Best Ceramic Grills in 2026: 5 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You cook in a large Big Joe or XL kamado BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone The 19.8 inch length fits Big Joe and Big Green Egg XL grills.
• You need side shelf space for prep Kamado Joe Classic Joe I 18-Inch Ceramic Grill This 188 pound ceramic grill includes side shelves for a sturdy cart setup.
• You want high output for backyard cooking Pit Boss 5-Burner Ceramic Griddle The 5-burner propane griddle offers a large ceramic surface and 63 inch length.

Our 5 picks

1 Best overall

BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone

Best for: Indirect cooking in large kamado grills

Material

Ceramic (what this guide is about)

Included Accessories

Pizza Stone

Style

Kamado

Dimensions

19.7 × 9.85 × 3.27 inches

Weight

7.6 pounds

View on Amazon: BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone Affiliate link

This is a pair of half-moon ceramic heat deflector plates designed for Kamado Joe Big Joe I, II, and III grills. The set measures 19.8 inches in diameter and weighs 7.6 pounds. It is made from food-grade ceramic to circulate and retain heat effectively. You can use it for indirect cooking, baking pizzas, or smoking meats without burning the bottom. It fits other large kamado grills like the Big Green Egg XL.

Pros

• Two-piece half-moon design for even heat distribution
• 19.8-inch diameter fits Big Joe I, II, and III
• Food-grade ceramic construction retains heat well
• Compatible with Big Green Egg XL and other large kamados

Cons

• Limited to specific large kamado models
• Requires soaking for easier cleaning
• Sold as a replacement accessory, not a complete grill

Good fit if

• You own a Kamado Joe Big Joe I, II, or III
• You want to bake pizza or smoke meats indirectly
• You need a replacement heat deflector for a large kamado

Skip if

• You have a smaller kamado grill like the Classic Joe
• You need a complete grill rather than an accessory
• You prefer a single-piece round heat deflector

Verdict: BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Heat Deflector provides a durable, food-grade ceramic solution for indirect cooking in large kamado grills. It is the right choice if you need to protect delicate foods or bake pizza in a Big Joe or Big Green Egg XL.

2 Also great

Pit Boss 4-Burner Portable Lift-Off Propane Griddle

Best for: large group ceramic griddle cooking

Burner Count

4 Burner

Form Factor

Portable Lift Off

Fuel Type

Gas

Compatible Appliance

Griddle

Dimensions

63 × 29 × 37 inches

View on Amazon: Pit Boss 4-Burner Portable Lift-Off Propane Griddle Affiliate link

The Pit Boss 4-Burner Griddle offers 647 square inches of non-stick armored ceramic cooking surface. It delivers 46,000 BTUs across four separately controlled stainless steel burners. The unit features a portable lift-off design that converts to a table-top option. Folding side shelves provide extra prep space. This gas-powered griddle suits those needing high heat output and a large, easy-to-clean ceramic cooking area for outdoor meals.

Pros

• 647 square inches of non-stick armored ceramic surface
• 46,000 BTUs from four separately controlled burners
• Portable lift-off form factor with table-top conversion
• Folding side shelves with tool hooks

Cons

• Propane gas fuel requires tank management
• Heavy stainless steel construction limits portability
• No digital temperature control or remote monitoring

Good fit if

• You need a large ceramic cooking surface for groups
• You prefer separate burner controls for zone cooking
• You want a portable unit that converts to table-top use

Skip if

• You require charcoal or wood-fired flavor
• You need a compact unit for small balconies
• You prefer electric or solid fuel options

Verdict: Pit Boss 4-Burner Ceramic Griddle provides high heat and a large ceramic surface for versatile outdoor cooking. It fits buyers who prioritize cooking area and burner control over fuel type flexibility.

3 Best premium

Kamado Joe Classic Joe I 18-Inch Ceramic Grill

Best for: Side shelf space on ceramic grills

Material

Ceramic (what this guide is about)

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Cooking Area

250 sq. in.

Form Factor

Cart

Primary Material

Ceramic

Temperature Range

225F to 750F

View on Amazon: Kamado Joe Classic Joe I 18-Inch Ceramic Grill Affiliate link

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is an 18-inch ceramic charcoal grill mounted on a cart. It offers 250 square inches of cooking area and stainless steel grates. The unit includes side shelves for workspace and a built-in thermometer. Its Control Tower vent allows temperature management from 225F to 750F. This model suits you if you want a durable ceramic smoker with dedicated prep space.

Pros

• Includes side shelves for additional workspace
• Patented ash drawer simplifies cleanup
• Control Tower vent enables precise temperature control
• Stainless steel cooking grates resist rust

Cons

• Heavy at 188 pounds
• Limited to 250 square inches of cooking area
• No digital temperature monitoring included

Good fit if

• You need side shelves for prep space
• You prefer ceramic construction for heat retention
• You want a cart-based charcoal grill

Skip if

• You require a larger cooking surface
• You need digital temperature controls
• You prefer a portable or lightweight unit

Verdict: Kamado Joe Classic Joe I 18-inch Ceramic Grill fits users who value side shelves and ceramic heat retention. It serves those who need a sturdy cart-based setup for smoking and grilling.

4 Best budget

Kamado Joe 15-Inch Ceramic Pizza Stone

Best for: Kamado Joe Classic Joe 18-inch grill owners

Material

Ceramic (what this guide is about)

Primary Material

Ceramic

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Included Accessories

Pizza Stone

Style

Kamado

Compatible Appliance

Smoker

View on Amazon: Kamado Joe 15-Inch Ceramic Pizza Stone Affiliate link

This Kamado Joe accessory is a 15-inch ceramic pizza stone designed for brick-oven style cooking. It fits inside Kamado Joe Classic Joe 18-inch grills. The stone distributes heat and absorbs moisture to create crispy crusts. It weighs 2 pounds and measures 5.87 inches by 5.87 inches. You need the Heat Deflector to prevent burning. It is a practical addition for charcoal smokers.

Pros

• High-impact ceramic material for even heat distribution
• 15-inch diameter for authentic pizzeria-style pizzas
• Absorbs excess moisture for crispy crusts
• Compatible with Kamado Joe Classic Joe 18-inch grills

Cons

• Requires the separate Kamado Joe Heat Deflector for use
• Only fits specific 18-inch Kamado Joe models
• Not a standalone grill or oven

Good fit if

• You own a Kamado Joe Classic Joe 18-inch grill
• You want to bake wood-fired style pizzas
• You prefer ceramic cooking surfaces for moisture control

Skip if

• You do not have a compatible Kamado Joe grill
• You need a standalone pizza oven
• You want to cook without a heat deflector

Verdict: Kamado Joe 15-inch Ceramic Pizza Stone is a specialized accessory for Kamado Joe Classic Joe 18-inch owners who want to bake pizzas. It delivers crispy crusts when used with the required heat deflector.

5 Best propane

Pit Boss 5-Burner Ceramic Griddle

Best for: high-output backyard griddling

Material

Ceramic (what this guide is about)

Fuel Type

Propane Gas

Cooking Area

673 sq. in.

Heat Output

50,000 BTU

Burner Count

5

Application

Backyard

View on Amazon: Pit Boss 5-Burner Ceramic Griddle Affiliate link

This Pit Boss unit offers 673 square inches of cooking area powered by five stainless steel burners. It delivers 50,000 BTU of heat output through a proprietary non-stick armored ceramic surface. The design includes a hard cover and a full steel cabinet for storage. You will appreciate the folding side shelves with tool hooks. This setup suits those who need high heat and ample space for backyard griddling.

Pros

• 50,000 BTU heat output
• 673 sq. in. ceramic cooking area
• Five stainless steel burners
• Includes hard cover
• Full steel storage cabinet

Cons

• Weighs 172 pounds
• Propane gas only
• No electronic ignition listed

Good fit if

• You need high BTU output
• You want a ceramic griddle surface
• You have space for a large unit

Skip if

• You prefer charcoal fuel
• You need a portable grill
• You want electric ignition

Verdict: Pit Boss 5-Burner Ceramic Griddle provides serious heat and a large ceramic surface for serious backyard cooks. It fits those who prioritize raw power and cooking space over portability.

Specifications side by side

How to Choose the Right Ceramic Grill

1. Match Size to Your Grill

   You must verify physical dimensions before buying. The top pick is a 19.7-inch stone for specific Big Joe grills. The premium Kamado Joe grill is 18 inches wide. Griddles like the Pit Boss models are much larger. Check your grill interior or existing accessories. Mismatched sizes lead to poor heat distribution or fitment issues. Always compare the length and width specs directly against your equipment. This ensures the ceramic component sits securely and functions as intended without gaps or overhangs.

2. Check Fuel Type Needs

   Decide between charcoal and propane based on your cooking style. The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I uses charcoal for deep smoke flavor. The Pit Boss models use propane for quick heat and easy control. Charcoal offers traditional kamado heat retention but requires more setup. Propane provides consistent temperature with less effort. Choose charcoal if you prioritize flavor and slow cooking. Select propane if you want convenience and faster heat-up times. Your fuel choice dictates the entire cooking experience and maintenance routine.

3. Consider Weight and Portability

   Weight determines if a unit is portable or permanent. The BMMXBI stone weighs only 7.6 pounds, making it easy to move. The Kamado Joe grill weighs 188 pounds, requiring a sturdy cart. The Pit Boss 5-burner griddle weighs 172 pounds. Heavy ceramic grills offer superior heat retention but are difficult to relocate. Lightweight stones or portable griddles suit tailgating or small patios. Check the weight spec to ensure your surface can support the unit safely during use.

4. Evaluate Included Accessories

   Check what comes in the box to avoid extra costs. The Pit Boss griddles include a hard cover for protection. The BMMXBI stone includes the pizza stone itself. The Kamado Joe grill may require separate accessories for full functionality. Covers protect ceramic surfaces from weather damage. Ensure the included items match your needs. Missing covers or stones mean additional purchases. Compare the included accessories list to your wishlist. This helps you understand the total value and setup requirements immediately after purchase.

5. Assess Application and Space

   Match the grill to your available space and cooking goals. The Pit Boss 5-burner is for high-output backyard cooking. Its large surface suits large groups. The Kamado Joe 18-inch is for side shelf prep space. The BMMXBI stone is for indirect cooking in large kamados. Consider your patio size and cooking frequency. Large griddles need significant clearance. Small kamados fit tighter spaces. Choose the application that aligns with your typical cooking volume. This prevents buying a unit that is too big or too small for your actual needs.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• ceramic vs steel grill
• best outdoor pizza ovens under 100
• best ceramic electric grills
• best ceramic pellet grills