What's The Average Lifespan Of Kamado Grills?

Kamado-style grills aren't for the budget-conscious, beginner grillers. This broad category of ceramic charcoal grills inspired by ancient Asian cooking methods is for serious chefs, and with that comes a serious price tag. The high-quality kamado grills are built to last for decades and compared to the lifespan of a charcoal grill, a good kamado can be one of the longest-lasting pieces of outdoor equipment you can buy. While traditional gas and charcoal grills often need a replacement after a decade of use, a well-maintained kamado can easily last 20 years or more.

The way kamado grills are built actually lends to their hardcore durability. The thick ceramic body is designed to withstand scorchingly hot temperatures while also retaining heat efficiently. Unlike metal grills that can rust, warp, or burn over time, the kamado typically doesn't deteriorate from repeated exposure to high heat. 

One of the best-known manufacturers of kamado-style grills, Big Green Egg, states that its grills are built for generations of use, even throwing out the number of times it can be heated: 100,000. The company also backs many of its ceramic components with a limited lifetime warranty. Other kamado grill brands like Kamado Joe, Primo, Coyote, and Blaze offer lifetime warranties on their ceramic parts, proving that these brands expect their products to last a very long time.

Of course, you don't have to take the manufacturer's word for it. Customer experiences support these claims as well, and many kamado owners report grills that are decades old and still functioning. One griller wrote on Reddit: "It's extremely versatile and has a lifetime warranty. I've had mine for nearly 20 years and prior to that, I was buying something every couple of years." Another Redditor added: "Mine has been outside for eight years and still looks new, less the gasket. Last grill you'll ever have to buy." 

The most common issues with the kamado grills aren't the ceramic body, but smaller components that wear out over time. Certain parts may need a replacement eventually, like the gasket around the lid that creates an airtight seal. Cooking grates may rust or become difficult to clean. Built-in thermometers can eventually lose accuracy or need calibration. Fire rings and fireboxes can also crack over the years. All said and done, these repairs are much cheaper than buying an entire new grill.

Ceramic is strong, but it's not superhero-strength. A shell can crack if it's hit with extreme force or exposed to sudden and extreme temperature changes. Although many ceramic grills are weather-resistant, manufacturers recommend using a protective cover and avoiding any kind of moisture buildup inside. Exposure to rain, snow, and freezing temperatures can shorten its long life. But plenty of kamado owners like to brag that they never use a cover and have yet to suffer any consequences. As always, before you invest, make sure it's the best grill for your BBQ needs. Like so many expensive items, you get what you pay for and this kamado grill can be a lifetime backyard companion if you treat it right.