Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill vs Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal 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

Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (28,400 owners)

57cm charcoal grill. The world's most copied BBQ design. Best flavour-to-price ratio available.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch Kamado Grill	Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (6,800)	4.7★ (28,400)
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. Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ: 57cm charcoal grill. The world's most copied BBQ design. Best flavour-to-price ratio available. 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

Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ

Charcoal delivers flavour that gas and pellet grills can only approximate
Porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl resist rust for decades of use
57cm cooking area handles indirect smoking for larger cuts
One-touch cleaning system removes ash without tools
10-year warranty on bowl and lid — Weber's confidence in their design

Charcoal requires 20-30 minute lighting time vs gas's instant start
Temperature control requires practice — less precise than digital alternatives
Ash disposal is messier than gas or pellet alternatives

FAQ

Which is better, Char-Griller AKORN 20-inch or Weber Original Kettle 57cm?

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

The Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal 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 Weber Original Kettle 57cm best suited to?

57cm charcoal grill. The world's most copied BBQ design. Best flavour-to-price ratio available.

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. Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ: Charcoal requires 20-30 minute lighting time vs gas's instant start; Temperature control requires practice — less precise than digital alternatives.

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 Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ at 4.7★ from 28,400.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.