Char Griller Akorn 3 Year Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- Hi All, today we're going to talk about my review of the Char-Griller Akorn after owning two of them for over three years. When I first purchased my original Char-Griller Akorn Kamado I was hoping it would live up to the hype but I wasn't sure if it could or how well it would be able to do it all. Three years later I have used these smokers/grills/cookers so many times that I can now answer all of those questions without a doubt and confirm that this cooker is one of, if not the, absolute best values out there when you talk about the outdoor cooking space. Basically it boils down to five points were going to talk about in this video. Those points are durability, accessories, how its held up, versatility, and the dollar for dollar value. These are great cookers and if you have any questions at all feel free to reach out at my social media below.
Char-Griller Akorn - www.chargrille...
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I just bought one yesterday because of this video. I was on the fence and I came across this video and you sold me on it. I cooked a steak on it today and got a awesome sear thanks man
Great video Steve - the Akorn was my first Kamado and the learning curve was real coming from mostly using the weber kettle and offsets. Now though, it's my go-to cooker.
I've had mine for over two years. Used it exclusively on briskets ranging from 8-18 pounds depending on what was available locally, and I cook a brisket once a week. I use the ceramic diffuser. The learning curve is kind of steep but I love it. I can keep 225 for over twenty hours with minimum adjustment on the top vent and no refilling the charcoal. Bottom vent at 0.9 + top vent at 0.25-0.75 = 225. I use briquettes just for consistency and the standard blue Kingsford keeps the temps in check. No fan, no lump, no water pan. No rust, but I keep it under an overhang, and it does see occasional rain water from blowing winds. Unfortunately, I get minimal smoke ring, but the taste and tenderness are great 🎉
Very cool that you posted your vent settings for 225. Definitely gonna try that.
Expert grill has one now for like $267. Would love to see a review on it.
Sir, I've had my Char-Griller Akorn Kamado since 2016. I have the dark red model. It was $250 new at the time. Menard's is just under $300 if you catch 11%off sale. BEST bang for the buck cooker/smoker I've had for backyard cooks. I'll be happy to add my thoughts for those who would like just a little more.
1. You're correct, it can be difficult to maintain a 225F level. I also have adapted to 250 - 275F for most cooks.
2. Double wall steel construction - no cracked, damaged, broken ceramic that is devastating considering the up-front cost and replacement.
3. I also am a heavy user, year-round in NE Ohio, south side of the snow belt. Never store mine outside, ever. Inside the building when not in use, never covered. Covers will retain moist/wet conditions and destroy this much quicker.
4. Absolutely agree on cooking area. Have made many BBQ's to feed 4-6 easily.
5. Smoking stone is a must. If you like pork shoulders & brisket like we do, you should use it. I keep 2 spares on hand just in case the unthinkable would happen. No joke. Saw a friend drop his right before installing for a cook.
6. I've never used add-on fan/vent controls. I'm old school, I keep open air temp probes operating during the cook. This gives me the best reason for "sorry, I can't fix your car or lawnmower today" because I have a live fire running.
7. Recently purchased a large 1437 pellet smoker, it's nice and all, but it does not cook the same as a coal fired pit. I'll go to my grave on that.
8. Yes sir, you can cook 600F +, the issue is the gaskets. Once they bake that hot a few times they will be noticeably affected. You only heat to 500F+/- for cleaning/re-season purposes. Get a pizza oven if you have "high temp" dough requirements that often. I did. No regrets.
9. Do I like my Akorn? HELL YES! So many great cooks over these years at an affordable start up cost.
10. Would I recommend this model to anyone getting started in the world of smoking at home? Absolutely YES! **If you're actually focused in the art**
You're vids are the reason I wanted an Akorn and since I got the blue color in the cart, I love it. This thing held right about 265-280° for over 8 hours when the high for the day was onmy 35°. And I still had about 1/3 of my charcoal left after I finished. This thing is a beast and I'm glad I got it. Thanks for putting up vids on it so I had a general idea on how to control the temps. My first cook, a pork shoulder, came out perfect!
That’s awesome bud, and that blue color is incredible
I got one last summer and I love it. It will do anything: pizzas, steaks, wings, chicken and low and slow. Definitely a great value.
Your channel was instrumental in my Akorn Kamado Grill purchase 4 months ago. I've completely upped my grilling game. Really really enjoy learning how to use it as a smoker and pizza baking on the Akorn is just cool. My wife and family are always happy when i fire up the Akorn. Tremendous value!
I love mine! For the price you cannot beat it, amazingly flexible and easy to use.
Another great review video. I enjoy your honesty and enthusiasm. I love the Akorn and bought via your recommendation. Keep up the great work.
I started with an Akorn JR that I got at the flea market for $20. I was hooked. Within 2 months I bought a sapphire blue full-size Akorn and love it. Thank you for all the great information.
I wish the blue ones were still around they are rare now
Great video as usual! Could you do a brisket smoking video on the Akorn? Really looking for the best method for cooking the brisket on this bad boy. Thanks
Got myself one for Christmas. Have used it a few times, so still learning, but the food has come out real good. Real happy with it
Been using mine for over 3 years now. I did burn out the O-ring around the top vent twice, and after that just sealed it up with RTV which worked and also helped me maintain lower temperatures much more easily. I can see the bottom tray is starting to rust out, probably from a mix of alkalai ashes and water where it sneaks into the pan once in a while, but I also found out you can order just that part which is a lot cheaper than buying a new Akorn. It's way more efficient than most ceramic cookers, which is great for fuel costs but harder to get a smoke ring on because you don't have as many combustion gases. Finally it's super sensitive to any vent changes, so controlling an Akorn is harder than controlling a ceramic. Still, between the cost, fuel efficiency, and the fact I can move it around without hiring a crew makes it my favorite overall.
Just picked up my Akorn at lowes yesterday on clearance for $99!!! Can't wait to try it out!
Awesome! That’s a great deal
Thanks for your work on your videos. They're full of great info. I've had my Akorn for about three years, and I love the thing! So much more efficient and versatile than my old barrel-style grill. And no need for electricity if there's ever a long power outage. Just keep on cookin'!
Buddy, your the reason I bought one... love it!!! Thank you for your help!!!
I've had mine for about 10 years. I love it.
I just picked up my first kamado cooker, I was able to pick up a barely used Akorn from a You Tuber I follow and love it. I have done burgers and chicken on it hot and fast but I have a cook coming up in a couple weeks smoking 80 lbs. of pork butt for an event.
Got 1 for Christmas this year. Also got the smoking stone and cover for it. Can't wait to try it out.
Thanks, I was looking at the BGE, but you have made me change my mind. I am looking forward to watching your other videos to learn to use it.
This is a great video. Thank you for making it. I've had mine for about 2 years now. It's covered and in the patio. I will absolutely agree that this is the best value smoker. I would like to mention that I prefer the mobile stand on this vs the BGE.
I got one.....love it..cooked my pulled pork at 275 as your vids suggest....i appreciate your vids alot....thank u.🎯🙏
I have had an Akorn for about 3 years now,I love this thing,it is my first smoker and it is probably going to be the only kind I will ever own. When you talk value,just think,you can purchase 3 or 4 of these for every 1 green egg,or any other Kamado out there,for that matter. I do agree,that I would love if they made a larger one,but I will just keep this one going as long as I need to. Thanks for your videos,they helped me get where I’m at today.
I just came from Menards with mine. Thanks bro, big thumb up for your contact!
Got 1 on the way with cover and stone. After watching a few of your videos I'm glad I got it.
I live in New Zealand and this is by far the best barbecue cooker I hv ever owned,turns out beautiful beef brisket and a very versatile smoker as well for sea fish that I catch.Have had my griller for 8 years now and use it a lot of our summer
Hey man I'm from New Zealand too and looking at getting the akorn kamado, is it true that it's lasted 8 years? If so I'm sold haha
@@kielcollier722 Yes,excellent barbecue and very economical on charcoal.I will buy another one when this one falls to bits.
Yes true,keep it on my front porch so it’s out of the weather.Cooked a beef rump cap in it this afternoon…..delicious.
Very economical on charcoal compared to the Smokey mountain type barbecue but u can’t rotisserie cook on it if that’s important to u.
Did you buy the big akorn or the jnr? Did you get it from Bunnings ?
@@a.s.6365 It’s the big model Acorn and I bought it from Bunnings
Man, I'd love a 24" Akorn.
just got it on sale direct from CG, thanks for honest review
I've had mine for 12 years, stored under a cover year round. It's just staring to rust inside on the bottom (not the ash catcher). I was looking to see current available grills; but I'm going out today and purchasing another one of these. I do cook on all temp ranges and it holds perfectly.
Update; I bought my new Akorn and I'm now holding on to the old one too. We'll see if it gets used too. My old one has the wood shelves and handle.
My dad had this before he upgrades to green egg and a pellet grill. But I'm actually about to get this and I've had my acorn jr for 4 years and absolutely no issues but the height. Now I think I'm going to get this one and I agree a pizza stone is a must.
just got me an Akorn today. Been smoking on the WSM for about a year. looking forward to this new kooker
Great video , on a great cooker !!! You have put a whoopin on a bunch of high dollar kcbs teams with those akorns !!! 💪🏆🏆🏆
I got the akorn jr, and I love it the only thing I have not done is a pizza.
Well off this video I made the final decision to but the akorn 320 at home depot online grey akorn with cart option. Can't beat it for the price and quality. I love it. Fired up this morning and seasoned it then Smoked ribs this afternoon. Amazing kamado grill. This is such a nice cooker. Can't wait to try some other cooks.
Found one on Craigslist for $40. Thanks for the review.
2 things.. I am not someone who babies his stuff. I neglect my Akorn by leaving it out in all weather (I’m in Ontario Canada and that includes serious snow and ice). Yes, it looks beat up and has a bit of rust forming but it still works like a champ after 6 or seven years and the replacement parts are very reasonably priced at chargriller. The other thing i would suggest is that you look at a product called the Smobot for temp control. Great video, btw. I love your enthusiasm.
No doubt the best grill I've bought and I use it almost daily
Made a flower pot grill, and it works so well I'm looking at the Akorn.
Thanks for this vid!!! Because of your vids I ordered a blue one today!!! Thanks CC!.... The prices on these are going up, you can get them at Lowe's for $300 but you have to order the deflector plate, which watching these videos you really need. Thanks for the vids!
Awesome review man. Thank you!
Phenomenal info! You are one of the reasons I got this grill and I absolutely love it. Do you typically cook your steaks with the stone in or out? You may have that in another video but I just haven’t seen it yet.
Thanks bud, it depends, if I’m reverse searing I’ll start with the stone in then remove it and ramp the temps up when I want to sear it. If I’m just doing a normal steak cook then I don’t use the stone. Yup I’ve got a reverse seat video from last year around Valentine’s Day that explains my process 👍
Thanks for the in depth review.
I have every kind of grill and I agree that the Akorn is the most fun overall (sheer versatility) though I do have a runner-up pellet grill that is a sleeper pick but not as portable. THEY NEED TO MAKE A BIGGER AKORN, and then you're right, it'd make my other grills/smokers collect dust.
Your video is very nice!! I really like it!! Thanks for sharing it!!
Have the Akorn Jr and love it. Its ONLY drawback is the obvious - it's small.
Shoot did I finally find another WV boy on TH-cam to watch?
I love mine. I also want a bigger one! That's my biggest complaint. But don't forget to buy the stone!!
Thank you, sir. Very informative!
Awesome info as always man. My wife got me an Akorn Jr for Christmas and gave it early. Have not done any extra long cooks but have cooked spatchcock chicken and a few steaks so far. Looking forward doing a pork butt in it.
Yeah I had it around 4 years. Def has a learning curve but she's held up good. Only thing I worry about is the cast iron grate. I had it glowing last night. It always needs cleaning and oil after
I got mine for 250usd. All you need is the deflector plate and a roll of BGE insulation tape to bring it up to par with models that cost twice the price or more.
I've been using the acorn for about 5 years now. My first from Menards. On sale was$ 250. Amazing value for what you get. Moved, bought my second at Home Depot. $ 300. Worth every penny. Pizza, pork shoulder, steaks, burgers, strips, breasts, wings. All have come out fantastic. Smoked a whole chicken for my first time 3 days ago. Only cost $5, took about 2 hours from fridge to table. Tasted fantastic!!!
You can spatchcock the chicken and get it cooked im under 45mins.
I've done that as well. I'm usually rotating in things like burgers and chicken strips for lunches later on. So I don't mind the extra time. Plus, I'm a bit of a germ a phobe so I also like less handling. Just my own quirk. Lol
Good video, Steve. Good in depth info.
Awesome review I just ordered the auto kamado! I know it’s not the same but the cooker is.
I've been HERE!!! Why I bought my kamander !!👌
If you live in a humid area, doesn’t matter if you cover it. Water will pool up in the bottom and rust
I agree with you completely !!! I have both the Akorn and Akorn Jr. I would love to have a larger Akorn that would compete with the kamado big Joe. I know Char Griller makes a ceramic version that is a little larger but I love the double wall steel version. #chargriller please make a larger version of the steel #Akorn !!!
Where did you find the ceramic char griller? I can’t find it
I have had a few issues with my grill.
The first issue is with the ashtray guide rusting out of my grill. Not a big deal but I have to hold the catch pan when emptying the pan.
The handle on the main vent broke.
If I forget to put the cover on it, the grill leaks bad and will fill up the tray.
The like we have talked about before the built in thermometer is just worthless.
I actually got one of these because of your reviews and after 1yr my akorn is going fantastic. My friend thank you as they are enjoying the smoky goodness of this bad boy to.
Cheers and keep up the awesome work
I've had mine for 10 years
Got one at lowes on clearance today already put together for 75.00.
Ill be getting the diverter stone too.
38.00 at amazon.
That is an awesome deal
I love my Akorn!
The Akorn is a great kamado at a low price. But mine is coming up on 3 years and it is starting to rust. The spot welds that hold the Y to the bottom of the main bowl all failed (fortunately, the Akorn works fine without it, because of the clips). I can't put mine in a shelter because it lives on a 2nd story deck. I do cover it, but I can't always because it retains heat so well that it is often still too hot when I want to cover it and go to bed. OTOH, I have no problem getting it to run at even 220°F, and I've done many pork shoulders and briskets with it. I would say the one 3rd party accessory I've bought that I really love is the SnS Charcoal Basket combined with a 17" Weber charcoal grate. This let's me put the fire directly under the cooking grate, for excellent searing power. If you've used an Slow n Sear on a Weber kettle, this is the same idea. Even if my Akorn doesn't hold out that much longer, I feel completely satisfied, because, instead of risking $1000-$1500 for a ceramic kamado, I was able to take a chance for a low price and discover that I really like a kamado grill.
Like you said brother, for the price you will not find another cooler that is THAT versatile that will allow you to keep the temperature that you want to cook at.
And the thing is even in the cold 🥶 it will hold temperature without loss of heat. That’s hard to do.
Awesome video 👍👍👍
I cook at 225 with my Acorn ALL THE TIME... with absolutely no problem
Great info my friend
Thanks bud
I almost sold my Akorn out of frustration (OK, I got caught up in the Weber gang hype lol) but realised I just hadn't learned it yet. I use it for pizzas, slow n sear steaks, ribs you name it. I have to change out the top damper because it was a floor model and it was damaged when I bought it but got it for cheaper and $20 for a new damper is a bargain.
Been thinking about getting one. I love in wv and it's hard to maintain temps in the winter. Thanks broski!
I live in Indiana and as far as I can tell the akorn does not even care what the temp is outside. A little longer to heat up from a cold start but after that holds temp even on cold and windy days.
@@jefferywebster4150 bought one this evening gna assemble it and do the 1st burn and seasoning of it tomorrow. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated. Love this vlog
Keep it up cookout coach!!!!
@@JebJones Congrats. You'll enjoy it. I'd just say to season as per the manual. If doing low and slow approach your desired temp slowly because its hard to cool back down. When you get close to your desired temp, cut back on both vents to just a crack and that'll usually maintain. You'll be amazed how well it keeps temps and how little fuel it consumes. And have fun! It's a great little cooker.
Got my akorn 5 years ago. Found it as a floor model at HD. It was the cart model and was already marked down as a end of season/floor model clearance. I asked manager for a further discount and walked away with it for 170 bucks. Used the cart for a year or so but now she sits in a custom 8’ table I built. It’s definitely a great
cooker and I use it at least twice a week. Added some gasket material to the ash pan and that it for any kind of mods. Mine seems to settle in and run pretty steady around 250 as well. No rust issues but it’s under a roof all the time. Definitely recommend this cooker.
Did you do anything to better seal it up from drafts? If so, make a video on that. When done with my smoking at 275, I close the top and lower vents and it will continue to burn up all the rest of the charcoal for the next 8+ hours at around 190 degrees. This thing is super drafty. I can’t get it to snuff out the remaining lump.
There is one thing I do with foil on the hopper lid, I’ve had a bunch of people ask about it so I’ll try to get that video out soon
Might also mention KJ Joetisserie fits it also.
I got one recently based on your previous video, so thanks for the update. Since I've owned it I've done: Roast chicken = Smokey and delicious, lamb chops = most and tender, pizza on a stone = crispy bottom. My only critique is that I like to grill veggies on the grill with my lamb chops (we eat a lot of lamb on our sheep farm in Australia) and the grill gaps are too wide and I drop zucchini in the fire! 😀 It's worth it though. Question: can you cook with a pure wood fire? Thanks!
You should look into some wire racks for your veggies to keep them from falling through I definitely see how that could happen. Funny you ask about using an all wood fire because I’ve been thinking about that recently. I think you could, but you’ll need to leave the lid open and run it like a Santa Maria style grill, otherwise I don’t think you’ll get enough oxygen to your fire to keep it clean
By a screen or pop a cast iron pan. Use foil. Pure wood will probably give you a dirty burn and your food will be bitter. Stick a lump or small stick of wood and lump charcoal. I’ve throw a handful of pellets in mine in a pinch (with charcoal, not for fuel)
The bottom of mine rusted out where the slide ash tray attaches
Good review, I'm going to look out for a deal on 1. A bigger Acorn would be awesome, maybe 24-26"!!
Thanks for all the awesome videos Coach and would definitely pay more for a 26"!
Love my Akorn!
My stepdad had this for a couple of years after moving in to a new house, safe to say it still alright to use but the whole damn thing is rusted over and is falling apart. Not sure why we even still have it around tho, since i would perfer to get a new one
Had mine for 8+ years. Cooked everything on it so far: chicken, turkey, burgers, steaks, pork shoulder, belly, brisket. Great cooker all around, and not just great cooker for the price.
I agree about the temp range though. 225-ish isn't the easiest to do. 250-ish? All day and all night. So... adapt and cook at 250. The BBQ will be absolutely fine.
Have you done any mods to fix some of the air leakage problems that a lot of people talk about?
I have that problem. When done with my smoking at 275, I close the top and lower vents and it will continue to burn up all the rest of the charcoal for the next 8+ hours at around 190 degrees. This thing is super drafty.
Hi , when will we see the new auto kamado akorn review ???
Crazy insane price? I just got mine for 74.95 from Lowe’s! Happy dance!!!
Will this give a good smoke to brisket at 275 to 300 cooking temp?
How well does it preform in the winter?
what's a good recipe for bone in chicken thighs with this grill? Thx awesome video man!
hello, what is this barbecue guru fan??? do you can put the amazon link??
I'm still new to smoking and have used your videos for some great tips with my Akorn! Thanks! Question, have you used or heard any feedback on the tip top temp? I've heard it can help with longer smokes and keep temps more consistent.
Can you show how to install gyro fan? Or how to cook gyro on acorn vertical...
Hi Steve, love the videos! I was wondering if you have any quick tips on how to get full combustion of your smoking wood? I agree that anything really below 240 is really a struggle to maintain, but I can't really get that clear blue smoke below about 325?
Do you find you have to run lump charcoal? Or I see briquette in the one shot
Great video... 1 question b4 I buy 1 ? Would I be able to smoke a 20 pound turkey... thank's
Absolutely 👍
I just bought one of these at lowes they were on sale for 75 bucks I couldn't pass it up!
I'm trying to decide between the Oklahoma Joe's Rambler. I've never really grilled before. I will mostly just be cooking ribs, steak, burgers and pork chops. Don't really care about veggies or pizza tbh. Any opinions and help would be greatly appreciated.
For grilling that rambler will be fine but if you want to do stuff like ribs also I think you’re gonna have a much better time with the akorn and still be able to grill your chops steaks and burgers
What cover would you use if you are in a location with high humidity? Used akorns in this area are always rusted in their bottom pan. I don't have a garage to place the akorn in after every use.
Where can I get the fan?
Thanks! Never bbq’d before...is 250/275 too high for brisket?
Excellent review I've had my acorn Jr since they came out and have absolutely no issues with it best grill ever
Akorn or Weber Master Touch?
Can you feel the heat on the when it on
Strongly considering getting one of these grills. I have read that the thermometer that comes with it isn't very good. What do you recommend to use to monitor grill temp with?
If insulation issues come about sand void fill. The only thing I want to see a prime rib cooked on one as the oven method of 500f and than shut off, adding smoke instead of butter garlic rosemary encapsulation would make me happy in the prep is buttering a hunk of meat the size of a toddler is not that fun.
What is the coldest outside temp you have cooked with the Akron grill? I live up in Minnesota.