Entry level Kamado for those that are feeling adventurous!

[RG]

Target has a smokin' deal on a nifty little Kamado. It's called the Akorn. While it may not be a Big Steel Keg (Broil King Keg) or a Big Green Egg, it has the same cooking capacity and like the Keg, has a second tier cooking surface (albeit smaller). If I were new to the Charcoal scene and wanted a good grill that doubles as a smoker and an oven, I would buy this in a blink!

Akorn Kamado Dirt Cheap

Amazon also has them for the same price but are out of stock currently but you can buy it and they'll ship it when they get them in.

 

[jcboxlot]

I saw those at home depot friday.  Light weight compared to the green one.

Reviews said they aren't the best at high heat <pizza> but I guess you get what you pay for. 

 

[RG]

I know people who have them, like I said, it's not a BGE but it's a great little cooker for the $$$. It's better than spending a grand on something and deciding that you don't like it. As for high heat, that shouldn't be a problem. They excel at high heat. Low heat is what's hard as they're insulated and retain heat like crazy. First time I've ever heard of the high heat issue, makes zero sense. Not meant as a jab at you by NO means BTW.

 

[swthorpe]

Guess what I am getting for Father's Day  :

I have actually been looking at the Akorn for a few weeks now, and was going to PM you RG to see what you thought about it.  Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[RG]

Guess what I am getting for Father's Day  :

I have actually been looking at the Akorn for a few weeks now, and was going to PM you RG to see what you thought about it.  Thanks for the recommendation!

Awesome! Sounds like a great present to me

 

[jcboxlot]

I think the complaint was for the paint flaking at high heat.

Other notes

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/products/char-griller-16619-kamado-kooker-charcoal-barbecue-grill-and-smoker-black/reviews/


I'm midly tempted, but also was at a masterbuilt from QVC and you know how we feel about those around here!  Whew.........

Just do your research on these if you want one.

My $60 old smokey does fine for most things charcoal too, but just not out in the cold or elements.

We need a term from or for grill hoarders.  A term of endearment as collectors of the trade. 





Parts seem to be an issue?

 

[swthorpe]

I will keep this thread in mind and let you let how I make out.  I like the idea of having another option for grilling and smoking beyond the SI and my gasser.  Time will tell.

 

[DivotMaker]

My eyes were instantly drawn to the $799 "Pit Boss" link on the page - it's Razorback Red!

 

[RG]

That would match your killer paint scheme on that #2 I bet 

 

[BBQ4YO]

I don't know what is going on with this unit " Akorn" but I just saw one on sale @ Lowes for $150.00. Don't know if was damaged, discontinued  or any other details, but its the same unit. Personally I'm not interested, I have my hands full already but, $150.00 not a bad deal.

 

[RG]

I don't know what is going on with this unit " Akorn" but I just saw one on sale @ Lowes for $150.00. Don't know if was damaged, discontinued  or any other details, but its the same unit. Personally I'm not interested, I have my hands full already but, $150.00 not a bad deal.

Wow!! What a find! Thanks for the info, maybe others can find it at Lowe's for that too.

 

[DivotMaker]

That would match your killer paint scheme on that #2 I bet 

Hmmm....wonder if Razorback decals would stick to ceramic? ;D

 

[RG]

I think that some epoxy should work!

 

[DivotMaker]

I think that some epoxy should work!

Thanks... ???  My wife would kill me.

 

[mizzoufan]

As she should with all those razorback decals, Tony, as she should 

M-I-Z    Z-O-U

 

[Grampy]

As she should with all those razorback decals, Tony, as she should 

M-I-Z    Z-O-U

Steven, one can never have enough razorback decals. Woo Pig!

 

[DivotMaker]

As she should with all those razorback decals, Tony, as she should 

M-I-Z    Z-O-U

Woo Pig Sooie! ;D ;D

 

[swthorpe]

Got the Akorn yesterday and assembled in about 1.5 hours.  The box it arrived in was beat up pretty good, but luckily everything was still inside!  I seasoned it last night for an hour at 400F.  I was really impressed by how well it held the temp...I kept it between 408-412F for the entire seasoning session.  I used my Maverick remote to check the grill temp and found that the Akorn therm was off by about 30F, but this may be the difference in placement of their temp probe and the Maverick that was on the food grate.    I am looking forward to playing with this guy, but no worries...my love remains with the SI #2!

 

[DivotMaker]

Looks good, Steve!  Let us know how she performs!

 

[RG]

Steve, looks good! You're dead on about the temp difference. There is "dome temp" and then there's "grate temp". It's the same way on my Kegs. The grate will be cooler, heat rises so the temp will be higher near the vent, just like on any other wood fired grill or smoker. If you cook on the second tier grate, keep that in mind. Also, consider that thermometer as a guide rather than gospel, rely on that maverick and you'll be fine.