Buying a kamado
Buying a kamado is an investment in years of cooking pleasure. Not a standard BBQ, but a fully ceramic cooking appliance you can grill, smoke, bake and cook low & slow on — all on one device, all year round. In short: most buyers make three choices — which size, which model and which accessories.
Stories
from the smoke.
Long reads about kamado techniques, recipes from Bill, interviews with chefs and the occasional exploration into the why — not the what — of low-and-slow.
What should you look at when buying a kamado BBQ?
Buying a kamado BBQ comes down to three choices: size, model and accessories. Size weighs heaviest — buying too small is the most expensive mistake, because accessories are size-specific. For 80% of buyers a Large (21 inch) is the right size. Above €1000 the ceramic is comparable across virtually every brand; the difference sits in finish, gasket and what is included as standard.
- Size: Large (21 inch) suits 3–6 people and most buyers
- Model: Classic to learn on, Pro II for daily convenience, Pro III complete
- All three models cook identically — the ceramic is the same
- Torn between two sizes? Always choose the larger one
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The 5 questions every kamado buyer has
Anyone looking to buy a kamado BBQ runs into the same five questions. Here they are, with the short answer.
- What to look at
Nine criteria, three decisive
Ceramic quality (wall thickness and manufacturer), the right size and what is included as standard. Above €1000 the ceramic is comparable — the difference sits in finish and accessories. - Which size
In doubt: go bigger
Size determines what you can prepare and for how many people. Across more than 6,000 Grill Bill kamados we see one pattern: buyers choose bigger than they expected — and are glad they did. - Cheap or expensive
Cooks no better, just more pleasantly
The price difference sits in glaze, gasket, hardware and included accessories. A Classic and a Pro III give identical cooking results; the ease of use differs considerably. - For beginners
Start with a Large
Versatile enough to learn every technique without getting boxed in. The model depends on how much comfort you want straight away. - Which model
Classic, Pro II or Pro III
Classic to get started and learn, Pro II for daily convenience, Pro III if you want everything complete right away. Technically they cook identically. - First use
Burning in is mandatory
A kamado has to be burned in correctly on first use. It is also the condition for the warranty on the ceramic.
Which size kamado BBQ should you buy?
| Kenmerk | Small (13") | Medium (16") | Large (21") | XL (23.5") |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People | 1 – 2 | 2 – 3 | 3 – 6 | 6 – 12 |
| Best for | Balcony, 2nd kamado | Compact household | Most users | Large groups / pitmaster |
| Available in | Classic, Pro III | Classic, Pro III | Classic, Pro II, Pro III | Classic, Pro II, Pro III |
Frequently asked questions about buying a kamado BBQ
What is a kamado BBQ?
A kamado is a ceramic barbecue that runs on charcoal and airflow. Thanks to the thick ceramic a kamado holds heat extremely well, giving stable temperatures from 50 °C to 400 °C and beyond. You can grill directly, cook indirectly, smoke, bake and go low & slow on it — all on one appliance.
What does a good kamado cost?
A quality kamado starts around €600–€800 for an entry model. The Grill Bill Classic starts there, the Pro II sits in the mid-segment and the Pro III is the premium model. Budget above €1000 for a kamado that lasts for years with full functionality and a warranty on the ceramic.
Which size kamado should I buy?
For most users a Large (21 inch) is the best choice — suitable for 3 to 6 people and every cooking technique. A Medium (16 inch) works for small households but gets tight quickly. An XL (23.5 inch) is ideal for large groups. Buying too small is the most common mistake: accessories are size-specific, so upgrading costs double.
Can a kamado stay outside all year round?
Yes. Ceramic is frost-resistant and stands up to all weather conditions. Protect the metal parts with a cover during longer periods when you are not using it.
Is a kamado difficult for beginners to use?
No, but there is a small learning curve. After 2 or 3 sessions you understand how airflow and temperature work together. A stable, good-quality kamado forgives mistakes better than cheaper models.
What is the difference between a kamado and an ordinary BBQ?
An ordinary BBQ works with direct heat and little insulation — the temperature is hard to control and charcoal burns up quickly. A kamado works with convection heat and thick ceramic insulation: the temperature can be controlled precisely, charcoal burns far more economically and you can run sessions of 16 hours and longer on a single fill.
How much charcoal does a kamado use?
Significantly less than an ordinary BBQ. At low & slow (110 °C) a Large kamado uses roughly 2–3 kg of charcoal for a 12-hour session. At high temperatures (230 °C and above) roughly 1–2 kg for 2 to 3 hours.
What warranty do I get on a Grill Bill kamado?
Grill Bill provides a 10-year warranty on the ceramics. The condition is that you burn in the kamado correctly on first use. On the Pro II and Pro III you extend the warranty to 20 years by completing the GB Academy (e-learning).