Ceramic Charcoal BBQ Kamado Griller London Sunshine review portable tabletop smoker insights

Description

Portable and Compact Design

The London Sunshine Kamado Ceramic Charcoal BBQ Griller immediately caught my eye for its portable tabletop design. Weighing in at 46.2 pounds, it’s not feather-light, but the bamboo handles and sturdy steel stand make it manageable to move around. I’ve lugged it to a few backyard gatherings and even a camping trip, and I appreciated how the compact 13″ ceramic body fit snugly in the trunk of my car. Its matte finish gives it a nice aesthetic touch, effortlessly blending with outdoor setups. However, I’ll admit that assembling the stand and attaching the handles required some patience, though nothing overly complicated.

Versatile Cooking Performance

What impressed me most about this grill was its wide cooking temperature range—from 180°F to a scorching 750°F (82°C to 399°C). Whether I wanted to smoke some ribs low and slow, bake a pizza, or sear steaks to perfection, this griller delivered. The ceramic wall does an excellent job of insulating heat and distributing it evenly. One evening, I smoked a brisket, and the flavors locked into the meat like magic. The cast iron charcoal grate and stainless steel cooking grid felt durable and easy to clean, which is a blessing after a day of grilling.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional heat retention thanks to the 0.8″ thick ceramic walls.
• Allows multiple cooking methods: smoking, grilling, baking, and broiling.
• Portable and ideal for picnics, camping, and backyard parties.
• Comes with a built-in thermometer for precise temperature control.

Areas of Concern

• Weight can still be a challenge despite its portable claim, especially for single-person transport.
• The assembly process for the stand and handles, while minimal, could be smoother.
• Cooking surface area of 90 square inches might feel limited if you’re cooking for a larger group.

Thoughtful Features for Grill Enthusiasts

The premium glass fiber gasket around the lid ensures a tight seal, keeping all the heat and moisture locked in. I also loved the cast iron top vent and stainless steel bottom vent, which give you precise control over airflow. The inner fire bowl design seemed to optimize fuel usage, and I noticed that I used considerably less charcoal compared to my old grill. That’s a win in my book.

Competing Brands

I’ve used other compact grills like the Weber Smokey Joe and the Big Green Egg Minimax before testing this one. The London Sunshine Kamado stands out with its ceramic construction, which offers superior heat retention compared to the metal body of the Smokey Joe. However, the Big Green Egg Minimax does have a slight edge in build quality and accessories, although it comes at a much higher price point. If portability and cost are priorities, this product holds its own in the crowded market of charcoal grills.

Quality for Price

Considering its durable ceramic build, versatility, and compact design, I’d say this grill offers excellent value for money. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but the features you get make it worth the investment. I’d recommend it for small families, grill enthusiasts, or anyone who loves outdoor cooking but doesn’t need a massive grill dominating their patio.

This tabletop charcoal griller has certainly earned its place in my backyard arsenal. It’s not flawless, but its performance and portability make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a compact and versatile BBQ solution.

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