t mind paying a premium, Kamado Joe offers cutting-edge features like the Divide & Conquer system and SloRoller. If you value precision engineering and ease of use, Monolith stands out with its Smoke Pellet Feeding System and affordable pricing. Meanwhile, Big Green Egg remains a trusted brand with a long history, making it ideal for those who prioritize tradition and durability.

No matter which brand you choose, investing in a premium kamado grill will elevate your outdoor cooking experience and provide you with years of delicious results.

For more insights on kamado grilling, check out our guide:  All You Need to Know About Kamado Grills