What pairs perfectly with glorious sunshine and an ice-cold beverage? A barbecue, naturally! With summer here, it might be the ideal time to upgrade your equipment and prepare your garden or outdoor area for grilling.
Affordable Kamado Barbecue
We have discovered a compact charcoal grill that bears a striking resemblance to the MiniMax Big Green Egg, yet costs just £82.99. By comparison, prices for the Big Green Egg tend to start upwards of £800, and even the smallest model will set you back £925.00.
Stocked at Debenhams, the Alivio Kamado 13" Ceramic Mini Barbecue is a wallet-friendly barbecue that echoes the aesthetic of the cult-favourite Big Green Egg, and it is presently slashed by 59%. The barbecue falls into what is known as a 'kamado' category. Kamado grills (or smokers – they perform both functions) have been achieving cult status since the 1970s, when Big Green Egg launched its first shop in Atlanta.
Ancient Technology, Modern Appeal
Yet the technology underpinning them stretches back considerably further. Kamado cooking dates back thousands of years. Fast forward to the present day, and the kamado has emerged as a go-to choice among barbecue enthusiasts seeking more than simply burgers on the grill. Its egg-shaped design and substantial ceramic walls are said to excel at retaining heat and moisture, and it is frequently recommended for low-and-slow smoking or roasting.
If you have been searching for a Big Green Egg alternative, the Alivio Kamado 13" Ceramic Mini Barbecue boasts a comparable shape. It is constructed from a ceramic casing, and Debenhams claims it can grill, roast, and smoke food while sealing in heat and moisture. That is likely to deliver succulent meat, reduced charcoal consumption, and minimal hassle.
Assembly and Customer Feedback
The barbecue arrives unassembled from the stand, though reviewers note it is straightforward enough to put together. One shopper said: "This product is excellent, very sturdy, cooks well, packed great, even comes with a screwdriver to put the stand on. Not too much smoke whilst cooking, easy to pack away, really great product. No complaints."
The lid features a built-in thermometer for temperature monitoring and adjustable vents. While it resembles the MiniMax Big Green Egg in shape and design, the Alivio's grilling surface measures 26.5cm, compared to the Egg's 33cm. Although noticeably more compact, this could make it an ideal choice for couples or smaller families who require less grilling space.
One shopper said: "Quality item, quite small, but should be perfect for a small BBQ." However, another customer was dissatisfied with the dimensions, stating that it prompted them to send it back. In a review, they wrote: "Item is very tiny, returned."
Alternative Options
There are several alternatives to the Alivio, and while one comes in at a lower price point, it lacks customer reviews to vouch for it. The Range currently stocks one egg-shaped charcoal oven, priced at £79.99, down from £159.99. Marginally larger than the Alivio, it boasts a grilling surface of 30cm and is slightly lighter, weighing 19.5kg compared to the Alivio's 21kg.
We also came across the Boss Grill The Egg XS, which is 15 inches larger than the Alivio and The Range's egg-shaped barbecue, retailing at £199.99. It includes a complimentary cover and pizza stone, and boasts a wealth of glowing customer reviews. Described as ideal for feeding up to four people, it weighs 38kg and stands twice as tall at 62cm.
One satisfied customer wrote: "My first charcoal fire barbecue for a while, I'm absolutely delighted with this little egg. The controlability of the heat is incredible, a couple of handfuls of charcoal lasts three, maybe four hours, allowing for a good, slow smoke, and the cooking surface is plenty big enough to cook a whole spatchcock large chicken. Great value!"
