u/Lidlyogurtlover

Having returned my Aldi Kamado (unopened) after this sub persuaded me it was too much for my needs, I need some advice on which simpler charcoal bbq to get.

I want a bbq that I'll use 3-5 times a year, easy to clean, not too much maintenance. I'll be able to keep it in a shed over winter or even in summer to avoid from rain so don't need a cover. Mainly cooking chicken and some mince burgers.

Weber 57cm Compact - £110 from a local garden centre. No thermometer. Seems robust and has the brand reputation. Not sure if it has ash collection features.

Weber 57cm Original - £170 from Johhn Lewis - seems to have a "one-touch cleaning system" but not really sure what that is. Apart from a thermeter, not really sure what the difference is against the Compact model.

B&Q 57cm Goodhome - £125 - Charcoal BBQ and Charcoal Grill at B&Q

I saw this in store against the Weber. Build quality and metal thickness seemed very similar, with an edge to the Weber. But you get a more fancy ash / air system. You'd have to spend over £230 to get a similar thing from Weber.

Char-Griller Wrangler - £150 from a local garden centre - the guy at the garden centre suggested this one over the £110 Weber Compact. It had heavy cast iron grates, larger cooking area, adjustable shelfs and he said cleaning was easier on it. Can't find too many reviews on it, but it did look good.

So what do you think?

Lurking on this sub for a while and got caught up in the hype regarding the Aldi Kamado.

I happened to go into my local Aldi this morning and they still had one in stock. I bought it thinking I'd do some reason on why these are so good.

And I'm none the wiser. I was thinking of a charcoal one from Lidl for £80 to a Weber round one for £150 ish.

Everyone says Kamados are really good, but I'm not sure why.

I don't think I have any interest in smoking meat (health concerns) and would typically only be cooking chicken, potatoes and veg for a BBQ.

I would only do a BBQ when I have friends or family around so maybe use it three times a year.

My question is, then, is the Aldi Kamado right for me? I don't mind paying more for a higher quality product that will last.

Will it make cooking easier and quicker?

Will it use less charcoal?

Is cleanup quicker?

Is there anything else I can do with a Kamado?

Just want some advice if this Kamado is overkill for me. Thanks!