Kamado vs Big Green Egg: Which Is Really Better
If you are researching kamado grills, you have very likely come across the name Big Green Egg.
This brand was one of the first to popularize modern kamados, especially in the United States.
But this raises a common question among those looking to buy a ceramic grill:
Is there really a difference between a kamado and a Big Green Egg?
The short answer is that Big Green Egg is a brand, while kamado is a type of grill.
In other words:
- Kamado = a style of grill
- Big Green Egg = a specific brand of kamado
Even so, there are important differences worth examining before making a decision.
In this guide we will cover:
- what Big Green Egg is
- what a kamado is
- the real differences between the two
- which one is better depending on the type of user
What Big Green Egg Is
Big Green Egg is an American company founded in the 1970s that specializes in kamado-type grills.
Its products are known for:
- ceramic design
- an egg shape
- vent control
- the ability to grill, smoke, and bake
For many years it was one of the best-known brands in the world of BBQ.
What a Kamado Is
A kamado is a ceramic grill inspired by ancient Japanese clay ovens.
This type of grill runs on charcoal and controls heat through vents.
Thanks to its design, it can be used as a:
- grill
- oven
- smoker
- pizza oven
Today many brands manufacture kamado-style grills.
Main Difference: Brand vs Type of Grill
The most important difference is simple.
| Concept |
Explanation |
| Kamado |
Type of grill |
| Big Green Egg |
Specific brand |
It is similar to the relationship between:
-
SUV (a type of vehicle)
-
Toyota (a brand)
Comparing Kamado and Big Green Egg
Let's look at some important factors.
Materials
| Feature |
Kamado |
Big Green Egg |
| Material |
Ceramic |
Ceramic |
| Heat retention |
Very high |
Very high |
| Durability |
High |
High |
Both use thick ceramic that retains heat very well.
Temperature Control
Both kamados and the Big Green Egg use the same principle:
This lets you control the airflow and adjust the temperature precisely.
In terms of operation, the two are very similar.
Versatility
Both units let you cook a wide variety of dishes.
For example:
- grilled meats
- smoked BBQ
- artisan pizza
- bread
This is one of the reasons kamados are so popular.
Charcoal Consumption
Thanks to their ceramic design, both units are very efficient.
The charcoal can last for many hours.
This makes them ideal for long smokes.
Price
This is where a significant difference usually appears.
Big Green Egg grills tend to be considerably more expensive.
This is mainly due to:
- brand positioning
- marketing
- distribution
In terms of performance, however, many modern kamado grills deliver similar results.
Grill Size
Kamados come in different sizes.
One of the most popular sizes is the 22-inch kamado.
This size lets you:
- cook for several people
- prepare large smokes
- cook a full pizza
That is why it tends to be a very well-balanced option.
What You Can Cook in Both
With either unit you can prepare:
Grilling
BBQ
Pizza
With a pizza stone you can cook artisan pizza.
Advantages of Kamados in General
Kamado-type grills offer several important advantages.
Excellent Heat Retention
The ceramic holds stable temperatures for hours.
Precise Temperature Control
The vents let you adjust the heat with precision.
Great Versatility
They can be used as a grill, oven, and smoker.
Efficient Charcoal Consumption
They need less charcoal than many traditional grills.
What to Consider Before Buying a Kamado
When choosing a kamado, it is important to consider:
- grill size
- material quality
- ease of use
- price
A size such as 22 inches is usually ideal for most homes.
Is a Kamado Worth Buying?
For those who enjoy charcoal cooking, a kamado can be an excellent investment.
It lets you prepare a wide variety of dishes:
- grilled meats
- smoked BBQ
- artisan pizza
Its temperature control also makes it easier to get consistent results.
For these reasons, many pitmasters consider the kamado to be one of the most complete grills available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Big Green Egg the same as a kamado?
Not exactly. Big Green Egg is a brand of kamado-type grills.
Does a kamado work the same as a Big Green Egg?
In terms of operation, both use the same principle of vents and charcoal.
Is a kamado good for smoking meat?
Yes. It is one of the most widely used tools for BBQ.
Is a kamado good for pizza?
Yes. It can reach very high temperatures.
Conclusion
Big Green Egg is one of the best-known brands in the world of kamado grills.
The term kamado, however, refers to the type of grill, not a specific brand.
Today there are various kamado grills that offer excellent temperature control, great versatility, and outstanding results for charcoal cooking.
That is why this type of grill has become a favorite among pitmasters and BBQ lovers around the world.
