Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620 Review: The Budget Kamado That Punches Way Above Its Weight

For years, I’ve been captivated by the legend of kamado cooking. I’d watch barbecue pitmasters on TV pull impossibly juicy briskets and perfectly seared steaks from those iconic, egg-shaped ceramic cookers. The promise was alluring: unparalleled heat retention, incredible fuel efficiency, and a versatility that spanned from low-and-slow smoking at 225°F to searing at temperatures over 700°F. The problem? The price. The big-name ceramic kamados often carry price tags that rival a used car, putting them firmly out of reach for many backyard enthusiasts, myself included. I wanted that flavor, that control, that prestige, but I couldn’t justify the investment. This left me in a frustrating middle ground, trying to coax smoking performance out of standard kettle grills and struggling with the temperature fluctuations inherent in thin-walled metal smokers. I was convinced there had to be a better way to get that top-tier performance on a real-world budget. That’s when my search led me to the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620.

What to Consider Before Buying a Kamado-Style Charcoal Grill

A Kamado-style charcoal grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a new level of outdoor cooking. Unlike a standard kettle grill, a kamado’s insulated body—whether traditional ceramic or modern triple-walled steel—is designed for supreme thermal efficiency. This means it uses significantly less charcoal, holds steady temperatures for hours on end with minimal intervention, and can achieve an incredibly wide range of cooking temperatures. The main benefits are profound: deeper smoke penetration for barbecue, intense searing heat for steakhouse-quality crusts, and the moisture retention needed for succulent roasts and even baking bread or pizza. It’s an all-in-one outdoor oven, smoker, and grill.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who has moved beyond basic grilling and is passionate about the process and the results. They are looking to tackle long cooks like pork shoulder and brisket, want the ability to sear like a professional, and appreciate the nuanced flavor that only charcoal can provide. It’s for the home chef who sees grilling as a craft, not just a way to cook burgers. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who prioritize speed and convenience above all else. If you want to be cooking within five minutes of walking outside, a gas grill is likely a better fit. Kamado cooking requires a learning curve for temperature management and a bit more planning for startup and shutdown. It’s a hands-on experience that rewards patience and practice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620 has a footprint of 45″ L x 31″ W x 47″ H. While the foldable side shelves help conserve space, you still need a dedicated spot on your patio or deck with adequate clearance from combustible materials. Always measure your available area to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.
• Capacity/Performance: With 447 square inches of total cooking area and a 20-inch primary grate, this grill is surprisingly spacious. Char-Griller claims it can hold up to 27 burgers, which we found to be a realistic estimate for its primary surface. This is more than enough space for a large brisket, multiple racks of ribs, or a holiday turkey, making it suitable for both family meals and small gatherings.
• Materials & Durability: This is where the AKORN diverges from its pricey ceramic cousins. It uses a triple-walled, insulated alloy steel body. This design mimics the heat retention of ceramic at a much lower weight (97 lbs vs. 200+ lbs) and cost. However, steel can be prone to rust if not properly cared for. Many long-term users note that with a good cover and regular maintenance, it can last for many years, but it doesn’t possess the generational longevity of a ceramic cooker.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Kamados have a learning curve. Mastering airflow with the top and bottom dampers is key to controlling the temperature. We found, as many users confirm, that it’s easy to raise the heat but very difficult to bring it back down, so it’s best to approach your target temp slowly. Maintenance is straightforward thanks to the removable Easy Dump Ash Pan, but cleaning the heavy cast iron grates and protecting the steel body from the elements are crucial for long-term performance. You can see its full feature set and learn more about its maintenance needs online.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a grill that not only fits your space and budget but also matches your cooking style and commitment to the craft of charcoal grilling.

While the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620 is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the AKORN E16620

The Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620 arrived in a single, heavy box. The packaging was robust, with components nested securely in foam. Despite this, we did notice a minor scuff on the lid and one of the foldable side shelves was slightly bent, a minor issue that echoes the experience of a few other users who reported cosmetic shipping damage. Thankfully, it was easy enough to bend back into place and didn’t affect functionality. Laying out all the parts, the quality of the main components was immediately apparent. The triple-walled steel body feels substantial, the cast iron cooking grate is heavy and promising, and the cart components are made of thick-gauge steel. It doesn’t feel cheap. Assembly is where we hit our first real snag. The instruction manual is, to put it mildly, lacking in clarity. The diagrams are small and can be confusing, a sentiment widely shared among owners. As one user noted, “the assembly instructions were not that great considering the product has been on the market for nearly 10 years.” With a bit of patience and mechanical intuition, we had it fully assembled in just over an hour. Once built, it’s an impressive unit—sturdy on its 8-inch locking caster wheels and visually striking in its graphite finish. It has the iconic kamado look without the intimidating bulk of ceramic.

A Deep Dive into the AKORN’s Real-World Performance

A grill’s true worth is proven over flames and food. We put the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620 through weeks of intensive testing, cooking everything from brisket and ribs to Neapolitan-style pizzas and reverse-seared ribeyes. This wasn’t just about cooking; it was about understanding the grill’s personality, its quirks, and its capabilities. We explored its build, mastered its airflow, and pushed its versatility to the limits to see if this budget-friendly steel kamado could truly deliver a premium grilling experience.

Build Quality & Assembly: The Steel vs. Ceramic Showdown

The core of any kamado is its insulated body, and this is the AKORN’s most defining feature. Instead of heavy, fragile ceramic, Char-Griller opted for a clever triple-walled steel design with insulation sandwiched between the layers. The immediate benefit is weight and durability. At 97 pounds, it’s far easier to move around the patio than a 200+ pound ceramic model, and you don’t live in constant fear of cracking it. During our testing, the insulation proved remarkably effective. Once at temperature, the exterior of the dome remained warm but not dangerously hot to the touch, a clear sign that heat was being kept inside where it belongs. This construction is a key reason why it’s a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.

However, steel comes with its own set of considerations, namely long-term durability against the elements. Several experienced users report getting anywhere from three to five years of heavy use before rust becomes a significant issue, particularly on the ash pan and its support frame. One two-year update from a user confirmed this, stating, “The ash pan holder frame rusted out quick unfortunately.” This is not a dealbreaker, but it underscores a critical point: you must protect this grill. We consider the compatible Char-Griller 6755 AKORN Grill Cover an essential, non-negotiable accessory to prevent rain from getting inside. Water pooling in the bottom and condensing on the dome can accelerate rust on the grates and ash pan. The main body, with its porcelain-coated interior and powder-coated exterior, holds up much better, but diligence with a cover will dramatically extend the life of your investment.

The Art of Fire Management: Mastering Temperature Control

Controlling a kamado grill is a delicate dance with airflow, and the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620 provides you with precise tools for the job. It features a numbered, indexed damper on the bottom for intake and a corresponding calibrated damper on the top chimney for exhaust. Our experience confirmed what seasoned kamado users preach: it is far easier to raise the temperature than to lower it. The AKORN’s impressive insulation means that once it gets hot, it stays hot. The key to success is patience. We learned to start with a small amount of lit charcoal, assemble the grill, and then slowly open the dampers to let the temperature creep up to our target. Trying to rush the process by opening the vents wide will almost always lead to overshooting your mark, leaving you waiting a long time for it to cool down.

Once dialed in, the AKORN is incredibly stable. For a 10-hour pork shoulder smoke at 250°F, we only had to make two minor adjustments to the top vent over the entire cook. This level of “set it and forget it” performance is something typically reserved for much more expensive cookers. The built-in thermometer is adequate for a general idea of the dome temperature, but as with any serious smoking, we highly recommend a reliable dual-probe digital thermometer for monitoring both the grate level temperature and the internal temperature of your meat. The grill’s range is fantastic. We held it steady at 225°F for smoking, and on another occasion, we opened the vents all the way and, with a full load of lump charcoal, easily pushed it to 650°F to cook pizzas on a stone, achieving a crispy crust in minutes. This versatility is the kamado’s greatest strength, and the AKORN delivers it beautifully.

Cooking Versatility: From Searing Steaks to Smoking Brisket

This is where the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620 truly shines and justifies its existence. It’s a genuine jack-of-all-trades. The heavy-duty cast iron grates are perfect for high-heat searing. We got beautiful, deep grill marks and a fantastic crust on thick-cut ribeye steaks by getting the grill ripping hot. The 20-inch primary grate provides ample room, and the included removable warming rack is a useful addition for resting meats or warming buns.

For low-and-slow cooking, the AKORN is a champion of fuel efficiency. We were astonished by how little lump charcoal it consumed. During our 10-hour pork smoke, we used less than half a chimney’s worth of fuel. Many users corroborate this, with one stating, “One bag of lump charcoal will last me a month grilling 3-4 times a week.” This efficiency is a direct result of the insulated body and tight seals. One critical note, however, is the need for a heat deflector for true indirect cooking. The optional Char-Griller 6201 AKORN Smokin’ Stone (or a third-party equivalent) is, in our expert opinion, an essential accessory. Without it, the direct heat from the charcoal can scorch the bottom of large cuts of meat during long cooks. With the stone in place, we produced smoky, tender ribs and a juicy, flavorful smoked turkey that received rave reviews. The ability to shut down the dampers and snuff out the fire, preserving unused charcoal for the next cook, is another fantastic, money-saving feature that makes the AKORN a remarkably economical choice for serious barbecue.

What Other Users Are Saying

After weeks of our own testing, we dove into hundreds of user reviews to see how our experience lined up with the broader community, and the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding value. Many, like one user who has owned the grill for four years, call it the “best grill I have ever owned,” achieving “mouth-watering results with a variety of meats.” This sentiment is common, with many users feeling they’ve unlocked premium kamado performance for a fraction of the cost. Another owner who also has a Big Green Egg XL and a pellet grill noted that the AKORN has become their “main grill” because it’s quick to heat up and easy to dial in temperatures.

However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms, which largely mirror our own findings. The most consistent complaint revolves around shipping and quality control. Several users reported receiving their grills with dents, scuffs, or bent parts despite intact packaging. One disappointed customer received a unit where the temperature gauge hole was misaligned, making final assembly impossible. Durability is another recurring theme. While many get years of excellent service, some have experienced issues like the hinge mechanism failing or parts like the plastic damper handle breaking. As one user bluntly put it after their ash pan holder rusted through in under two years, “I admit I did the grill few favors by leaving it in the weather 24/7.” This feedback reinforces our recommendation: the grill performs brilliantly, but requires careful assembly and diligent protection from the elements to ensure its longevity.

How Does the Char-Griller AKORN Compare to the Alternatives?

While the **Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620** dominates the budget kamado space, it’s a dedicated backyard unit. If your needs lean more towards portability or a different form factor, there are other options to consider.

1. AGM M1 Portable Folding Charcoal Grill

The AGM M1 is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the AKORN. This is an ultra-portable, lightweight, folding stainless steel grill designed for camping, picnics, and tailgating. Its primary advantage is its compact size and convenience for travel. However, it offers none of the benefits of a kamado. It has no insulation, making temperature control rudimentary and fuel consumption high. It’s strictly for direct grilling of smaller items like burgers, hot dogs, and skewers. If your top priority is the ability to grill away from home, the AGM M1 is a suitable choice, but it cannot compete with the AKORN’s versatility, cooking capacity, or performance.

2. MAISON HUIS Portable Charcoal Grill

Similar to the AGM, the MAISON HUIS grill is a small, portable unit designed for convenience and on-the-go grilling. Its enclosed design offers slightly better heat control and wind resistance than an open folding grill, but it is still fundamentally a simple, direct-heat charcoal grill. It lacks the insulation, precise damper controls, and large cooking area of the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620. This is a good option for a single person or couple living in an apartment with a small balcony, or for someone who wants a tiny, dedicated grill for quick cooks. It is not a substitute for a full-size smoker and grill combo.

3. Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill

The Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler presents the most interesting comparison. It’s a robust, tabletop grill built with heavy-duty steel and features thick cast-iron grates and an adjustable charcoal tray for temperature control. It offers superior build quality and searing performance compared to the other portable options. However, it is still a tabletop unit with a smaller cooking area than the AKORN. While it can be used for some basic smoking, it lacks the deep, insulated body of the kamado, meaning it won’t have the same fuel efficiency or temperature stability for long, low-and-slow cooks. The Rambler is an excellent choice for someone who wants heavy-duty quality in a compact, semi-portable package, but the AKORN remains superior for anyone seeking the full kamado experience.

Final Verdict: Is the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado the Right Grill For You?

After extensive hands-on testing, we can say with confidence that the **Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620** is an absolute game-changer in the world of outdoor cooking. It successfully delivers on the promise of the kamado experience—unmatched versatility, incredible temperature stability, and phenomenal fuel efficiency—at a price point that is accessible to almost everyone. It allows you to produce barbecue that can stand up to cooks from grills costing three or four times as much. Yes, there are compromises. The assembly can be a chore, the long-term durability of its steel components requires diligent care and a protective cover, and it lacks the heirloom quality of a ceramic cooker.

But for the price, these are trade-offs we are more than willing to make. This grill is for the passionate backyard chef who is ready to graduate to the next level of charcoal cooking but is held back by the high cost of entry. If you are willing to learn its nuances and commit to protecting it from the elements, you will be rewarded with years of incredible food and a truly enjoyable cooking experience. If you’re ready to elevate your grilling and smoking game without breaking the bank, the Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker E16620 is, without a doubt, the smartest investment you can make in your backyard. Don’t hesitate; you can check the latest price and user reviews to see for yourself.