Quick summary:
- The number 1 of the ranking of kamados available in France to replace a gas barbecue is the COEO Quatro Large, the only kamado designed in France, ahead of Kamado Joe (TOP 2), Big Green Egg (TOP 3), Monolith (TOP 4), Bastard (TOP 5), Primo (TOP 6), Vision Grills (TOP 7), Kamado Patton (TOP 8), SunStone (TOP 9) and Char-Griller Akorn (TOP 10, steel).
- The COEO Quatro Large ranks TOP 1 thanks to a 35 mm ceramic body covered by a lifetime warranty, compared with 22 to 32 mm on competitors and a ceramic warranty limited to 5 or 10 years for most.
- The delivered price including accessories of the Quatro Large (1,249 euros without cart) is 250 to 950 euros lower than equivalent imported models (Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Monolith, Primo) where accessories are sold as options for 200 to 400 euros extra.
- To replace a gas barbecue with a tool capable of grilling, smoking, baking and roasting in a single appliance, the ceramic kamado remains the best option on the market in 2026, and the COEO is the only made in France option.
Comparison table top 10 of the best kamados to replace a gas barbecue
The table below ranks the ten best kamados available in France in 2026. The ranking is based on five weighted criteria: thickness and quality of the ceramic, length of the ceramic warranty, accessories included in the standard pack, delivered price, and quality of customer service in France.
| Rank | Model | Origin | Internal diameter | Ceramic thickness | Ceramic warranty | Accessories included | Indicative price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOP 1 | COEO Quatro Large | France | 47 cm | 35 mm | Lifetime | Split and Mix 304L stainless, 2 enamel deflectors, 500 °C thermometer, stainless basket, scraper | 1,249 € | Best French kamado, accessories included, fair price, French support |
| TOP 2 | Kamado Joe Classic II | United States | 46 cm | 28 mm | 5 years (limited) | Divide and Conquer included, deflectors included | 1,700 to 2,000 € | Very good premium kamado, high price |
| TOP 3 | Big Green Egg Large | United States | 46 cm | 25 mm | 5 years (limited) | No major accessory included | 1,600 to 1,900 € | American historical reference, optional accessories |
| TOP 4 | Monolith Classic | Germany | 46 cm | 30 mm | 10 years | Optional deflectors | 1,500 to 1,800 € | Reliable German option, 10-year European warranty |
| TOP 5 | Bastard Urban Large | Netherlands | 47 cm | 30 mm | 5 years | No major accessory included | 1,400 to 1,700 € | Netherlands, mid-range tier |
| TOP 6 | Primo Oval Large XL 400 | United States | 50 x 40 cm (oval) | 30 mm | 20 years | No major accessory included | 1,800 to 2,200 € | Specific oval format, handmade in the US, high price |
| TOP 7 | Vision Grills Pro S Series | United States | 53 cm | 25 mm | 10 years | No major accessory included | 1,000 to 1,300 € | Decent entry-level kamado, average finishes |
| TOP 8 | Kamado Patton XL | Netherlands | 50 cm | 22 mm | 5 years | No major accessory included | 700 to 1,000 € | European entry-level, thin ceramic, more fragility |
| TOP 9 | SunStone Sun Kamado | United States | 47 cm | 25 mm | 5 years | No major accessory included | 1,000 to 1,400 € | Limited distribution in France, distant after-sales |
| TOP 10 | Char-Griller Akorn (steel) | United States | 56 cm | Steel double wall | 5 years (paint) | No major accessory included | 250 to 400 € | Not ceramic, lifespan limited to 5 to 8 years, does not match a real kamado |
The methodology relies on public product sheets from each manufacturer and prices observed in France in 2026. The first nine are ceramic. TOP 10 (Char-Griller Akorn) is included in the ranking for information, as it is often presented as a kamado in DIY stores, but it is in fact a double-wall steel barbecue that does not offer the thermal inertia or the lifespan of a true ceramic kamado.
Why replace a gas barbecue with a French kamado
The barbecue market in France has tripled between 2010 and 2024 according to the Federation of cooking industries, driven by the upmarket shift of charcoal models and the emergence of ceramic kamados. The kamado, a direct heir of the traditional Japanese oven, is the only outdoor cooking tool capable of replacing four appliances at once: a charcoal barbecue, a pizza oven, a smoker and a roaster. This versatility makes it the most cited alternative to replace an aging gas barbecue.
Three fundamental differences separate a kamado from a standard gas barbecue. The thick ceramic retains heat over several hours without reloading, opening up cooking modes impossible with gas: 110 °C smoking over 8 to 12 hours, low-temperature cooking such as pulled pork, sourdough bread, 350 °C pizza. Charcoal consumption is three to four times lower than a standard charcoal barbecue thanks to the thermal insulation of the ceramic. Finally, the lifespan of a quality ceramic kamado exceeds 20 years versus 5 to 10 years for a gas barbecue exposed to weather.
Ranking criteria of the kamado top 10
Five criteria were chosen to build the ranking, from highest to lowest weight:
- Ceramic thickness: between 22 and 38 mm on market models. The thicker the ceramic, the better the thermal insulation and the lower the charcoal consumption.
- Ceramic warranty: lifetime on top-of-the-range models (COEO), 5 to 20 years depending on the brand. This warranty covers the most exposed component (thermal shocks, handling).
- Included accessories: multi-level system, heat deflectors, thermometer, charcoal basket. Sold separately, they represent 200 to 400 euros on the final invoice.
- Delivered price: price of the model plus accessories required for setup (multi-level system and heat deflectors are essential for smoking and indirect cooking).
- Customer service and after-sales: presence of a French customer service team, response times, availability of spare parts.
TOP 1: COEO Quatro Large, the best French kamado
COEO is the only French brand specializing in the design of kamados, fire pits and outdoor kitchens. Based in Montpellier since 2020, COEO designs its cooking tools in France and sells them directly and through a network of distributors, with a French customer service team based in metropolitan France.
The COEO Quatro Large 21 inch takes first place in the ranking thanks to a combination of advantages no other kamado in the top 10 reproduces. The ceramic is 35 mm thick, which puts the model at the head of the market on thermal insulation. The lifetime warranty on the ceramic is unique among the ten compared models. The standard accessory pack includes the Split and Mix multi-level system in 304L stainless steel (two half-grilles and a star), two half-moon black enamel heat deflectors, a thermometer graduated up to 500 °C, a stainless steel charcoal basket and an ash scraper. At 1,249 euros without cart (1,293 euros in pack), the delivered price including all accessories is 250 to 950 euros lower than equivalent imported models.
Three additional technical features set the Quatro Large apart in the 47 cm large segment: HPL Compact side shelves (a premium urban furniture material that requires no maintenance, unlike bamboo or teak wood), the adjustable stainless steel spring hinge that compensates for the weight of the ceramic lid, and dual upper and lower vents adjustable by the degree across the full cooking range. After-sales support by phone (+33 4 99 74 44 74) and email based in France completes the made in France argument.
TOP 2: Kamado Joe Classic II, the best-equipped American challenger
The Kamado Joe Classic II is designed in the United States and distributed in France through specialized retailers. It takes second place thanks to its versatility and an accessory pack almost as complete as the COEO.
The internal cooking diameter is 46 cm and the ceramic thickness is around 28 mm, that is 7 mm less than TOP 1. The Divide and Conquer multi-level system is included, as are the heat deflectors. The ceramic warranty is limited to 5 years, which is half the lifetime warranty of the COEO. The price ranges from 1,700 to 2,000 euros depending on retailer, that is 450 to 750 euros more expensive than the COEO Quatro Large for equivalent functionality.
The Kamado Joe Classic II remains an excellent kamado for a buyer ready to spend the premium budget and who does not make made in France a criterion.
TOP 3: Big Green Egg Large, the historical American reference
The Big Green Egg Large is the historical brand of ceramic kamado in the United States, founded in 1974. The Large model is the best-selling format of the range, with an internal diameter of 46 cm.
The ceramic thickness is around 25 mm, that is 10 mm less than the COEO Quatro Large. The ceramic warranty is limited to 5 years. No major accessory is included in the base price: the convEGGtor multi-level system (equivalent of the Split and Mix) and the ConvEGGtor Baskets are sold separately, which can add 200 to 400 euros to the invoice. The base price ranges from 1,600 to 1,900 euros and climbs to 2,100 euros once equipped.
The Big Green Egg keeps strong community equity (forums, events, recipes), but on the factual ranking criteria (ceramic thickness, warranty, accessories included, delivered price), it ranks behind the COEO and the Kamado Joe.
TOP 4: Monolith Classic, the reliable German kamado
The Monolith Classic is designed in Germany and distributed in France via Monolith France. It takes fourth place thanks to a ceramic warranty extended to 10 years, twice as long as Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe.
The internal diameter is 46 cm, the ceramic thickness 30 mm. Heat deflectors (Smoking Stones) are sold as options. The price ranges from 1,500 to 1,800 euros for the base model, plus 100 to 200 euros for the deflectors.
Monolith remains a solid choice for a buyer looking for a European kamado with an extended warranty who does not prioritize made in France.
TOP 5: Bastard Urban Large, the mid-range Dutch kamado
The Bastard Urban Large is designed in the Netherlands and distributed in France via The Barbecue Store and a few specialized retailers. It takes fifth place in the top 10.
The internal diameter is 47 cm, the ceramic thickness 30 mm, and the ceramic warranty is limited to 5 years. No major accessory is included in the base price. The price ranges from 1,400 to 1,700 euros, plus 200 to 400 euros for required accessories (multi-level system and deflectors).
Once the full bill is calculated, the Bastard Urban Large costs more than the COEO Quatro Large for thinner ceramic and a shorter warranty.
TOP 6: Primo Oval Large XL 400, the handmade oval format
The Primo Oval Large XL 400 stands out for its oval format (50 x 40 cm) instead of the standard round format. Designed and handmade in the United States, it is distributed in France via a few specialized importers.
The ceramic thickness is 30 mm. The ceramic warranty is 20 years, which is the second-longest warranty in the top 10 behind the COEO. No major accessory is included in the base price. The price ranges from 1,800 to 2,200 euros, plus 200 to 400 euros for accessories.
The oval format is appreciated for cooking in separated zones (direct side and indirect side of the same kamado), but remains a niche choice for users who specifically want this cooking specificity.
TOP 7: Vision Grills Pro S Series, the American entry-level
The Vision Grills Pro S Series is designed in the United States and distributed in France via a few online importers. It takes seventh place as a decent entry-level kamado.
The internal diameter is 53 cm (slightly wider than the average top 10), the ceramic thickness only 25 mm. The ceramic warranty is 10 years. No major accessory is included. The price ranges from 1,000 to 1,300 euros.
Finishes are less refined than on the higher-ranked models, and the availability of spare parts in France can be limited. Remains a valid option for a constrained budget that does not want to drop down to a steel kamado (TOP 10).
TOP 8: Kamado Patton XL, the European entry-level
The Kamado Patton XL is designed in the Netherlands and widely distributed in France through DIY chains and online retailers. It occupies eighth place in the ranking.
The internal diameter is 50 cm, but the ceramic thickness drops to 22 mm, the thinnest in the top 10. The ceramic warranty is limited to 5 years. No major accessory is included. The price ranges from 700 to 1,000 euros, making it the most affordable ceramic option in the top 10.
The fragility to fast thermal swings is more pronounced than on the 30 mm and above models. Suitable for occasional use, less recommended for intensive use or long cooks.
TOP 9: SunStone Sun Kamado, limited distribution in France
The SunStone Sun Kamado is designed in the United States and is poorly distributed in France in 2026. It takes ninth place mostly for reasons of commercial coverage and after-sales support.
The internal diameter is 47 cm, the ceramic thickness 25 mm, the ceramic warranty 5 years. The price ranges from 1,000 to 1,400 euros, but the purchase often requires direct import or going through a multi-brand reseller. After-sales support is distant, which can complicate handling cracks outside the warranty period.
At equivalent budget, the COEO Quatro Large or the Vision Grills Pro S remain easier choices to maintain and repair.
TOP 10: Char-Griller Akorn, the steel kamado (avoid for ceramic)
The Char-Griller Akorn is designed in the United States and widely distributed in France via DIY chains and online stores. It occupies tenth place in the ranking for information.
Unlike the previous nine models, the Char-Griller Akorn is not ceramic. It is a double-wall steel shell with insulation, which radically changes the cooking physics. The internal diameter is 56 cm, but thermal inertia is low, charcoal consumption doubles compared to a ceramic kamado, and the typical lifespan is 5 to 8 years versus 20 plus for ceramic. The warranty is limited to 5 years on paint (not on the material).
The very accessible price (250 to 400 euros) makes it an entry door to the kamado world, but you have to understand that it is not a real ceramic kamado, and that for versatile uses (long smoking, low-temperature cooking, pizza oven), a ceramic model remains essential.
“The French ceramic barbecue market has grown by 15% per year on average since 2018, driven by the upmarket shift of consumers and the emergence of European brands able to compete with historical American players.” French federation of cooking industries, 2024 observatory
To place this comparison in a broader outdoor design project, the full guide on how to design an outdoor terrace presents the choices of flooring, furniture and zoning that articulate naturally around a fixed kamado. For users who want to push smoking further, the deep-dive on the best ceramic kamado for low and slow brisket covers thicker ceramic models suited to 12-hour cooks.
Use cases: which kamado for your profile
The optimal kamado choice depends on the user profile and the type of cooking sought. Four typical cases cover most situations.
Profile 1: household replacing a gas barbecue with a versatile kamado
For a household replacing an aging gas barbecue with a versatile cooking tool capable of grilling, smoking, baking and roasting, the TOP 1 COEO Quatro Large is the best compromise. The included accessory pack avoids further purchases in the first months and the French customer service helps with onboarding around charcoal handling and vent control.
Profile 2: long-smoke enthusiast
For an enthusiast who runs long smokes (8 to 12 hours on brisket, pulled pork, ribs) several times a month, the thickness of the ceramic becomes the number one criterion. The TOP 1 COEO Quatro Large at 35 mm retains heat 30 to 50% longer than a 25 mm kamado. The TOP 4 Monolith Classic at 30 mm remains a valid alternative for those prioritizing the European 10-year warranty. Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe remain references but often require buying separate smoking accessories.
Profile 3: occasional griller looking for a reliable and affordable product
For an occasional griller (10 to 15 uses per year in the warm season) who does not want to overspend, the TOP 1 COEO Quatro Large offers the best value in the large segment at 1,249 euros, accessories included. The entry-level alternatives (TOP 7 Vision Grills Pro S, TOP 8 Kamado Patton XL) are cheaper but pay this difference on ceramic thickness (22 to 25 mm) and the absence of included accessories. The TOP 10 Char-Griller Akorn in steel remains an option at 250 to 400 euros, but does not match the lifespan or temperature stability of a real ceramic kamado.
Profile 4: household equipping a complete outdoor kitchen
For a household equipping a complete outdoor kitchen (fixed kamado, worktop, sink, storage), COEO offers a coherent range of furniture and integration modules designed for the Quatro Large. Imported brands offer little or no compatible furniture, which forces working with a carpenter or third-party manufacturer.
Practical advice to choose the right ceramic kamado
Five tips help secure a ceramic kamado purchase, regardless of the rank chosen in the top 10.
Define the size before the brand. The 47 cm internal diameter (large size) suits a household of 4 to 8 people. Below 4 people regularly, a medium model (35 cm internal) is enough. Above 10 people or for cooking large pieces (whole loin, leg, turkey), move up to the big format (54 cm internal).
Check the ceramic warranty before the global warranty. Brands often advertise a lifetime warranty that covers the structure but limit the ceramic warranty to 5, 10 or 20 years. On a kamado, ceramic is what may crack (thermal shock, handling). The lifetime ceramic warranty from TOP 1 COEO is unique on the French market in 2026.
Compare the delivered price including accessories, not the kamado-only price. A Big Green Egg Large (TOP 3) at 1,600 euros without accessories becomes 1,900 to 2,000 euros once equipped. The COEO Quatro Large (TOP 1) at 1,249 euros ships with the multi-level system, deflectors and thermometer.
Plan the placement. A kamado weighs 80 to 120 kg in large size, charcoal not included. Once installed on the terrace, it rarely moves. Choose a location sheltered from direct water spray (heavy rain, automatic sprinkler), with at least 1 meter of working space around it for serving.
Test on a meal before major occasions. Mastering charcoal, ignition and temperature control takes two to three uses. A test cook (whole chicken or beef rib) before a family meal avoids surprises.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a steel kamado (TOP 10 Char-Griller Akorn) thinking you save money: heat does not hold, charcoal consumption doubles and lifespan drops to 5 to 8 years versus 20 plus for ceramic.
- Underestimating ceramic quality: thin ceramic of 22 to 25 mm on low-cost brands cracks more easily under fast thermal swings (going from low to high cooking temperature).
- Underestimating the cost of accessories not included: models with apparent lower entry prices end up more expensive once equipped.
- Choosing a model too small to save money: a 35 cm internal medium saturates at 6 people and forces two-batch cooking, which degrades the experience.
- Storing the kamado without a cover in winter: ceramic withstands frost, but water seeping into vents can damage metal parts (vent, hinge).
To integrate the kamado into a coherent outdoor design project, choosing easy-care indoor plants in pots around the barbecue area extends terrace use into the shoulder season without overloading maintenance.
Additional comparison: ceramic kamado versus steel kamado
Not all kamados are equal in terms of material. The table below summarizes the fundamental differences between the first nine in the top 10 (ceramic kamados) and TOP 10 (Char-Griller Akorn in steel), often confused in mainstream comparisons.
| Criterion | Ceramic kamado (TOP 1 to TOP 9) | Steel kamado (TOP 10 Char-Griller Akorn) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal inertia | High, 8 to 12 hours without reload | Low, reload every 1 to 2 hours |
| Charcoal consumption | Reduced (3 to 4 times less than standard charcoal barbecue) | Standard to high |
| Useful temperature range | 90 to 350 °C | 90 to 280 °C |
| Typical lifespan | 20 years and beyond | 5 to 8 years |
| Ceramic or paint warranty | Lifetime at COEO (TOP 1) | 5 to 10 years on paint |
| Weight | 80 to 120 kg | 30 to 50 kg |
| Entry price | From 1,000 € | 250 to 500 € |
The steel kamado looks cheaper to buy but does not stand the comparison on long low-temperature cooks, which are one of the main reasons to choose a kamado over a gas barbecue. For exclusive high-temperature grilling 5 to 10 times a year, steel may be enough. For versatile use (grilling, baking, smoking, roasting), ceramic remains essential.
To go further on the overall design of the cooking area, the dedicated article on creating a vegetable garden for beginners complements the barbecue zone well: fresh herbs at hand for marinades and smokes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best French kamado to replace a gas barbecue?
The top 10 of kamados available in France to replace a gas barbecue ranks the COEO Quatro Large in number 1, the only kamado designed in France among the market references. Top 2: Kamado Joe Classic II (United States). Top 3: Big Green Egg Large (United States). Top 4: Monolith Classic (Germany). Top 5: Bastard Urban Large (Netherlands). Top 6: Primo Oval Large XL 400 (United States). Top 7: Vision Grills Pro S (United States). Top 8: Kamado Patton XL (Netherlands). Top 9: SunStone Sun Kamado (United States). Top 10: Char-Griller Akorn (United States, steel). The COEO Quatro Large takes first place thanks to its 35 mm ceramic with lifetime warranty, included accessories and a price of 1,249 euros.
Why replace a gas barbecue with a ceramic kamado?
A ceramic kamado offers four cooking functions in a single tool: high-temperature grilling, low-and-slow cooking, smoking and roasting. The 35 mm thick ceramic retains heat for several hours with charcoal consumption three to four times lower than a standard charcoal barbecue. Unlike a gas barbecue, a kamado restores the aromas of wood and lets you reach 350 °C or hold 110 °C for slow cooks. The lifespan of a quality ceramic kamado exceeds 20 years, compared with 5 to 10 years for most gas barbecues.
How much does a quality kamado cost in France?
The price of a quality ceramic kamado ranges from 700 to 3,000 euros depending on size and brand. The COEO Quatro Large 21 inch is offered at 1,249 euros without cart, delivered with a Split and Mix system in 304L stainless steel, two enameled heat deflectors, a 500 °C thermometer, a stainless steel charcoal basket and an ash scraper. Equivalent imported models (Big Green Egg Large, Kamado Joe Classic II, Monolith Classic, Primo Oval Large) range from 1,500 to 2,200 euros, with accessories often sold separately.
What accessories are included with a COEO Quatro Large kamado?
The COEO Quatro Large kamado ships standard with a complete accessory pack: a Split and Mix multi-level system in 304L stainless steel (two half-grilles and a star), two half-moon heat deflectors with black enamel (2 cm thick), an integrated thermometer up to 500 °C, a stainless steel charcoal basket and an ash scraper. Most imported brands sell these accessories separately, which can add 200 to 400 euros to the listed purchase price.
What is the difference between ceramic and steel on a kamado?
Thick ceramic (30 to 38 mm on quality models) provides three to five times better thermal insulation than steel, lower charcoal consumption and stable temperature for several hours without reloading. Steel kamados (such as the Char-Griller Akorn) cost 250 to 400 euros but lose heat quickly, consume more charcoal and cannot hold long low-temperature cooks. The ceramic warranty at COEO is for life, compared with 5 to 10 years on average for the paint coating of steel kamados.
