A kamado is a purchase you'll keep for years. If you choose the Keij Kamado, you have two series to pick from: the Pro and the Legend. They look very similar, but they differ in sizes, colours and what comes in the box as standard. In this guide we put all the Keij models side by side, so you can see which series and which size suits you. Want to compare Keij with another brand, such as the Big Green Egg? Then also read Big Green Egg alternative.
In short: the Pro comes in 15 and 21 inch, in black, with a cart, Divide & Conquer and a cover. The Legend comes in 15, 21 and 23 inch, in black, blue and green, and also has side tables, a chip feeder, an ash drawer and a lifetime warranty on the ceramic. For a family, 21 inch is the standard choice.
At a glance: today's prices
| Product | Today's price | |
|---|---|---|
| Keij Kamado Pro Compact (15 inch) | €399 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Keij Kamado Pro Large (21 inch) | €879 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Keij Legend Compact (15 inch) | €449 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Keij Legend Large (21 inch) | €1,199 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Keij Legend XL (23 inch) | €1,399 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Keij Legend Large Solo (21 inch) | €1,079 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
Legend vs Pro: the differences in one table
The core is the same for both series: a dome and firebox made of cordierite ceramic, a stainless steel grill grate and a temperature range from 50 to well over 350 °C. You can grill, smoke, bake and roast on both. The difference lies mainly in the choice and the equipment.
| Keij Pro | Keij Legend | |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 15 and 21 inch | 15, 21 and 23 inch |
| Colours | Black | Black, blue, green (matte) |
| Ceramic | Cordierite | Cordierite |
| Temperature | 50 to 350+ °C | 50 to 350+ °C |
| Cart | Yes (Large with wheels) | Yes, with large wheels |
| Divide & Conquer | Yes | Yes (not with Solo) |
| Protective cover | Yes | Yes (not with Solo) |
| Side tables | Not listed | Yes, HDPE with hooks |
| Chip feeder and ash drawer | Not listed | Yes |
| Ceramic warranty | See product page | Lifetime |
In short: with the Pro you buy the kamado itself, with the Legend you buy a complete workstation. The side tables give you space for a chopping board or tongs, the chip feeder lets you add wood chips without opening the lid, and the ash drawer makes it easy to remove the ash.
What every Keij Kamado has in common
- Dome and firebox made of cordierite ceramic
- From 50 °C for low & slow up to well over 350 °C for searing
- Divide & Conquer for direct and indirect cooking at the same time (all models except the Solo)
- Protective cover included as standard (all models except the Solo)
Which size: 15, 21 or 23 inch?
The size of a kamado is given in inches and determines how much you can grill at once. Keij has three sizes. An 18 inch does not exist at Keij.
| Size | Grate and weight | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 15 inch (Compact) | Ø 30 cm, 50 kg | 1 to 3 people, balcony or small terrace |
| 21 inch (Large) | Ø 47 cm (Legend), 89 to 91,5 kg | 4 to 6 people, the family size |
| 23 inch (XL) | Larger than Large, 95,5 kg | Large groups, long smoking sessions |
Torn between two sizes? Then go for the bigger one. On a large grate you can easily grill two burgers, but on a small grate you won't manage spare ribs for six people. Weight matters too: you only set a kamado down once, so choose a sturdy, level spot.
Picture your largest piece of meat (a whole chicken, a pork shoulder or a rack of ribs) on the grate. If it fits comfortably with room to spare, you're well set.
Keij Pro: the models
The Pro series is Keij's entry-level model. You get the same ceramic core as the Legend, including the cart, Divide & Conquer and protective cover. The Pro is only available in black and in two sizes.
The Pro Compact is designed for smaller terraces and balconies. Despite its size, you can cook directly and indirectly at the same time thanks to Divide & Conquer.
The Pro Large is the 21 inch version with a steel cart on wheels. A good choice if you cook for a family and don't need side tables or a choice of colour.
Keij Legend: the models
The Legend is Keij's premium series. All complete Legend models have a steel cart with large wheels, HDPE side tables with hooks, a chip feeder for wood chips, Divide & Conquer, a protective cover and an ash drawer. The dome, lid, firebox and fire ring carry a lifetime warranty. The working height of the Compact and Large is approximately 90 cm.
Legend Large Solo: without accessories
There is also a 21 inch Legend without extras: the Solo. You get the same ceramic and the same lifetime warranty, but no cart, side tables, Divide & Conquer or protective cover. It is only available in black. Interesting if you want to build the kamado into an outdoor kitchen or already have a cart.
Legend in blue or green
Only the Legend comes in colour. Every size is available in matte black, matte blue and matte green. The equipment is exactly the same across all colours, so you choose purely on taste. Black is the least conspicuous, while blue and green become an eye-catcher on the terrace.
Legend Compact blue
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Legend Compact green
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Legend Large blue
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Legend Large green
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Legend XL blue
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Legend XL green
View →Which Keij suits you?
Work through these three questions and you'll quickly know which model it will be.
Up to 3 people: 15 inch. Family of 4 to 6: 21 inch. Often having guests or smoking large cuts of meat: 23 inch, and that size is only available in the Legend.
Yes: choose the Legend. If you don't need those extras and want to start as affordably as possible: choose the Pro.
If you want blue or green, you automatically end up with the Legend. The Pro is only available in black.
Balcony or small terrace
Choose a 15 inch: the Pro Compact if you want to keep things simple, or the Legend Compact if you want side tables and a colour. Both weigh 50 kg.
Family, lots of different dishes
The Legend Large is the all-rounder: a 47 cm grate, for 4 to 6 people, and everything included. If you want the same size with fewer extras, the Pro Large is the alternative.
Large garden and lots of guests
Go for the Legend XL. Keij's largest grate, room for several pizzas or a complete pulled pork shoulder, and, like the other Legends, available in three colours.
Outdoor kitchen or your own cart
Choose the Legend Large Solo. That way you don't pay for a cart and side tables you won't use.
Still torn between Keij and another brand? In Keij vs Boretti we put both brands side by side.
Accessories that fit
Every Keij has a stainless steel grate. If you want to get more out of your kamado, cast iron grates and plates are the first upgrade. They retain heat for longer and give deeper grill marks. You can combine the half-round versions with Divide & Conquer: a plate for fish or eggs on one side, and regular grilling on the other.
Cast iron grate 21 inch
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Half-round griddle 21 inch
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Half-round grate 21 inch
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Dutch Oven 3,5 litre
View →Have a 15 inch? Then there's the half-round griddle and the half-round grate at 33 cm. For stews and bread, there is also a 6 litre casserole alongside the Dutch Oven. The full range is found under barbecue accessories, and in our guide kamado accessories: what do you need? you can read what really makes a difference.
Mind the temperature with cast iron pots
According to the manufacturer, the Keij Dutch Oven and casserole are heat-resistant up to approximately 260 °C. So use them for stewing and baking at medium-high temperatures, not for a 350 °C sear session.
Cast iron: enamelled or preseasoned?
Enamelled plates and grates don't need seasoning and are easy to clean. The preseasoned grate needs seasoning before first use and after cleaning with soap, but it can handle higher temperatures.
Common mistakes when choosing
Buying too small
A 15 inch is ideal for two, but with guests it quickly gets cramped. If you regularly cook for four or more, you won't regret going for the 21 inch.
Forgetting the weight
A 21 or 23 inch weighs around 90 kg. Place it on a level, sturdy surface and, if you're on a balcony, check what the floor can bear.
Buying the Solo without a cart
The Legend Large Solo has no cart, side tables, Divide & Conquer or cover. Perfect for an outdoor kitchen, but if you have nothing to set it on, choose the complete Legend Large.
Only looking at the price of the kamado
Compare what's included as standard. If you want side tables and a chip feeder, count those in when you put the Pro next to the Legend.
Got your Keij home? Then read how to use a kamado barbecue before your first session, and put models side by side in our comparison table.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Keij Legend and the Keij Pro?
Both have a dome and fire box made of cordierite ceramic, a temperature range of 50 to over 350 °C, and the Divide & Conquer system. The Legend comes in 15, 21 and 23 inch and in black, blue and green, and includes side tables, a chip feeder, an ash drawer and a lifetime warranty on the ceramic. The Pro comes in 15 and 21 inch, in black only, with a stand, Divide & Conquer and a protective cover.
Which Keij Kamado size do I need?
If you usually cook for 1 to 3 people or have limited space, the 15 inch (30 cm cooking grate) is enough. For a family of 4 to 6, the 21 inch (47 cm cooking grate on the Legend) is the logical choice. If you often cook for larger groups or want to smoke a lot at once, choose the 23 inch Legend XL.
What is the Keij Legend Large Solo?
It is the 21 inch Legend in black without accessories: no stand, side tables, Divide & Conquer or protective cover. The ceramic and the lifetime warranty are the same as the complete Legend Large. It is useful if you already have a stand or table, for example in an outdoor kitchen.
How heavy is a Keij Kamado?
The 15 inch models (Pro and Legend Compact) weigh 50 kg, the Legend Large 89 kg, the Pro Large 91.5 kg and the Legend XL 95.5 kg. If you have a balcony, always check what the floor can bear first.
What warranty comes with a Keij Legend?
The Legend series has a lifetime warranty on the dome, the lid, the fire box and the fire ring. For the Pro series, the product information does not mention a lifetime warranty, so check the product page for details.
Can I leave a Keij Kamado outside all winter?
Yes, the ceramic is weatherproof. Do use the supplied protective cover, keep the kamado dry, and after a wet period, light it gently to dry it out before reaching high temperatures.
