Kamado or gas barbecue: what is the best choice for you?
You want to buy a new barbecue but are torn between a kamado and a gas barbecue. Understandable — both have serious advantages. In this article we compare them fairly on ignition time, flavour, versatility, ease of use and price, so you make the right choice.
Also read our guide to the best kamado of 2026 and how to use a kamado for more background.
Note: at Boender Outdoor we sell the Keij Kamado. We make every effort to provide a fair comparison, but please take this into account when reading.
What is a kamado?
A kamado is a ceramic barbecue that runs on charcoal or briquettes. Thanks to its thick ceramic walls, a kamado retains heat extremely well and regulates temperature precisely — from 50 °C for cold smoking to 350 °C+ for baking pizzas. The Keij Kamado is one of the best kamados in its price range.
What is a gas barbecue?
A gas barbecue runs on propane or butane. Light it up, wait 10–15 minutes and you can grill. Quick, easy and little preparation needed. Ideal for busy weekday evenings. Brands such as Boretti offer gas barbecues with cast-iron grills and Italian design, also as built-in variants for a complete outdoor kitchen.
Ignition time and ease of use
- Kamado: 15–25 minutes to reach temperature. Requires a bit more preparation and knowledge of air vent control
- Gas barbecue: 10–15 minutes, start directly via a button. Very user-friendly for beginners
Winner on ease of use: gas barbecue — quicker to get going, no charcoal needed.
Flavour and versatility
- Kamado: Authentic charcoal flavour, possibility to smoke with smoking wood (hickory, apple, cherry). Can grill, smoke, low & slow, bake pizzas and even bake bread
- Gas barbecue: More neutral flavour. Grilling and indirect cooking work well, smoking is possible to a limited extent with a smoke box
Winner on flavour and versatility: kamado — considerably more versatile and with a richer flavour.
Temperature control and maintenance
- Kamado: Precise temperature control via air vents, but requires a learning curve. Little maintenance — remove ash after use and clean occasionally
- Gas barbecue: Direct and precise via knobs — ideal for beginners. Clean grills and burners regularly to keep functioning optimally
Price
- Kamado (Keij): From €449 for compact, to €1,299 for XL. Long lifespan makes the investment worthwhile. Low fuel costs due to economical charcoal consumption
- Gas barbecue: Wide range from budget to premium. Fuel costs add up with intensive use
Full overview
| Kamado (Keij) | Gas barbecue | |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition time | 15–25 min | ✓ 10–15 min |
| Flavour | ✓ Authentic charcoal | Neutral |
| Versatility | ✓ High | Average |
| Temperature control | Precise (learning curve) | ✓ Direct and easy |
| Suitable for smoking | ✓ Excellent | Limited |
| Suitable for beginners | Learning curve | ✓ Straightforward |
| Lifespan | ✓ Very long | Long |
| Maintenance | ✓ Minimal | Average |
If you opt for a kamado, also read which kamado accessories you need to get the maximum out of it straight away. Looking for an affordable alternative to the Big Green Egg? Read Big Green Egg alternative: the best kamado of 2026.
Conclusion
A gas barbecue wins on convenience and speed. A kamado wins on flavour, versatility and experience. Want to really get into barbecuing and have years of pleasure from one investment? Then the Keij Kamado is an excellent choice. Still unsure? Our specialists are happy to help you in our showroom or via telephone, email or WhatsApp.
View our complete kamado range at Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture.
