Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker, Triple-Wall Insulated Steel with Cast Iron Grates, Warming Rack and EasyDump Ash Pan, 445 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Graphite

The Char-Griller AKORN is a kamado charcoal grill and smoker for cooks who want to move between low-temperature barbecue and high-heat searing without changing their primary cooking appliance. Its 200°F to 700°F operating range supports smoking, roasting, baking, grilling, and searing, giving it a useful role beyond preparing typical grilled meals. The charcoal setup also makes it a fit for shoppers who specifically want charcoal cooking rather than an appliance centered on another fuel source.

Its triple-wall insulated steel body is a central part of the design. The insulation is intended to retain heat, limit airflow, support steadier temperatures, and help charcoal burn longer. That combination matters when a recipe calls for maintaining a lower cooking temperature rather than repeatedly shifting between heat levels. It also gives the grill a clear purpose for shoppers who want to explore both low-and-slow cooking and hotter applications with the same setup.

Temperature management combines indexed dual adjustable dampers with a built-in temperature gauge. The dampers let you fine-tune airflow, while the gauge provides a way to monitor the grill's temperature as you cook. Learning how those controls work together is part of using the AKORN effectively, especially when switching between smoking and searing. Its 445 square inches of total cooking space come from thick cast iron cooking grates and a removable stainless steel warming rack, offering a main cooking surface plus a separate place for warming food.

Everyday handling has received attention as well. The EasyDump Ash Pan is designed to simplify ash removal, and the included grill grate lifter helps when accessing charcoal. Eight-inch locking caster wheels support movement, while foldable side shelves provide work surfaces that can be folded away when not needed. These features address several recurring tasks around charcoal cooking, from managing the fire to organizing the area around the grill.

The main trade-off is that this is a charcoal grill with manually adjustable airflow, not a set-and-forget cooking appliance. Its 20-inch cooking diameter and 445-square-inch total capacity are worth considering against the amount of food you typically prepare. Verdict: This kamado charcoal grill and smoker suits shoppers who want one charcoal appliance for smoking, roasting, grilling, baking, and searing, with insulation and adjustable controls to manage heat. Consider a larger-capacity model if your regular cooking plans demand more space, or another type of grill if you do not want to manage charcoal and airflow.

• Brand: Char-Griller
• Model: AKORN
• Product type: Kamado charcoal grill and smoker
• Cooking diameter: 20 inches
• Total cooking area: 445 square inches
• Temperature range: 200°F to 700°F
• Body construction: Triple-wall insulated steel
• Cooking grates: Thick cast iron
• Warming rack: Removable stainless steel
• Temperature controls: Indexed dual adjustable dampers and built-in temperature gauge
• Ash management: EasyDump Ash Pan
• Included accessory: Grill grate lifter
• Mobility: 8-inch locking caster wheels
• Side shelves: Foldable
• Finish: Graphite

A great fit if you:

• Want one charcoal cooker for weekend smoking projects, everyday grilling, roasting, baking, and high-heat searing.
• Enjoy adjusting cooking conditions and want dampers and a built-in gauge to help manage the fire.
• Need a dedicated cooking area for backyard meals and appreciate having a removable warming rack for additional flexibility.
• Prefer a grill with built-in features for moving it around, organizing the cooking area, and removing ash.

Consider something else if you:

• Regularly prepare food for larger gatherings and would benefit from a larger-capacity grill with more cooking space.
• Want to avoid handling charcoal and adjusting airflow, making a different fuel type or a more automated cooking appliance a better match.

Confirm on the listing:

• Measure your intended cooking and storage area, and check the grill's overall dimensions and clearance needs before deciding where it will sit.
• Confirm what comes in the box, including the warming rack, grill grate lifter, and any other components you expect to receive.
• Check whether the available setup and care instructions explain how to use the dampers, monitor the gauge, and maintain the cast iron grates.
• Consider how you will accommodate charcoal, ash removal, and the space needed to use the foldable side shelves.

How to compare your options: Start with cooking area and the types of meals you make most often. The AKORN provides 445 square inches of total cooking space and a 200°F to 700°F range, so compare both capacity and temperature flexibility rather than focusing on either alone. Then weigh insulation, temperature controls, ash handling, and mobility against the amount of manual charcoal management you are willing to do.

Begin by getting familiar with the indexed dual dampers and built-in temperature gauge. Learn how to use the airflow controls to approach your intended cooking temperature, and monitor the gauge as conditions change. This makes the controls part of your regular cooking routine instead of an afterthought.

Choose your cooking approach before lighting the charcoal. For lower-temperature smoking, use the controls to manage airflow toward the desired range; for searing, use the grill's higher-temperature capability. The same appliance can also handle roasting and baking, so match your approach to the meal rather than treating it as a grill for one cooking style.

Make use of the two cooking levels where appropriate. The cast iron grates provide the main cooking surface, while the removable stainless steel warming rack gives you another place to keep food warm. Fold the side shelves when you want to reduce their footprint, and engage the locking caster wheels when the grill is positioned where you intend to use it.

After cooking, use the EasyDump Ash Pan to simplify ash removal and the included grate lifter when access to the charcoal is needed. Follow the supplied care instructions for cleaning and maintaining the cooking surfaces, and keep the controls and ash-removal routine consistent from one session to the next.

What comes with the Char-Griller AKORN?
The listed features include cast iron cooking grates, a removable stainless steel warming rack, an EasyDump Ash Pan, and a grill grate lifter. The grill also has foldable side shelves, locking caster wheels, adjustable dampers, and a built-in temperature gauge.

Can it smoke food as well as grill it?
Yes, it is designed for both smoking and grilling. Its stated temperature range of 200°F to 700°F also supports roasting, baking, and searing, with airflow controlled through the adjustable dampers.

How much cooking space does it have?
It provides 445 square inches of total cooking area with a 20-inch cooking diameter. That includes the cast iron grates and removable warming rack, so consider your usual meal sizes when deciding whether the capacity suits you.

How do you manage its temperature?
Use the indexed dual adjustable dampers to fine-tune airflow and the built-in gauge to monitor temperature. Its insulated steel body is designed to retain heat and limit airflow, supporting steadier temperatures.

Is it easy to move and clean?
The design includes 8-inch locking caster wheels, foldable side shelves, and an EasyDump Ash Pan to assist with positioning, storage, and ash removal. Before buying, check the listing for the complete care instructions and any additional setup guidance you may need.