Features such as the solid steel construction, low weight, and low price help the Char Griller Akorn Jr differentiate itself from the best grills. Temperature and out-of-the-box use keep it from really hitting the marks the best kamado grills do, but if you stick with it, you can suss out its shortcomings through regular use. It’s not a bad choice for beginners!
Why We Like It – Char Griller Akorn Jr
Having the Kamado style without the weight or price, the Char Griller Akorn Jr is perfect for tailgating camping. The ash pan and stainless steel griddle help make for a clean grilling experience.
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- Much lighter than other kamado grills.
- Low price
- Solid steel construction
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- Temperature control can vary
- Takes time to perfect
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Power/Heating
While the Weber Summit Charcoal grill may be the king of cast iron cooking, the Char Griller Akorn Jr makes a great attempt at matching it with 22 Gauge steel. The ceramic coating on the grill’s interior helps to maintain heat, and the damper helps to cook various meats. Still, it’s mostly a trial by fire when using it for the first time. The only way to get perfect results is with lots of trial and error.
Size/Versatility
Smaller and more compact than even the Primo Grill, the Char Griller Akorn Jr still manages to not skimp out on grilling square inches. Granted, it won’t be as much as larger grills, but it should still be plenty for most occasions. The best part is that it’s the perfect on-the-go grill for gatherings such as tailgating. It is indeed a more viable option than attempting to lug around a 300-pound Kamado Joe grill. For another grill that you can tote, check out our review of the Char-Broil X200.
Durability
Finding its way to stand out from the competition, the Char Griller Akorn Jr comprises a 22 gauge steel body. While this may impede some issues such as heating, it does make up for it by giving the Akorn Jr a durable frame. The stand is nice and stable and is more than capable of withstanding the typical day-to-day wear and tear. It’s incredibly durable, like the Broil King Keg.
Ease of Use
Just like the Coleman Roadtrip 285, using the Char Griller Akorn Jr is surprisingly simple. Despite having some functions similar to other more complicated grills, Akron implants them so that they are easy to understand and use.
Value
For those who take grilling seriously, you might want to check out the Blaze Kamado grill. The Char Griller Akorn Jr is a grill meant for beginners who want to learn the basics of grilling without shelling out a lot of money. If you are new to the grilling game, consider the Z Grills Pellet Grill for its great price/quality ratio.
Char Griller Akorn Jr Wrap Up
For those who want a kamado grilling experience without the hefty price tag, the Char Griller Akorn Jr is a viable alternative. Lighter than cast iron, and cheaper than ceramic grills, the Char Griller Akorn Jr still offers a fair experience that’s easy to carry around. With a low price, weight, and durable steel construction, issues such as the heating and out-of-the-box issues are easily resolvable. If you’re looking to try out kamado grilling, the Char Griller Akorn Jr is a viable first step in that direction. Alternatively, to try another Akorn model, take a look at the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado.
