Big Green Egg alternative: the best kamado BBQ of 2026
A kamado barbecue is not something you buy on a whim. The Big Green Egg has been the most well-known brand for years — but also the most expensive. More and more people are looking for a good alternative that offers the same quality without the high price tag. In this article, you'll read why the Keij Kamado is the strongest Big Green Egg alternative of 2026.
Note: at Boender Outdoor we sell the Keij Kamado. We do our best to make a fair comparison, but please keep that in mind when reading.
What makes a kamado special?
A kamado is more than a barbecue. Thanks to the thick ceramic and precise air flow control, you can do the following on the same kamado:
- 🔥 Low & slow cooking at 100–130 °C (pulled pork, brisket, ribs)
- 🍗 Indirect grilling at 150–180 °C (chicken, fish, vegetables)
- 🥩 Direct grilling at 220–280 °C (steak, burgers)
- 🍕 Pizza baking at 300–350 °C like in a stone oven
- 🌿 Cold smoking at 50–80 °C (fish, cheese, cold meats)
Read more in our complete beginner's guide to the kamado.
Why are people looking for a Big Green Egg alternative?
- Price — A BGE Large costs around €1,000–€1,500, not even including the stand and accessories
- Accessories — BGE accessories are brand-specific and considerably more expensive than universal alternatives
- Availability — Popular models are regularly out of stock
- Brand vs quality — You're partly paying for the name, not just the product
Keij Kamado: the strongest alternative
The Keij Kamado is a top-quality kamado for a more reasonable price. Keij uses high-quality ceramic, has a sleek finish and offers excellent temperature regulation — everything you'd expect from a premium kamado.
- High-quality ceramic for optimal heat storage and regulation
- Precisely adjustable air vents above and below
- Compatible with standard kamado accessories — not brand-dependent
- Competitive price-to-quality ratio
- Available immediately from Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture
Keij Legend vs Keij Pro
Keij Legend — premium
High-quality cordierite ceramic, lifetime warranty and includes Divide & Conquer system. The Legend is the choice if you want the best and are looking for a product that will last generations. Available in 15, 21 and 23 inch.
Keij Pro — excellent value for money
Strong ceramic, fully accessory-compatible and available as 15 and 21 inch. The Pro is ideal for the enthusiast who wants a lot for their money.
Comparison: Keij vs Big Green Egg
| Keij Kamado | Big Green Egg | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | High-quality ceramic | Ceramic |
| Temperature range | 50 °C – 350 °C+ | 50 °C – 350 °C+ |
| Accessories | ✓ Universal | Brand-specific |
| Price | ✓ Competitive | High |
| Availability | ✓ Immediate | Variable |
What to look for in a Big Green Egg alternative?
- Ceramic quality — Thicker ceramic retains heat longer and is more durable
- Air regulation — Good vents above and below are essential for temperature control
- Size — Choose based on the number of people (see our kamado sizes guide)
- Accessories — Check that standard kamado accessories fit
- Service and warranty — Choose a brand with good support
Do you also want to know which accessories you need? Read kamado accessories: what you need. Still unsure between kamado and gas? Check out our kamado vs gas barbecue comparison.
Conclusion
You don't have to pay top dollar for a top-quality kamado. The Keij Kamado offers everything you'd expect from a premium kamado — at a much more friendly price. Still in doubt? Our specialists are happy to help you in our showroom or via phone, email or WhatsApp.
View our full range of kamado barbecues and Keij Kamado products.
