Kamado ceramic grills are the true all-rounders of the grilling universe. Grilling, cooking, baking, and even smoking are all easily possible with them. It's hardly surprising, then, that more than one manufacturer is vying for the top spot in the highly competitive market for charcoal-fired grill wonders.
If you're wondering which Kamado is the right grill for your backyard, we can certainly help. On this page, we'll cover the features and differences between grills from renowned brands Monolith and Big Green Egg . Both manufacturers have continually improved their flagship models over the years, making them a strong start to the current grilling season.
GERMAN INNOVATION VS. NASA CERAMICS
In contrast to Big Green Egg , which calls itself the inventor of the modern Kamado grill, Monolith is a relatively young manufacturer. The company was founded in Osnabrück by grill enthusiast Matthias Otto almost 10 years ago. Since then, the company has become the German market leader for Kamado charcoal grills through constant innovation and product improvement.
In contrast, there's the internationally successful company Big Green Egg , founded in 1974 by Ed Fisher, a soldier stationed in Japan. During his deployment abroad, he had become familiar with and appreciated Asian kamado grills and promptly brought them back home. To avoid the arduous, long transport routes for the ceramic bodies from Asia, he utilized a special NASA manufacturing process. This enabled him to produce highly insulating ceramics in the USA.
Monolith relies heavily on tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique raw materials of Asia in the production of its grills. The ceramics used in the grills are produced in China. However, don't be put off by the "Made in China" label, as ceramic processing has a millennia-old tradition there that has been passed down to modern times. As early as 3,000 years ago, techniques for firing and processing ceramics were used in the Middle Kingdom that would remain unknown in the West for several thousand years. This knowledge, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, is still applied today in Monolith's modern factories.
GERMAN INNOVATION VS. NASA CERAMICS
In contrast to Big Green Egg , which calls itself the inventor of the modern Kamado grill, Monolith is a relatively young manufacturer. The company was founded in Osnabrück by grill enthusiast Matthias Otto almost 10 years ago. Since then, the company has become the German market leader for Kamado charcoal grills through constant innovation and product improvement.
In contrast, there's the internationally successful company Big Green Egg , founded in 1974 by Ed Fisher, a soldier stationed in Japan. During his deployment abroad, he had become familiar with and appreciated Asian kamado grills and promptly brought them back home. To avoid the arduous, long transport routes for the ceramic bodies from Asia, he utilized a special NASA manufacturing process. This enabled him to produce highly insulating ceramics in the USA.
Monolith relies heavily on tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique raw materials of Asia in the production of its grills. The ceramics used in the grills are produced in China. However, don't be put off by the "Made in China" label, as ceramic processing has a millennia-old tradition there that has been passed down to modern times. As early as 3,000 years ago, techniques for firing and processing ceramics were used in the Middle Kingdom that would remain unknown in the West for several thousand years. This knowledge, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, is still applied today in Monolith's modern factories.
When directly comparing the technical specifications, at first glance, there's not much difference between the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 ceramic grills and the Big Green Egg Large. The base cooking surfaces of both grills are similar in size, although the Monolith offers the option of adding a second grid, which offers a significant advantage. This is only possible with the Big Green Egg using a grid attachment, which, like the second grid for the Monolith, must be purchased separately.
The maximum operating temperature of the new Monolith 2.0 model is rated at 400°C, about 50°C higher than the Big Green Egg. This is due to the new, more resilient fiberglass seal on the Monolith lid, which was previously made of thermal felt, as in the current Big Green Egg . While thermal felt is more susceptible to extreme heat, it can be removed and reapplied like simple adhesive tape.
The frequently discussed difference between the two grills lies in the manufacturing process of the ceramic. The fine-pored ceramic wall of the BGE is extremely high-quality and absorbs moisture particularly well. The natural ceramic of Monolith Grills , on the other hand, appears somewhat coarser, but is in no way inferior to the BGE when it comes to temperature efficiency.
Thanks to their exceptionally good thermal insulation, both grills can easily be kept at a constant low temperature for more than 24 hours with minimal charcoal. Both manufacturers offer the EGG Genius and the BBQ Guru, a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-controlled fan system that measures and analyzes temperature fluctuations and regulates the air supply accordingly.
A major advantage of the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 is the pre-attached side tables and the included frame. Both must be purchased separately for the premium Big Green Egg product. To make it easier for you to select the right BGE accessories, Kitchenland offers practical complete sets that allow you to start grilling right away. Our conclusion: Whether green or black, NASA or Chinese ceramic, both grills deserve their place among the top models of Kamado grills and are an excellent addition to any grilling enthusiast.
THE KITCHENAID ARTISAN 125 - THE CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE
When directly comparing the technical specifications, at first glance, there's not much difference between the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 ceramic grills and the Big Green Egg Large. The base cooking surfaces of both grills are similar in size, although the Monolith offers the option of adding a second grid, which offers a significant advantage. This is only possible with the Big Green Egg using a grid attachment, which, like the second grid for the Monolith, must be purchased separately.
The maximum operating temperature of the new Monolith 2.0 model is rated at 400°C, about 50°C higher than the Big Green Egg. This is due to the new, more resilient fiberglass seal on the Monolith lid, which was previously made of thermal felt, as in the current Big Green Egg . While thermal felt is more susceptible to extreme heat, it can be removed and reapplied like simple adhesive tape.
The frequently discussed difference between the two grills lies in the manufacturing process of the ceramic. The fine-pored ceramic wall of the BGE is extremely high-quality and absorbs moisture particularly well. The natural ceramic of Monolith Grills , on the other hand, appears somewhat coarser, but is in no way inferior to the BGE when it comes to temperature efficiency.
Thanks to their exceptionally good thermal insulation, both grills can easily be kept at a constant low temperature for more than 24 hours with minimal charcoal. Both manufacturers offer the EGG Genius and the BBQ Guru, a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-controlled fan system that measures and analyzes temperature fluctuations and regulates the air supply accordingly.
A major advantage of the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 is the pre-attached side tables and the included frame. Both must be purchased separately for the premium Big Green Egg product. To make it easier for you to select the right BGE accessories, Kitchenland offers practical complete sets that allow you to start grilling right away. Our conclusion: Whether green or black, NASA or Chinese ceramic, both grills deserve their place among the top models of Kamado grills and are an excellent addition to any grilling enthusiast.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONOLITH CLASSIC PRO 2.0
Monolith reached another milestone in its product history in 2021 with the release of the new Pro 2.0 models. Based on customer feedback, improved seals between the lid and the cube were developed, a new lid hinge was implemented, more convenient exhaust air regulators were installed, and a permanent connection for automated ventilation was created by the "BBQ Guru." Furthermore, Monolith grills are manufactured in Germany, which significantly simplifies communication regarding product questions. To ensure you get the most out of your Monolith grill for a long time, the manufacturer's proximity in Osnabrück enables quick repair in the event of damage to the grill. All of this demonstrates Monolith's customer-focused approach and the potential for innovation that lies in Monolith's Kamado grills.
Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 at a glance:
- Smart Grid System with divided grill surfaces (SGS grill system)
- Temperature range from approx. 70°C-400°C
- Consumption: 2.5-3 kg of charcoal for low-temperature cooking for up to 24 hours.
- Multi-part firebox with integrated ash collection system made of stainless steel
- Ash shovel included
- “Guru ready” BBQ-Guru adapter permanently installed
- Stainless steel fiberglass lid seal
- New lid hinge for smooth opening and closing
- Cast iron lid valve with slide system for easy operation and more stability
- Chip Feeder System smoking rail made of stainless steel for smoking material
- High-quality, stable base made of powder-coated steel
- Bamboo lid handle
- Bamboo side tables
- With 4 swivel castors (2 of which are lockable)
Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 at a glance:
- Smart Grid System with divided grill surfaces (SGS grill system)
- Temperature range from approx. 70°C-400°C
- Consumption: 2.5-3 kg of charcoal for low-temperature cooking for up to 24 hours.
- Multi-part firebox with integrated ash collection system made of stainless steel
- Ash shovel included
- “Guru ready” BBQ-Guru adapter permanently installed
- Stainless steel fiberglass lid seal
- New lid hinge for smooth opening and closing
- Cast iron lid valve with slide system for easy operation and more stability
- Chip Feeder System smoking rail made of stainless steel for smoking material
- High-quality, stable base made of powder-coated steel
- Bamboo lid handle
- Bamboo side tables
- With 4 swivel castors (2 of which are lockable)
BIG GREEN EGG - FROM SMALL TO XXL
Big Green Egg is the global market leader for kamado grills – and for good reason! The company's over 40 years of experience is reflected in every sophisticated detail of its green grill eggs. Big Green Egg accessories are numerous, unusual, and meet the highest standards of quality and functionality. Those who want the best of the best usually opt for a Big Green Egg , as these are considered a premium product of the highest class in the grilling scene.
If you have a different Egg size preference, Kitchenland offers additional models in its online shop. Whether you're looking for a Mini Egg for a camping trip or an XXLarge Egg for a large event, you'll find what you're looking for here! The Big Green Egg is available in 6 different sizes: Mini (ø 25 cm), Small (ø 33 cm), Medium (ø 38 cm), Large (ø 46 cm), XLarge (ø 61 cm), and XXLarge (ø 74 cm).
BIG GREEN EGG - FROM SMALL TO XXL
Big Green Egg is the global market leader for kamado grills – and for good reason! The company's over 40 years of experience is reflected in every sophisticated detail of its green grill eggs. Big Green Egg accessories are numerous, unusual, and meet the highest standards of quality and functionality. Those who want the best of the best usually opt for a Big Green Egg , as these are considered a premium product of the highest class in the grilling scene.
If you have a different Egg size preference, Kitchenland offers additional models in its online shop. Whether you're looking for a Mini Egg for a camping trip or an XXLarge Egg for a large event, you'll find what you're looking for here! The Big Green Egg is available in 6 different sizes: Mini (ø 25 cm), Small (ø 33 cm), Medium (ø 38 cm), Large (ø 46 cm), XLarge (ø 61 cm), and XXLarge (ø 74 cm).
PREMIUM MODEL OR CHARCOAL GRILL FROM A DISCOUNT STORE?
A grill is always a part of lifestyle, with which each person expresses their attitude to life in different ways. Therefore, the question of the perfect charcoal grill is difficult to answer. Of course, there are also those grillers who simply want to throw a few sausages on the grill every now and then, relatively unemotionally, without any recipes. Light the charcoal, place the meat on the grill grate, and you're done. This is perfectly legitimate and offers the advantage of not having to worry about brands and manufacturers, nor optional accessories for the grill. A discount model would definitely suffice for these purposes. Everyone else should inform themselves about the major kamado grill manufacturers and the typical features of each brand before purchasing, and memorize them. In addition to Big Green Egg and Monolith, other manufacturers are turning grilling into a premium event. In the Kitchenland Shop, you have the opportunity to discover a new side of grilling!
KAMADO JOE – THE FIRE-RED ALTERNATIVE
Those who aren't keen on either a Big Green Egg or a Monolith will be pleased to know there's an alternative. Kamado Joe's ceramic grills shine in a striking fiery red and also make a good impression technically. Just like the Big Green Egg and Monolith Kamado grills, the Kamado Joe is based on the principle of heat-insulating ceramic.
The typical egg shape ensures that the heat is distributed evenly over the food and retained for an extended period. A particularly attractive feature of the Joe is the DIVIDE & CONQUER® FLEXIBLE COOKING SYSTEM, which allows for flexible grilling on multiple levels with multiple cooking grates. Kamado Joe relies on its premium partner, Weber Knapp, to construct the lid hinge. They developed a uniquely innovative lid hinge called the AIR LIFT HINGE specifically for the Kamado Joe . This reduces the lifting weight of the heavy ceramic lid by an astonishing 96%. Just like Monolith, the Kamado Joe also uses heat-resistant fiberglass for its seal, thus ensuring a consistent temperature level.
MONOLITH OR BIG GREEEN EGG AT KITCHENLAND
Discover exclusive options for an outdoor kitchen with Big Green Egg now. The elegant acacia wood or mahogany tables are the perfect addition to your luxurious outdoor space. With Big Green Egg, you'll impress your guests at your next barbecue! Not only with delicious food, but also with an exceptional design piece that enhances any living space it's in. Check out our selection today!
Whether you're a newbie or an experienced grill master, Monolith's Kamados are suitable for every need and always deliver excellent results! Their immense versatility, multifunctionality, and wide range of accessories make these grills the perfect companions for your patio at home and for Michelin-starred restaurants! Check out our selection today!
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