Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado vs Char-Griller Competition Pro Offset Smoker
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Quick take: The Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado costs $1 less; the Char-Griller Competition Pro Offset Smoker offers more cooking space (720 vs 445 sq in); the Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado reaches a higher max temp (700 vs 450°F).
| Spec | Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado | Char-Griller Competition Pro Offset Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$449 | ~$450 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Kamado | Offset Smoker |
| Cooking Area | 445 sq in | 720 sq in |
| Max Temp | 700°F | 450°F |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Wood/Charcoal |
| Build Material | Triple-Walled Insulated Steel | Steel with Expanded Metal Grates |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | Yes | No |
| App control | Yes | No |
| Meat probe | No | No |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 20-inch kamado body on cart | 66.3 x 33.1 x 52.8 in |
| Weight | 97 lbs | 151 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | — |
Pros & cons
Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado
- ✓Automatic fan control holds a set temperature overnight — the Konnected Joe is the nearest equivalent at over four times the price
- ✓Wi-Fi and phone control at $449, which no ceramic kamado approaches
- ✓Insulated steel body weighs about 97 lbs against 228 for a ceramic Classic Joe, so one person can move it
- ✓EasyDump ash pan empties without dismantling the firebox, unlike most ceramic kamados
- ✓445 sq in total cooking area, more than a Big Green Egg Large's 262
- ✗Steel does not hold heat like ceramic — it recovers faster but swings more and is less efficient on a long cook
- ✗The controller and fan are electronics on an outdoor grill, and are the parts most likely to fail first
- ✗Needs a power outlet, so it cannot be used where a plain kamado can
- ✗5-year warranty against the lifetime ceramic warranties from Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe and Primo
- ✗Painted steel exterior chips and rusts in a way glazed ceramic does not
Char-Griller Competition Pro Offset Smoker
- ✓720 sq in primary beats the similarly-priced Oklahoma Joe's Highland Classic by over 100 sq in
- ✓Side firebox is included in the price, unlike most Char-Griller barrel grills where it is a separate $99 part
- ✓Insulated body helps a thin-steel pit hold temperature better than its gauge suggests
- ✓Expanded metal grates shed grease better than porcelain wire and are easier to scrape
- ✓Dual dampers front and stack for real airflow control
- ✗Home Depot exclusive — no Lowe's, no Walmart, and limited options if you want to see one before buying
- ✗Char-Griller does not publish a steel gauge for it, which usually means it is thin
- ✗Only 3.1 lbs of charcoal capacity in the firebox, so long cooks mean frequent refuelling
- ✗Char-Griller does not list a warranty term on the product page
- ✗Rated to 450°F — fine for smoking, marginal for searing