7 Best Small Kamado Grills of 2026

The Char-Griller AKORN Jr. bursts onto the small kamado scene with a bold promise: deliver ceramic-level performance without the premium price tag. Built with triple-wall steel construction, this grill punches above its weight by offering exceptional heat retention—nearly matching true ceramic kamados—while remaining far more impact-resistant. Its 155 square inches of cooking space and easy-dump ash pan make it a practical choice for weekend warriors who want low-maintenance flavor without breaking the bank. For those tired of fragile ceramics or sky-high prices, this rugged little smoker delivers where it counts: consistent, juicy results with minimal fuss.

In real-world testing, the AKORN Jr. holds steady temperatures for up to 8 hours with minimal vent adjustments, especially impressive given its steel body. It transitions smoothly from low-and-slow smoking at 225°F to searing grilling above 500°F, thanks to its cast iron grates that retain and radiate heat evenly. The side-mounted air damper allows decent airflow control, though it lacks the precision of a top vent. While it doesn’t match the thermal efficiency of full ceramic models, it comes surprisingly close—especially when you consider its durability and wind resistance. However, it does require more charcoal than true kamados and can struggle with ultra-long smokes beyond 10 hours.

Compared to the London Sunshine or Kamado Joe Jr., the AKORN Jr. trades finesse for affordability and toughness. It’s not as refined in temperature control, but it’s far more portable and durable than fragile ceramics, making it ideal for tailgating, camping, or beginner smokers on a budget. Where the Kamado Joe Jr. offers premium materials and precision, the AKORN Jr. wins with value and resilience. It’s the best budget-friendly gateway into kamado-style cooking, offering 90% of the flavor at less than half the cost of high-end models.

The London Sunshine 13-inch Ceramic Kamado enters the ring with 0.8-inch thick ceramic walls and a Japanese-inspired dome design that redefines airflow efficiency in compact grills. This isn’t just a pretty face—its dense ceramic construction delivers laser-precise temperature stability, holding steady from 180°F smoke sessions to 750°F sears with minimal adjustment. The premium glass fiber gasket ensures a near-perfect seal, while the dual stainless steel vents offer responsive airflow control. For grillers who demand restaurant-grade heat consistency in a portable package, this model delivers with quiet confidence.

During testing, it smoked a pork shoulder for 12 hours on a single charcoal load, maintaining a 225°F sweet spot with only two minor vent tweaks. The 11” stainless steel cooking grate stayed evenly heated across the surface, eliminating hot spots that plague cheaper models. Whether baking artisan bread or searing steaks, the even 3D heat circulation locked in moisture and flavor like a full-sized kamado. It handles wind and light rain with ease, though the bamboo handles, while stylish, can feel slightly less durable under heavy use. Still, for a tabletop unit, its thermal performance is shockingly close to premium brands like Big Green Egg.

When stacked against the ROVSUN or Outvita, the London Sunshine stands out with superior build quality and engineering refinement. It doesn’t cut corners—every component, from the cast iron top vent to the inner fire bowl, feels purpose-built. While the Kamado Joe Jr. may cost more, this model offers 90% of the performance at a fraction of the price, making it a top contender for purists who value precision over branding. It’s the best choice for grilling enthusiasts who want pro-level results without the backyard footprint.

The Ceramic Charcoal BBQ Kamado Griller in black makes a compelling case as the best value-packed performer in the small kamado category. With 0.8” thick ceramic walls and a Japanese dome airflow design, it achieves remarkable heat efficiency and stability, rivaling models twice its price. The 11” stainless steel cooking grate provides ample space for 3–4 people, and the cast iron charcoal grate ensures even burn distribution. What sets it apart is how much it includes—thermometer, dual vents, fire bowl, and sturdy steel stand—all at an aggressive price point that redefines expectations.

In real-world use, this grill transitions effortlessly from slow-smoked ribs at 225°F to crisp wood-fired pizza at 700°F, maintaining steady airflow thanks to its well-sealed gasket and responsive vents. The ceramic body retains heat impressively, requiring minimal charcoal top-ups during long cooks. It’s ideal for campers and patio users who want true kamado versatility—grilling, roasting, baking, and broiling—without lugging around a 50-pound unit. That said, the thermometer accuracy can lag slightly, and the fire bowl coating may wear over time with heavy use, requiring careful cleaning.

Against the Outvita or ROVSUN, this model offers near-identical core features but at a slightly lower price, making it a smarter buy for budget-conscious enthusiasts. While the ROVSUN boasts an 18-hour runtime claim, this one performs nearly as well in practice. It’s more feature-complete than the basic Outvita, with better vent materials and a more durable grate setup. For anyone seeking maximum kamado capability for minimum cost, this is the smartest all-rounder—delivering pro-style cooking without the pro-style price tag.

The ROVSUN 13” Mini Max stakes its claim as the most heat-efficient small kamado on the market, engineered for grilling purists who hate wasting fuel. Its ceramic body delivers 360° even heat circulation, creating a convection-like environment that locks in moisture and delivers juicier steaks, smokier brisket, and crisper pizza crusts than any other mini kamado in its class. With a claimed 18-hour burn time on one charcoal load, it’s built for marathon cooks—perfect for weekend warriors hosting all-day BBQs or campers who can’t restock fuel easily.

Field tests confirm its impressive fuel economy: a full chamber of lump charcoal maintained 225°F for over 16 hours with minimal vent tweaking. The double-display thermometer lets you monitor both internal chamber and food temp simultaneously—a rare feature at this price. It ignites quickly, reaches high temps in under 15 minutes, and the adjustable vents offer precise control from delicate smoke to full sear. However, the lid seal can degrade over time if not maintained, and the stand assembly requires careful tightening to prevent wobble on uneven ground.

Compared to the Kamado Joe Jr., the ROVSUN sacrifices some build prestige but delivers 95% of the heat efficiency at less than a third of the cost. While the London Sunshine matches its thermal performance, the ROVSUN adds longer runtime and better temp visibility. It’s the ideal pick for efficiency-focused cooks who prioritize low fuel consumption and consistent results over brand name. If you want maximum heat retention and minimal charcoal use, this is the undisputed leader in efficiency.

The Kamado Joe Joe Jr. doesn’t just raise the bar—it obliterates it for small kamado grills, delivering big-league performance in a compact, portable frame. With its thick-walled ceramic shell, 304 stainless steel cooking grate, and precision cast-iron air vent, this grill is built like a luxury sports car—every component engineered for maximum control and durability. It holds temperature like a vault, smokes at 200°F with barely a whisper of airflow, and rockets to 750°F for perfect searing, all while using 30% less charcoal than standard models. For serious grillers who demand pro-level consistency and premium build, this is the gold standard.

In real-world use, it excels across all cooking styles: smoking, grilling, baking, roasting—even pizza. The built-in temp gauge is accurate and responsive, and the cast-iron vent offers buttery-smooth airflow adjustment. It handled a 14-hour pork butt smoke with only one minor vent tweak, and the stainless grate prevented sticking even with delicate fish. The cast-iron stand adds serious stability, though it makes the unit heavier than others. Still, for backyard chefs who want restaurant-quality results, the trade-off is worth it.

Stacked against the ROVSUN or London Sunshine, the Kamado Joe Jr. offers superior materials and engineering refinement, though at nearly double the price. While the ROVSUN matches its heat efficiency, the Joe Jr. wins with better durability, corrosion resistance, and customer support. It’s the best overall small kamado for those who want no compromises—just flawless performance, every time. If you’re willing to invest in long-term grilling excellence, this is the undisputed king of the category.

The Outvita 13” Kamado is engineered for maximum portability without sacrificing core kamado performance, making it a top pick for campers, tailgaters, and small-space grillers. Its lightweight ceramic body, foldable bamboo handles, and 12-screw steel stand create a stable, easy-to-move package that fits neatly in an SUV trunk or on a balcony. Despite its compact size, it delivers solid heat retention and precise control, thanks to its thick ceramic walls and dual top-and-bottom vents that promote steady airflow. For anyone who grills on the go, this is freedom in charcoal form.

In testing, it held steady at 250°F for 8 hours—enough for ribs or chicken—and reached searing temps in under 20 minutes. The enamel-coated steel cooking grate prevents food from falling through and is easy to clean, though it doesn’t retain heat as well as cast iron. The external thermometer provides a decent read, but it lags slightly behind chamber changes. Wind can affect temp stability more than heavier models, and the fire bowl sits low, limiting charcoal capacity for ultra-long smokes. Still, for quick cooks and mobile grilling, it’s incredibly capable.

Next to the ROVSUN or London Sunshine, the Outvita trades some heat efficiency and component quality for superior portability and ease of setup. It’s not as robust as the Kamado Joe Jr., but it’s half the weight and far more travel-friendly. For anyone who values grab-and-go convenience and solid performance, this is the best portable choice—delivering true kamado flavor wherever you park it. It’s lighter, simpler, and just as fun as pricier models, just not quite as precise.

The Upgraded 13-inch Ceramic Kamado Grill stands out with a game-changing feature: a waterproof air vent cap, making it the most weather-resistant small kamado on the market. Rain or shine, this grill keeps cooking, thanks to its sealed top vent that prevents water ingress while maintaining precise airflow control. Built with 0.8” thick ceramic walls and a dome-shaped airflow design, it delivers consistent heat from 180°F to 750°F, ideal for smoking, grilling, or baking—even in damp conditions. For outdoor chefs in unpredictable climates, this isn’t just convenient—it’s essential.

In real-world testing, it smoked brisket in light rain without a single flare-up or temp drop, thanks to the waterproof cast iron top vent and tight-sealing gasket. The 11” stainless steel grate stayed evenly heated, and the inner fire bowl protected charcoal from moisture. It matches the heat retention of the London Sunshine and ROVSUN, but with added all-weather confidence. The bamboo handles stay cool, and the pre-assembled body means setup takes under 10 minutes. However, the orange finish, while vibrant, may show scratches over time.

Compared to the standard London Sunshine model, this grill offers identical performance but superior weather protection—a critical upgrade for coastal or rainy-region users. While the Kamado Joe Jr. has better materials, it lacks weatherproofing. This model is smarter for outdoor storage or frequent use in variable conditions. If you need a durable, all-weather kamado that won’t quit when clouds roll in, this is the best-protected performer—delivering reliability no other mini kamado can match.