Buying a Kamado is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your outdoor kitchen. It’s not just another barbecue. It’s an investment of 1,000 to 5,000 euros that will last you 20 to 30 years.
Yet, 80% of future buyers make mistakes when choosing their size. Too big, too small, wrong brand, wrong accessories. The result: an underutilized appliance, wasted budget, and the frustration of not having made the right choice.
This guide was written to help you avoid this mistake. It is the result of 4 years of customer feedback and hundreds of hours of cooking on all formats available on the market. By the end of this read, you will know exactly which Kamado to choose.
What is a Kamado and why is it revolutionary?
The Kamado is not a fad. It is an appliance that has existed for 3,000 years, inherited from traditional Japanese rice stoves called mushikamado. Its main characteristic: a high-density ceramic shell that retains heat exceptionally well.
Specifically, here's what a Kamado can do that no other barbecue can:
▸ Maintain a temperature of 110°C for 18 hours without intervention
▸ Reach 400°C in 25 minutes to cook a Neapolitan pizza in 90 seconds
▸ Smoke an 8 kg brisket on a single charcoal load
▸ Consume 3 times less fuel than a classic charcoal barbecue
▸ Be used all year round, even at -10°C, without loss of performance
All in one appliance. Where you would need a grill + a smoker + a pizza oven + a rotisserie, the Kamado does it all. It is for this versatility that Michelin-starred chefs and enthusiasts swear by it.
[IMAGE] Infographic: 5 uses of a Kamado with temperatures and cooking times
The 4 essential criteria for choosing your Kamado
1. The size — the most important decision
This is THE criterion on which 80% of buyers make mistakes. Too often, people buy too large out of overenthusiasm. However, an XL Kamado used at 30% of its capacity wastes charcoal, takes longer to heat up, and ultimately disappoints.
Here's the simple rule: think about your weekly use, not your annual Christmas dinner for 16 people.
For 2 to 4 people (couple, small family)
The 13-inch (MiniMax) size is your best ally. Actual capacity: 4 to 6 people, surface area 855 cm². Ideal for balconies, small terraces, weekends. It heats up in 15 minutes, consumes little, and fits in 0.5 m².
Price: around 995€ for a premium model like KamaBrasa Origin 13″.
For 4 to 8 people (family that regularly entertains)
The 17-inch (Medium) size is the market's sweet spot. Actual capacity: 6 to 8 people, surface area 1,590 cm². It's our bestseller, and for good reason: it represents the perfect size for 90% of French households.
You can cook a whole chicken + 6 skewers simultaneously, or a 35 cm pizza, or 8 burgers. And for big occasions, it easily accommodates 8 people.
Price: around 1,595€ for a premium model like KamaBrasa Heritage 17″.
For 8 to 12 people (extended family, regular friends)
The 19-inch (Large) size is the chefs' reference. Actual capacity: 8 to 12 people, surface area 2,027 cm². This is the size you keep your whole life. A 7 kg turkey, a leg of lamb, two pizzas, or 12 burgers — you'll never be cramped.
Price: around 2,195€ for a premium model like KamaBrasa Signature 19″.
For 12 to 16 people (large hosts, properties)
The 24-inch (XL) size enters the territory of semi-professional tools. Actual capacity: 12 to 16 people, surface area 2,919 cm². For hosts who organize regular events, or lovers of very large pieces (whole 8 kg brisket).
Price: around 3,195€ for a premium model like KamaBrasa Master 24″.
For 16 people and more (large properties, professionals)
The 29-inch (2XL) size is the pinnacle. Capacity 16 people and more, surface area 4,600 cm². This is the appliance for large estates, Michelin-starred chefs, and premium caterers. At this level, we're no longer talking about a barbecue but a heritage investment.
Price: around 5,295€ for a numbered model like KamaBrasa Empire 29″.
👉 Not sure about the size? Compare all 5 sizes side by side on our detailed comparison.
2. The ceramic thickness — the hidden criterion that changes everything
Here's what salespeople will never tell you: not all Kamados are equal. The difference lies in the thickness of the ceramic, which determines the thermal inertia of the appliance.
▸ 12-15 mm ceramic (entry-level): suitable for quick cooking, quickly loses temperature, often cracks after 2-3 years
▸ 18-22 mm ceramic (mid-range): good compromise, handles long cooks but with some variations
▸ 25-32 mm ceramic (premium): professional thermal stability, maintains a temperature of 110°C for 18 hours without intervention, often comes with a lifetime warranty
Our advice: never go below 22 mm. Beyond the initial savings, you will lose out on user comfort and durability.
3. The quality of stainless steel — the detail that lasts 10 years or 30 years
The bands, fittings, and grates of your Kamado are made of stainless steel. Again, be careful: not all stainless steels are equal.
▸ Stainless steel 201 (entry-level): corrodes in 3-5 years, especially by the sea
▸ Stainless steel 304 (food grade): premium standard, resistant for 15 years in a marine environment
▸ Forged stainless steel 304 (high-end): lifetime durability, stainless aesthetic
ALWAYS check for "stainless steel 304" minimum in the specifications. If it doesn't appear, it's probably stainless steel 201 — move on.
4. The warranty — the commitment that separates real brands from copies
A quality ceramic should have a LIFETIME warranty. This is the standard for all true premium brands. If you see "5-year warranty" or "10-year warranty" on the ceramic, it's a red flag: the brand itself doesn't believe in the durability of its product.
At KamaBrasa, the ceramic is guaranteed for life. Metal parts are guaranteed for 5 years. This is our commitment, and it's what separates a real investment from an impulse purchase.
Classic pitfalls to absolutely avoid
After 4 years of advising buyers, here are the most common mistakes we see:
Pitfall 1: Buying too big in anticipation
"I'll take the XL just in case I host 16 people twice a year." Bad reasoning. You'll waste charcoal 50 times a year for 2 exceptional occasions. Get the size that suits your weekly use and rent a larger one for special events.
Pitfall 2: Sacrificing ceramic to save money
A 600€ Kamado with 12 mm ceramic will ultimately cost you more than a 1,500€ Kamado with 25 mm ceramic. Why? Because you'll replace it in 4 years. Real brands last 30 years.
Pitfall 3: Forgetting essential accessories
A Kamado without a ConvEGGtor (the heat deflector) is using 30% of the appliance's capabilities. Without a pizza stone, you miss out on Neapolitan cooking. Without a cover, you'll damage the fittings in 2 years. Always budget 200-400€ for accessories.
Pitfall 4: Buying on Amazon or unknown websites
A 70 kg Kamado broken during delivery = at least 200€ in return costs + 6 weeks waiting time. Buy from a brand that controls its logistics and customer service. Saving 100€ isn't worth weeks of stress.
FAQ for hesitant buyers
How long does a premium Kamado really last?
With normal use and minimal maintenance, expect 25 to 30 years for the ceramic. Metal parts (fittings, grates) may be replaced after 10-15 years. It's an appliance that can be passed down through generations.
Can it be used in winter?
Absolutely. The thick ceramic makes the Kamado virtually immune to outdoor conditions. Our customers cook at -10°C without any drop in performance. This is even where it reveals its full potential.
Is a permit or authorization required in co-ownership?
The Kamado runs on charcoal and emits very little smoke once it's up to temperature, unlike classic barbecues. Most co-ownerships accept it without issue, but check your regulations.
What's the difference with a Big Green Egg?
The Big Green Egg is the historic American brand that popularized the Kamado in the West. Premium European models like KamaBrasa offer equally thick ceramic, equivalent forged 304 stainless steel, and a similar lifetime warranty — often at a more accessible price.
How long does it take to master?
Allow 3 to 5 cooks to get the hang of adjusting the vents. After 10 cooks, you'll achieve the desired temperature within 2°C without thinking. It's quicker than you'd imagine.
Our verdict: which Kamado to choose in 2026?
If you want the answer in one line:
For 90% of buyers, the 17-inch (Medium) size with a minimum 25 mm ceramic is the optimal choice.
This is the size we recommend to 8 out of 10 customers. It represents the best balance between versatility, consumption, durability, and budget.
At KamaBrasa, this size is called the Heritage 17″. At 1,595€, it offers 25 mm ceramic, forged 304 stainless steel, a lifetime warranty on the ceramic, and compatibility with our entire range of accessories.
If you have doubts about your size, or if you want to know more about other models, we have everything ready for you:
👉 See all our Kamados — from MiniMax to Empire 2XL
https://getflybybaby.com/products/flybybaby-carrier
Discover how to choose the perfect Kamado for your family, space, and desires. Expert guide 2026 by KamaBrasa.