A kamado is a purchase you'll keep for years. If you choose the Keij Kamado, you have two series: the Pro and the Legend. They look very similar, but they differ in sizes, colours and what comes as standard in the box. In this guide we put all the Keij models side by side, so you can see which series and which size suits you.
In short: the Pro comes in 15 and 21 inch, in black, with stand, Divide & Conquer and cover. The Legend comes in 15, 21 and 23 inch, in black, blue and green, and also includes 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 just 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 (matt) |
| Ceramic | Cordierite | Cordierite |
| Temperature | 50 to 350+ °C | 50 to 350+ °C |
| Stand | 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 stated | Yes, HDPE with hooks |
| Chip feeder and ash drawer | Not stated | Yes |
| Ceramic warranty | See product page | Lifetime |
In short, with the Pro you buy the kamado itself, with the Legend you get 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 just 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 cook at once. Keij has three sizes. An 18 inch doesn't exist at Keij.
| Size | Grate and weight | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 15 inch (Compact) | Ø 30 cm, 50 kg | 1 to 3 people, balcony or small patio |
| 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 | Big groups, long smoking sessions |
Torn between two sizes? Then go for the larger one. On a large grate you can easily grill two burgers, but on a small grate you won't fit spare ribs for six people. Weight matters too: you only set up a kamado once, so choose a sturdy, level spot.
Think of your largest cut 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 good to go.
Keij Pro: the models
The Pro series is Keij's entry-level range. You get the same ceramic core as the Legend, including stand, Divide & Conquer and protective cover. The Pro only comes in black and in two sizes.
The Pro Compact is designed for smaller patios and balconies. Despite its size, you can cook directly and indirectly at the same time with Divide & Conquer.
The Pro Large is the 21 inch version with a steel stand on wheels. A good choice if you cook for a family and don't need side tables or a colour choice.
Keij Legend: the models
The Legend is Keij's premium series. All complete Legend models have a steel stand 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 come with a lifetime warranty. The working height of the Compact and Large is around 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 stand, side tables, Divide & Conquer or protective cover. It only comes in black. Interesting if you're building the kamado into an outdoor kitchen or already have a stand.
Legend in blue or green
Only the Legend comes in colour. Every size is available in matt black, matt blue and matt 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 patio.
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 entertaining 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'll automatically end up with the Legend. The Pro only comes in black.
Balcony or small patio
Go for a 15 inch: the Pro Compact if you want to keep things simple, 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 stand
Choose the Legend Large Solo. You won't pay for a stand and side tables you won't use.
Still undecided between Keij and another brand? In Keij vs Boretti we compare both brands side by side.
Accessories that fit
Every Keij comes with a stainless steel grate. If you want to get more out of your kamado, cast iron grates and plates are the first upgrade. They hold heat for longer and give deeper sear marks. The half-moon versions pair well with Divide & Conquer: a plate for fish or eggs on one side, regular grilling on the other.
Cast iron grate 21 inch
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Half-moon plate 21 inch
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Half-moon grate 21 inch
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Dutch Oven 3.5 litre
View →Got a 15 inch? Then there's the half-moon plate and the half-moon grate at 33 cm. For stews and bread, there's also a 6 litre casserole alongside the Dutch Oven. The full range is available 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 pans
According to the manufacturer, the Keij Dutch Oven and casserole are heat-resistant up to around 260 °C. So use them for stewing and baking at medium-high temperatures, not for a 350 °C searing session.
Cast iron: enamelled or preseasoned?
Enamelled plates and grates don't need seasoning and are easy to clean. The preseasoned grate should be seasoned 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 stand
The Legend Large Solo has no stand, 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 comes as standard. If you want side tables and a chip feeder, factor 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 compare 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 firebox made of cordierite ceramic, a temperature range of 50 to well 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 cart, Divide & Conquer and a protective cover.
Which size Keij Kamado 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 people, 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 cart, side tables, Divide & Conquer or protective cover. The ceramic and the lifetime warranty are the same as on the complete Legend Large. It is handy if you already have a cart 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 firebox and the fire ring. For the Pro series, the product information does not mention a lifetime warranty; check the product page for details.
Can I leave a Keij Kamado outside all winter?
Yes, the ceramic is weather-resistant. Do use the supplied protective cover, leave the kamado to dry, and after a wet spell light it gently before reaching high temperatures.
