Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill Review - Best Portable Charcoal Grill
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker! This innovative grill from Char-Griller is designed for those who enjoy the authentic flavor of charcoal grilling but also value portability. With features like easy mobility, triple wall steel construction, and a heat gauge for precision cooking, this grill is a game-changer for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Join us as we dive into the details of this compact yet powerful grill and discover why it has garnered a 4.5-star rating from over 300 satisfied customers on Amazon.
Product Description
The Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Model E86714) by Char-Griller is designed to bring the convenience of grilling and smoking to your outdoor adventures. With dimensions of 20.5"D x 20"W x 26"H, this compact grill packs a punch with its impressive features.
One of the standout features of this grill is its Easy Dump Ash Pan, making cleanup a breeze after a delicious backyard BBQ. The Easy Mobility feature allows you to take this portable grill anywhere, whether it's a camping trip or a tailgate party.
The grill's ability to Hold Heat Like Ceramic ensures consistent cooking temperatures for that perfect sear on your meats. The Triple Wall Steel construction and Even Heat distribution guarantee durability and precise cooking every time.
Equipped with Dual Dampers for easy temperature control, a 14" Cooking Diameter providing ample space for grilling, and a Heat Gauge for monitoring internal temperatures, this grill is a versatile cooking companion for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
With a stellar rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 315 ratings, the Char-Griller® AKORN® Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a reliable and efficient choice for those looking to elevate their outdoor cooking experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Portability: The Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill is designed for easy transport, making it perfect for tailgating, camping, or small outdoor spaces. Its compact size and lightweight construction allow for hassle-free mobility.
Versatility: This grill doubles as a smoker, offering the flexibility to smoke meats and other foods to perfection. The cast iron grates provide excellent heat retention and even cooking, ensuring delicious results every time.
Affordability: Compared to other Kamado-style grills on the market, the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. offers exceptional value for money. It provides the functionality and performance of its higher-priced counterparts at a more budget-friendly price point.
Cons:
Front Handle Design: Some users have expressed frustration with the front handle design, finding it challenging to assemble. This aspect of the grill may require extra time and effort during setup.
Limited Cooking Space: With 155 square inches of cooking space, this grill may be too small for larger gatherings or events. It is more suited for small households or intimate gatherings.
Assembly Time: While some users found the assembly process straightforward, others noted that certain components, like the front handle, can be time-consuming to put together. This could be a potential drawback for those looking for quick setup.
Customer Reviews
The Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker has received an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars from 315 ratings on Amazon. Let's delve into what customers are saying about this product:
5.0 out of 5 stars: "Bought this, because I love the added flavoring using charcoal. I have a smoker and propane grill and will use them for larger events. The Akorn is my... (5 stars)"
5.0 out of 5 stars: "Its a pretty sweet grill/smoker. Went together real easy. Has instructions but you wont need em its pretty straight forward. Temperature control is pr... (5 stars)"
5.0 out of 5 stars: "This is a fantastic product at a fantastic price, very pleased (5 stars)"
4.0 out of 5 stars: "I was shopping for a Komodo grill, considering a Green Egg or Komodo Joe. I decided on the Acorn grill as it is way less expensive, smaller, light and... (4 stars)"
5.0 out of 5 stars: "Had the bigger version of this and finally died and got this smaller version which is perfect for two person household. (5 stars)"
5.0 out of 5 stars: "What can I say is just wow. First time using this grill with a prime rib and it came out awesome! (5 stars)"
1.0 out of 5 stars: "The front handle design is a joke, took longer to put the front handle on than the time it took to assemble the rest of the grill, whoever engineered... (1 stars)"
Conclusion
The Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a standout product in the world of outdoor cooking. Its compact size and portability make it ideal for smaller spaces or for on-the-go grilling and smoking. The easy dump ash pan and triple wall steel construction ensure convenience and durability. Additionally, the even heat distribution and excellent temperature control allow for precise cooking results.
While some may find the size limiting for larger gatherings, the AKORN Jr. excels in its performance for everyday use or smaller households. The lower price point compared to other Kamado grills makes it an attractive option without compromising on quality.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers praising its flavor-enhancing charcoal cooking, straightforward assembly, and impressive cooking results, the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy delicious meals with this versatile and efficient grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker easy to assemble?
Yes, the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker is reported to be easy to assemble by most buyers. Many customers have mentioned that it went together quite easily and that the instructions provided were straightforward.
How does the temperature control work on this grill?
The temperature control on the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker is praised by users for being efficient. It allows for precise control over the cooking temperature, giving you the ability to achieve the perfect results for your grilling and smoking needs.
Is the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker suitable for small households?
Yes, this portable grill and smoker is perfect for smaller households. Customers who have downsized from larger grills have found this model to be ideal for cooking for two people. It offers a cooking area of 155 square inches, making it convenient for smaller meals.
Can the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker be used as a smoker?
Yes, this versatile grill can also function as a smoker. It allows you to infuse your food with that delicious smoky flavor that charcoal grills are known for. Users have reported excellent results when smoking meats and other dishes on this grill.
What sets the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker apart from other similar products?
One of the standout features of this grill is its affordability compared to other Kamado-style grills on the market. Despite being smaller and lighter, it still delivers excellent performance and flavor. Additionally, its portability makes it a great option for camping, tailgating, or small outdoor spaces.
