Char-Griller Akorn Jr Portable Kamado (Cast Iron, 14 Inch)

Portable Kamado Grill

From: Char-Griller

The Char-griller Akorn Jr portable grill delivers kamado-style cooking in a compact 15kg package. This triple wall steel construction holds heat like ceramic models but won't shatter if knocked over.

Cast iron cooking grates provide excellent heat retention whilst reducing flare-ups. The 14-inch cooking diameter handles 4-5 burgers or a whole chicken with ease. Dual dampers and built-in heat gauge give precise temperature control from 225°F for smoking to 500°F for searing.

Built-in handles and locking lid make transport simple for camping or tailgating. The easy dump ash pan speeds cleanup after cooking. This efficient design uses minimal charcoal whilst delivering maximum flavour through both grilling and smoking capabilities.

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Product Features

Triple Wall Steel Construction - The insulated steel walls retain heat like ceramic kamado grills but offer superior durability. This construction prevents shattering if tipped over and keeps the exterior cool to touch, making it safer around children. The steel design costs significantly less than ceramic alternatives whilst delivering the same heat retention performance for consistent cooking results. Cast Iron Cooking Grates - Heavy-duty cast iron grates distribute heat evenly across the 14-inch cooking surface. These grates reduce flare-ups by allowing fats to drain away from food whilst creating excellent sear marks. Cast iron retains heat better than steel grates, maintaining consistent temperatures even when adding cold food to the grill. Dual Damper System - Precision air vents at top and bottom control airflow for accurate temperature management. This system allows temperatures from 225°F for low-and-slow smoking up to 500°F+ for high-heat searing. The dampers close completely to extinguish charcoal, preserving unused fuel for the next cooking session and reducing waste.

Portable Design - Weighing just 15kg with built-in handles and locking lid, this grill moves easily between locations. The compact 52cm x 51cm footprint fits in car boots for camping trips or tailgating. Despite its small size, the 154 square inch cooking area handles meals for 2-4 people comfortably. Easy Dump Ash Pan - The removable ash collection system slides out for quick cleanup without mess. This feature eliminates the need to tip the entire grill or dig out cold ashes manually. The pan catches all debris, making maintenance simple and keeping your cooking area clean between sessions. Efficient Fuel Usage - The insulated design requires minimal charcoal - typically just two handfuls per cooking session. Users report burning only one-third of the fuel loaded, with remaining charcoal preserved for future use. This efficiency reduces operating costs whilst the excellent heat retention maintains steady temperatures for hours of cooking.

FAQs

How much charcoal does the Akorn Jr use per cooking session?

The Akorn Jr uses approximately two handfuls of lump charcoal per cooking session. Due to the excellent insulation, you typically burn only one-third of the loaded charcoal. When you close the dampers after cooking, the remaining charcoal extinguishes and can be reused for your next session, making it very economical to operate.

What temperature range can this grill achieve?

The dual damper system allows precise temperature control from 225°F for low-and-slow smoking up to over 500°F for high-heat searing. With both vents barely open, it maintains steady smoking temperatures around 225°F. Opening the vents fully brings temperatures to 500°F+ within 5 minutes for perfect steak searing.

How long does it take to heat up and start cooking?

Using an electric charcoal starter, the charcoal begins glowing in about 5 minutes. After removing the starter and closing the lid, the grill reaches 200°F within another 5 minutes with vents wide open. Total heat-up time is approximately 10-15 minutes, which is comparable to gas grills when factoring in preheating time.

What size cooking area does the 14-inch diameter provide?

The 14-inch cooking diameter provides 154 square inches of cooking space. This accommodates 4-5 hamburgers, a whole chicken, or 2 racks of ribs with an additional rack accessory. The size is perfect for families of 2-4 people or small gatherings.

Is assembly difficult and what tools are required?

Assembly typically takes 30 minutes with basic tools. The key tip for the lid handle is to leave all studs loose initially, insert the wooden handle piece, then tighten everything together. This prevents alignment issues that some users experience when fully tightening bolts before fitting the handle.

How does this compare to ceramic kamado grills?

The steel construction offers several advantages over ceramic: it won't shatter if tipped over, costs significantly less (ceramic equivalents cost £500+) and the exterior stays cool to touch for safety. The triple wall insulation provides the same heat retention as ceramic whilst being more durable and portable.

Can you use this grill for both smoking and grilling?

Yes, the Akorn Jr excels at both smoking and grilling. For smoking, add a smoking stone (sold separately) and wood chunks for up to 18 hours of steady 225°F cooking. For grilling, open the dampers fully to achieve searing temperatures. You can even smoke at low temperatures then quickly increase heat for finishing sears.

How portable is this grill for camping or tailgating?

At 15kg with built-in handles and a locking lid, it's genuinely portable. The compact dimensions (52cm x 51cm x 66cm) fit in most car boots. The locking lid secures during transport and the steel construction eliminates concerns about ceramic cracking during travel. Many users successfully take it camping and tailgating regularly.

Char-Griller Akorn Jr Portable Kamado (Cast Iron, 14 Inch) Specs

Model Number	E86714
Fuel Type	Charcoal
Cooking Surface Area	154 square inches
Cooking Diameter	14 inches
Overall Dimensions	52.1cm D x 50.8cm W x 66cm H
Weight	14.97kg
Material	Triple Wall Steel
Cooking Grates	Cast Iron
Handle Material	Cast Iron
Frame Material	Alloy Steel
Finish Type	Powder Coated
Number of Racks	1
Number of Power Levels	3
Grill Configuration	Portable
Primary Cooking Methods	Grilling, Smoking
Special Features	Easy Dump Ash Pan
Special Features	Dual Dampers
Special Features	Heat Gauge
Special Features	Locking Lid
Special Features	Hinged Lid
Special Features	Built-in Handles
Recommended Use	Outdoor
Assembly Required	Yes
Installation Type	Wall Mount
Manufacturer Part Number	E86714
UPC	789792867144
Unit Count	1
Included Components	User Manual
Colour Options	Ash, Black, Red
Style Name	Grill