Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill vs Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill

8.9/10 Great

4.6★ (6,800 owners)

Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ.

Full Review

Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ

9.0/10 Excellent

4.6★ (2,800 owners)

2 burners, Infrared SIZZLE ZONE, cast iron grates, compact, JETFIRE ignition. Year-round balcony BBQ.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill	Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (6,800)	4.6★ (2,800)
Verdict	Great	Excellent

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill: Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ. Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ: 2 burners, Infrared SIZZLE ZONE, cast iron grates, compact, JETFIRE ignition. Year-round balcony BBQ. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill

Triple-wall steel construction achieves ceramic kamado heat retention at 40% of Big Green Egg's price
200-750°F range covers low-and-slow smoking through high-heat searing in one grill
Dual dampers provide precise temperature control comparable to ceramic alternatives
At 97lbs significantly lighter than ceramic kamados — repositionable without specialist lifting equipment
Under £350 — the most affordable kamado-style BBQ with genuine performance characteristics

Steel rather than ceramic — heat retention less efficient than Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe
Rust risk in UK climate requires seasoning and cover maintenance
Less community and recipe ecosystem than the established ceramic brands

Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ

SIZZLE ZONE infrared side burner reaches 1800°F for steakhouse sear marks — hotter than standard gas
Compact footprint designed for patios and balconies where full-size grills don't fit
Cast iron grates retain and distribute heat evenly for professional results
JETFIRE push-button ignition is instant and reliable in wind and cold
Napoleon's North American BBQ engineering heritage in a European market-sized unit

2-burner main cooking area limits total cooking surface vs 4-5 burner alternatives
Premium pricing for a 2-burner unit — Weber Spirit delivers more cooking area for similar cost
SIZZLE ZONE side burner takes up significant side space on compact units

FAQ

Which is better, Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch or Napoleon Freestyle 365 BBQ?

Is the Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch worth the extra cost?

The Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch best suited to?

Triple-wall steel kamado, 200-750°F range, dual dampers, 314 sq in, 97lbs. Budget kamado BBQ.

Who is the Napoleon Freestyle 365 BBQ best suited to?

2 burners, Infrared SIZZLE ZONE, cast iron grates, compact, JETFIRE ignition. Year-round balcony BBQ.

What are the main downsides of each?

Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill: Steel rather than ceramic — heat retention less efficient than Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe; Rust risk in UK climate requires seasoning and cover maintenance. Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ: 2-burner main cooking area limits total cooking surface vs 4-5 burner alternatives; Premium pricing for a 2-burner unit — Weber Spirit delivers more cooking area for similar cost.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill sits at 4.6★ from 6,800 verified Amazon owners, and Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ at 4.6★ from 2,800.

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