I just bought one yesterday because of this video. I was on the fence and I came across this video and you sold me on it. I cooked a steak on it today and got a awesome sear thanks man

Great video Steve - the Akorn was my first Kamado and the learning curve was real coming from mostly using the weber kettle and offsets. Now though, it's my go-to cooker.

Another great review video. I enjoy your honesty and enthusiasm. I love the Akorn and bought via your recommendation. Keep up the great work.

I love mine! For the price you cannot beat it, amazingly flexible and easy to use.

Expert grill has one now for like $267. Would love to see a review on it.

I've had mine for over two years. Used it exclusively on briskets ranging from 8-18 pounds depending on what was available locally, and I cook a brisket once a week. I use the ceramic diffuser. The learning curve is kind of steep but I love it. I can keep 225 for over twenty hours with minimum adjustment on the top vent and no refilling the charcoal. Bottom vent at 0.9 + top vent at 0.25-0.75 = 225. I use briquettes just for consistency and the standard blue Kingsford keeps the temps in check. No fan, no lump, no water pan. No rust, but I keep it under an overhang, and it does see occasional rain water from blowing winds. Unfortunately, I get minimal smoke ring, but the taste and tenderness are great 🎉

@cantdance3077

3 ай бұрын

Very cool that you posted your vent settings for 225. Definitely gonna try that.

Got myself one for Christmas. Have used it a few times, so still learning, but the food has come out real good. Real happy with it

I got one last summer and I love it. It will do anything: pizzas, steaks, wings, chicken and low and slow. Definitely a great value.

You're vids are the reason I wanted an Akorn and since I got the blue color in the cart, I love it. This thing held right about 265-280° for over 8 hours when the high for the day was onmy 35°. And I still had about 1/3 of my charcoal left after I finished. This thing is a beast and I'm glad I got it. Thanks for putting up vids on it so I had a general idea on how to control the temps. My first cook, a pork shoulder, came out perfect!

@Cookoutcoach

3 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome bud, and that blue color is incredible

Buddy, your the reason I bought one... love it!!! Thank you for your help!!!

Thanks, I was looking at the BGE, but you have made me change my mind. I am looking forward to watching your other videos to learn to use it.

Your channel was instrumental in my Akorn Kamado Grill purchase 4 months ago. I've completely upped my grilling game. Really really enjoy learning how to use it as a smoker and pizza baking on the Akorn is just cool. My wife and family are always happy when i fire up the Akorn. Tremendous value!

I started with an Akorn JR that I got at the flea market for $20. I was hooked. Within 2 months I bought a sapphire blue full-size Akorn and love it. Thank you for all the great information.

@Hidden-comment164

11 ай бұрын

I wish the blue ones were still around they are rare now

Been using mine for over 3 years now. I did burn out the O-ring around the top vent twice, and after that just sealed it up with RTV which worked and also helped me maintain lower temperatures much more easily. I can see the bottom tray is starting to rust out, probably from a mix of alkalai ashes and water where it sneaks into the pan once in a while, but I also found out you can order just that part which is a lot cheaper than buying a new Akorn. It's way more efficient than most ceramic cookers, which is great for fuel costs but harder to get a smoke ring on because you don't have as many combustion gases. Finally it's super sensitive to any vent changes, so controlling an Akorn is harder than controlling a ceramic. Still, between the cost, fuel efficiency, and the fact I can move it around without hiring a crew makes it my favorite overall.

I have had an Akorn for about 3 years now,I love this thing,it is my first smoker and it is probably going to be the only kind I will ever own. When you talk value,just think,you can purchase 3 or 4 of these for every 1 green egg,or any other Kamado out there,for that matter. I do agree,that I would love if they made a larger one,but I will just keep this one going as long as I need to. Thanks for your videos,they helped me get where I’m at today.

Thanks for your work on your videos. They're full of great info. I've had my Akorn for about three years, and I love the thing! So much more efficient and versatile than my old barrel-style grill. And no need for electricity if there's ever a long power outage. Just keep on cookin'!

I've had mine for about 10 years. I love it.

Great video , on a great cooker !!! You have put a whoopin on a bunch of high dollar kcbs teams with those akorns !!! 💪🏆🏆🏆

I got one.....love it..cooked my pulled pork at 275 as your vids suggest....i appreciate your vids alot....thank u.🎯🙏

Got 1 on the way with cover and stone. After watching a few of your videos I'm glad I got it.

This is a great video. Thank you for making it. I've had mine for about 2 years now. It's covered and in the patio. I will absolutely agree that this is the best value smoker. I would like to mention that I prefer the mobile stand on this vs the BGE.

Good video, Steve. Good in depth info.

Got 1 for Christmas this year. Also got the smoking stone and cover for it. Can't wait to try it out.

Just picked up my Akorn at lowes yesterday on clearance for $99!!! Can't wait to try it out!

@Cookoutcoach

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! That’s a great deal

Great video as usual! Could you do a brisket smoking video on the Akorn? Really looking for the best method for cooking the brisket on this bad boy. Thanks

Thanks for the in depth review.

Awesome info as always man. My wife got me an Akorn Jr for Christmas and gave it early. Have not done any extra long cooks but have cooked spatchcock chicken and a few steaks so far. Looking forward doing a pork butt in it.

I just came from Menards with mine. Thanks bro, big thumb up for your contact!

No doubt the best grill I've bought and I use it almost daily

Awesome review man. Thank you!

Your video is very nice!! I really like it!! Thanks for sharing it!!

Well off this video I made the final decision to but the akorn 320 at home depot online grey akorn with cart option. Can't beat it for the price and quality. I love it. Fired up this morning and seasoned it then Smoked ribs this afternoon. Amazing kamado grill. This is such a nice cooker. Can't wait to try some other cooks.

Made a flower pot grill, and it works so well I'm looking at the Akorn.

My dad had this before he upgrades to green egg and a pellet grill. But I'm actually about to get this and I've had my acorn jr for 4 years and absolutely no issues but the height. Now I think I'm going to get this one and I agree a pizza stone is a must.

Thanks for this vid!!! Because of your vids I ordered a blue one today!!! Thanks CC!.... The prices on these are going up, you can get them at Lowe's for $300 but you have to order the deflector plate, which watching these videos you really need. Thanks for the vids!

Thank you, sir. Very informative!

I just picked up my first kamado cooker, I was able to pick up a barely used Akorn from a You Tuber I follow and love it. I have done burgers and chicken on it hot and fast but I have a cook coming up in a couple weeks smoking 80 lbs. of pork butt for an event.

just got me an Akorn today. Been smoking on the WSM for about a year. looking forward to this new kooker

just got it on sale direct from CG, thanks for honest review

2 things.. I am not someone who babies his stuff. I neglect my Akorn by leaving it out in all weather (I’m in Ontario Canada and that includes serious snow and ice). Yes, it looks beat up and has a bit of rust forming but it still works like a champ after 6 or seven years and the replacement parts are very reasonably priced at chargriller. The other thing i would suggest is that you look at a product called the Smobot for temp control. Great video, btw. I love your enthusiasm.

I have had a few issues with my grill. The first issue is with the ashtray guide rusting out of my grill. Not a big deal but I have to hold the catch pan when emptying the pan. The handle on the main vent broke. If I forget to put the cover on it, the grill leaks bad and will fill up the tray. The like we have talked about before the built in thermometer is just worthless.

I have every kind of grill and I agree that the Akorn is the most fun overall (sheer versatility) though I do have a runner-up pellet grill that is a sleeper pick but not as portable. THEY NEED TO MAKE A BIGGER AKORN, and then you're right, it'd make my other grills/smokers collect dust.

Phenomenal info! You are one of the reasons I got this grill and I absolutely love it. Do you typically cook your steaks with the stone in or out? You may have that in another video but I just haven’t seen it yet.

@Cookoutcoach

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks bud, it depends, if I’m reverse searing I’ll start with the stone in then remove it and ramp the temps up when I want to sear it. If I’m just doing a normal steak cook then I don’t use the stone. Yup I’ve got a reverse seat video from last year around Valentine’s Day that explains my process 👍

Hi Steve, love the videos! I was wondering if you have any quick tips on how to get full combustion of your smoking wood? I agree that anything really below 240 is really a struggle to maintain, but I can't really get that clear blue smoke below about 325?

I got the akorn jr, and I love it the only thing I have not done is a pizza.

I'm still new to smoking and have used your videos for some great tips with my Akorn! Thanks! Question, have you used or heard any feedback on the tip top temp? I've heard it can help with longer smokes and keep temps more consistent.

Found one on Craigslist for $40. Thanks for the review.

Strongly considering getting one of these grills. I have read that the thermometer that comes with it isn't very good. What do you recommend to use to monitor grill temp with?

I’ve had the akorn jr for years and out of all my cookers it’s my go to. I have been wanting to upgrade for so long, just waiting on some to go on sale this season. Does anyone know if they run different or do both cook and run airflow the same?

Yeah I had it around 4 years. Def has a learning curve but she's held up good. Only thing I worry about is the cast iron grate. I had it glowing last night. It always needs cleaning and oil after

Great info my friend

@Cookoutcoach

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks bud

Will this give a good smoke to brisket at 275 to 300 cooking temp?

What cover would you use if you are in a location with high humidity? Used akorns in this area are always rusted in their bottom pan. I don't have a garage to place the akorn in after every use.

Man, I'd love a 24" Akorn.

Awesome review I just ordered the auto kamado! I know it’s not the same but the cooker is.

Hey mate, I haven't done a lot of charcoal cooking and I want to get into it more and get something better. I am currently cooking on a Jamie Oliver Kettle and it is crap. I am looking at either getting a Barrell smoker, a Weber Kettle or a Char Griller Akorn. I want to charcoal grill, smoke and slow cook that isn't hard to do or clean. What would you recommend in your professional opinion? Regards, Tyrone.

Thanks! Never bbq’d before...is 250/275 too high for brisket?

Have the Akorn Jr and love it. Its ONLY drawback is the obvious - it's small.

What is the coldest outside temp you have cooked with the Akron grill? I live up in Minnesota.

I live in New Zealand and this is by far the best barbecue cooker I hv ever owned,turns out beautiful beef brisket and a very versatile smoker as well for sea fish that I catch.Have had my griller for 8 years now and use it a lot of our summer

@kielcollier722

2 жыл бұрын

Hey man I'm from New Zealand too and looking at getting the akorn kamado, is it true that it's lasted 8 years? If so I'm sold haha

@brettmclauglin8574

2 жыл бұрын

@@kielcollier722 Yes,excellent barbecue and very economical on charcoal.I will buy another one when this one falls to bits.

@brettmclauglin8574

2 жыл бұрын

Yes true,keep it on my front porch so it’s out of the weather.Cooked a beef rump cap in it this afternoon…..delicious. Very economical on charcoal compared to the Smokey mountain type barbecue but u can’t rotisserie cook on it if that’s important to u.

@a.s.6365

Жыл бұрын

Did you buy the big akorn or the jnr? Did you get it from Bunnings ?

@brettmclauglin8574

Жыл бұрын

@@a.s.6365 It’s the big model Acorn and I bought it from Bunnings

Can you show how to install gyro fan? Or how to cook gyro on acorn vertical...

Would you still recommend the Akorn today? I’m looking for a kamado and know if I should save longer or jump on the akorn

Whats your method for setting it at 275?

I've had mine for 12 years, stored under a cover year round. It's just staring to rust inside on the bottom (not the ash catcher). I was looking to see current available grills; but I'm going out today and purchasing another one of these. I do cook on all temp ranges and it holds perfectly.

@davidpetersen5168

3 ай бұрын

Update; I bought my new Akorn and I'm now holding on to the old one too. We'll see if it gets used too. My old one has the wood shelves and handle.

I've been using the acorn for about 5 years now. My first from Menards. On sale was$ 250. Amazing value for what you get. Moved, bought my second at Home Depot. $ 300. Worth every penny. Pizza, pork shoulder, steaks, burgers, strips, breasts, wings. All have come out fantastic. Smoked a whole chicken for my first time 3 days ago. Only cost $5, took about 2 hours from fridge to table. Tasted fantastic!!!

@emrimbiemri3211

2 жыл бұрын

You can spatchcock the chicken and get it cooked im under 45mins.

@davidkanera7445

2 жыл бұрын

I've done that as well. I'm usually rotating in things like burgers and chicken strips for lunches later on. So I don't mind the extra time. Plus, I'm a bit of a germ a phobe so I also like less handling. Just my own quirk. Lol

Did you do anything to better seal it up from drafts? If so, make a video on that. When done with my smoking at 275, I close the top and lower vents and it will continue to burn up all the rest of the charcoal for the next 8+ hours at around 190 degrees. This thing is super drafty. I can’t get it to snuff out the remaining lump.

@Cookoutcoach

2 жыл бұрын

There is one thing I do with foil on the hopper lid, I’ve had a bunch of people ask about it so I’ll try to get that video out soon

Do you have a list of accessories I can purchase for the AKORN ?

I love my Akorn!

Great video... 1 question b4 I buy 1 ? Would I be able to smoke a 20 pound turkey... thank's

@Cookoutcoach

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely 👍

what's a good recipe for bone in chicken thighs with this grill? Thx awesome video man!

I've been HERE!!! Why I bought my kamander !!👌

hello, what is this barbecue guru fan??? do you can put the amazon link??

I actually got one of these because of your reviews and after 1yr my akorn is going fantastic. My friend thank you as they are enjoying the smoky goodness of this bad boy to. Cheers and keep up the awesome work

how do you do a split firebox? i am never able to split the grill surface with direct and indirect heat. Got any accessories you would recommend for that?

@Cookoutcoach

3 жыл бұрын

So the only way to do that that I can think of is if you look at an accessory called the slow n sear, they make one for the Weber jumbo joe that will fit the akorn. That plus an additional grate sized to fit where the smokin stone goes then the slow n sear on top of that then the akorn grate goes right over the top and it will split your akorn into two zones. If you email the slow n sear folks I’m sure they’ll know exactly what I’m talking about

How well does it preform in the winter?

Been thinking about getting one. I love in wv and it's hard to maintain temps in the winter. Thanks broski!

@jefferywebster4150

3 жыл бұрын

I live in Indiana and as far as I can tell the akorn does not even care what the temp is outside. A little longer to heat up from a cold start but after that holds temp even on cold and windy days.

@JebJones

3 жыл бұрын

@@jefferywebster4150 bought one this evening gna assemble it and do the 1st burn and seasoning of it tomorrow. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated. Love this vlog

@JebJones

3 жыл бұрын

Keep it up cookout coach!!!!

@jefferywebster4150

3 жыл бұрын

@@JebJones Congrats. You'll enjoy it. I'd just say to season as per the manual. If doing low and slow approach your desired temp slowly because its hard to cool back down. When you get close to your desired temp, cut back on both vents to just a crack and that'll usually maintain. You'll be amazed how well it keeps temps and how little fuel it consumes. And have fun! It's a great little cooker.

The Akorn is a great kamado at a low price. But mine is coming up on 3 years and it is starting to rust. The spot welds that hold the Y to the bottom of the main bowl all failed (fortunately, the Akorn works fine without it, because of the clips). I can't put mine in a shelter because it lives on a 2nd story deck. I do cover it, but I can't always because it retains heat so well that it is often still too hot when I want to cover it and go to bed. OTOH, I have no problem getting it to run at even 220°F, and I've done many pork shoulders and briskets with it. I would say the one 3rd party accessory I've bought that I really love is the SnS Charcoal Basket combined with a 17" Weber charcoal grate. This let's me put the fire directly under the cooking grate, for excellent searing power. If you've used an Slow n Sear on a Weber kettle, this is the same idea. Even if my Akorn doesn't hold out that much longer, I feel completely satisfied, because, instead of risking $1000-$1500 for a ceramic kamado, I was able to take a chance for a low price and discover that I really like a kamado grill.

Shoot did I finally find another WV boy on KZread to watch?

Do you find you have to run lump charcoal? Or I see briquette in the one shot

I got one recently based on your previous video, so thanks for the update. Since I've owned it I've done: Roast chicken = Smokey and delicious, lamb chops = most and tender, pizza on a stone = crispy bottom. My only critique is that I like to grill veggies on the grill with my lamb chops (we eat a lot of lamb on our sheep farm in Australia) and the grill gaps are too wide and I drop zucchini in the fire! 😀 It's worth it though. Question: can you cook with a pure wood fire? Thanks!

@Cookoutcoach

3 жыл бұрын

You should look into some wire racks for your veggies to keep them from falling through I definitely see how that could happen. Funny you ask about using an all wood fire because I’ve been thinking about that recently. I think you could, but you’ll need to leave the lid open and run it like a Santa Maria style grill, otherwise I don’t think you’ll get enough oxygen to your fire to keep it clean

@jvc8947

Жыл бұрын

By a screen or pop a cast iron pan. Use foil. Pure wood will probably give you a dirty burn and your food will be bitter. Stick a lump or small stick of wood and lump charcoal. I’ve throw a handful of pellets in mine in a pinch (with charcoal, not for fuel)

Can you feel the heat on the when it on

I love mine. I also want a bigger one! That's my biggest complaint. But don't forget to buy the stone!!

I agree with you completely !!! I have both the Akorn and Akorn Jr. I would love to have a larger Akorn that would compete with the kamado big Joe. I know Char Griller makes a ceramic version that is a little larger but I love the double wall steel version. #chargriller please make a larger version of the steel #Akorn !!!

@baileyjones2591

9 ай бұрын

Where did you find the ceramic char griller? I can’t find it

Good review, I'm going to look out for a deal on 1. A bigger Acorn would be awesome, maybe 24-26"!!

@jdeer4cyoung

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the awesome videos Coach and would definitely pay more for a 26"! Love my Akorn!

I have the same cooker I tried brisket a few times but can’t maintain a 225 temp what temperature should I try I use royal oak

@ssyoumans

2 жыл бұрын

I use Royal Oak lump as well. I’m able to hold 260 pretty good. I wouldn’t leave it overnight without a monitoring alarm as they can run away on you and need some attention.

Where can I get the fan?

Got one at lowes on clearance today already put together for 75.00. Ill be getting the diverter stone too. 38.00 at amazon.

@Cookoutcoach

2 жыл бұрын

That is an awesome deal

Got one earlier this year after watching your first review. Love it! One thing I'm struggling with is getting the smokey flavor I used to consistently get using my WSM. I think I like a bit more smoke flavor than others based on comments and videos I've watched. That said if I could figure out how to add a little more smoke using the Akorn I'd be extremely satisfied. Any tips with that?

@groovomata

3 жыл бұрын

Currently I’m using Green Egg Lump charcoal. It’s made from maple and has a nice mild flavour. The first bag of charcoal I bought was Fogo Super Premium lump charcoal and it had a much stronger flavour. Maybe you should change your charcoal? This site has a lot of info: www.nakedwhiz.com/lumpindexpage.htm?bag

@scotthorne9079

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate it. I'll switch things up a little and see how it goes.

@jefferywebster4150

3 жыл бұрын

I think the problem is that the akorn is actually too fuel efficient. Don't be afraid to use a good deal of wood along with the charcoal. I use a combination of a few good sized chunks and a handful of chips placed near the place where I start the coals burning. Seems to work well for me.

@TheModeRed

3 жыл бұрын

The quality of the fuel matters a lot. Fogo is a great lump. Add a bit more wood.. Then try running a hotter fire with a water pan. You can use a large water pan as a deflector resting on a weber charcoal grate instead of the smoking stone. I actually throw a round pizza pan over the weber grate as my deflector, then put a water pan on top. I'll set me Akorn to cook at 225, but then peek in to spritz my meat. The temperature fluctuation helps with combustion. As long as I stay under 275, everything is awesome.

Hey Coach, have you ever tried the Orion?

Have you done any mods to fix some of the air leakage problems that a lot of people talk about?

@ssyoumans

2 жыл бұрын

I have that problem. When done with my smoking at 275, I close the top and lower vents and it will continue to burn up all the rest of the charcoal for the next 8+ hours at around 190 degrees. This thing is super drafty.

The bottom of mine rusted out where the slide ash tray attaches

Hi , when will we see the new auto kamado akorn review ???

I almost sold my Akorn out of frustration (OK, I got caught up in the Weber gang hype lol) but realised I just hadn't learned it yet. I use it for pizzas, slow n sear steaks, ribs you name it. I have to change out the top damper because it was a floor model and it was damaged when I bought it but got it for cheaper and $20 for a new damper is a bargain.

I had one for 2 years and was awesome until the hinge assembly on the back totally strippe dout and pulled clean out of the body and my lid fell off one day....and yes I had a cover.

I got mine for 250usd. All you need is the deflector plate and a roll of BGE insulation tape to bring it up to par with models that cost twice the price or more.

Akorn or Weber Master Touch?

I'm trying to decide between the Oklahoma Joe's Rambler. I've never really grilled before. I will mostly just be cooking ribs, steak, burgers and pork chops. Don't really care about veggies or pizza tbh. Any opinions and help would be greatly appreciated.

@Cookoutcoach

2 жыл бұрын

For grilling that rambler will be fine but if you want to do stuff like ribs also I think you’re gonna have a much better time with the akorn and still be able to grill your chops steaks and burgers

I keep looking at it, but I am worried about rust as I live within a couple of miles of the ocean. Does anyone live near the water that has it that can tell me if they have had issues with it rusting or not.

@keithmacdonald1445

3 жыл бұрын

Chris, I’ve had no issues at all. I’m within miles of the Atlantic and the Chesapeake Bay and doing the basic care and keeping it covered or garaged has kept it completely rust free.

My stepdad had this for a couple of years after moving in to a new house, safe to say it still alright to use but the whole damn thing is rusted over and is falling apart. Not sure why we even still have it around tho, since i would perfer to get a new one

Like you said brother, for the price you will not find another cooler that is THAT versatile that will allow you to keep the temperature that you want to cook at. And the thing is even in the cold 🥶 it will hold temperature without loss of heat. That’s hard to do. Awesome video 👍👍👍