Portable Ceramic Charcoal Grill London Sunshine Kamado review for Outdoor Cooking Enthusiasts

Description

Portable Design and Build Quality

The London Sunshine Ceramic Charcoal BBQ Kamado Griller caught my attention immediately with its compact yet sturdy design. At just over 46 pounds, it’s not the lightest grill out there, but the bamboo handles and robust steel stand make it surprisingly easy to move around. I tried carrying it across my backyard, and while it’s portable, you’ll feel its weight—a testament to the high-quality ceramic construction. The matte, textured finish gives it a sleek look, and the 13-inch ceramic body feels durable enough to withstand quite a few grilling sessions. I even tested setting it up on uneven surfaces, and the steel stand kept it stable, which is a plus for outdoor use.

Cooking Versatility and Temperature Control

What stands out the most is the wide cooking temperature range, from 180°F to 750°F. This makes it a true multitasker—you can smoke, bake, grill, or even broil with ease. I experimented with smoking ribs at lower temperatures and then cranked it up to grill steaks. The ceramic insulation locks in heat beautifully, distributing it evenly, which means no random hot spots ruining your food. The cast iron top vent and stainless steel bottom vent offer precise control over airflow. Adjusting them became second nature as I played around with different recipes, and the built-in thermometer made temperature monitoring straightforward. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with cooking techniques, this grill is a dream.

Key Benefits

• Durable ceramic construction ensures even heat distribution.
• Wide temperature range allows for versatile cooking styles.
• Portable design with bamboo handles makes it easy to carry.
• Glass fiber gasket and vents provide excellent heat and airflow control.
• Pre-assembled body and lid make setup quick and hassle-free.

Cooking Surface Area: A Tight Fit

The 90-square-inch cooking surface is great for smaller gatherings, but it felt a bit cramped when I tried to cook for a group. I managed to fit about four burgers and some veggies at once, but I had to cook in batches for larger meals. On the flip side, the smaller size makes it perfect for camping trips or picnics, where you don’t need to cook for a crowd. The stainless steel cooking grate is easy to clean, which is a relief after a long day of grilling.

Areas of Concern

• The cooking surface is limited, making it unsuitable for large gatherings.
• Assembly is partially required, which isn’t complicated but might bother some users.
• The ceramic material, while durable, adds significant weight to the grill.

Ease of Assembly and Maintenance

The setup was pretty simple since the body and lid come pre-assembled. I only needed to attach the handles and put together the stand. It took me about 10 minutes, and I didn’t break a sweat. Cleaning the grill was another story, though. While the stainless steel cooking grate is easy to wipe down, ash buildup in the fire bowl required a bit more effort to clean out. The cast iron charcoal grate, however, held up well and didn’t warp despite the high heat.

Competing Products

Comparing this grill to others in the market, the Big Green Egg MiniMax comes to mind. While both are ceramic grills with excellent heat retention, the MiniMax offers a slightly larger cooking area but comes at a higher price point. The Kamado Joe Jr. is another competitor, with its patented air hinge and a more refined vent system. However, neither of these options is as portable as the London Sunshine Kamado, especially with its lightweight stand and bamboo handles. If portability and affordability are priorities, this grill holds its own against these heavyweights.

Cost-Effectiveness

For its features and build quality, this grill offers excellent value for money. While there are cheaper tabletop grills out there, they often compromise on materials or versatility. The ceramic build, wide temperature range, and portability make this a solid investment if you’re serious about outdoor cooking. It strikes the right balance between performance and price, especially for someone like me who loves grilling but doesn’t want a massive setup dominating their outdoor space.

If you’re looking for a compact, versatile grill with a premium feel, this portable ceramic smoker checks most of the boxes. It might not be ideal for hosting large barbecues, but for small gatherings or on-the-go grilling, it’s a reliable companion.

Additional information