If you want the versatility of both a smoker and grill without purchasing two separate units, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker (Model 16620) is a great option to consider. This grill features the popular kamado-style egg shape, offering excellent heat retention and cooking performance at a price that is more budget-friendly than many similar models.
Char-Griller has built a strong reputation among outdoor cooking enthusiasts, and the Akorn Kamado Kooker continues that tradition. This versatile unit allows you to slow-smoke meats for rich barbecue flavor or grill steaks, burgers, and other favorites with impressive sear marks.
With its generous cooking space, the grill easily handles meals for family gatherings or backyard cookouts. Its combination of smoking and grilling capabilities makes it a highly flexible addition to any outdoor cooking setup. This popular model has even earned the Amazon’s Choice badge, reflecting strong customer demand and satisfaction.
Excellent Temperature Control
One of the most important aspects of low-and-slow cooking is maintaining a consistent temperature, and the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker is designed to do exactly that. Its durable steel construction combined with adjustable dampers helps retain heat and regulate airflow, allowing you to maintain steady cooking temperatures throughout the grilling or smoking process.
Because the grill is built to hold heat efficiently, it also requires less charcoal compared to many traditional grills. The Akorn Kamado can maintain temperatures ranging from approximately 200°F for slow smoking up to 700°F for high-heat searing, giving you excellent versatility for different cooking styles.
Easy and Convenient to Use
The Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker is designed with convenience in mind. It features large locking caster wheels, making it easy to move the grill around your patio or deck and secure it in place once positioned.
Inside the grill, a removable warming rack allows you to keep food warm while finishing other items on the main cooking surface. Combined with the primary grill grate, the unit provides over 400 square inches of cooking space for preparing meals for family or guests.
Cleanup is also simple thanks to the removable ash pan, which allows you to quickly dispose of ashes after cooking. Two large side shelves provide additional prep space, keeping sauces, tools, and utensils within easy reach while you grill or smoke your favorite foods.
Features and Specifications
- Over 300-square-inches of cooking space for a crowd
- Reduced charcoal use to create more heat in this newly designed smoker/grill
- Ash pan is easy to dump and clean
- Two side tables with hanging hooks to keep your tools right nearby
- Durable sturdy design constructed of steel
- Thermostat in the lid to help you keep an eye on the temperature without losing heat
- Lightweight design makes it easier to move around
- 8” wheels with casters that lock help you to get the grill in just the right place
- Great to smoke your meats low and slow or grill up a steak with the perfect char marks
- Combines grilling capabilities with a smoker making it easy to have one grill in your backyard kitchen
- Easy to clean with the ash pan being the patented easy dump design
- An affordable option compared to the Green Egg
- Works solidly as a smoker
- Some have problems with the ash catcher pan
- Thermometer can be inaccurate
Customer Reviews and Ratings
At the time of this review, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Grill had over 1,900 customer reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Overall, most buyers were extremely satisfied with their purchase, especially noting that the Akorn offers kamado-style cooking performance at a much more affordable price than many competing models. This popularity has even earned the grill the Amazon’s Choice designation.
While the majority of feedback is positive, a few customers did report some concerns. These included shipping issues such as dented lids, packaging that didn’t fully protect the grill during delivery, and occasional reports of the ash pan wearing out after repeated use. Some users also mentioned minor air leaks that made temperature control more challenging until properly adjusted.
Despite these issues, the overall response from buyers has been overwhelmingly favorable. Many reviewers praised the grill’s heat retention, cooking performance, and versatility for both grilling and smoking.
Here are a few comments from satisfied owners:
- “Simply the greatest thing you can do in your backyard.”
- “Love it!”
- “Fairly easy to assemble.”
- “In love with my Akorn.”
- “Very happy with this grill.”
- “Delivers amazing food.”
Overall, the strong ratings and enthusiastic feedback suggest that the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker is a highly regarded option for those looking for an affordable kamado-style grill.
Final Thoughts
The Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker is an excellent option for anyone who wants both a smoker and a grill in one unit without taking up extra space in the backyard. It delivers versatile cooking performance while remaining affordable enough for most budgets, making it a popular choice for home grillers.
With its durable steel construction, sleek black design, and wide temperature range, this Kamado-style cooker can handle everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat grilling. Whether you’re cooking ribs, brisket, burgers, or vegetables, the Akorn makes outdoor cooking easy and enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Kamado grill that can be used year-round, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker is a solid choice that can help you create delicious meals for family and friends all season long.