Review of London Sunshine Ceramic Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker

Description

My Hands-On Experience With the Ceramic Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker

Design and Build Quality
The Ceramic Kamado Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker immediately caught my attention with its sleek green exterior and impressive craftsmanship. It’s not just about looks, though. The 1-inch thick ceramic wall is solid and feels incredibly robust. I found the Japanese dome shape both visually appealing and functional, as it maximizes airflow while minimizing charcoal usage. The stainless steel grates feel premium and durable, and the side-foldable design makes it super easy to add more charcoal mid-cooking—a thoughtful touch that saved me from fumbling around with tongs.

The painted finish is smooth, and the sturdy stand with four legs ensures stability even when I was grilling heavier cuts of meat. At nearly 92.4 pounds, it’s not the most portable model, but the weight contributes to its sturdy, free-standing design. The metal side handles made moving the grill into position manageable, though I definitely wouldn’t attempt it solo.

Cooking Performance
This grill is a beast when it comes to versatility. The temperature range of 180°F to 750°F blew me away. I smoked a brisket at the lower end of that range, and it turned out tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of smokiness. Later, I cranked up the heat to 700°F for some pizzas, and they cooked beautifully—crispy crusts and all. The ceramic walls distribute heat evenly, locking in flavor and moisture. I noticed the difference immediately in how juicy my chicken thighs turned out.

The adjustable air vent is a game-changer. It lets you control the airflow to fine-tune the temperature with ease. It felt like I had total control, whether I wanted a slow roast or a quick flame-grilled steak. I also loved how the premium glass fiber gasket seals the chamber tightly, ensuring no precious heat escapes. Compared to regular fiber gaskets, this one is easier to clean and more durable.

Positives
Here are some of the key benefits I noticed:

• The ceramic body retains heat efficiently, making it energy-efficient.
• Wide temperature range allows for diverse cooking styles—smoking, grilling, baking, and broiling.
• Stainless steel grill grates are food-grade and easy to maintain.
• The design of the dome shape is not only unique but also optimizes airflow.
• The sturdy stand provides excellent stability, even during intense grilling sessions.

Critiques
While I loved many features, there are a few areas for improvement:

• At 92.4 pounds, it’s not exactly easy to move, even with the handles.
• The cooking surface area of 13.2 square inches is a bit limiting if you’re planning to cook for a larger group.
• Assembly required a bit of patience and a second pair of hands.

Ease of Use and Maintenance
Using this grill was mostly intuitive, though the weight made it a bit challenging to position initially. However, once set up, everything fell into place. Cleaning the stainless steel grates was straightforward, and the glass fiber gasket made wiping down the edges a breeze. I did notice that the ceramic body needs a delicate touch when cleaning to preserve its painted finish.

Competing Products
Compared to other kamado-style grills, this one holds its own in several areas. For instance, the Big Green Egg is a popular competitor, but it tends to be significantly pricier for similar cooking performance. However, the Big Green Egg does offer a wider range of accessories, which is something to consider. The Kamado Joe Classic has a slightly larger cooking surface, but it’s also heavier and less portable.

Where this grill shines is its value-packed features, like the premium gasket and stainless steel grates, which are often seen in higher-end models. If portability or cooking surface size is a major concern, you might consider a smaller, more lightweight grill, but for the price, this kamado grill delivers impressive functionality.

Price Performance
When considering the price to quality ratio, this grill is hard to beat. It offers many features you’d expect to find in higher-end models, such as versatile temperature control, durable materials, and excellent heat retention. While not the cheapest option out there, the long-lasting build quality and added touches like the adjustable air vent and glass fiber gasket make it a worthy investment.

For anyone serious about outdoor cooking, this ceramic grill is a fantastic option that balances performance and value. It’s worth every penny if you’re looking for a grill that can handle everything from slow-smoked ribs to wood-fired pizzas without breaking a sweat.

Additional information