The difference between cheap and expensive kamados?

This is a question we get regularly at Grill Bill: “Is a more expensive kamado really better?” The honest answer: in cooking results, hardly. In day-to-day convenience: absolutely. And that difference is exactly where the extra money goes.

Where does the price difference between kamados really sit?

Most people expect a more expensive kamado to have better ceramic. That is not the case. Above €1000 virtually every brand — including our Classic, Pro II and Pro III — uses ceramic compositions that in practice perform identically in terms of convection heat, insulation and temperature stability.

The real price difference comes down to five things:

Note: that last point matters. Well-known brands such as Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe and The Bastard charge a hefty brand premium. You pay for the name, the marketing budget and the distribution chain — not necessarily for better ceramic. At Grill Bill we produce directly and deliver without middlemen, so you get premium quality at a fairer price.

Cheaper kamados: a solid base, but less finish

Cheaper kamados — such as the Grill Bill Classic — use ceramic that in practice performs virtually identically to more expensive models. For anyone learning to grill who wants to cook low & slow now and then, this is an excellent choice. Every essential function is there.

What you get:

• Gloss glaze — good-looking, cheaper to produce than matt
• Felt gasket — seals well, but wears faster than fibreglass gaskets
• Stainless steel grate + heat deflector — included as standard, enough for every basic technique
• Solid hinge — at Grill Bill this is the same across every model; no compromise on safety

What you do not get: a charcoal basket, ash drawer, cast iron grate, Grate Organizer or the Smart Qooking System. You can always add those later, once you know what you are missing.

View the Classic Kamado

Mid-range: the Grill Bill Pro II

The Pro II is Grill Bill’s best-selling kamado — and that is no accident. You get a more complete set straight away, plus a premium matt glaze that costs more to produce and gives a more exclusive look. Independently tested: read the review of the Grill Bill Pro II XL.

What you get on top of the Classic:

• Matt black glaze — more expensive and more exclusive than gloss; dust shows less and the look is far classier
• Fibreglass gasket — lasts far longer than felt, better sealing during long sessions
• Charcoal basket — improves airflow and makes cleaning easier
• Smart Qooking multilevel system — cook direct and indirect at the same time, on multiple levels
• Ash drawer — quicker cleaning, less hassle after a long low & slow session
• Cast iron and stainless steel grates — grilling and low & slow the way they are meant to be done

The Pro II offers more convenience, stability and flexibility. Not because the ceramic is better, but because the finish and accessories are smarter and more complete. Did you know our kamados are used daily in one of the best BBQ restaurants in the Netherlands? Read the interview with chef Sandy of The Roast Club in Eindhoven.

View the Pro II Kamado

Top of the range: the Grill Bill Pro III

The Pro III is the high-end model for the dedicated griller who wants the best design and the best functionality. The differences sit in the details — but those details make a real difference in daily use. See all the new features: Grill Bill Pro III — the ultimate upgrade.

What you get on top of the Pro II:

• Ultra-matt ceramic — even more exclusive and more scratch-resistant than the Pro II’s matt
• All-black execution — stainless steel bolts, nuts and the bottom vent slider: everything deep black, the sleekest design on the market
• Large heavy-duty wheels (12 cm) — far more stable and easier to move across paving or grass
• Grate Organizer — store cast iron grates and heat deflectors safely and tidily; no more parts lying around
• Thicker heat deflector — more precise indirect heat conduction, a more luxurious feel
• Hardwood side tables and handles — premium appearance, practical in every session
• Base with handlebar at the rear — easier to move with a fully loaded kamado

For Grill Bill fans who cook outdoors a lot, run workshops or simply want maximum aesthetics: this is the ultimate choice.

View the Pro III Kamado

Comparison: Classic vs Pro II vs Pro III

All three models cook technically identically — the ceramic is the same. The difference lies purely in finish, included accessories and ease of use:

A common mistake when choosing

The most common mistake: comparing on price alone without looking at what is included as standard. A cheaper kamado looks attractive, but if you then buy a charcoal basket (€79), cast iron grate (€60), ash drawer (€59) and fibreglass gasket (€49) anyway, you end up paying more than if you had gone straight for the Pro II.

Our advice: always add up the total price including the accessories you need. Also read: Buying a kamado: what should you really look at? for a complete comparison guide.

Other common mistakes on a first purchase can be found in: My biggest kamado mistakes — and how to avoid them.

Which one suits you?

• Classic — budget-friendly entry model. Solid performance, fewer accessories. Ideal if you want to learn first before expanding.
• Pro II — best value for money. Plenty of standard features, matt design, fibreglass gasket. The choice for most buyers.
• Pro III — luxury, ultra-matt, premium hardware, large wheels, Grate Organizer. For anyone who wants the best without compromise.

Not sure which size you need? Read: Which size kamado should I buy? And for a complete comparison of every selection criterion: What is the best kamado for beginners?

Related articles

• Buying a kamado: where do you start?
• Buying a kamado: what should you really look at?
• Which size kamado should I buy?
• What is the best kamado for beginners?
• Grill Bill Pro III — the ultimate upgrade
• Common kamado mistakes — and how to avoid them
• Interview with chef Sandy of The Roast Club