Best Kamado Grills for True Grilling Addicts

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 15, 2024
Are you into smoky flavors of charcoal cooking and seek to upgrade your grilling skills to a guru level? If so, you won’t be able to pass by a Kamado grill. The pinnacle of grilling technology, it offers the ultimate versatility no other grill can provide. Read our review and choose the best Kamado grill for your needs that will help you unleash your culinary creativity. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Cooking Surface
Kamado Contsruction
Temperature Control
Housing Material
Extras
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Warranty
 
PROS

Consisting of 6 panels, the firebox can be disassembled for easy cleaning. Meanwhile, the patented slide-out ash drawer paired with an ash tool will let you quickly remove the ash to get the grill ready for the next use. 

CONS

The assembly is rather labor-intensive due to the heavy unit weight. 

OUR VERDICT

A 24" ceramic grill from Kamado Joe is a great choice for larger yards and decks and will become a real find for grilling enthusiasts who often host BBQ parties and entertain large groups of guests. With a cooking surface of 1056 sq.in., it can easily churn out impressive amounts of food. It will become a new step in your grilling experience.

detailed parameters
Cooking Surface

452 sq. in. (Divide&Conquer™ Flexible Cooking System)

Expandable up to 1056 sq. in. (3-tier cooking)

Kamado Contsruction

6-piece multi-panel AMP FireBox

Temperature Control

Control tower top vent (225°F – 750°F), Built-in thermometer

Housing Material

Ceramic dome, Metal cart

Extras

AirLift™ Hinge, Slide-out ash drawer, Side shelves (foldable), Locking wheels for easy transport, Grill gripper and ash tool included

Dimensions (W x H x D)

50” x 54” x 31” (with side shelves)

Warranty

5 years for all metal parts (limited lifetime on ceramic parts)

PROS

The control tower top vent and the bottom draft vent allow accurately adjusting the cooking temperature from 200°F to 700°F in mere minutes. Thus, you'll be able to use different cooking techniques including smoking.

CONS

Side shelves might wobble over time. 

OUR VERDICT

If you choose your first charcoal grill for professional-grade outdoor cooking, the Vision Grills is the best option to start with. A well-thought construction along with easy and precise temperature control greatly expand your cooking abilities. Meanwhile, a special ProZone™ starter port and an included electric starter will make lighting the charcoal a breeze, as if you use an ordinary stove.

detailed parameters
Cooking Surface

596 sq. in. (2-tier cooking grates)

Kamado Contsruction

Ceramic FireBox

Temperature Control

Control tower top vent (200°F – 700°F), Bottom draft Vent, Built-in thermometer

Housing Material

Ceramic dome, Metal cart

Extras

ProZone™ starter port (electric starter included). Side shelves (foldable), Locking wheels for easy transport, Cooking stone and cover included

Dimensions (W x H x D)

52.2" x 47" x 28.8" (with side shelves)

Warranty

5 years for all metal parts (limited lifetime on ceramic parts)

PROS

A cool-touch handle won't heat up and remain safe to the touch even after prolonged grill operation, thus, eliminating the risk of burns. Meanwhile, side handles will be of great use for safely moving the still hot device. 

CONS

The bottom ashtray is a bit inconvenient to take out. 

OUR VERDICT

If you desperately want a kamado-style grill, yet, your house is not large enough for multi-tier bigger models, this small kamado grill from Akorn is for you. It will provide all the benefits of a full-size kamado in a compact design that will perfectly fit a small terrace or patio. With that,  the cooking area is still enough to make 6 large steaks and 8 burgers at a time. 

detailed parameters
Cooking Surface

153 sq. in.

Kamado Contsruction

Steel FireBox

Temperature Control

Top and bottom air dampers (200°F – 700°F), Built-in thermometer

Housing Material

Steel with porcelain-coated interior

Extras

Easy-dump ash pan, Non-skid feet, Side handles for easy transport

Dimensions (W x H x D)

20" x 25" x 20"

Warranty

5 years 

PROS

The dome is fitted with an innovative mechanism featuring an air-lift hinge that will secure the lid at any position. So, you can have it half-opened or leave just a tiny slit for better air circulation.

CONS

It will take you some time to find an optimal position for the Kontrol tower top vent. 

OUR VERDICT

Are you an occasional griller longing to bring your outdoor grilling experience to a completely new level? If so, the Kamado Joe Classic II will definitely become a game changer for you. Featuring the brand-specific Divide&Conquer™ cooking system, it will let you not only enjoy charcoal grilling and smoking but also cook different kinds of meat and even different dishes at the same time. 

detailed parameters
Cooking Surface

256 sq. in. (Divide&Conquer™ Flexible Cooking System)

Expandable up to 660 sq. in. (3-tier cooking)

Kamado Contsruction

6-piece multi-panel AMP FireBox

Temperature Control

Control tower top vent (225°F – 750°F), Built-in thermometer

Housing Material

Ceramic dome, Metal cart

Extras

AirLift™ hinge, Slide-out ash drawer, Side shelves (foldable), Locking wheels for easy transport, Grill gripper and ash tool included

Dimensions (W x H x D)

46.5" x 48" x 28" (with side shelves)

Warranty

5 years for all metal parts (limited lifetime on ceramic parts)

PROS

Two folding side shelves are fitted with multiple hooks to hang pot holders, spatulas, tongues, and other utensils you might need while cooking. Besides, the bottom shelf allows easily accommodating some bulky dishware or a pack of charcoal.

CONS

The thermometer is somewhat inaccurate. 

OUR VERDICT

Reasonably priced, this kamado-style grill from Akorn offers the benefits of ceramic grill cooking and durability of the steel design. With a body made of steel, it is resistant to any damages and will serve you almost a lifetime while the porcelain-coated interior will ensure ideal temperature retention and even heat distribution for perfect cooking results.  

detailed parameters
Cooking Surface

447 sq. in.

Kamado Contsruction

Steel FireBox

Temperature Control

Top and bottom air dampers (200°F – 700°F), Built-in thermometer

Housing Material

Steel with porcelain-coated interior

Extras

Easy-dump ash pan, Side shelves (foldable), Bottom shelf, Locking wheels for easy transport, Cover included

Dimensions (W x H x D)

45" x 47" x 31"

Warranty

5 years 

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KamadoJoe BJ-24RHC Big Joe 24"

Grilling Innovation at Its Best

Kamado Joe is a well-known name among grilling aficionados and a top-seller brand in the premium class market. On the basis of an ancient-style kamado, they create well-crafted ceramic grills distinguished by elegance, quality, and innovation. Taking the best of original kamado style cooking, Kamado Joe grills also provide the best of what modern grilling technologies can offer and the Big Joe is truly the pinnacle of their innovative approach.

Right off the bat, featuring the egg shape of its old-time prototype, the Big Joe is made of highly durable glazed ceramics. For added strength and longer lifespan of the whole unit, inside the shell is a multipanel firebox. Also made of ceramics, it features a six-piece design that prevents breakage. A double-thick fiberglass gasket in between the shell parts will ensure perfect seal while a strong latch will keep the base and the lid tightly closed. A lower intake vent and precise Kontrol Tower exhaust vent on the top allow accurately setting up optimal airflow for the best cooking results.

However, the biggest Kamado Joe breakthrough and their patented frill is the Divide and Conquer™ flexible cooking system that allows cooking different foods at different temperatures at the same time. With most other round cookers, to do the same, you’ll have to move your foods closer to or farther from the coals using different accessories and special grates. Meanwhile, the Divide and Conquer™ system offers multi-level cooking. The Big Joe comes complete with a multi-purpose stainless steel rack, two halved grates, and two ceramic heat deflectors. These accessories will let you create 2 cooking zones. In a low-temperature indirect zone over the heat diffuser, you can cook chicken, sausages, and burgers while a direct heat zone without a deflector is a nice place for juicy steaks. And you can cook those dishes at the same time.

Review of KamadoJoe BJ-24RHC Big Joe 24" Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Grill

BBQ Party Maker

As mentioned above, the Big Joe offers multi-tier cooking. To be precise, you’ll have the opportunity to cook on 3 tiers. Taking into account a 24” diameter of the shell, you’ll get over 1000 sq.in. of cooking surface. That’s more than enough to grill meats, barbecue chicken wings, and legs or sear pork ribs in multiple portions to treat large groups of people. What’s more, you can make pizzas, grill veggies and shrimps, bake potatoes, and even roast cheese. As versatile as it is, the Big Joe can become a focal point at any BBQ party. Its bright red design looks appealing and smoky flavors of charcoal grilled foods will draw guests like bees to honey.

Though the unit is pretty heavy and bulky, a strong steel cart with hefty lockable castor wheels makes it easy to roll the grill from one place to another and will let you set your ceramic grill wherever you need it. Meanwhile, oversized side shelves add convenience while cooking and a sliding ashtray ensures no muss, no fuss ash removal.

To put it in a nutshell, perfect for larger yards and decks, the Big Joe is by far the best kamado grill for experienced grillers who often host BBQ parties and entertain large groups of guests. It will definitely become a new step in your grilling experience and bring it to a professional level.

KamadoJoe BJ-24RHC Big Joe 24" Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Grill in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $2,061.87
Stock In stock
ASIN B01JIRIDWC

 

Vision Grills CF1F1 Pro

An Easy Way to Start Charcoal Grilling

Unlike snap-to-operate electric grills with adjustable thermostats, charcoal grills need a bit more fuss and skill. However, no electric or gas grill will provide an authentic woody and tangy flavor of foods cooked over the natural charcoal. And every extra effort you’ll take is worth it. If you want to start to charcoal grilling experience with a kamado style grill, which is easy to manage even for a beginner and that will stay with your for long, turn your eyes to the Vision Griller.

First things first, you’ll get a true kamado with a glazed ceramic body and enameled steel parts. Rugged steel legs with crossed stiffeners in between will securely support the unit while strong castors with locking mechanisms will make a heavy construction portable and keep it safely in place when needed. Two folding wooden shelves on the side provide added working surface for preparing foods and keeping towels, utensils or the necessary dishware within easy rich. A spring-loaded lid is easier to lift and close while a wooden handle will stay cool and eliminate the risk of burns when opening a hot lid.

Usually, one of the biggest issues for a novice kamado griller is to ignite the charcoal. Most other kamado-style grills leave this task for the user and it might appear a pretty tricky task since the use of lighter fluids is not recommended. In the Vision Griller, they solved this issue by equipping the cooker with a special ProZone™ starter port and an electric starter. Through a small door in front of the unit, you’ll be able to place the starter over the charcoal, plug it in, and in about 10 minutes, charcoal will be burning. A sliding ash drawer is also there to help you neatly remove the ash when cooking is complete.

Review of Vision Grills CF1F1 Pro Kamado BBQ Grill

Precise Temperature Control

Like other kamados, the Vision Griller is much more than a ceramic BBQ. It will let you grill, roast, sear, smoke, slow cook, and even bake at different cooking temperatures. To deliver such excellent functionality, the model comes packed with two steel flip cooking grates, a natural lava stone, and a heat deflector and features very precise heat control. In general, the model offers a cooking area of about 600 sq.in. which is enough for family use and friendly get-togethers.

An airtight ceramic shell perfectly retains and distributes the heat to evenly cook your foods from all sides, meanwhile, keeping all the juices inside and preventing the meals from over-drying. Yet, to apply different cooking techniques, accurate temperature control is a must-have option and here, it is another function that deserves special attention. Typically for kamados, the model has a bottom intake vent and a top release vent. The innovation is that these are not simply manually regulated dampers but numbered dial vents that take much of the guesswork out of the temperature control process.

In a word, if you choose your first charcoal grill for professional-grade outdoor cooking, the Vision Grills kamado style cooker will become an easy start.

Vision Grills CF1F1 Pro Kamado BBQ Grill in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00EFKXMYM

 

Char-Griller E06614 Akorn

A Pint-size Kamado With Full-scale Functionality

Badly want a kamado cooker, yet, you don’t have a large yard, deck, patio, or terrace to accommodate one of those egg style grills replicating centuries-old kamados? Not only are modern kamados pretty expensive due to construction quality and technologies applied but also they are rather bulky and definitely need some extra space to be placed. This is where a mini kamado from Akorn will come into play.

The E06614 model is times more compact than full-scale kamado cookers that makes it suitable for any outdoor space, be it a small backyard, garden, patio or even a porch in front of your house. It is also a great choice for small countryside villas and cottages where you spend your family holidays and weekends. Due to mini dimensions (as for a kamado), the unit provides a moderate cooking surface of 153 sq.in. that is half the size of an average original kamado. However, it is enough to make 6 steaks or 8 burgers at a time and will fit for family use and small gatherings. What’s more, your steaks will be ready in about 3 minutes, hence, it is not a problem to cook several batches if you host a party.

Despite a smaller cooking surface, the Akorn E06614 is in no way inferior to traditional models in terms of cooking performance. Though not made of ceramics, it still delivers the outrageous flavor and taste of kamado cooked foods. To ensure the heat retention of pricey ceramic grills, the manufacturer applied its branded triple-walled technology combined with a porcelain coated interior. As a result, the unit can maintain cooking temperatures from 200°F to 700°F and offers a range of cooking options typical for a kamado, from grilling and roasting to smoking and slow cooking. The upper and lower dampers along with a thermometer are also included in the design to allow for easy and precise temperature control.

Review of Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Charcoal kamado Grill

Dependable, Safe, and Portable

Though smaller in size, the Akorn E06614 kamado style grill boasts a rugged and dependable design. The unit shell is made of first-class steel resistant to any sort of physical impact and some harsh weather conditions. The use of steel instead of ceramics is what allowed the manufacturer to considerably cut down the unit final price without compromising the overall quality of the cooker. Inside the shell are cast iron cooking grates. As compared to steel, cast iron better retains and disperses heat, thus, ensuring more even cooking. So, it will be easy to get the desired meat doneness.

The whole grill construction rests on sturdy short steel legs that will keep the unit stable on any surface and prevent skidding. Created with user safety in mind, the model features a cool-touch handle on the lid to avoid the risk of burns, while side handles will let you safely move a still hot device.

Other than that, the Akorn E06614 grill weighs only 38 pounds and is extremely portable. Compactness and light weight make it suitable not only for home use but also for camping, tailgating, and RVing.

To cut a long story short, this mini kamado style charcoal grill from Akorn provides all the benefits of a full-scale original kamado and will let you enjoy kamado cooking without paying a fortune.

Char-Griller E06614 Akorn Charcoal kamado Grill in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $174.32
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00EBWBFQQ

 

KamadoJoe KJ23RHC Classic II 18″

Your Personal Grilling Wizard

Are you an occasional griller with the hobbyist-level experience dreaming to upgrade your skills to a professional level? If so, the Kamado Joe will become a decent upgrade to your current grilling equipment and even if you’ve never practiced kamado style cooking, you’ll be amazed how easy it is with the right cooker at hand.

In contrast to ordinary charcoal grills mostly suitable for grilling steaks, burgers, and homemade sausages at high temperatures, the Classic II boasts multi-tier cooking system that makes a multi-functional cooking device suitable for searing, smoking, slow cooking, and baking as well. Yet, in Kamado Joe, they went even further since their patented Divide and Conquer grate system will let you cook at high, moderate, and low temperatures at the same time. Two halved grates can be installed on a rack at different levels while a ceramic deflector will dissipate the heat and ensure a lower cooking temperature where you need it. Thus, you can sear succulent steaks and grill veggies or bake pizzas simultaneously. Besides, you can use Classic II to smoke a whole chicken, large ham junks, pork ribs, a lamb leg, and more or slow cook mouth-melting stews and Asian style rice. Two handy dampers will let you control the cooking temperature by adjusting the air circulation inside the shell while the ceramic interior and an all-ceramic firebox will ideally maintain the heat.

As far as the unit design is concerned, Kamado Joe models stand out for durability and quality, and the Classic II is not an exception. The branded ceramic shell in bright red color will turn heads and withstand years of extensive use. Equipped with a wheeled cart, locking lid latch and handle, and foldable side tables, the grill is a breeze to move around and very convenient to use. As solidly built and dependable as it is, this model will become your faithful outdoor cooking assistant you’ll sign away to your kids and grandkids.

Review of KamadoJoe KJ23RHC Classic II 18″ Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Grill

Packed With Some Clever Innovations

To make their grills maximum convenient and safe in use, Kamado Joe applies a number of technological innovations and improvements. With that said, the Classic II comes complete with a removable ashtray to neatly collect and discard the burned coals without messing around. Above the ash drawer is a 6-piece firebox designed like that on purpose since such construction makes it time more durable and resistant to breakage or temperature changes. The whole shell itself is also made of heavy-duty thick ceramics that can easily endure harsh weather conditions and will ensure consistently high heat retention even under freezing outdoor temperatures.

Another Classic II merit we can’t leave unnoticed is a special airlift hinge on the lid. It’s an innovative mechanism that will securely fix the lid in any position. So, you can half open the lid to let the hot air a smoke out or leave just a tiny slit to promote the air circulation.

In conclusion, the Kamado Joe Classic II will become a handy grilling wizard for any enthusiastic griller who wants to tailor their grilling skills to perfection without much effort. It offers a variety of options to go beyond only grilling and cook about anything you need.

KamadoJoe KJ23RHC Classic II 18″ Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Grill in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $1,299.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B01INNA89S

 

Char-Griller E16620 Akorn

Your Durable and Functional Grilling Assistant

Original kamado cookers appear to be the most expensive grills on the market. And though a high price is fully justified by the quality, durability, versatility, and excellent cooking performance of the units, it is still a pretty big investment for many users and definitely won’t fit into a limited budget. Besides, one more weak point about premium ceramic kamados is their relative fragility. Though the likelihood of being tipped over is low, in case a heavy ceramic kamado falls, it will break. To cut down the final price and keep the benefits of ceramic grill cooking, Akorn has redesigned the authentic kamado concept and represented its Char-Griller E16620 kamado style cooker.

First off, what they did in Akorn to balance the price tag is swap traditional ceramics for a powder-coated steel shell. It allows not only to significantly reduce the unit cost but also to make it more lightweight and much more durable. You would claim that steel doesn’t stack up against ceramics in terms of heat retention, and it is true. Yet, to minimize the heat loss and ensure the heat retention and distribution typical for kamados, the Akorn E16620 features and insulated triple-walled construction with a porcelain lining from the inside. Besides, a cast iron cooking grate also better retains the heat for consistently even cooking results.

With this model, you’ll get 314 sq. in. of the cooking surface to match the grilling needs of an average family. Two dampers for convenient temperature control are also present, thus, expanding the Akorn functionality and turning it into a versatile cooker a kamado should be. By using the lower air intake vent and the top release damper, you can vary cooking temperatures from 200°F to 700°F to grill, roast, sear, smoke, slow cook, and more. And a built-in thermometer on the lid will display the current cooking temperature inside the unit. Kamado grilling is not an easy-to-grasp technique and needs some practicing. To help you out and taper off the guesswork, the unit comes complete with an illustrated guide displaying the proper bottom and top damper positions for different cooking techniques.

Review of Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker

Minor Design Details that Matter

Though the Akorn E16620 charcoal grill looks very modern and might lack the appeal and chic of a traditional ceramic kamado, the model doesn’t lack convenience features and options offered by premium models and even outperforms those top-sellers to a certain extent. It provides a number of minor design improvements that might seem insignificant but prove to be very convenient in practice.

Like many premium models, the Akorn has folding side shelves to place dishware, prepare foods, or accommodate anything else you need while cooking in your kamado style grill. Other than that, these shelves are fitted with multiple hooks to hang pot holders, spatulas, tongues, and other useful utensils. In the middle of the cooking grate is a removable insert created for adding some extra charcoal while grilling. A dump ash pan is easy to unclip and will let you conveniently get rid of the ash that remains after cooking. Besides, the grill set also includes a warming rack. It’s a handy accessory that will let you warm up pre-cooked meals or cook some dishes that require lower cooking temperatures while grilling meat at high heat. The last but not the least, a wheeled stand the unit rests upon features a pretty large third shelf to conveniently hold some bulky dishware or a pack of charcoal.

Summing up, the Akorn E16620 kamado style charcoal grills is a functional and budget-friendly alternative to expensive ceramic kamados that will change your whole attitude to charcoal grilling.

Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $336.28
Stock In stock
ASIN B00GJEPTJS

 

Infographics

Comparison of Kamado Grills for True Grilling Addicts

What Is a Kamado Grill?

Kamado is a Japanese term that refers to a traditional Japanese stove fueled by wood or charcoal. Kamado cooking is a centuries-old tradition going back to the ancient cooking habits of the Japanese and Chinese. About 3000 years ago, kamados were large round clay vessels used to prepare food. Today, with all technologies and innovations available, kamados have changed a lot but basically, they still use the same principle.

A modern kamado grill is an egg-shaped cooking container with a domed lid and a grill installed inside to cook over charcoal. Instead of clay, a modern-day kamado is made of more durable ceramic material that still ensures perfect heat retention and distribution inside the vessel. Old-time kamados were known for their incredible flavor infusing capabilities and contemporary models offer the same. The specific shape and ceramic surfaces help meat hold moisture and absorb the smoky aromas of charcoal lumps. Evenly cooked from all sides, the meat comes out soft, tender, and juicy. Quickly preheating to the cooking temperature, kamados allow not only grilling but also searing, smoking, and slow cooking. In fact, a kamado is much more than a ceramic grill. It’s a multifunctional cooker that can be used as an outdoor oven or a smoker as well.

As we’ve already mentioned, a kamado grill is fueled by charcoal. So, to give your foods unforgettable taste and flavor and achieve mouth-melting texture, quality charcoal is a must and in our lump charcoal review, you’ll find a choice of the best lump charcoal types for grilling.

What Features to Compare

Kamado-style grills are kind of professional-grade equipment and normally are not at the cheaper side in terms of price. Yet, a quality kamado will serve you for years to come, not to say a lifetime. Hence, it will pay off in the long run and once you fully get the hang of your kamado, you’ll never want to go back to any other type of grill. So, to choose the best kamado grill that will suit your personal needs and help you grill like a pitmaster, you need to be really scrupulous while selecting among a variety of models available. Below, we’ve summed up the most important aspects to consider when making your choice.

Grill Dimensions and Cooking Surface

First and foremost, evaluate your grilling needs. Are you an occasional griller or an avid enthusiast? Do you normally grill only for your family or often invite guests and the more you can cook at a time, the better? Your answer to these questions will determine the size of the unit and the cooking surface you need. The modern market provides a whole variety of options and it is easy to get lost. However, there is a choice for any needs. Thus, there are heavy-duty cookers offering the cooking surface up to 1000 sq.in. and more and allowing you to cook for large groups of people. Usually, these models are pretty bulky and feature multi-tier grill design. They will make a perfect choice for larger gardens, yards, and patios as well as for really big families and those who like BBQ parties. On the other hand, there is also a great range of mid-sized kamados with a cooking surface up to 500 sq.in. and you can even find mini models with the cooking surface of about 150 sq.in. to fit a smaller patio or terrace.

Kamado Construction and Housing Material

Well, in general, kamado construction is pretty much the same. All grills feature a dome architecture with opening lids and dampers on the top and in the bottom to adjust air circulation. Basically, modern kamados fall into two types that differ by materials they are made from. Thus, there are all-ceramic grills with a glazed ceramic housing and fine ceramics inside. They provide all the benefits and versatility of traditional kamado style cooking, yet, ceramics can break in case of grill skidding or tipping over, hence, extra care when handling is a must. The other kamado type is a steel cooker with porcelain or glazed ceramic coating from the inside. Steel housing is extremely durable and wear-resistant while the ceramic interior will ensure proper temperature retention.

Temperature Control

Unlike old-time clay kamados that engaged a lot of guesswork and different tweaks, modern grills are much easier and more convenient to operate. Temperature control is a highly important feature for this type of grills. Since actually, you cook almost on the open fire, there is no opportunity to control the cooking temperature like in electric and gas grills. To ensure precise and easy temperature control, modern kamado style grills come fitted with built-in thermometers and special vents to adjust the airflow and regulate the cooking temperature accordingly.

Extras

To ensure maximum user convenience, egg style grills come fitted with a number of added features such as folding side shelves to accommodate utensils, foods, and dishware, removable ash pans for quick and no-mess ash discard, and an easy-grip handle on the lid for safe and convenient lid opening. All kamado grills rest on standing legs and bigger models also feature lockable wheels for easy handling and transportation. Some more sophisticated models also have air-lift hinges on the lids and electric starters.

Did you know?

Kamado Cooking Basics

Though a Kamado cooker is a type of charcoal grill, they are not similar. A kamado grill is a very versatile cooker and to get the most out of it, you need to get the hang of it to the full. If you’ve just decided to set up your own pit or bought your first kamado grill and don’t know where to start from, our brief introductory guide to kamado cooking basics will give you an idea on how to work with your multifunctional grill.

  1. Get your grill burning. Open all the vents, put the charcoal lumps or briquettes on the bottom of the grill, and use an electric starter or charcoal fire starters. Once the charcoal starts burning, close the lid and adjust the vents as instructed to preheat the grill. That will take about 15-20 minutes.

  2. Control the cooking temperature. That’s probably the most difficult part for beginners. Yet, you just need some practice. The only thing to remember is that increasing temperature is easier than decreasing it. Hence, if you need a lower temperature for smoking or searing, put a smaller amount of charcoal and if you plan to grill steaks, you are free to add some more charcoal to reach higher cooking temperature. If the temperature is too high and you need to reduce it, keep the top and bottom vents open until you achieve the desired temperature.

  3. Cooking. The biggest benefit of the kamado is the ability to consistently hold the cooking temperature and this temperature can range from as low as 200°F to as high as 900°F making the unit suitable both for grilling and for smoking or slow cooking. To use it for grilling or smoking, it is enough to adjust the airflow and customize the heat via dampers. Yet, to use kamado for slow cooking, you’ll also need heat deflectors that are usually sold optionally for different models. Since kamado implies direct cooking method using radiating heat, heat deflectors will help create perfect conditions for slow searing.

Kamado Grill Safety Instructions

When using any cooking appliance, be it a simple stovetop pan or some exquisite cooker, you have to follow safety rules to avoid burns. Those rules might seem pretty simple and quite obvious, however, when it comes to a kamado charcoal grill, it’s worth recalling some of the safety basics and mentioning some specific rules for kamados.

  • A kamado grill is designed only for cooking outside, so, never use it inside the house or in covered areas.
  • Though this grill type is resistant to any weather conditions, try to store it in a dry place like a shed or garage when the BBQ season is over. It’s recommended to use a special grill cover to keep your grill clean and safe and extend its service life.
  • Never open a kamado lid quickly. It can cause an intense blaze and a large wave of smoke. To prevent exposure to the open flame, first, open the vents before lifting the lid and then open the lid just a little to let the oxygen in and let hot air out. After that, you can completely open the lid.
  • Avoid placing hot grates or ceramic stones onto tables and any flammable surfaces.
  • Refrain from putting hot ceramic parts into the water since they can crack due to temperature difference.
  • Before removing and discarding the ashtray and cleaning the unit, let the grill cool down completely.
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Publish Date: 2019-06-26 12:23:54