Kamado barbecue outdoors on the patio
Barbecue

Best kamado barbecue 2026: Keij or Boretti?

Table of contents

A kamado barbecue combines grilling, smoking, baking and even pizza-making in one device. At Boender Outdoor we carry two kamado brands: Keij Kamado and Boretti Ceramica. Both are excellent choices, but they differ significantly in price, size and look. In this guide, we compare them fairly.

Why choose a kamado barbecue?

A kamado is an egg-shaped ceramic barbecue, based on centuries-old Asian cooking techniques. Thanks to the thick ceramic walls, a kamado keeps the temperature extremely stable — from 80°C for low & slow to 400°C for a quick sear. That makes it suitable for grilling, smoking, baking (even pizza) and slow cooking, all on the same device. Fuel consumption is also low: thanks to the insulation, you only need 2 to 3 kilograms of charcoal for an 8- to 12-hour session.

Keij Kamado: the complete line-up

Keij Kamado targets a broad audience with two series: the beginner-friendly Pro series and the premium Legend series, each available in multiple sizes.

Keij Pro — entry-level model

  • Pro Compact (15 inch) — from €399, 50 kg
  • Pro Large (21 inch) — from €999, 91 kg, including a Divide & Conquer system for multi-zone cooking

Keij Legend — premium series

  • Legend Compact (15 inch) — from €449, grate diameter 30 cm, 50 kg
  • Legend Large (21 inch) — from €1,199 (Solo version without trolley from €1,079), grate diameter 47 cm, outer diameter 55 cm, 89 kg
  • Legend XL (23 inch) — from €1,399, 95 kg

All Legend models are available in three colours: black, blue and green.

Boretti Ceramica: Italian design

Boretti — known from the Dutch TV show De Grote Tuinverbouwing — combines Italian design with kamado cooking technique in its Ceramica series. The range is more compact than Keij's, but comes more fully equipped as standard.

  • Ceramica Medium — from €1,115 (Solo version from €985.99), 70 kg, dimensions 80×57 cm, working height 74 cm, suitable for up to 6 people
  • Ceramica Large — from €1,349 (Solo version from €1,089), 100 kg, 87 cm length, suitable for up to 10 people
  • Ceramica Limone — from €1,599, same dimensions as the Large in a striking yellow colour variant

Every Boretti Ceramica comes standard with a wheeled trolley, two cast-iron half-moon grates, a plate setter for indirect grilling, a stainless steel charcoal basket and eight tool hooks — accessories you often have to buy separately with other brands.

Keij vs Boretti: the comparison

Price

Keij is clearly more accessible: the Pro Compact starts at just €399, and even the largest Legend XL stays under €1,400. Boretti only starts where Keij stops — the Ceramica Medium begins at €1,115. If you want the cheapest possible introduction to kamado cooking, Keij is the logical choice.

Size and weight

Boretti's smallest model (Ceramica Medium, 70 kg) falls roughly between Keij's Compact and Large in size — Boretti doesn't have an entry size as compact as Keij's 15-inch models. If you're looking for a kamado for a small balcony, the Keij Pro or Legend Compact is your best bet.

Equipment and accessories

Boretti stands out with its complete standard equipment: plate setter, stainless steel charcoal basket and eight tool hooks are all included. With Keij this varies per model — the Pro Large, for example, comes standard with the Divide & Conquer system for multi-zone cooking.

Look and feel

Keij offers a choice of three colours (black, blue, green) in the Legend series, making it more flexible for different garden styles. Boretti opts for a recognisable, sleek Italian design, with the Limone version as a striking standout.

Which kamado suits you?

Small terrace or balcony, limited budget

Choose the Keij Pro Compact (15 inch) — from €399, the cheapest way into kamado cooking.

Family, versatile use

The Keij Legend Large (21 inch) or the Boretti Ceramica Medium are both suitable for 4 to 6 people — choose Keij for the sharpest price, Boretti for the complete equipment and Italian design.

Large garden, parties and groups

Go for the Keij Legend XL (23 inch) or the Boretti Ceramica Large, both suitable for up to 10 people.

Also read our guides on how to use a kamado barbecue and kamado vs gas barbecue for more background.

Conclusion: which kamado do you choose?

There isn't a single winner — it depends on your budget and preferences. Choose Keij Kamado if a sharp price, a compact entry-level model, or a choice of colours matters to you. Choose Boretti Ceramica if you'd rather get a fully equipped kamado with Italian design straight away, and the higher price tag isn't an issue.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Keij and Boretti kamados?

Keij Kamado targets a broader price segment (from €399) with its Pro and Legend series and offers a choice of colours. Boretti Ceramica starts at a higher price (from €1,115), but comes standard with more accessories and has a recognisable Italian design.

Which kamado is best for beginners?

The Keij Pro series is specifically designed as an entry-level model — the same ceramic core as the more expensive series, at an accessible price.

Can I bake pizza on both brands?

Yes, both kamados reach temperatures of 350-400°C with a plate setter and optionally a pizza stone — more than enough for a crispy pizza base.

What's the weight difference between the models?

From light to heavy: Keij Pro/Legend Compact (50 kg), Keij Legend Large (89-91 kg), Boretti Ceramica Medium (70 kg), Keij Legend XL (95 kg), Boretti Ceramica Large (100 kg). Keep this in mind when determining the right surface to place it on.