Big Green Egg Large
The Big Green Egg Large is the archetype of ceramic kamado cooking, prized in garden settings for exceptional heat retention, build quality and a huge accessory ecosystem that supports everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. It holds a best-in-class position because its durable construction and strong resale value justify the premium price, while its traditional, no-frills design contrasts with the more feature-forward Kamado Joe and the budget-friendly Vision units. For gardeners who want a long-term investment with proven performance and wide aftermarket support, the Egg Large delivers consistent results year-round.
Ceramic heat hug
All-in-one cooker
Ceramic heat hug
All-in-one cooker
Review Summary
"Owners praise the Big Green Egg Large for exceptional heat retention, durability, and consistent cooking results with great smoke flavor; buyers note the high price and heavy weight but say it lasts for years with minimal issues. Accessories ecosystem and resale value are frequently highlighted as major positives."
Iconic green swagger
Thick ceramic shell retains heat for steady low-and-slow smoking or high-temperature searing.
Iconic green swagger
Thick ceramic shell retains heat for steady low-and-slow smoking or high-temperature searing.
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Eco-Friendly Living
The Big Green Egg Large is the archetype of ceramic kamado cooking, prized in garden settings for exceptional heat retention, build quality and a huge accessory ecosystem that supports everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. It holds a best-in-class position because its durable construction and strong resale value justify the premium price, while its traditional, no-frills design contrasts with the more feature-forward Kamado Joe and the budget-friendly Vision units. For gardeners who want a long-term investment with proven performance and wide aftermarket support, the Egg Large delivers consistent results year-round.
Ceramic heat hug
All-in-one cooker
Iconic green swagger
Thick ceramic shell retains heat for steady low-and-slow smoking or high-temperature searing.
Spacious cooking surface suited for medium to large garden gatherings.
Ceramic heat hug
All-in-one cooker
Iconic green swagger
Thick ceramic shell retains heat for steady low-and-slow smoking or high-temperature searing.
Spacious cooking surface suited for medium to large garden gatherings.
$1,500-2,200 CAD
Kamado Joe Classic III
The Kamado Joe Classic III is a market-leading choice for garden kamado users thanks to a modern feature set — including an air-lift hinge, multi-level Divide & Conquer cooking system and upgraded top vent — that improves usability and expands cooking versatility right out of the box. It competes favorably with the Big Green Egg by bundling more user-focused hardware for a comparable price, and it undercuts the complexity of larger oval models like the Primo while offering superior included accessories versus budget options such as the Vision Classic. For gardeners who want immediate, flexible cooking capability without hunting for add-ons, the Classic III is a strong value proposition.
Divide-and-conquer
Easy-lift hinge
Divide-and-conquer
Easy-lift hinge
Review Summary
"The Kamado Joe Classic III is widely lauded for innovative features (Divide & Conquer, air-lift hinge) and excellent build quality that competes with premium kamados at a slightly better value; some users report occasional fit-and-finish or gasket wear over extended use. Overall reliability and cooking versatility receive strong marks from repeat users."
Precision airflow
Triple-walled insulation and AirLift hinge for easier lid handling and excellent temperature stability.
Precision airflow
Triple-walled insulation and AirLift hinge for easier lid handling and excellent temperature stability.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Kamado Joe Classic III is a market-leading choice for garden kamado users thanks to a modern feature set — including an air-lift hinge, multi-level Divide & Conquer cooking system and upgraded top vent — that improves usability and expands cooking versatility right out of the box. It competes favorably with the Big Green Egg by bundling more user-focused hardware for a comparable price, and it undercuts the complexity of larger oval models like the Primo while offering superior included accessories versus budget options such as the Vision Classic. For gardeners who want immediate, flexible cooking capability without hunting for add-ons, the Classic III is a strong value proposition.
Divide-and-conquer
Easy-lift hinge
Precision airflow
Triple-walled insulation and AirLift hinge for easier lid handling and excellent temperature stability.
Included AMP firebox and Divide & Conquer cooking system enable effortless smoking and multi-level grilling.
Divide-and-conquer
Easy-lift hinge
Precision airflow
Triple-walled insulation and AirLift hinge for easier lid handling and excellent temperature stability.
Included AMP firebox and Divide & Conquer cooking system enable effortless smoking and multi-level grilling.
$1,300-1,900 CAD
Broil King Keg 5000
The Broil King Keg 5000 takes a different technical approach with a steel kamado-style barrel that heats up faster, carries lower upfront cost and is lighter to move around a garden than heavy ceramic competitors. Its financial advantage is clear for buyers prioritizing portability and a grill-like responsiveness over the superior thermal mass of ceramic models; compared with ceramic leaders like Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe it trades off some long-term heat stability but wins on faster recovery times and simpler maintenance. For gardeners who want kamado-style flavor with easier handling and a more competitive price point, the Keg is a compelling alternative.
Steel heat powerhouse
Fast-start grilling
Steel heat powerhouse
Fast-start grilling
Review Summary
"The Broil King Keg 5000 delivers solid heat retention and searing performance at a more affordable price than ceramic kamados, with users appreciating its steel construction and value. Long-term reviews note it isn’t as premium-feeling as ceramic kamados and may show more weathering over years, but overall satisfaction is good."
Smoke-ring magician
Steel-encased ceramic body combines durability with ceramic heat retention for backyard use.
Smoke-ring magician
Steel-encased ceramic body combines durability with ceramic heat retention for backyard use.
Time-Saving Convenience
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
The Broil King Keg 5000 takes a different technical approach with a steel kamado-style barrel that heats up faster, carries lower upfront cost and is lighter to move around a garden than heavy ceramic competitors. Its financial advantage is clear for buyers prioritizing portability and a grill-like responsiveness over the superior thermal mass of ceramic models; compared with ceramic leaders like Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe it trades off some long-term heat stability but wins on faster recovery times and simpler maintenance. For gardeners who want kamado-style flavor with easier handling and a more competitive price point, the Keg is a compelling alternative.
Steel heat powerhouse
Fast-start grilling
Smoke-ring magician
Steel-encased ceramic body combines durability with ceramic heat retention for backyard use.
Integrated charcoal basket and adjustable top vent let you dial in precise heat and smoke levels.
Steel heat powerhouse
Fast-start grilling
Smoke-ring magician
Steel-encased ceramic body combines durability with ceramic heat retention for backyard use.
Integrated charcoal basket and adjustable top vent let you dial in precise heat and smoke levels.
Primo Oval XL 400
The Primo Oval XL 400 earns its place as a garden-oriented premium option by offering a uniquely large, oval cooking chamber that enables multi-zone and reverse-flow cooking—ideal for hosting larger outdoor gatherings and tackling whole roasts that round kamados struggle to accommodate. Its extra cooking area and shape deliver technical flexibility unmatched by the round Big Green Egg Large or Kamado Joe Classic III, although that capability comes with a higher price and larger footprint better suited to spacious gardens. If your priority is maximum, adaptable cooking surface for entertaining outdoors, the Primo Oval XL stands out despite its greater cost and space requirements.
Oval-roast master
Large cooking area
Oval-roast master
Large cooking area
Review Summary
"Primo Oval XL 400 is praised for its unique oval design that enables great indirect cooking and flexible multi-tier setups, with strong ceramic construction and even heat. Owners cite the higher price and weight, and occasional complaints about accessories or hinge components, but long-term performance and versatility earn high marks."
Zone-cook wizardry
Distinct oval ceramic design provides large, versatile cooking area and multiple heat zones for big gatherings.
Zone-cook wizardry
Distinct oval ceramic design provides large, versatile cooking area and multiple heat zones for big gatherings.
Time-Saving Convenience
The Primo Oval XL 400 earns its place as a garden-oriented premium option by offering a uniquely large, oval cooking chamber that enables multi-zone and reverse-flow cooking—ideal for hosting larger outdoor gatherings and tackling whole roasts that round kamados struggle to accommodate. Its extra cooking area and shape deliver technical flexibility unmatched by the round Big Green Egg Large or Kamado Joe Classic III, although that capability comes with a higher price and larger footprint better suited to spacious gardens. If your priority is maximum, adaptable cooking surface for entertaining outdoors, the Primo Oval XL stands out despite its greater cost and space requirements.
Oval-roast master
Large cooking area
Zone-cook wizardry
Distinct oval ceramic design provides large, versatile cooking area and multiple heat zones for big gatherings.
Excellent heat retention for long smoking sessions and consistent indirect cooking.
Oval-roast master
Large cooking area
Zone-cook wizardry
Distinct oval ceramic design provides large, versatile cooking area and multiple heat zones for big gatherings.
Excellent heat retention for long smoking sessions and consistent indirect cooking.
Vision Grills Classic B-Series
The Vision Grills Classic B-Series is the budget-friendly garden kamado that makes ceramic-style cooking accessible, combining a built-in cart and basic ceramic insulation to deliver good flavor at a much lower entry price than the market leaders. While it doesn't match the thermal performance, accessory ecosystem or long-term resale of the Big Green Egg or Primo, it outperforms many cheap charcoal grills on price-to-feature balance and is an attractive starter option for casual gardeners. For buyers seeking an affordable, easy-to-use kamado for weekend grilling without a large investment, the Classic B-Series offers solid value.
Budget ceramic feel
Quick temp lock
Budget ceramic feel
Quick temp lock
Review Summary
"Vision Grills Classic B-Series is often recommended as a budget-friendly kamado with good initial performance and useful included features, but long-term ownership reviews point to issues with gaskets, paint/chip durability, and less consistent heat control compared with premium brands. Many buyers find it a good starter kamado if you accept some trade-offs in longevity and finish."
Colorful backyard flair
Steel kamado-style cooker that delivers budget-friendly ceramic-like cooking performance for casual garden cooks.
Colorful backyard flair
Steel kamado-style cooker that delivers budget-friendly ceramic-like cooking performance for casual garden cooks.
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Time-Saving Convenience
The Vision Grills Classic B-Series is the budget-friendly garden kamado that makes ceramic-style cooking accessible, combining a built-in cart and basic ceramic insulation to deliver good flavor at a much lower entry price than the market leaders. While it doesn't match the thermal performance, accessory ecosystem or long-term resale of the Big Green Egg or Primo, it outperforms many cheap charcoal grills on price-to-feature balance and is an attractive starter option for casual gardeners. For buyers seeking an affordable, easy-to-use kamado for weekend grilling without a large investment, the Classic B-Series offers solid value.
Budget ceramic feel
Quick temp lock
Colorful backyard flair
Steel kamado-style cooker that delivers budget-friendly ceramic-like cooking performance for casual garden cooks.
Often sold with a simple cart and side shelves for an easy backyard setup.
Budget ceramic feel
Quick temp lock
Colorful backyard flair
Steel kamado-style cooker that delivers budget-friendly ceramic-like cooking performance for casual garden cooks.
Often sold with a simple cart and side shelves for an easy backyard setup.
$400-700 CAD