Specifications
- 20-inch diameter primary grilling surface (317 square inches)
- Stainless steel vents and hardware
- Thick cast aluminum body
- Stainless steel cooking grates
- Spring loaded lid for easy lifting
- Made in China for Blaze Grills, a division of BBQGuys.com
Full Review – Blaze Cast Aluminum Kamado Grill
PROS
- Large Capacity
- Cast Aluminum Shell
- Highly Efficient
CONS
- Comparatively Expensive
- Top Vent Can Leak Water
- Handle Gets Hot
It doesn’t take a lot of searching to find pictures online of broken ceramic Kamado grills. While I argue that they are not nearly as fragile as some (most notably companies that make metal Kamado grills) claim, there is an attraction to the idea of a metal version. These days there are a few metal Kamado grills to choose from, some cheap and not terribly well made and others that are excellent. Most metal Kamado grills are two layers of steel with insulation between the layers. The Blaze Kamado is one-inch thick cast aluminum.
The advantages of using cast aluminum certainly start with a stronger material that will last pretty much forever, but also in weight. This 20-inch diameter grill weighs around 161 pounds or considerably less than any comparable ceramic. While still heavy, it is much easier to move than the competition and won’t break if it is dropped. All the cooking grates and hardware on this grill are stainless steel. The top cap is a stainless steel vent fitted into a cast base. The top vent is not removable and can leak rainwater into the grill if it is left exposed.
The quality of the construction of this grill is very high. It also costs around $2000USD (the maker, BBQGuys.com lists the retail price at $2,249, but then keeps it on perpetual sale at $1,799). While it is available through other sources and some local dealers, this is a store brand and the best bet is to buy it through the online store that sells it.
Given the larger capacity, high durability, and quality components, this is an excellent choice for a Kamado grill in the price range.
