Char-Griller AKORN Jr Review

Did you know that the Char-Griller AKORN Jr is a portable charcoal grill that combines the functionality of a kamado-style grill and smoker? With its compact frame and convenient handles, it’s perfect for taking on-the-go.

The AKORN Jr’s insulated design and locking lid help trap smoke, heat, and moisture for enhanced flavor. Made from heavy-gauge powder-coated steel, it’s durable and easy to use.

Plus, its adjustable dual dampers and removable ash pan make cleaning a breeze. Get ready to grill and smoke your favorite dishes with the AKORN Jr!

Overview

The Char-Griller Akorn Jr is a portable charcoal grill and smoker that is perfect for grilling on-the-go. Its compact size and convenient handles make it easy to take with you wherever you want to cook up a delicious meal.

What sets the Akorn Jr apart from other portable grills is its insulated design, which traps smoke, heat, and moisture for optimal cooking results. This means you can achieve high heat grilling or low-and-slow cooking with ease. Compared to propane grills, the Akorn Jr provides more heat for searing and is better suited for slow cooks and smoking.

Its versatility is further enhanced by adjustable dual dampers, allowing you to control the temperature and smokiness of your food. With the Akorn Jr, you can enjoy the convenience of a portable grill without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Design and Build Quality

To ensure a successful assembly, make sure to align everything correctly before tightening any parts.

When it comes to the design and build quality of the Char-Griller Akorn Jr, there have been some build issues and durability concerns reported by users. Some users have mentioned difficulty with attaching the handle during assembly, and others have experienced chipped porcelain on the grill. It is recommended to not tighten any parts until everything is correctly aligned to avoid any further issues.

Additionally, users have found that using a cover can help prevent rusting and protect the grill from the elements.

While there have been some concerns about the build quality, many users have still praised the functionality and cooking capabilities of the Akorn Jr.

Performance and Cooking Experience

For optimal performance and an enjoyable cooking experience, adjust the inlet and vent on your portable charcoal grill to achieve the desired heat levels and smokiness.

The Char-Griller Akorn Jr. offers flavorful grilling results with its temperature control and versatility. Whether you want to sear a steak or smoke some ribs, this grill has got you covered. By adjusting the inlet and vent, you can easily control the heat and smoke levels to achieve the perfect cooking outcome.

The compact size of the grill makes it ideal for on-the-go grilling, perfect for picnics, camping trips, or cookouts. With its insulated design and locking lid, it effectively traps smoke, heat, and moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meats.

Features and Accessories

Impress your friends and family with the delicious and perfectly cooked meals you can create using the versatile features and accessories of this portable charcoal grill.

The Char-Griller Akorn Jr. offers a range of portability advantages that make it an ideal choice for picnics, camping trips, and cookouts on-the-go. Its compact frame and convenient handles allow for easy transportation, while its insulated design with a locking lid traps smoke, heat, and moisture for exceptional flavor.

To enhance your grilling experience, there are recommended accessories available for the Akorn Jr., such as the grill cover and smokin stone. These accessories help protect your grill and expand its capabilities, allowing you to smoke ribs and chicken with minimal charcoal use.

With the Akorn Jr. and these recommended accessories, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering meals wherever you go.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Ensure that you properly clean and maintain your portable charcoal grill to prolong its lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

Cleaning your grill regularly is essential to remove grease, food residue, and ash buildup. Start by scraping off any food particles from the cooking grates using a grill brush.

Next, remove the ash from the bottom of the grill by using the ash pan or a vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Additionally, it is important to schedule regular maintenance for your grill. Check the tightness of the screws and hinges, and lubricate them if needed. Inspect the charcoal grate and replace it if damaged.

Pros and Cons

So you’re interested in discussing the pros and cons of the char-griller akorn jr. Let’s start with the pros.

• The portable charcoal grill offers a compact frame and convenient handles, making it perfect for grilling on-the-go.
• It also has an insulated design with a locking lid, which helps trap smoke, heat, and moisture for enhanced flavor.
• Additionally, the grill is made from heavy-gauge powder coated steel and features thick cast iron cooking grates, ensuring durability and even heat distribution.

Now, let’s move on to the cons.

• Some users have mentioned poor build quality and assembly issues, requiring adjustments and improvisation to ensure proper functionality.
• There have also been reports of chipped porcelain and rusting, leading some to purchase aftermarket covers for protection.
• Lastly, the absence of a heat shield for convective cooking may be a drawback, but this can be worked around by using radiative heat or aluminum foil.

Pros

You’ll love the versatility of the Char-Griller Akorn Jr. It provides high heat grilling and low-and-slow cooking all in one portable package.

Here are some reasons why the Akorn Jr is a great choice for you:

1. Fuel efficiency: The Akorn Jr requires less charcoal compared to full-sized grills, making it more fuel efficient and cost-effective.

2. Portability and convenience: With its compact frame and convenient handles, the Akorn Jr is perfect for grilling on-the-go. Whether you’re going on a picnic, camping, or hosting a cookout, this portable grill has got you covered.

3. Insulated design: The Akorn Jr’s insulated design with a locking lid traps smoke, heat, and moisture, ensuring delicious and flavorful results every time.

4. Easy to use and clean: With adjustable dual dampers and a removable ash pan, the Akorn Jr is easy to use and clean. You can easily control the temperature and clean up afterwards without any hassle.

Experience the convenience and versatility of the Char-Griller Akorn Jr for yourself and take your grilling game to the next level.

Cons

While the Akorn Jr offers many advantages, it’s important to consider some of the cons as well. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering this portable grill:

1. Assembly challenges: Some users have reported difficulties with assembly, including issues with attaching the handle and adjusting the hinge and spacer. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and take your time during assembly.

2. Comparison with other portable grills: When comparing the Akorn Jr to other portable grills, it’s worth noting that some users have mentioned poor build quality and assembly issues. It may be worth considering other options if these factors are important to you.

3. Chipped porcelain and rusting: Some users have mentioned chipped porcelain and the need for a cover to prevent rusting. It’s important to take proper care of the grill to ensure its longevity.

4. Limited cooking area: The Akorn Jr has a cooking area of 155 square inches, which may be too small for larger gatherings or if you plan on cooking for a large number of people. Consider your cooking needs and the size of your usual gatherings before making a decision.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Char-Griller Akorn Jr provides a portable and versatile grilling experience. It excels in heat control and the ability to smoke food to perfection.

When comparing it to a propane grill, the Akorn Jr stands out. It heats up faster and is better for searing. Additionally, it offers more heat for slow cooking and smoking, making it a versatile option.

With its adjustable inlet and vent, you have full control over the temperature and smokiness of your food. However, it is worth noting that the Akorn Jr lacks a heat shield for convective cooking. This can be improvised with radiative heat or aluminum foil.

Despite some minor assembly issues and the need for a cover to prevent rusting, the Akorn Jr delivers on its promise of providing a fantastic grilling experience. It offers great temperature control and versatility.