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Need Help?What Is a Kamado Grill? Learn How to Use One + Benefits
WriterAubrey McShan
15 min read
Have your eye on that bold red kamado grill? Whether you’re due for an upgrade or simply want to invest in a multi-purpose barbeque for an upcoming backyard cookout with friends and family, kamado grills can be the perfect option!
From succulent smoked ribs to crispy pizzas and juicy chicken, the kamado grill can really do it all. In our complete guide, the outdoor grilling experts walk you through exactly what is a kamado grill, how to use it, and things you should consider before you buy one!
Key Takeaways
- Learn what a kamado grill is, including how it heats food, the fuel it uses, its anatomy, cooking capabilities, and much more.
- Unpack the benefits of a kamado grill and why they’re beloved by the grilling world. From low oversight to versatility, kamado grills are a one-stop shop for grilling, baking, roasting, and more!
- Discover how to use a kamado grill with step-by-step instructions. Unlike gas grills, Kamado grills require more prep work before you’re ready to start cooking. Learn how to fire up your kamado grill.
- Learn how to choose a kamado grill and what factors to consider, including price, the different model types available, and what smart features work for your grilling lifestyle.
What Is a Kamado Grill?
A kamado grill is a Japanese barbeque with an iconic ceramic egg shape that allows you to grill, cook, smoke, and roast your food in a variety of layouts. But what makes this grill special from others? Its impeccable ability to control temperature and retain heat with limited charcoal for 12+ hours is the kamado grill’s hallmark feature.
The kamado grill consists of three essential internal components: the firebox, the fire ring, and the grate.
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The firebox houses the charcoal.
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The fire ring is situated on top of the firebox, providing a spot for the grates to sit.
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The cast iron grate allows ash to fall through while maintaining proper airflow to the charcoal.
Expert Tip:
After heating up for 10-15 minutes, kamado grills can reach temperatures of up to 800°F, making them perfect for searing.
How Do Kamado Grills Work?
The domed egg shape paired with the durable ceramic construction allows air and heat to evenly flow internally much like a convection-style oven.
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Step 1: Air flows into the bottom vents — This allows oxygen to reach the firebox that holds the charcoal, which ignites and begins burning.
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Step 2: Ceramic construction insulates and retains heat — The kamado grill’s construction enables it to keep the internal heat consistent.
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Step 3: Lid evenly distributes heat — The lid’s unique shape controls the internal airflow and heat distribution, which both help to cook food evenly from all sides.
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Step 4: Air escapes the top vent you control — The air vent at the top gives you complete control of the temperature. Simply adjust it so your food is cooked to perfection!
What Are the Benefits of a Kamado Grill?
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Versatility: The kamado grill has the ability to function as an oven, smoker, and grill all in one! It's perfect for everything from baking pie to smoking fall-off-the-bone ribs. You can even cook vegetables, fish, and meats with a kamado grill.
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Ease of Use: They feature both a top vent and a draft door so you can adjust & control the temperature and airflow. Reduce the airflow to keep food moist and juicy, or increase it to create a crispier texture and a hotter temperature.
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Low Maintenance: Once the charcoal is lit, the grill requires minimal oversight, as the fuel can burn for up to 12 hours (sometimes longer). This makes it ideal for slow-cooking meats that have a tender and flavorful end result.
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Flavor: They can give your food that brick oven flavor and crust because of their insulated sides, which create a consistent cooking environment. The grill's glaze on the outside of the griddle can add to its durability.
How to Use a Kamado Grill
Allow the grill to heat up for approximately 10-15 minutes. Since kamado grills use charcoal as their fuel source, some prep work is required before you start cooking. Here are the exact steps you need to use a kamado grill:
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Step 1: Start With a Clean Grill
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Step 2: Add Lump Charcoal
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Step 3: Light the Charcoal
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Step 4: Preheat the Grill
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Step 5: Bar Grills & Adjust Temperature
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Step 6: Cool the Grill Down
Step 1: Start With a Clean Grill
Use a grill brush to remove any debris or residue from the grates before lighting the grill. Certain brushes can be used when the grill is cold or hot, but it's usually best to start with a cold grill.
Expert Tip:
Empty the ashtray before you begin to cook. An ashtray filled with charcoal ash can block airflow and cause temperature inconsistencies, so be sure to clean it out regularly.
Step 2: Add Lump Charcoal
- You can fill the firebox with lump charcoal. Your model may have a charcoal basket that houses the charcoal instead.
- Don’t put too much charcoal in your kamado since it can restrict airflow. Never cover the air holes in your firebox!
- Place your charcoal in a pyramid formation.
Expert Tip:
If you’re smoking, you can place wood directly into the firebox for a smokey, robust flavor.
Step 3: Light the Charcoal
- Use fire starter cubes or bricks and spread them around the charcoal. These make it easier to light it!
- Light the charcoal with a non-petroleum-based firelighter or an electric charcoal fire starter (these are the preferred methods).
- Never use lighter fluid. It can leave behind a chemical taste in your food!
Expert Tip:
You can also wear heat-resistant gloves for added protection — especially if you’re using a match to light the fire starter cubes.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
- Once you light the charcoal, wait a few minutes to give it time to activate. Make sure the bottom vent is open to increase airflow.
- When you can see ash begin to form, close the lid and open the top vent.
Expert Tip:
Give your kamado grill 10-15 minutes to preheat. During this time, you can prep your meats and vegetables and bring them out to your grill station.
Step 5: Put the Bar Grills On & Adjust Temperature
- After your grill preheats, insert your heat deflector shield (if you want indirect heat) and grill gates.
- Once your grill gates are in place, it's time to start cooking on your kamado grill! Remember that the lid should remain closed throughout the cooking process to ensure even heat distribution.
- Adjusting the temperature is key. Do so by opening or closing the vents. When searing burgers, it's best to open the vents for increased airflow. For smoking, it's best to close the vents to reduce airflow.
- When opening the grill, do so slowly and stand to the side.
Expert Tip:
Before opening the grill, it's important to ‘burp’ it first by opening it 2-3 inches to let air escape for a few seconds before opening it all the way. This will prevent any sudden bursts of heat or flames.
Step 6: Cool the Grill Down
- Close the lid and vents.
- Once your kamado reaches 450 degrees Fahrenheit, you can crack the top vent.
- Place your cover back on the kamado only once it is cool to the touch.
Expert Tip:
You can still use your kamado grill while it’s cooling down. Use it to roast nuts or slow-cook other types of foods!
How to Choose a Kamado Grill: Factors to Consider
Ready to purchase a kamado grill of your own? Here are the three top things to consider:
Grill Shape
There are two types of kamado grill shapes: oval or round.
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Oval-shaped grills come with the advantage of dual-zone cooking. This feature allows for the preparation of different types of food simultaneously by providing direct heat for cooking steaks and indirect heat for grilling fish or vegetables.
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Round-shaped grills have a unique ability to radiate heat evenly to a central point. This makes them well-suited for baking, smoking, and roasting since the heat is distributed evenly throughout the cooking area.
Expert Tip:
You can set up indirect heat in an egg-shaped kamado grill by buying a multi-level cooking rack and ceramic heat deflector.
Additional Features
Kamado grills come with a variety of features that can enhance the cooking experience. These features not only make kamado grilling more enjoyable but also improve the overall cooking experience by providing added convenience and control.
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Some models offer convenient side shelves, which provide ample space for utensils, meats, vegetables, and other grilling essentials while cooking.
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For those who enjoy flexibility, some kamado grills have wheels that make them easy to move around the backyard.
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Some kamado grills come equipped with smart features like a temperature gauge on the front, allowing you to easily monitor and adjust the temperature.
Price Point
The majority of kamado grills fall somewhere between $500 to $1,000. But just because some command a steep price, a kamado grill is always a great investment! They offer beginners and pitmasters many competitive benefits, a unique cooking experience, and plenty of methods to cook that next delicious meal.
The price of a kamado grill may be influenced by various factors: the brand, size, and additional features. Always thoroughly research and consider your budget before deciding on which kamado grill to buy.
Have Fun Out There!
Ready to get your grill on this summer? Kamado grills can be the perfect addition to your backyard arsenal (or a wonderful gateway into outdoor grilling for a beginner). Smoke roast, or bake! Ultimately, you’re in full control of the temperature and flavor profile with a kamado grill at your side.
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