This Char-Griller Akorn review covers the three Akorn kamado grills we sell: the full-size Akorn Kamado, the portable Akorn Jr and the Akorn Auto-Kamado with a digital fan controller. The short version: the Akorn is an insulated steel kamado, not a ceramic one, which is why it costs a fraction of a Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg and weighs far less. Below are Char-Griller’s published specs, what each model suits, the parts that wear, and how our prices compare with chargriller.com.
How the Akorn is built: insulated steel, not ceramic
A traditional kamado keeps heat in with thick ceramic walls. The Akorn does it with a triple-wall steel body with fiber insulation between the layers, according to Char-Griller’s owner’s manual for the 16620 model. Its product pages cite “triple-walled insulation for maximum heat retention.”
That design choice explains most of the grill:
- Weight. Char-Griller lists the black Akorn at 89.3 lb and the graphite at 88.2 lb. For comparison, the ceramic Kamado Joe Classic Joe II Standalone weighs 214.5 lb.
- Price. The full-size Akorn lists at $399.99 on chargriller.com, versus four figures for most ceramic kamados.
- Durability tradeoff. There is no ceramic dome to crack, but steel can rust if the finish is damaged, so a cover is worth buying.
- Temperature range. Char-Griller rates the Akorn for 200°F to 700°F, and the manual says plainly: do not exceed 700°F.
Akorn specs at a glance
Specs below come from Char-Griller’s own product pages, except the Auto-Kamado, which Char-Griller no longer lists as a product (its URL now redirects to the Akorn collection). For that model we used the specs on our product listing.
| Model | Primary cooking area | Total cooking area | Weight | Max charcoal | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akorn Kamado, Black (6719) | 310 sq in | 445 sq in | 89.3 lb | 3.1 lb | $399.99 |
| Akorn Kamado, Graphite (E16620) | 325 sq in | 445 sq in | 88.2 lb | 3.1 lb | $399.99 |
| Akorn Kamado, Slate (16820) | 314 sq in (our listing) | 447 sq in (our listing) | Not listed | Not listed | $329.99 |
| Akorn Jr (E6714 black, E86714 grey) | 155 sq in | Not listed separately | 35.7 lb | 1.1 lb | $199.99 |
| Akorn Auto-Kamado (E6480) | 314 sq in (our listing) | 445 sq in (our listing) | 91 lb (our listing) | Not listed | $449.00 |
Every full-size model has the same 200°F to 700°F range, dual adjustable dampers, cast iron cooking grates, a removable warming rack, the EasyDump ash pan, steel side shelves and a cart with locking wheels. The black Akorn Kamado, the graphite Akorn Kamado and the slate Akorn Kamado differ mainly in color. Chargriller.com does not currently list the slate version.
Char-Griller Akorn review: strengths and weak spots
For backyard cooks who want kamado cooking without spending $1,000 or more, the Akorn makes a lot of sense.
Where it does well
- Low and slow plus searing in one grill. Char-Griller’s guidance is 1 to 3 lb of lump charcoal for low and slow (200°F to 250°F) or hot and fast indirect cooking, and 2 to 3 lb for direct searing up to 700°F.
- Fine temperature control. The manual notes that a quarter turn of the top damper can mean roughly a 25°F change, so small adjustments matter.
- Easy cleanup and mobility. The EasyDump ash pan pulls out, and the grill rides on a cart with locking wheels.
Where it falls short
- Smaller charcoal load. A 3.1 lb maximum charcoal capacity is modest, so very long overnight cooks may need a refuel.
- Wear parts. Expect to replace the hood seal and latches eventually (see parts below).
- Not a built-in grill. The Akorn is designed around its own cart. If you are planning a permanent island, start with our built-in grill and outdoor kitchen guide.
Akorn vs Akorn Jr: which size?
The Akorn Jr is the same insulated kamado idea shrunk to a 155 sq in grate, 35.7 lb, with side handles instead of a cart. Char-Griller pitches it for camping, fishing and tailgating. The full-size Akorn has about twice the primary grate area (310 to 325 sq in) and Char-Griller says it holds up to 23 burgers.
Both Jr colors are $199.99: the Akorn Jr in black and the grey version. If you want to smoke on the Jr, the Akorn Jr bundle with Smokin’ Stone, cover and chimney ($281.99) adds the heat deflector you need for indirect cooking.
Akorn Auto-Kamado: worth the extra?
The Akorn Auto-Kamado ($449.00) adds a digital controller with WiFi so you set a target temperature and a fan manages the fire. It has the same 445 sq in total cooking area as the standard Akorn.
Two honest cautions. First, Char-Griller no longer lists the Auto-Kamado grill itself on chargriller.com, although it still sells Auto-Kamado replacement parts such as the controller assembly and fan box kit. Second, electronics add parts that can fail. Call us at 866-777-2590 to confirm availability before ordering.
Smokin’ Stone and the accessories worth buying
A kamado needs a heat deflector for indirect cooking. Char-Griller’s Smokin’ Stone heat deflector ($59.99) is sold as an accessory for the full-size Akorn and “turns your kamado grill into a smoker” by shielding food from direct flame. The Jr has its own cordierite Smokin’ Stone ($49.99), rated by Char-Griller to withstand temperatures over 800°F.
The full-size Akorn bundle with cover, Smokin’ Stone, grate and chimney is $541.99 with us. That is higher than chargriller.com, which currently lists its version of this bundle at $499.99 on sale ($531.99 regular). If you want this bundle, buying direct from Char-Griller is cheaper right now.
Akorn replacement parts
Parts availability is a real Akorn advantage. We stock many Char-Griller Akorn parts, including:
- The hood seal for all full-size Akorn models ($12.99), which fits the 6719, 16620, 16820, E6480 and more, but not the Jr.
- The top damper kit for full-size Akorn models ($24.99), plus a separate damper kit for the Jr.
- Replacement ash pans by color and model, outer cooking grates, fire grates, warming racks, latch kits, hood handles and hardware packs.
Check your grill’s model number before ordering; several parts are model specific.
Akorn vs Kamado Joe and other ceramic kamados
A ceramic kamado such as the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II Standalone ($1,399.99, 250 sq in main grate, 214.5 lb, no cart) costs well over three times as much as a full-size Akorn, weighs more than twice as much, and comes with a lifetime warranty on the ceramics. The Akorn gives you a larger primary grate on a cart for far less money, with a shorter warranty and a steel body that needs a cover. We cover the ceramic side in detail in Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg.
Warranty: Char-Griller’s warranty page describes a 5-year burn and rust-through warranty for the original purchaser from the date of purchase, and the 16620 manual lists up to one year for defective parts. Keep your receipt.
Prices and shipping
We checked chargriller.com on October 6, 2026. Our prices match Char-Griller’s on the black and graphite Akorn ($399.99), both Akorn Jr colors ($199.99), the grill and cover bundle ($427.99) and both Jr bundles. The exception is the full-size Smokin’ Stone bundle noted above. Orders under $999 ship for a $200 flat freight charge from us; orders of $999 or more ship free. Questions? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. See our return and refund policy. Browse everything else on our Char-Griller brand page, and if you are building out the patio, see our fire pit buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Akorn kamado good for smoking?
Yes, with a heat deflector. Use the Smokin’ Stone, 1 to 3 lb of lump charcoal and small damper adjustments to hold 200°F to 250°F.
What is the difference between the Akorn and the Akorn Jr?
Size and portability. The Akorn has 310 to 325 sq in of primary cooking area on a wheeled cart at about 89 lb. The Akorn Jr has 155 sq in, weighs 35.7 lb and has side handles for carrying.
Akorn vs Kamado Joe: which should I buy?
Buy the Akorn if budget and mobility matter most. Choose a Kamado Joe if you want ceramic heat mass and a lifetime warranty on the ceramics, and you are comfortable paying $1,399.99 or more.
Is the Akorn ceramic?
No. Char-Griller’s manual describes triple-wall steel with fiber insulation.
