Short answer: Primo, Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe and The Bastard can all grill, smoke and bake. The best kamado depends less on the badge than on shape, included equipment, accessories, dealer support and how you cook.
Four kamado grills compared
| Model | Standout strength | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Primo Oval XL | Oval grate and practical two-zone layout | Cooks using direct and indirect heat together |
| Big Green Egg Large | Extensive accessory and dealer ecosystem | Buyers who value an established platform |
| Kamado Joe Classic III | Generous standard equipment and tiered grates | Grillers wanting versatility out of the box |
| The Bastard Large | Broad European range and distinctive design | Buyers balancing equipment and price |
Specifications, warranties and included equipment can change by model year and market, so compare the exact packages offered by your dealer.
Primo Oval XL: flexible two-zone cooking
The oval shape is the functional difference. With a split heat deflector, one side can cook directly while the other runs indirectly. That is useful when steak, vegetables and side dishes need different temperatures at the same time.
Big Green Egg Large: the established ecosystem
Big Green Egg is widely supported and offers many inserts, holders and extensions. Its advantage is long-term availability and a large user community. Check each package carefully because important components may be sold separately.
Kamado Joe Classic III: well equipped from the start
Kamado Joe combines a tiered grate system with tools for indirect heat and smoke management. That creates a versatile starting point but also adds complexity and weight. It rewards cooks who will use those features regularly.
The Bastard Large: a European alternative
The Bastard offers several configurations and a broad accessory range. The dealer package matters, so compare the complete cost including stand, deflector, side shelves, cover and after-sales support.
How to choose
- Size the grill for ordinary use, not the largest annual party.
- Decide whether simultaneous two-zone cooking matters.
- Compare complete packages rather than base units.
- Check spare parts, warranty handling and local support.
- Only then choose colour, design and brand.
Our verdict
Primo stands out for two-zone flexibility, Big Green Egg for its ecosystem, Kamado Joe for standard equipment and The Bastard as a widely available alternative. The best buy is the system whose advantages you will actually use.
Frequently asked questions
Which kamado grill is best?
There is no universal winner. Primo stands out for its oval grate, Big Green Egg for its ecosystem, Kamado Joe for standard equipment and The Bastard for its broad European range.
What size kamado should I buy?
Size for the number of people you cook for regularly, not your largest annual party. Extra capacity also means more weight, fuel and warm-up time.