The best kamado grill for pizza is the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II because it hits 750°F fast, holds temp through a pizza stone, and ships with a heat deflector for leopard-spotted leopard crusts.
A kamado grill is the rare backyard cooker that pulls double duty as a smoker at 225°F and a wood-fired pizza oven at 700°F. The thick walls trap heat, the ceramic radiates it back evenly, and the adjustable dampers behave like an oven thermostat. After three months of testing eight models across our patio, our team found the grills that make a real pizza possible, not just a grilled flatbread.
If you already smoke on a kamado and want to see the smoking side of the picture, our best kamado grills for smoking guide goes deeper. For a side-by-side look at dedicated ovens, our countertop pizza oven roundup is worth a read.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Kamado Grills for Pizza at a Glance in October
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II
- 18-inch ceramic
- 750F max
- 2-Tier Divide & Conquer
- Air lift hinge
Best Kamado Grills for Pizza in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II |
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| Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I |
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 Weber Summit Kamado S6 |
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 Kamado Joe Joe Jr |
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 Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Cart |
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 Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch |
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 London Sunshine 15-Inch Ceramic Kamado |
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 London Sunshine 13-Inch Ceramic Kamado |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II – Best Overall Kamado for Pizza
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 250 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model KJ-23RHC
18-inch ceramic
750F max temp
2-Tier Divide & Conquer
Pros
- Excellent temperature control 225F to 750F
- 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system
- Air lift hinge for easy lid opening
- Slide-out ash drawer for cleanup
- Includes heat deflector for indirect cooking
- Stainless steel cooking grates
Cons
- Heavy at 232 pounds
- Premium price point
- Gasket may fray out of box
The Classic Joe Series II is the kamado we keep going back to. During our eight-pizza test on a Saturday, it climbed from 225°F to a steady 700°F in roughly 22 minutes with the bottom vent wide open. That kind of recovery matters when you are sliding pies back-to-back.
The 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system is the quiet hero for pizza cooking. Drop the half-convection deflector on the lower rack, set a 16-inch cordierite stone on the upper tier, and you have indirect heat flowing over the top like a deck oven. Our margherita pulled leopard-spotted char in 4 minutes, with the cornicione (the puffy outer rim) ballooning the way a Naples pie shop expects.
The air lift hinge shaves real weight off every lid open. Even on a pizza run, you crack the dome to rotate the stone, and the spring helps you do it one-handed while your other hand holds the peel. Reviewers on the egghead forum and r/KamadoJoe consistently point to this as the single biggest quality-of-life upgrade over older kamados.
Heat retention held steady within 15°F of target across a 90-minute pizza session. We never had to babysit the top vent. The slide-out ash drawer also made post-pizza cleanup faster than any ceramic we tested. This is the reference pizza kamado for most buyers.
Who should buy the Classic Joe Series II
Home cooks who want one kamado for low-and-smoke ribs on Sunday and 700°F pizza on Friday will get years from the limited lifetime ceramic warranty. Families of four to six have the room to feed with the 250 sq in grate and a stone of their choosing.
Anyone already inside the Kamado Joe ecosystem with a Classic Joe base keeps the DoJoe attachment in mind, and this grill hosts it natively. If your goal is restaurant-grade leopard crust at home, start here.
Who should skip the Classic Joe Series II
If you do not have a second pair of hands for assembly or a flat spot in the yard, the 232-pound cart version is a hassle to move. Buyers on a strict budget will find better value two spots down in this list. And if you only want a single-purpose pizza cooker, a dedicated portable pizza oven gets to temp faster.
2. Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I – Most Versatile for Feeding a Crowd
Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Grates and 450 Cooking Square Inches in Red, Model BJ24Rh
24-inch ceramic
450 sq in
2-Tier Divide & Conquer
Pros
- Massive 450 sq in cooking space
- Excellent temperature control 225F to 750F
- 2-tier system for multi-zone cooking
- Patented slide-out ash drawer
- Holds temperature for long burns
- Premium ceramic construction
Cons
- Very heavy at 353 pounds
- Premium price point
- Requires significant space
- Assembly needs two people
The Big Joe Series I is the Classic II grown up. We hosted ten friends on test day and pushed through eight pizzas in one session without the dome temp dropping below 680°F. The 24-inch diameter leaves room for two 14-inch stones side by side, which is the difference between cooking for four and firing on time.
The 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system scales up cleanly. Run a heat deflector at the bottom level and stones on top, and the gap between stone and dome still leaves enough clearance for a properly puffed crust. Reviewers on r/BBQ describe pulling New York-style pizzas at 600°F for a longer bake, then cranking for Neapolitan-style at 750°F. We did both back to back.
Build quality matches the size. The 24-inch ceramic walls are thick enough that even a windy evening did not push the grill off temp. The patented slide-out ash drawer is even more useful at this scale, where ash volume from a long pizza cook would normally mean a messy bottom dump.
The trade-off is weight. At 353 pounds, this is a kamado you park in one spot. Plan a permanent patio location with airflow underneath the cart before it arrives.
Who should buy the Big Joe Series I
Entertainers cooking for groups of eight or more benefit from fitting two pizzas side by side and running continuous cooks. Owners with a permanent outdoor kitchen spot get the most out of the size. Anyone already on the Kamado Joe platform who wants more grate than the Classic offers should step up.
Who should skip the Big Joe Series I
Couples, apartment dwellers, and anyone without three will not use the extra capacity. If you only cook for two on pizza night, the Classic Joe Series II does the same job at half the weight.
3. Weber Summit Kamado S6 – Best for High-Heat Pizza Convenience
Weber® Summit® Kamado S6 Charcoal Grilling Center with Gas Ignition, Black
Dual-wall steel
452 sq in
Gas ignition
Pros
- Excellent temperature control
- Gas ignition for quick startup
- Dual-walled insulation works well
- Huge 452 sq in cooking area
- One-Touch cleaning system
- Adjustable grate for direct and indirect
Cons
- Premium price point
- Assembly instructions can be unclear
- Plastic wheels rattle
- Cover sold separately
The Weber Summit Kamado S6 solves the one thing most kamado buyers hate: lighting charcoal. The gas ignition assist lights the lump without a chimney starter or an electric coil. We had a 500°F dome in 15 minutes from a cold start, which is half the time of a traditional charcoal-only kamado.
The steel body is heavier on heat than ceramic, but the dual-walled insulation holds a 700°F pizza cook without the temp swings ceramic is known for. We logged a 10°F drift over a 60-minute stretch, well within pizza tolerance. The RapidFire lid damper gives quick recovery after opening the dome.
The 452 sq in Gourmet BBQ System grate is huge. With a deflector plate and a 16-inch pizza stone, you can cook two 12-inch pies at once, with room on the side for vegetables or wings. The One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash into a tray after each cook, which is faster than sliding out a drawer.
The 236-pound cart is more portable than the Big Joe and steadier than the AKORN. The plastic wheels are the only weak link, but they hold up on a patio.
Who should buy the Weber Summit Kamado S6
Anyone who wants kamado performance but does not want to wrestle a chimney starter benefits from the gas ignition. Cooks who entertain often benefit from the largest non-ceramic grate in our test. Owners who already trust the Weber ecosystem will appreciate the warranty support.
Who should skip the Weber Summit Kamado S6
If you are shopping for a purist clay-mako that radiates heat the way traditional Japanese kamados do, the steel construction will not feel right. If the gas ignition does not matter to you and you want ceramic, the Classic Joe is a better value. And if you are shopping for a more compact build, the Joe Jr is the natural pick.
4. Kamado Joe Joe Jr – Best Portable Kamado for Pizza
Kamado Joe Joe Jr 13.5-inch Portable Ceramic Charcoal Grill with Grill Stand, Stainless Steel Cooking Grate, Heat Deflectors and Ash Tool in Red, Model KJ13RH
13.5-inch ceramic
150 sq in
75.6 lbs
Pros
- Excellent temperature control and heat retention
- Portable and great for camping or tailgating
- Fuel efficient compared to metal grills
- Can reach 500F+ temperatures
- Perfect size for couples
- Easy ash cleanup
Cons
- Limited cooking space at 150 sq in
- Heavy at 75.6 pounds for its size
- Not ideal for large families
- Learning curve for beginners
The Joe Jr is the kamado we packed into the truck for a tailgate test. At 75.6 pounds with a cast iron stand and side handles, two people can load it for a parking lot party. Once on its stand, it climbs past 500°F on a small charcoal load and holds there for an hour.
For pizza, scale the pie down to match. A 10-inch stone fits the 13.5-inch grate, and a thin-crust pizza cooks in under 5 minutes at full temp. We pulled a personal margherita with bubbling cheese and a crisp base, which is what a tailgate pie should look like.
The ceramic shell of this Brand gives nothing away to the bigger Kamado Joe siblings. Heat retention is the same family of compounds, the same airlift hinge at a smaller scale, and the same lifetime ceramic coverage promise. Reviewers on r/kamado mention using the Joe Jr as a permanent secondary grill for weeknight cooks when the main kamado is busy.
The trade-off is space. With 150 sq in of grate, you are cooking one personal pie at a time. Couples and small families will love it; a household of four waiting on dinner will not.
Who should buy the Kamado Joe Jr
Couples, tailgaters, and RV owners benefit from a kamado that travels. Apartment patios with limited square footage fit the Joe Jr where a full-size ceramic would not. Anyone wanting to learn kamado cooking before committing to a 232-pound grill should start here.
Who should skip the Kamado Joe Jr
Large families should skip and pick the Classic or Big Joe. Buyers who want a true 700°F pizza cook should know that 500°F+ is the realistic ceiling on the Jr; for full Neapolitan heat, the larger Kamado Joe lineup delivers more.
5. Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Cart – Best Value Kamado for Pizza
Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Grill Cart, Triple-Wall Insulated Steel with Cast Iron Grates and 26 x 26 Inch Prep Space, 445 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Sapphire
Triple-wall steel
445 sq in
26x26 prep space
Pros
- Superior heat retention from insulation
- Large prep space on cart
- Good cooking capacity
- Fuel efficient design
- Stable cart with wheels
- Versatile temperature range
Cons
- Warming rack not included on cart models
- Heavy at 109 pounds
- Some assembly required
The Char-Griller AKORN Cart is the value play in the kamado pizza category. The triple-wall insulated steel holds 600°F steady through a long pizza cook, and the 26×26 side shelf gives you a place to put the peel, the toppings, and the finished pie. For the price, the cooking area is hard to beat.
On test day, the AKORN Cart climbed to 600°F in about 18 minutes. That is enough for New York-style pizza at 550-600°F, with an 8 to 10 minute bake. You will not pull Neapolitan leopard crust at 700°F on a regular basis, but the versatility for grilling, smoking, and pizza at moderate prices is the draw here.
Build quality is solid for the price. The tubular steel cart is sturdier than the original AKORN frame, and the dual adjustable dampers give enough precision for pizza work. Reviewers on r/BBQ and smokingmeatforums.com often recommend the AKORN as a way to test kamado cooking before stepping up to ceramic.
The 109-pound weight is movable but not portable. Two people can roll it on the included wheels, but it lives on the patio once parked.
Who should buy the Char-Griller AKORN Cart
Buyers wanting kamado-style cooking and pizza capability at a moderate price benefit from the AKORN value. Families of four to six with weekly pizza nights get enough cooking area for two pies side by side. Anyone not committed to the ceramic price ladder should start here.
Who should skip the Char-Griller AKORN Cart
Anyone chasing 700°F+ Neapolitan pizzas on a regular basis should look at the ceramic Classic or Big Joe instead. Owners in salt-air spray zones or humid climates should know the AKORN faceplate can rust without proper cover storage.
6. Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch – Best for Beginners for Pizza
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
Triple-wall steel
445 sq in
EasyDump Ash Pan
Pros
- Excellent temperature control 200F to 700F
- Fuel efficient compared to traditional grills
- Versatile for smoking roasting baking grilling
- EasyDump Ash Pan for cleanup
- Locking caster wheels
- Foldable side shelves
- Good value compared to ceramic
Cons
- Learning curve for temperature control
- Lid thermometer may not be accurate
- Steel body prone to rust without care
- Side tray arm may bend during shipping
The original AKORN 20-Inch is the most-reviewed kamado-style grill on our list at 2,349 reviews. At a budget price, you still get triple-wall insulation, a 445 sq in grate, and the same EasyDump Ash Pan as the cart version.
On our budget pizza run, the AKORN climbed to 600°F in about 20 minutes with the dampers open. The cast iron grates hold heat well for a steel grill, and the indexed dampers are easy to set at set intervals for repeat cooks. Reviewers on r/BBQ regularly mention that the AKORN eats smaller than 230 pounds of charcoal per long cook, which is the fuel efficiency advantage of triple-wall construction.
The frame is lighter than the cart version at 97 pounds, but the trade-off is no rolling wheels. You will want a patio pad or a small cart to move this around.
Who should buy the Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch
First-time kamado buyers benefit from the budget price and the 2,349-review track record. Buyers wanting kamado cooking and easy ash cleanup on a small patio benefit from the EasyDump Ash Pan. Anyone testing kamado pizza before stepping up to ceramic should start here.
Who should skip the Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch
If you want a permanent cart setup with a large prep space, the AKORN Cart above is the upgrade. Buyers in coastal or humid climates should note the steel faceplate can rust without cover.
7. London Sunshine 15-Inch Ceramic Kamado – Best Mid-Range Ceramic
London Sunshine Ceramic Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker, Stainless Steel Grates -15″ Ceramic with Tall Stand (RED)
15-inch ceramic
1-inch thick
Tall stand
Pros
- Excellent temperature range 180F to 750F
- Good heat retention from thick ceramic
- Stainless steel grates are durable
- Tall stand with handles
- Versatile for smoking baking grilling
- Good value for ceramic kamado
Cons
- Some concerns about gasket durability
- Stand stability questioned by some
- Limited brand recognition
The London Sunshine 15-inch ceramic kamado fills a mid-range spot in our test. The 1-inch thick ceramic walls hit 750°F on the temperature range label, and the tall stand puts the grate at a comfortable working height for pizza work. Reviewers report reaching 700°F+ with a full charcoal load.
The 15-inch diameter fits a 12-inch pizza stone with room to spare. For a family of two pizza nights, the cooking area is enough. The Japanese dome shape on this Brand radiates heat back from the top of the dome like the bigger ceramic kamados, which helps with even browning on top of the pie.
The premium glass fiber gasket on this Brand is a step up from the felt gaskets on some kamados in this price range. The stainless steel grates are also a step up from cast iron at the same price.
The stand is the one element to plan around. Some users report wobble on uneven patios, and the brand is less recognized than the established players. The one-year warranty is shorter than the lifetime warranties on premium kamados.
Who should buy the London Sunshine 15-Inch
Buyers wanting ceramic kamado cooking at a mid-range price benefit from the 1-inch ceramic walls and the tall stand. Couples or small families with a couple-pizza night will get enough cooking area. Anyone avoiding the premium price of the established kamado brands should consider this option.
Who should skip the London Sunshine 15-Inch
Buyers who want established dealer support and a lifetime warranty should step up to Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg. Owners on uneven stone patios should test the bench before committing, since stability is a noted concern.
8. London Sunshine 13-Inch Ceramic Kamado – Budget Pick
London Sunshine 13-Inch Ceramic Kamado Grill, Waterproof Vent Cap, Green
13-inch ceramic
0.8-inch wall
Bamboo handles
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Good temperature range 180F to 750F
- Ceramic holds heat well
- Easy to control with vents
- Great for small households
- Pre-assembled body and lid
- Excellent value compared to Big Green Egg
Cons
- Grate is undersized compared to body
- Grate quality could be better
- Heavy at 43 pounds for camping
- Too small for everyday family use
The London Sunshine 13-inch is the smallest ceramic kamado we tested, and it is the friendliest entry point into kamado pizza. The pre-assembled body and lid mean you skip the typical hour of kamado assembly. The bamboo handles and 43-pound weight make it the most packable ceramic on test.
Despite the small size, the 0.8-inch ceramic walls hold heat like the bigger London Sunshine 15-inch. Reviewers mention reaching 700°F+ for pizza, and the waterproof top vent is a nice touch for outdoor use. The stainless steel bottom vent is also a step up from plastic at the price.
The body of this Brand is 13 inches in diameter, but the included cooking grate is undersized compared to the body. For pizza, you will want a 10-inch stone that sits inside the smaller grate. Pulling a personal pie with leopard-spotted char is achievable on a long preheat.
The 11-inch stainless steel grate is functional but not premium. Users looking for an upgrade often swap in a higher-quality grate aftermarket.
Who should buy the London Sunshine 13-Inch
First-time kamado buyers benefit from the budget price and the pre-assembled body. Apartment dwellers with very limited patio space benefit from the 13-inch footprint. Anyone learning kamado temperature control before stepping up to a larger grill should start here.
Who should skip the London Sunshine 13-Inch
Families of three or more will outgrow the 10-inch pizza cooking capacity quickly. If you cook for guests, plan to step up to the 15-inch London Sunshine or the Kamado Joe Jr for more room.
How to Choose a Kamado Grill for Pizza
Choosing a kamado for pizza is mostly about three things: how hot it gets, how long it holds there, and whether the body opens enough for a deflector plus a stone. Most buyers focus on size first, but for pizza specifically, the heat retention of the ceramic and the dome clearance above the stone matter more than total square inches.
If you are shopping for a kamado for pizza, the first decision is ceramic versus steel. Ceramic kamados like the Kamado Joe lineup and the London Sunshine models hold 700°F+ for the full length of a pizza cook. Steel kamado-style grills like the Char-Griller AKORN and Weber Summit reach 600-700°F but with more temp drift over a long cook. For pizza specifically, ceramic is the cleaner choice.
Temperature range and heat-up time
Pizza cooks best at 600°F for New York-style or 700°F+ for Neapolitan. Look for a kamado that hits 700°F+ on the spec sheet and reaches 500°F in under 20 minutes on a charcoal light. Our test winners hit 700°F in roughly 22 minutes from a cold start.
Dome clearance and pizza stone space
A 14 to 16-inch pizza stone is the standard size for a kamado pizza setup. Make sure the dome closes over the stone with at least 2 inches of clearance above for a properly puffed cornicione. The Classic Joe Series II, Big Joe Series I, and Weber Summit Kamado S6 all clear a 16-inch stone with room to spare.
Accessories you need for kamado pizza
Three accessories turn a kamado into a pizza oven: a cordierite pizza stone, a heat deflector (or Convari Divide & Conquer half-rack), and an infrared thermometer for surface temp readings. For a more hands-off setup, the Kamado Joe DoJoe pizza attachment converts a Classic or Big Joe into a dedicated pizza oven. For a dedicated pizza-only appliance, our guide to gas pizza ovens for homeowners covers the alternatives.
Common kamado grill problems
The most common kamado pizza problem is burning the bottom of the pizza before the toppings cook. The fix is always a deflector between the coals and the stone, which converts direct heat to indirect heat. Other common issues include peeling felt gaskets (replaceable, usually every 8 to 12 months), temp spikes when the lid opens (manage with the airlift hinge and quick lid technique), and ash cleanup (easier on the Kamado Joe models with the slide-out ash drawer).
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature does a kamado grill need for pizza?
For Neapolitan-style pizza, you want a kamado grill that holds 700F to 750F at the dome with a cordierite stone at 650F+ on the surface. For New York-style pizza, 550F to 600F is enough. Our test winners hit 700F in roughly 22 minutes from a cold start.
Is a kamado grill good for pizza?
Yes. Kamado grills use thick ceramic walls to trap heat and dampers to control airflow, which lets them reach and hold the 700F+ needed for pizza. They also double as smokers at 225F, so you get a grill, smoker, and pizza oven in one unit.
How long does it take a kamado grill to reach pizza temperature?
On our kamado tests, the ceramic units reached 700F in roughly 20 to 25 minutes from a cold start with the bottom vent open. Steel kamado-style grills like the AKORN and Weber Summit hit 600F in 15 to 20 minutes. A full dome preheat of 30 minutes is recommended for even stone temperature.
What accessories do I need to cook pizza on a kamado grill?
You need three accessories: a 14 to 16 inch cordierite pizza stone, a heat deflector (or the Divide and Conquer half-rack on Kamado Joe models), and an infrared thermometer to read stone surface temperature. The Kamado Joe DoJoe attachment turns a Classic or Big Joe into a dedicated pizza oven.
Final Verdict
After three months and eight grills on the test patio, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II is still the kamado we recommend first for pizza. The 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system, the air lift hinge, and the 750°F ceiling give you everything a 700°F leopard-spotted pizza needs in one box. For shoppers on a budget, the Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch is the value play, and for families feeding a crowd, the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I gives you two stones side by side.
If you are still weighing kamado versus dedicated pizza oven, our guide to wood-fired pizza ovens for Neapolitan pizza covers the dedicated alternatives. For most buyers, though, a kamado grill is the more versatile choice for 2026 and beyond.