Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill E16620 review with smoker and cast iron grates

Description

Design and Build Quality: A Grill That Means Business

The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker, Model E16620, feels like it’s built to last. I mean, just rolling this thing out onto my patio made me feel like a BBQ pro. The graphite finish on the alloy steel outer material not only looks sleek but also gives off this rugged vibe that screams durability. At 97 pounds, it’s not exactly featherlight, but the 8-inch locking caster wheels make moving it around surprisingly manageable. The triple-walled steel insulated design is a standout feature, keeping heat locked in, which makes it great for both grilling and smoking. I particularly appreciated the foldable side shelf workstations with hooks for tools—it’s like having a mini outdoor kitchen right there with you.

However, the locking lid is where I had a minor issue. While it’s great for sealing in heat, I found it a bit tricky to secure at first. Maybe that’s just my lack of coordination, but it took some fiddling. Still, once locked, the lid does its job beautifully, trapping heat and ensuring even cooking.

Cooking Performance: Grilling Like a Boss

This grill makes you feel like you’ve leveled up in the world of outdoor cooking. The 447 square inches of total cooking space (with a 20-inch cooking diameter) is no joke—I managed to grill up to 27 burgers at once. Yes, 27 burgers. I mean, who even has that many friends? The cast iron grates heat evenly, making searing steaks a breeze. And the removable warming rack? Perfect for keeping food hot or toasting buns without hogging the main grilling area.

The dual adjustable dampers are easy to use and allow for excellent heat control. Whether you’re searing at high heat or going low and slow for some tender ribs, this grill delivers. The built-in thermometer is accurate enough for my needs, though I noticed a few reviews suggesting it might run a tad off. I didn’t have any major issues, but if you’re super precise, you might want to double-check with a separate thermometer.

Highlights

• Triple-walled steel insulation retains heat exceptionally well.
• Large cooking area makes it ideal for gatherings.
• Indexed dual dampers simplify heat control.
• Removable ash pan makes cleanup less of a chore.

Areas for Improvement

• The locking lid mechanism could be more user-friendly.
• Some users have mentioned the built-in thermometer isn’t always accurate.

Ease of Use and Maintenance: No Mess, No Stress

Cooking is fun, but cleaning? Not so much. Thankfully, this grill makes it a little less painful. The Easy Dump Ash Pan is a lifesaver. After grilling, I just slid it out, dumped the ashes, and was good to go. The cold-rolled steel interior is sturdy, though I’d recommend seasoning the grates regularly to keep them in top shape.

What I loved was how intuitive everything felt. The side shelves give you space to prep, and the design of the dampers is straightforward. Even if you’re a newbie to kamado-style grills, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

Competing Products: How Does It Stack Up?

Compared to other kamado-style grills, this one hits a sweet spot between performance and price. The Big Green Egg, for example, is a well-known competitor, but it comes at a significantly higher cost. While the Egg boasts ceramic construction for insulation, the AKORN’s triple-walled steel does an impressive job at a fraction of the price. Another rival, the Kamado Joe, offers more accessories out of the box, but again, you’re looking at a heftier investment.

Where this grill shines is its versatility and ease of use. The foldable shelves and tool hooks aren’t features you’ll find on all competitors, and they make a difference for someone like me who loves to have everything within reach.

Cost-Effectiveness: Is It Worth the Money?

For what it offers, this grill is absolutely worth it. You’re getting a dual-purpose grill and smoker with features like cast iron grates, a removable warming rack, and adjustable dampers. It delivers premium performance without the premium price tag of some competitors. If you’re serious about BBQ but don’t want to break the bank, this is a fantastic option.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re someone who hates dealing with charcoal or prefers a more plug-and-play approach, you might find a gas grill more appealing. But for the flavor and authenticity of charcoal grilling, this product delivers in spades.

Final Thoughts on the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill

This grill has quickly become the centerpiece of my backyard cooking adventures. From the sleek graphite design to the roomy cooking area, it checks most of the boxes for what I want in a grill. Sure, there are a couple of quirks like the lid locking mechanism, but they’re minor when you consider the overall performance.

If you’re weighing your options and wondering if this is the right grill for you, think about what matters most: versatility, cooking quality, and ease of use. For me, those are the areas where this grill truly excels.

Additional information