Which size kamado should I buy?
For most users a Large (21 inch) is the best size kamado: versatile, future-proof and suitable for 1 to 8 people. A Medium (16 inch) works for small households but quickly becomes too tight. An XL (23.5 inch) is ideal for large groups or pitmasters, or if you often use pans and pots. Unsure between two sizes? Always choose the bigger one.
- Large (21 inch) accounts for more than 70% of all Grill Bill sales
- More than half of Medium buyers upgrade within a year or two
- Small (13 inch): 2 steaks or 1 small chicken, for a balcony or as a second kamado
- XL (23.5 inch): whole brisket, 4 to 12 people, pans and pots
- Accessories are size-specific, upgrading means buying a lot again
Across more than 6,000 Grill Bill kamados we see one pattern: starting small sounds logical, but leads more than half of buyers to an upgrade within a year.
Quick decision guide: which size suits you?
Small kamado (13 inch)
A Small kamado is compact, light and suited to balconies, small patios and quick grilling sessions. As a second kamado alongside a bigger one, it's ideal. As the only kamado for someone who wants to experiment a lot, it quickly becomes too tight.
- Perfect for: balcony, quick steaks, vegetables, satay, 1 to 2 people
- Capacity: 2 small steaks or 1 small chicken
- Not ideal for: low & slow, large groups, multiple temperature zones
- Note: accessories are size-specific, Small accessories don't fit a Large
Medium kamado (16 inch)
The Medium is fine for couples or small families who grill regularly but not intensively. You can smoke and cook indirectly without the kamado taking up much space. For real kamado enthusiasts, the Medium often turns out just a bit too small in the long run.
- Perfect for: 2 to 3 people, compact use
- Capacity: 4 burgers, 1 large chicken, small pulled pork
- Ideal as: a compact all-rounder for those who don't want to upgrade
- Downside: with indirect cooking the heat deflector takes up a lot of room, leaving little space for large cuts of meat or pans
Large kamado (21 inch), the most popular size
The Large is by far the most chosen kamado size at Grill Bill, accounting for more than 70% of all sales. This size offers the best balance between size, performance and flexibility. You can create multiple zones, cook large cuts of meat and use all accessories to their full potential. For 80% of users this is simply the right choice.
XL kamado (23.5 inch), for large groups and ambitious cooking
The XL is the kamado for anyone thinking big. Thanks to the extra ceramic mass, the temperature during long low & slow sessions is extremely stable, a difference you notice immediately. Ideal for large families, parties or pitmasters preparing several dishes at once.
- Perfect for: 6 to 12 people, large groups, catering
- Capacity: whole brisket, multiple chickens at once, huge pulled pork
- Best for: catering, large families, extended cooking days with multiple temperature zones
- Note: heavier and larger, measure your patio space beforehand
Size comparison at a glance
How do you choose the right size kamado?
In practice, these are the three deciding questions:
- Number of people: how much do you cook on an average day, and on a busy day? Base it on the busiest day, not the quietest.
- Cooking style: do you grill quick steaks and chicken, or do you also do low & slow and smoking? The more ambitious, the more space you need.
- Patio space: measure your available space before ordering. An XL is significantly bigger and heavier than a Large.
Our advice: unsure between two sizes? Always choose the bigger one. A kamado that's too big is never a problem. A kamado that's too small almost always is within 6 months.
