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If you’ve been eyeing up an egg BBQ then you’re not alone. The highly sought after Big Green Egg has become a cult favourite and garden status symbol over the years. But with these eggs starting at around £850, they’re not accessible for everyone.
Recent affordable alternatives from competitors like Lidl have been causing a shopping frenzy, with customers snapping up the middle aisle bargain for just £79.99.
The best BBQs and kamados are fantastic at cooking up authentic, smoky classics like sausages, ribs and pulled pork. Many kamados can also be used with pizza stones, so you can enjoy crisp, fluffy slices without needing to own your own pizza oven.
The soaring popularity of these brands has created a wealth of affordable alternatives for the everyday BBQ enthusiast who can’t quite justify the Green Egg’s lavish price tag – but do they offer the same features as the egg giant?
The Big Green Egg MiniMax is the brand’s cheapest model at £850
I’ve been testing home and garden products, including pizza ovens, grills and BBQs for nearly seven years, so I know a thing or two about outdoor cooking.
While the Big Green Egg is a gorgeous addition to the garden, you simply don’t need to spend thousands of pounds to get a reliable kamado grill that cooks (and looks) just as good in your garden this summer. These are the best alternatives.
Even if you don’t know it by name, everyone recognises the Big Green Egg. At its core, it’s a smoker, BBQ grill, oven and slow cooker, with a range of additional accessories that extend its uses even further.
What sets it apart from other grills is its ceramic body, which stays hotter and regulates heat better than metal grills. This means a more even cook on meats. vegetables and more.
It’s THE go-to choice for BBQ aficionados, with reviewers raving about precise heat control and charcoal that burns for hours.
Until recently having a Kamado BBQ was reserved only for those willing to spend £1,000+ but with more stylish, affordable alternatives popping up every day, you don’t have to empty your bank account.
Best affordable Big Green Egg alternatives
With a 13 inch surface area large enough for a family of four, this stylish alternative from Tower easily rivals the Green Egg’s entry level model.
It has all the same features, including a ceramic body, temperature control and a multifunctional grill. This model only comes in black but reviews are overwhelming positive, with people being impressed with its size.
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Despite its bargain price tag, this mini kamado grill has a 13in grill and can reach temperatures of up to 370 degrees. Like the Green Egg, its body is made from ceramic. The budget price tag is great, keep in mind that it won’t be as well insulated than pricier models and the build quality in general won’t be as good.
It’s received lots of good reviews online with users saying it stays hot for ages and is easy to clean. Some people have reported issues with the lid occasionally not sealing correctly. Overall though, the consensus is that it’s excellent value for money.
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If that signature green colour is important to you, the Boss Grill’s kamado egg is one to consider. It’s not quite as affordable as some of the others on this list but it’s received rave reviews online the quality is closer to that of the original. It also comes with a stand, complete with foldable side tables, a cover ands a free pizza stone to sweeten the deal.
Apart from the build quality, its big selling point is the three tier grill, so you can BBQ, roast and warm at the same time. Compatible with both charcoal and wood chips, this a serious bit of kit for BBQ enthusiasts.
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Kamado Joe is another big name in outdoor grilling, with its bright red egg rivalling the green one. Like the boss grill, it’s on the pricier side but could still save you hundreds. It can bake, grill, BBQ, smoke and more and even comes with a cast iron stand – an accessory that will normally cost your extra.
If you’re wondering why you would spend almost £500 on an egg when you can pick one up for as little as £85, the answer is fairly simple – build quality. Cheaper versions keep the cost down by using thinner ceramic and lower-quality fixings. This model has a super-thick ceramic body for superior heat and moister retention and a hinged cooking grate so you can top up on charcoal while you cook.
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You can grill, smoke, sear and slow cook in this 13 inch kamado. Like the Big Green Egg it has a gorgeous ceramic body for optimal heat retention. Heat can be controlled with the vents and there’s a temperature gauge on top.
Unlike the more expensive green alternative, this model also comes with a large stand and foldable side tables for all your BBQ bits at a fraction of the price. Reviewers say it’s good quality and the perfect size for two adults.
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What is the difference between the Big Green Egg and the Kamado Joe?
Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe and two different brands who both produce kamado style BBQs. They have many of the same functions and features, with their main differences being colour and price point – Kamado Joe is red and typically cheaper than Big Green Egg.
What is the difference between a BBQ and a kamado?
Most BBQs are designed with a metal body and are only suitable for grilling foods like burgers, sausages and vegetables. A kamado BBQ is an all-in-one cooker with a ceramic body that can be used as a grill, smoker, oven and more.
Kamados typically use less charcoal than traditional BBQs and can be used for low and slow cooking due to greater heat retention and temperature control.
Can you use a kamado as normal BBQ?
Yes, a kamado grill functions as a regular BBQ but can also smoke and slow cook, as well as be used for indirect cooking. This is because it has a lid with a tight seal to lock in heat and moisture.
Can the Big Green Egg or kamado BBQ be rained on?
Yes, the Big Green Egg and its alternatives can be left out and used in all weathers as long as they have a ceramic coating. However, it’s important not to get the inside of your kamado wet, as this can trap moisture inside and cause it to go mouldy.
You might also want to consider investing in a kamado cover to keep your BBQ looking its best.
