Monolith Icon review

The Monolith Icon is a compact charcoal barbecue designed for those who appreciate the authentic taste of charcoal cooking without the bulk of larger setups. Its high-quality ceramic construction ensures excellent heat retention and even cooking, although its 35kg weight can be challenging for portability. The grill's modern design with traditional kamado elements enhances both its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Key features include a built-in thermometer for precise temperature monitoring, versatile cooking capabilities (grilling, baking, smoking), and an efficient ash removal system. However, its compact size may require cooking in batches for larger gatherings. Despite this, the grill performs well, offering consistent results with effective smoke control, though temperature control requires some practice.

Compared to competitors like the Big Green Egg MiniMax and Kamado Joe Jr., the Monolith Icon stands out for its affordability and portability, although it lacks some premium accessories. Overall, the Monolith Icon offers a robust, versatile grilling experience, ideal for enthusiasts willing to master its temperature settings for optimal performance.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Monolith Classic Pro 2.0 or Monolith Junior Pro 2.0 or Monolith LeChef Pro 2.0.

If you're passionate about grilling and love the smoky flavor that only a charcoal barbecue can provide, you might want to take a closer look at the Monolith Icon. This compact and versatile grill is designed for those who crave the authentic taste of charcoal-cooked meals without the hassle of larger setups. It's perfect for patios, balconies, or even taking on the road for camping trips.

The Monolith Icon is not just any regular grill; it brings together the tradition of charcoal cooking with modern features that make grilling both fun and efficient. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend grill enthusiast, this barbecue offers something for everyone. However, its smaller size might not be ideal for those planning to cook for large gatherings frequently.

In this review, we'll dive into what makes this grill a worthy contender in the world of charcoal barbecues. From its design and build quality to its performance and ease of use, we'll cover everything you need to know to decide if this is the right grill for you.

The design and build quality of the Monolith Icon is something to admire. This barbecue features a compact yet robust structure that oozes durability. It’s crafted from high-quality ceramics, stainless steel, and cast iron, which not only gives it a sleek look but also ensures excellent heat retention and distribution. The ceramic build is a game-changer for those who love that authentic charcoal flavor in their grilled dishes.

The outer shell is coated with a glossy finish that’s both eye-catching and protective. It helps withstand the elements, making it a reliable partner for outdoor cooking adventures. The sturdy stainless steel bands and fittings add to the overall resilience, ensuring the grill can handle frequent use without showing signs of wear and tear.

One might notice that the grill is on the heavier side (35kg) due to its ceramic composition. While this contributes to its durability, it can make portability a bit challenging. However, the inclusion of convenient handles somewhat offsets this, allowing for easier maneuvering when needed.

The Monolith Icon also sports a modern design with a hint of traditional charm, thanks to its classic kamado shape. This not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also improves functionality, as the shape aids in maintaining consistent temperatures during cooking.

Overall, the design and build quality of this barbecue reflect a thoughtful blend of style and substance. It's built to last, with materials and design choices that cater to both seasoned grill enthusiasts and casual users. While the weight might be a minor inconvenience for some, the benefits of its sturdy construction and efficient heat management more than make up for it.

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this barbecue a standout. The Monolith Icon comes packed with some impressive features that make grilling a delight. First off, its compact size is a game-changer for those with limited space. Whether you have a small patio or want to take it on the road for camping, this grill fits the bill without compromising on performance.

The ceramic construction is a highlight. It not only retains heat exceptionally well but also ensures even cooking. This means your food cooks consistently without those annoying hot spots. Plus, the ceramic material is durable and built to withstand various weather conditions, giving you peace of mind that it will last through countless barbecue sessions.

Another feature that stands out is the cooking chamber thermometer. This handy addition allows you to monitor the internal temperature accurately, ensuring your meat is cooked just the way you like it. No more guesswork involved!

The Monolith Icon also boasts a versatile grilling experience, allowing you to grill, bake, cook, smoke, and roast. While it doesn't have a dual-level cooking system, it offers a flexible cooking environment that's perfect for multitasking.

On the downside, the grill's compact size means you might have to cook in batches if you're hosting a larger gathering. It's something to keep in mind if you often entertain big crowds. But for small to medium-sized groups, it works like a charm.

Lastly, the ash shovel and ash tray make cleanup a breeze. Simply use the ash shovel to remove ash from the tray without any fuss. This thoughtful design element saves time and effort, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your meal rather than worrying about the aftermath.

The performance and cooking experience with this barbecue are where it truly shines. If you’re a fan of charcoal grilling, get ready for a treat. This grill offers a perfect balance between traditional and innovative methods of cooking.

First off, the heat retention is top-notch. Thanks to its ceramic construction, this grill maintains a steady temperature, allowing for consistent cooking results. Whether you're going for a low-and-slow brisket or a quick sear on a steak, the heat distribution is impressively even.

Moreover, the grill's ability to reach high temperatures makes it versatile enough for a variety of cooking techniques. From smoking to baking pizzas, the options are endless. You might wonder, does it really handle them all well? In most cases, yes, it does. However, if you're looking to bake bread or other delicate items, you might need to keep a close eye on the temperature to avoid overcooking.

The cooking area is compact, which is great for small gatherings or cozy family dinners. However, if you're planning a large barbecue party, you might find yourself cooking in batches. While that can be a bit of a hassle, the results are usually worth the wait.

Another highlight is the smoke control. With its design, you can easily manage the smoky flavor of your dishes, making it as subtle or intense as you like. This is great for those who love to experiment with different wood chips to create unique flavors.

On the downside, the initial setup for cooking can take some time. Lighting the charcoal and waiting for the grill to reach the desired temperature requires patience, especially if you're used to gas grills. But once it's ready, the cooking process itself is quite enjoyable.

Overall, the performance and cooking experience with this grill make it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate the art of charcoal grilling, despite a few minor inconveniences.

When it comes to charcoal barbecues, temperature control can often be a bit of a challenge. However, the Monolith Icon brings some nifty features to the table that help make this task much more manageable. With its integrated air vents, you can easily adjust the airflow to maintain your desired cooking temperature. This is crucial for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking.

The Monolith Icon offers a high level of versatility with its cooking capabilities. Whether you're searing a steak or smoking a brisket, this barbecue can handle it. The design allows for both direct and indirect cooking, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different cooking styles. A great addition is the cast iron grid, which not only retains heat well but also leaves those sought-after grill marks on your food.

However, perfecting temperature control on this grill does require a bit of practice. The vents are effective, but they can be a tad sensitive. It might take a few tries to get it just right, especially if you're new to charcoal grilling. But once you get the hang of it, the Monolith Icon provides an excellent range of temperatures for all your grilling needs.

In summary, the Monolith Icon's temperature control features are quite robust, though they do require a learning curve. Its versatility shines through, making it suitable for a wide variety of cooking techniques. Whether you're a barbecue novice or a seasoned grill master, this grill offers the tools to expand your culinary repertoire.

When you open the box of the Monolith Icon, you'll find everything you need to get started with your charcoal barbecue adventures. Here's what you can expect to see inside:

• Grill Body: The main ceramic grill body is the heart of the Monolith Icon. It's sturdy and built to last, ensuring you get the most out of your barbecue sessions.
• Stainless Steel Frame and Half-Round Grill Grate: The grill includes a stainless steel frame and a half-round grill grate, which are perfect for achieving those beautiful grill marks on your meats and veggies.
• Split Firebox: This feature allows for efficient charcoal management and heat distribution.
• Heat Deflector: This accessory is crucial for indirect cooking, allowing you to roast or smoke your food without direct exposure to the flames.
• Thermometer: The built-in thermometer on the lid helps you keep an eye on the internal temperature without losing heat by opening the lid.
• Instruction Manual: A comprehensive guide that helps you set up and use your grill effectively, though some users find it a bit lacking in detail.

The package is well thought out, providing the essentials without overwhelming you with unnecessary extras. However, some might feel the addition of a few more accessories, like a cover or additional cooking grids, could enhance the initial setup. Overall, the box contents are designed to get you grilling quickly, though you might want to consider investing in extra accessories down the line for more versatility.

The ease of use of the Monolith Icon is one of its standout attributes, making it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts. Setting it up requires minimal effort, and you can get grilling in no time. The intuitive design ensures that even beginners won't find themselves scratching their heads. The straightforward assembly process doesn't leave you with a pile of leftover parts, which is always a relief.

Now, onto maintenance. This grill doesn't demand much attention, which is great news for those who'd rather spend more time cooking and less time cleaning. The ceramic components are easy to wipe down, and the ash removal system is a breeze to use. The ash shovel provided makes disposing of ashes easy, allowing you to clean up without creating a mess.

However, like any high-quality grill, it's important to give it a bit of TLC. The grates will need regular cleaning to maintain their integrity and prevent food from sticking. A quick brush after each use usually does the trick. And while the ceramic holds up well, it’s wise to store the grill under a cover to protect it from the elements, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather.

In terms of durability, the materials used in the Monolith Icon, including ceramic, stainless steel, and cast iron, are robust, but it's always smart to check for any wear and tear over time. This will ensure your grill keeps performing at its best. All in all, the Monolith Icon provides a hassle-free grilling experience with maintenance that won't eat up your weekends.

When you're in the market for a charcoal barbecue, it’s important to weigh your options and see where the Monolith Icon stands in comparison to its competitors. Let's see how it stacks up against some popular models.

Big Green Egg MiniMax

The Big Green Egg MiniMax is a well-known contender in the kamado grill category. Both the Icon and the MiniMax offer excellent heat retention thanks to their ceramic construction. However, the MiniMax is heavier and lacks wheels, making it less portable than the Icon. The Monolith Icon is significantly more affordable than the MiniMax[3] and features a more compact design optimized for portability[3].

Kamado Joe Jr.

Next up is the Kamado Joe Jr., which is another compact option. The Kamado Joe Jr. shines with its innovative divide & conquer cooking system and a 5-segment firebox design that enhances durability[2]. The Monolith Icon provides comparable temperature control but lacks an equivalent to Kamado Joe's accessory ecosystem. Kamado Joe Jr. also includes a thicker gasket for improved sealing.

Weber Smokey Joe

For those considering a more budget-friendly option, the Weber Smokey Joe is a classic. It’s lightweight and easy to transport, but it doesn’t offer the same level of temperature control or versatility as the Monolith Icon. The Smokey Joe is great for simple grilling, but if you're looking for smoking capabilities or more advanced cooking techniques, the Icon offers superior insulation and heat retention.

Char-Griller Akorn Jr.

The Char-Griller Akorn Jr. is another budget-friendly kamado that competes with the Monolith Icon. While it’s lighter and more affordable, the Akorn Jr. is made from steel rather than ceramic, which impacts its heat retention and durability[5]. The ceramic build of the Icon ensures better insulation and more consistent cooking temperatures compared to steel alternatives.

In summary, the Monolith Icon stands out with its combination of portability, affordability, and ceramic construction. While it may lack some premium accessories found in competitors, its price-to-performance ratio makes it compelling for enthusiasts prioritizing value

Video by: MONOLITH KAMADO GRILL EUROPE

In conclusion, the Monolith Icon stands out as a compelling choice for barbecue enthusiasts who crave both quality and versatility. Its robust design and impressive build quality ensure it can withstand the demands of frequent use while delivering consistent results. The combination of its portable size and effective cooking capabilities makes it a fantastic option for those who love grilling on the go or have limited space.

Temperature control is one of its most significant selling points, offering precision that many other grills struggle to match. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who want to experiment with different cooking techniques, from slow smoking to high-heat searing. However, it's important to consider the learning curve associated with mastering its temperature settings.

For beginners, it might take some time to get used to adjusting the vents for optimal performance. Additionally, while the grill is portable, its weight (ranging from 31.5 kg to 35 kg depending on the source) may be a concern for some users looking for ultra-light options. In terms of value, the Monolith Icon provides a solid return on investment with its durable construction and versatile cooking features. 

While it might not be the absolute best fit for everyone, especially those who prefer gas grills or need an extremely lightweight model, it offers a unique grilling experience that many will appreciate. Ultimately, if you're seeking a high-quality charcoal barbecue that combines portability with performance, this grill is definitely worth considering.

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Before buying any product, check all details of this product on the website or in the store where you purchase it. Aspects and specifications mentioned in the text above might differ.