Big Green Egg Large
Big Green Egg's Large model remains the benchmark for kamado smokers thanks to decades of proven ceramic construction, wide accessory ecosystem, and exceptional heat retention. It carries a premium price but delivers long-term value and the largest aftermarket selection compared with the others here — more accessories and proven durability versus Kamado Joe's bundled innovations, Broil King's steel Keg value, Primo's oval capacity, and Vision Grills' budget-friendly steel options.
Ceramic heat vault
Grill-smoke-roast
Ceramic heat vault
Grill-smoke-roast
Review Summary
"Owners praise the Big Green Egg Large for rock-solid heat retention, versatility and long-term durability, calling it the benchmark ceramic kamado. Common downsides are the high upfront cost, limited factory features, and a learning curve for temperature control."
Fans unite
Thick ceramic body for excellent heat retention and very even cooking
Fans unite
Thick ceramic body for excellent heat retention and very even cooking
Recreational Enjoyment
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Big Green Egg's Large model remains the benchmark for kamado smokers thanks to decades of proven ceramic construction, wide accessory ecosystem, and exceptional heat retention. It carries a premium price but delivers long-term value and the largest aftermarket selection compared with the others here — more accessories and proven durability versus Kamado Joe's bundled innovations, Broil King's steel Keg value, Primo's oval capacity, and Vision Grills' budget-friendly steel options.
Ceramic heat vault
Grill-smoke-roast
Fans unite
Thick ceramic body for excellent heat retention and very even cooking
Extensive accessory ecosystem and long-standing brand support
Ceramic heat vault
Grill-smoke-roast
Fans unite
Thick ceramic body for excellent heat retention and very even cooking
Extensive accessory ecosystem and long-standing brand support
$1,600-2,200 CAD
Kamado Joe Classic III
Kamado Joe Classic III leads as the most innovation-focused kamado on the list, shipping with user-friendly features like the Air Lift hinge and the Divide & Conquer multi-level cooking system that reduce the need for aftermarket upgrades. It often represents better out-of-box value than the premium Big Green Egg while providing more modern convenience and temperature control than Broil King's steel Keg or Vision's entry-level models.
Multi-level grates
Airlift hinge
Multi-level grates
Airlift hinge
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the Kamado Joe Classic III for its modern features (e.g., hinge, Divide & Conquer grates) and strong build quality, often citing better out-of-the-box usability than rivals. Some report occasional finish or accessory issues, but overall value and performance get high marks."
Smooth lid magic
Air-lift hinge and advanced top vent for easier lid handling and airflow control
Smooth lid magic
Air-lift hinge and advanced top vent for easier lid handling and airflow control
Time-Saving Convenience
Optimized Work Efficiency
Kamado Joe Classic III leads as the most innovation-focused kamado on the list, shipping with user-friendly features like the Air Lift hinge and the Divide & Conquer multi-level cooking system that reduce the need for aftermarket upgrades. It often represents better out-of-box value than the premium Big Green Egg while providing more modern convenience and temperature control than Broil King's steel Keg or Vision's entry-level models.
Multi-level grates
Airlift hinge
Smooth lid magic
Air-lift hinge and advanced top vent for easier lid handling and airflow control
Divide & Conquer multi-level cooking system for flexible setups
Multi-level grates
Airlift hinge
Smooth lid magic
Air-lift hinge and advanced top vent for easier lid handling and airflow control
Divide & Conquer multi-level cooking system for flexible setups
Broil King Keg 5000
The Broil King Keg 5000 is the market-leading steel-bodied alternative for buyers who want a kamado-style cooker with quicker heat-up times, lighter weight, and a lower entry price than ceramic models. Financially attractive for cost-conscious shoppers and easier to maintain, it concedes some ceramic heat retention to Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, and Primo but offers durable construction and portability advantages over Vision's lower-cost units.
Iron-clad sear
Steel-body rugged
Iron-clad sear
Steel-body rugged
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the Broil King Keg 5000 for delivering true kamado performance at a lower price with fast heat-up times, though opinions are mixed on long-term corrosion resistance and fit/finish. Common complaints include occasional uneven parts quality and less accessory ecosystem than ceramic brands."
Sizzles with swagger
Steel kamado-style construction with durable cast-iron charcoal grate
Sizzles with swagger
Steel kamado-style construction with durable cast-iron charcoal grate
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Recreational Enjoyment
The Broil King Keg 5000 is the market-leading steel-bodied alternative for buyers who want a kamado-style cooker with quicker heat-up times, lighter weight, and a lower entry price than ceramic models. Financially attractive for cost-conscious shoppers and easier to maintain, it concedes some ceramic heat retention to Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, and Primo but offers durable construction and portability advantages over Vision's lower-cost units.
Iron-clad sear
Steel-body rugged
Sizzles with swagger
Steel kamado-style construction with durable cast-iron charcoal grate
Built-in dampers and vents for precise temperature adjustment
Iron-clad sear
Steel-body rugged
Sizzles with swagger
Steel kamado-style construction with durable cast-iron charcoal grate
Built-in dampers and vents for precise temperature adjustment
Primo Oval XL 400
Primo Oval XL 400's trademark oval shape and expansive cooking surface make it the top pick for cooks needing true multi-zone cooking and the ability to roast large cuts or several items at once. Although pricier and heavier than Broil King's Keg and Vision's steel options, its larger capacity and even-heat performance provide a clear technical advantage over round kamados like the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe for large gatherings and complex cooking setups.
Oval multi-zone
Feeds a crowd
Oval multi-zone
Feeds a crowd
Review Summary
"The Primo Oval XL 400 is rated highly for its unique oval shape and excellent multi-zone cooking capability, praised by users who grill large or varied items frequently. Drawbacks noted are the premium price, heavy weight, and a smaller aftermarket accessory selection."
Whole-hog ready
Large oval ceramic chamber offers expansive cooking surface and excellent heat retention
Whole-hog ready
Large oval ceramic chamber offers expansive cooking surface and excellent heat retention
Recreational Enjoyment
Primo Oval XL 400's trademark oval shape and expansive cooking surface make it the top pick for cooks needing true multi-zone cooking and the ability to roast large cuts or several items at once. Although pricier and heavier than Broil King's Keg and Vision's steel options, its larger capacity and even-heat performance provide a clear technical advantage over round kamados like the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe for large gatherings and complex cooking setups.
Oval multi-zone
Feeds a crowd
Whole-hog ready
Large oval ceramic chamber offers expansive cooking surface and excellent heat retention
Designed for indirect and multi-rack cooking, ideal for whole roasts or larger cuts
Oval multi-zone
Feeds a crowd
Whole-hog ready
Large oval ceramic chamber offers expansive cooking surface and excellent heat retention
Designed for indirect and multi-rack cooking, ideal for whole roasts or larger cuts
Vision Grills Classic B-Series
Vision Grills Classic B-Series represents the value leader among kamado-style smokers by pairing insulated steel construction with an accessible price that lowers the barrier to backyard smoking. While it does not match the ceramic heat retention or premium fit-and-finish of Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, or Primo, it undercuts competitors on cost and offers a capable, budget-friendly platform for new kamado owners.
Wallet-friendly ceramic
Integrated extras
Wallet-friendly ceramic
Integrated extras
Review Summary
"Vision Grills Classic B-Series is viewed as an affordable kamado option that performs well for casual users, but long-term reviewers report issues with rust, gasket wear, and inconsistent build quality. Many buyers like the price-to-performance ratio but fewer expect premium longevity."
Surprisingly classy
Affordable ceramic kamado option that lowers the entry barrier for new users
Surprisingly classy
Affordable ceramic kamado option that lowers the entry barrier for new users
Time-Saving Convenience
Vision Grills Classic B-Series represents the value leader among kamado-style smokers by pairing insulated steel construction with an accessible price that lowers the barrier to backyard smoking. While it does not match the ceramic heat retention or premium fit-and-finish of Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, or Primo, it undercuts competitors on cost and offers a capable, budget-friendly platform for new kamado owners.
Wallet-friendly ceramic
Integrated extras
Surprisingly classy
Affordable ceramic kamado option that lowers the entry barrier for new users
Often ships with cart and side shelves for added convenience
Wallet-friendly ceramic
Integrated extras
Surprisingly classy
Affordable ceramic kamado option that lowers the entry barrier for new users
Often ships with cart and side shelves for added convenience
$450-750 CAD