Freestanding Kamado Grills Review


Our review process

We've taken a look at thousands of grills in total, including many different brands, models, and features. We used our leading AI technology to score each individual grill based on 89 data parameters. These features range from fuel type and body construction material to durability and additional cooking accessories. The following article will display freestanding kamado grills in particular, of which we found seven different grills. We hope that this article will help you in picking the best one for you.

Before deciding on your new freestanding kamado grill, we think there are some things you'll want to know about. Designed to retain heat for an extended period, kamado grills have a ceramic construction, so you can easily control and maintain the desired temperature for cooking. They are powered by charcoal, so they produce a smoky flavor and caramelized texture. Kamado grills preserve flavor and moisture thanks to the constant rotation of the grill's interior, resulting in properly cooked meat. They have ventilated heat regulation, ensuring a consistent level of airflow.

Freestanding grills are particularly great for first-time grillers since they don't demand the same long-term commitment that built-in grills do and don't come with the same price tag. They are easy to move around, allowing you to save space in your outdoor area. They often include internal storage units, making them great for keeping all cooking accessories in one convenient place. Freestanding grills are compact, making them great if you want to save space. However, they don't have any prep space, unlike built-in grills, so if you want to set-up a full outdoor kitchen, they're not the ideal option.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandFuel TypeCooking Grate MaterialBody Construction
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Vision Grills S-CR4C1D1-H Gas Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill
Vision Grills S-CR4C1D1-H Gas Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill
Vision Grills
gas
stainless steel
ceramic
Runner Up
2
An image of Char-Griller 6520 Akorn 22" Charcoal Steel Kamado Grill
Char-Griller 6520 Akorn 22" Charcoal Steel Kamado Grill
Char-Griller
charcoal
cast iron
steel
Best for Smoking
3
An image of Pit Boss 71220 Charcoal Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill
Pit Boss 71220 Charcoal Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill
Pit Boss
charcoal
stainless steel
ceramic
Best Affordable Option
4
An image of Char-Griller 16620 Akorn Charcoal Steel Freestanding Kamado Grill
Char-Griller 16620 Akorn Charcoal Steel Freestanding Kamado Grill
Char-Griller
charcoal
cast iron
steel
5
An image of Vision Grills S-CR4C1D1 Charcoal Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill
Vision Grills S-CR4C1D1 Charcoal Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill
Vision Grills
charcoal
stainless steel
ceramic
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Vision Grills
Fuel Type
gas
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Body Construction
ceramic
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Griller
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Body Construction
steel
Customer Rating
Brand
Pit Boss
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Body Construction
ceramic
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Griller
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
cast iron
Body Construction
steel
Customer Rating
Brand
Vision Grills
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Body Construction
ceramic
Best Overall Score
An image of Vision Grills S-CR4C1D1-H Gas Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill

The Vision Grills Gas Vessel/kamado Grill is a great choice for any neighborhood cookout. Use the indirect and direct heat needed to create a two-zone cooking area with this ceramic grill's large stainless steel main burner. It features a freestanding design, allowing you to move it out of the way to save space when it's not in use. Easily see the level of your fuel supply so that you never run out of gas mid-cook with its fuel gauge. This ceramic grill has a stainless steel cooking grate, offering you a trustworthy non-stick surface that you can rely on for a long time. It has a piezo starter, which provides you with a quick way to light your barbecue by simply pushing a button. This gas grill distributes heat evenly across the cooking area for consistent results every time.

    Pros
    • Piezo starter allows you to ignite your gas grill effortlessly
    • Requires gas, heating food quickly
    • Features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of your way while you are using your patio
    Cons
    • Conventional burners heat up much slower than infrared burners
    • Ceramic design is a lot more breakable than other materials
    • Stainless steel cooking grate is less weather tolerant and more difficult to clean
Runner Up
An image of Char-Griller 6520 Akorn 22" Charcoal Steel Kamado Grill

If functionality and easy setup are your top priorities, consider the Char-Griller Akorn Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill. Manage the level of heat with this steel grill's dual adjustable dampers. This charcoal grill cooks your food for a long period of time to ensure the meat remains moist. It has a steel construction, giving you both a sleek appearance and proven dependability. Designed to offer extra work space, it features a prep and serving table, so you can keep your seasonings nearby and ready to use. This steel grill features a cast iron cooking grate, which gives you a trustworthy surface that will last a long time. Quickly and conveniently discard ashes accumulated during grilling with its easy-dump ash pan. It has a freestanding design, which allows you to save space when it's not in use since you can roll it out of the way.

    Pros
    • Uses charcoal, cooking your food over a longer period of time to ensure the meat remains juicy
    • Features a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to push it out of the way while you use your outdoor deck
    • Prep and serving table adds convenience to the grilling process
    Cons
    • Includes a cast iron cooking grate, requiring constant oiling to stop rusting
    • Charcoal gets incredibly messy and harder to clean
Best for Smoking
An image of Pit Boss 71220 Charcoal Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill

For easier assembly and mobility, consider choosing the Pit Boss Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill. Featuring a warming rack, this ceramic grill is perfect for keeping food hot until you are ready to eat. It has adjustable air vents to manage the temperature inside your grill. It is made with a stainless steel grill grate, which gives you a trustworthy non-stick surface that will last a long time. This kamado grill features a freestanding design, allowing you to roll it out of the way to save space when it's not in use. Using charcoal, it cooks the food for an extended period of time to ensure the meat remains soft.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep your food hot without it overcooking
    • Features solid bamboo side shelves, providing extra storage room for everything you need in order to say goodbye to unnecessary mess
    • Charcoal cooks the food slowly to ensure that the meat remains moist for an authentic barbecue experience
    Cons
    • Ceramic design is more expensive than stainless steel
    • Stainless steel cooking grate is much more costly than other grate materials
    • Features a manual ignition, taking more time to get to the ideal cooking temperature
Best Affordable Option
An image of Char-Griller 16620 Akorn Charcoal Steel Freestanding Kamado Grill

The Char-Griller Akorn Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill is an excellent addition to any patio. Designed with a warming rack, this kamado grill is perfect for keeping food hot until you are ready to eat. It has a storage rack, which provides enough storage space for easily organizing all your tools and utensils while grilling. This kamado grill features a tool holder, providing you with extra room for your accessories. It has a temperature gauge and adjustable dampers, giving you more control over your grill.

Quickly and easily get rid of ashes accumulated during grilling with this kamado grill's ash tool. It features a freestanding design, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to move it out of the way when you are done grilling. It features a cast iron grill grate, providing a high-quality cooking surface that you can rely on for a long time. It has a steel design, providing both a sleek appearance and proven dependability. With lockable casters, this kamado grill makes sure your grill stays in one place when in use. It uses charcoal, grilling the food slowly to develop stronger flavors for an authentic barbecue experience. It features two locking wheels for additional stability when barbecuing. This kamado grill is designed with folding side shelves to provide extra surface space.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep food from cooling down without it overcooking
    • Features a storage rack, providing enough storage space for conveniently tucking away all your tools and utensils
    • Charcoal cooks your food for an extended period of time to ensure the meat remains juicy for an authentic barbecue experience
    Cons
    • Cast iron cooking grate doesn't provide a smoky taste to your food
    • Uses charcoal, getting dirty and tougher to clean
Additional Picks
An image of Vision Grills S-CR4C1D1 Charcoal Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill

The Vision Grills Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill is a perfect addition to any outdoor grilling area. This ceramic grill features a stainless steel cooking grate, which gives you a trustworthy non-stick surface that will last a long time. It features a freestanding design, enabling you to roll it out of the way to save space when it's not in use. Manage the amount of heat with its adjustable air vents. Using charcoal, it grills the food and offers a rich, smoky taste.

    Pros
    • Uses charcoal, barbecuing your food over a longer period of time to develop stronger flavors
    • Features a freestanding design, allowing you to move it out of the way to save space when it's not in use
    Cons
    • Ceramic construction is more costly than stainless steel
    • Stainless steel cooking grate is much more expensive than other grate materials
    • Charcoal takes more time to heat up
An image of Pit Boss 71240 Charcoal Ceramic Freestanding Kamado Grill

The Pit Boss Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill is an outstanding choice for those who enjoy an authentic barbecue experience. Control the amount of heat with this ceramic grill's adjustable air vents. It has a warming rack, which helps keep your food from getting cold once it is done cooking. It has a stainless steel cooking grate, supplying a dependable non-stick surface that will last a long time. With four locking wheels, it will never roll around when you're cooking. This charcoal grill cooks the food slowly to ensure the meat remains soft. This Pit Boss grill has a freestanding design, giving you the freedom and flexibility to push it out of your way while you are using your patio.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep food at the perfect temperature without it overcooking
    • Uses charcoal, grilling the food slowly to enhance flavor for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Features a freestanding design, allowing you to move it out of the way to save space when it's not in use
    Cons
    • Ceramic construction costs more than other commonly used materials like steel
    • Stainless steel cooking grate doesn't get as hot as cast iron grates
    • Charcoal gets messy and harder to clean
An image of Cal Flame BBQ15K21 21" Charcoal Freestanding Kamado Grill

Enjoy every summer barbecue with the Cal Flame Charcoal Vessel/kamado Grill. This kamado grill features a freestanding design, allowing you to roll it out of the way to save space when it's not in use. It has fold-down side tables, so you can enjoy expanded work space. Featuring four locking wheels, it will be perfect for sloped or elevated areas. Using charcoal, it cooks the meat and infuses an excellent smoky flavor. This kamado grill has a stainless steel cooking grate, supplying a simple-to-maintain, durable, non-stick surface.

    Pros
    • Includes a stainless steel grill grate, supplying a dependable non-stick surface that you can rely on for a long time
    • Charcoal cooks the food over a long period of time to ensure that the meat remains soft for an authentic barbecue experience
    • Features a freestanding design, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to roll it out of the way while you are using your patio
    Cons
    • Stainless steel cooking grate doesn't get as hot as cast iron grates
    • Uses charcoal, taking much more time to heat up
How to Pick Out Your New Freestanding Kamado Grill: Additional Points to Keep In Mind:
Choosing the Right Kind of Freestanding Kamado Grill
Ceramic Grills

With four freestanding kamado grills with a ceramic design, there's lots to know about what makes them unique. Flame-resistant ceramic grills can protect against the damaging effects of heat exposure. Designed to handle harsh conditions, they have exceptional resistance to corrosion, so they can endure long-term use. With heat retaining materials, they remain hot for longer. Check out this freestanding kamado grill that we found.

Steel Grills

If you want an idea of a great freestanding kamado grill with a steel design, you can get started here. Stainless steel grills have superior corrosion resistant for extended use since they stay in great condition over time. They are easy to clean, saving you time dealing with messy spills and leftover residue. With a bacteria-resistant surface, they will protect your meat from contaminants while cooking. However, they don't retain heat very well, so they are harder to keep hot as opposed to cast iron grills, which can reach and maintain very high temperatures.

What Is There to Know About Fuel Type for Your Freestanding Kamado Grill?
Charcoal Grills

Not sure if you should get a charcoal grill? We can help you make your decision by giving you the important information that you need before purchasing a charcoal freestanding kamado grill. Charcoal grills are able to reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit, adding natural and seasoned flavors and aromas to your food. They feature a slow and gradual grilling process, so meat remains incredibly tender for delicious results. They can blaze off unwanted fats and grease, resulting in a nutritious dish. Made for searing, they give food exceptional flavor and ensure the perfect texture. Something to consider is that they take more time to heat up, resulting in a lengthier cooking process. Additionally, charcoal grills tend to rust and build-up carbon and ash, leaving behind a lot of ash that will cause food to stick during future grilling if excess debris is not eliminated. A benefit is that they are able to achieve a rich, smoky taste, making natural seasoning and flavors for any dish. Now that you know a bit more about charcoal grills, and you want to get one, take a look here.

Gas Grills

Want to learn more about gas freestanding kamado grills? Keep reading the following section to learn more about them. Offering consistent temperatures, propane grills can cook your meat to just the right point of doneness. They are low maintenance, ensuring that they remain in perfect shape with little upkeep required. Warming up in moments, they need little preparation time. They are able to reach temperatures of 400 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can perfectly season food with delicious aromas and flavors. These gas grills feature temperature control knobs, which are great for effortlessly monitoring the fire while searing meals. They have igniters, which enable you to simply start the grill without the need for a lighter or match. Something to keep in mind is that they have wide venting, so if food with smoky flavor is what you want, these grills don't have it. On the other hand, propane gas is more expensive than natural gas, making them a luxury, only to be considered if you're looking to make a permanent investment by adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. Feel ready to decide on the right freestanding kamado grill for you? Get started here.

What Size Cooking Area Do You Need for Your Freestanding Kamado Grill
Under 500 Sq. Inch Grills

Interested in less than 500 sq. in. grills? Here are a few things you should consider about them. Feel free to check out this great freestanding kamado grill in the meantime. Small grills are perfect for the whole family, giving you plenty of room to cook your meals with comfort and space. They usually feature two burners, making them great for simultaneously searing at high temperatures and slow cooking at low temperatures. They are no hassle to transport, allowing you to put them anywhere you want in your patio or yard.

500-700 Sq. Inch Grills

Want to learn more about 500-700 sq. in. grills? Well, keep reading the following paragraph to learn more about freestanding kamado grills. Medium-sized grills can cook up to 12 chicken pieces, 15 sausages, 6 steaks, and 12 burgers at one time. They are excellent for the whole family, offering you ample space to grill ideal portions. They typically feature up to eight burners, enabling you to prepare different kinds of food simultaneously. Built to function at different temperatures at the same time, they enable you to simultaneously grill food items at high temperatures while slow cooking others on lower heat settings. Now that you know a bit more about 500-700 sq. in. grills, and you want to get one, here's one that we recommend.