Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado Charcoal vs Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill (2026): Key Differences

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.

The char griller akorn 20 inch kamado charcoal vs traditional charcoal comparison highlights two distinct approaches to outdoor cooking. Both units use charcoal and share a black finish. The main difference lies in their design and capacity. The AKORN is a kamado-style smoker with triple-wall insulation, while the Traditional model offers a larger, open-grill area. You need to decide which cooking style fits your needs.

Cooking Area

306 sq in main, 165 sq in warm rack

790 sq in total

Smoker Style

Kamado

Not listed

Grate Material

Cast iron

Porcelain-coated cast iron

Insulation

Triple-wall insulated steel

Insulated grill body

Dimensions

45.2 x 31.3 x 47.4 inches

53.5 x 27.6 x 51.2 inches

Use

Grilling, Smoker

Grilling

Choose the first if

• You want kamado-style heat retention for smoking.
• You prefer a smaller footprint for patios or decks.
• You value triple-wall insulation for fuel efficiency.

Choose the second if

• You need maximum cooking space for large gatherings.
• You want porcelain-coated grates for easier cleaning.
• You prefer a traditional open-grill design.

Verdict

Choose the AKORN if you prioritize smoking capabilities and fuel efficiency through its kamado design. Pick the Traditional Charcoal Grill if you need a larger cooking surface for grilling large quantities of food. Both are heavy-duty steel options that suit different outdoor cooking styles.

Kamado Insulation vs Open Design

Cooking area

Edge: Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill

You get significantly more surface space on the Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill. It offers 790 square inches of total cooking area, which is ideal for large family gatherings or big BBQs. The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado provides 306 square inches of primary cooking space plus a 165-square-inch warming rack. While the AKORN includes the extra warming rack, the Traditional model’s main grate is more than double the size. If you need to cook many burgers or large cuts at once, the Traditional grill gives you the room to do so without overcrowding.

Smoker style

Edge: Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado

The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado is built as a kamado-style smoker. This design uses triple-wall insulated steel to retain heat efficiently, meaning you use less charcoal for long cooks. It also features an offset smoker capability for true indirect smoking. The Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill is a standard open charcoal grill. It lacks the kamado’s specialized insulation and offset design. If your goal is low-and-slow smoking with precise temperature control and fuel efficiency, the AKORN’s kamado construction is the better choice. For simple grilling, the traditional style is sufficient.

Grate material

Edge: Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill

Both grills use cast iron grates, but the finish differs. The AKORN features bare cast iron grates that are durable and hold up well to heavy use. The Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill uses porcelain-coated cast iron grates. This coating helps lock in food flavor and provides even heat distribution while potentially making cleanup slightly easier. The porcelain coating can prevent food from sticking more effectively than bare iron. However, bare cast iron can be seasoned to create a natural non-stick surface over time. For immediate flavor retention and ease of use, the coated grates have a slight advantage.

Portability

Edge: Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado

The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado sits on a cart constructed of tubular steel with rubber wheels. This setup allows you to move the grill around your patio or yard with relative ease. The Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill does not list a wheeled cart in its specifications. It is a stationary unit that must be moved manually or remains fixed in place. If you plan to relocate your grill frequently or need it on a wheeled base for stability and movement, the AKORN’s cart design is the clear winner. The traditional model is better suited for a permanent spot.

Heat control

Edge: Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill

The Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill features dual damper controls for efficient heat and smoke management. These dampers allow precise airflow adjustment, helping you maintain optimal temperatures for different cooking styles. The AKORN includes a heat gauge and double-wall insulation to help monitor and retain heat. While the AKORN’s insulation aids in temperature stability, the Traditional model’s explicit dual damper system offers more active control over airflow. If you prefer adjusting vents to fine-tune your cook, the Traditional grill provides the necessary tools for precise management.

Which grill suits your cooking style

You need large capacity for big groups

Our pick: Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill

The Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill offers 790 square inches of total cooking space. This ample surface area handles large family gatherings and outdoor parties with ease. You can fit more food on the porcelain-coated cast iron grates. The dual damper controls allow precise airflow management. This design maintains optimal heat and smoke for enhanced flavor and texture during extended cooking sessions.

You want efficient smoking with less fuel

Our pick: Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado

The Char-Griller AKORN features triple-wall insulated steel construction. This insulated design retains heat effectively, meaning you use less charcoal to maintain temperature. The kamado style provides excellent airflow control for smoking. You get 306 square inches of main cooking space plus a 165 square inch warm rack. The cast iron grates hold up well for consistent results over long periods.

You prefer a compact unit with storage

Our pick: Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado

The AKORN measures 31.3 inches wide and 45.2 inches long. It includes two folding wood shelves for convenient prep space. The cart is constructed of tubular steel with rubber wheels for mobility. The locking lid and double wall insulation add security and efficiency. This model is lighter at 90 pounds compared to the traditional option, making it easier to manage in smaller spaces.

Specifications side by side

Spec	Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado	Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill
Cooking Area	445 sq. in.	790 sq. in.
Grill Style	Kamado	–
Grate Material	Cast iron	Porcelain-coated cast iron
Body Material	Triple-wall insulated steel	Heavy-duty steel
Ash Management	EasyDump ash pan	EasyDump Ash Pan
Fuel	Charcoal	Charcoal
Smoker Style	Kamado	–
Features	Offset Smoker, Cast Iron Grates	–
Use	Grilling, Smoker	Grilling
Color	Black	Black
Dimensions	45.2 × 31.3 × 47.4 inches	53.5 × 27.6 × 51.2 inches
Weight	90 pounds	88.6 pounds
Size	Full Size	27.6 x 53.5 x 51.2 inches
Model	6719	E2197

Frequently asked questions

Which grill is better for low and slow smoking?

The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado is the superior choice for smoking. Its kamado design provides excellent insulation and heat retention. This allows for stable, low-temperature cooking over long periods. You benefit from fuel efficiency and smoke-heavy results. The traditional grill lacks this specialized insulated structure for consistent smoking.

How much cooking space does each model provide?

The Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill offers 790 square inches of total cooking area. This large capacity suits big family gatherings. The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado provides 306 square inches. This smaller space is better for individual cooks or small groups who prioritize flavor over volume.

Are both grills made of durable materials?

Yes, both models feature robust construction. The AKORN includes cast iron grates for durability and heat retention. The Traditional Charcoal Grill uses heavy-duty steel for its body and cooking surfaces. Both finishes are black and designed for outdoor use. You get solid builds in either option for long-term cooking.

What are the dimensions of the Char-Griller AKORN?

The AKORN measures 31.3 inches in width, 47.4 inches in height, and 45.2 inches in length. It weighs 90 pounds. These dimensions make it a full-size unit. It requires a dedicated spot in your backyard due to its substantial footprint and weight compared to portable grills.

Does the traditional grill have an offset smoker?

No, the Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill does not feature an offset smoker design. It is a standard kettle-style grill focused on direct grilling. The AKORN 20-Inch Kamado includes an offset smoker attachment. This adds versatility for those who want to smoke meat alongside standard grilling tasks.

Which model is heavier to move?

The Char-Griller AKORN 20-Inch Kamado weighs 90 pounds. The Traditional Charcoal Grill weighs 88.6 pounds. Both are heavy units that are not designed for frequent portability. You should place them in a permanent outdoor location. The slight weight difference is negligible for moving or setup purposes.

Can I use both grills for high-heat grilling?

Yes, both grills use charcoal fuel for high-heat cooking. The traditional grill excels at direct grilling with its large open area. The AKORN can also handle high heat, though it is optimized for smoking. You can sear steaks on either model. Choose based on whether you need more space or better smoke retention.

What is the main design difference between them?

The AKORN is a kamado-style ceramic smoker with an offset attachment. It focuses on insulation and fuel efficiency. The traditional grill is an open-design steel kettle. It prioritizes large cooking capacity and easy ash removal. Your choice depends on whether you value smoking performance or raw grilling space.

See also

• char griller vs green party charcoal grill
• char griller vs kamado joe charcoal grill
• char griller traditional charcoal grill vs competition pro offset
• 20 Inch vs 10 Inch tiller