Inspired by a Kamado—the traditional Japanese cooking appliance—the Kamado Grill has replicated the design and mass-produced it for easy accessibility by any grill owner! The traditional Kamado was shaped from clay into an egg shape, which provides a unique cooking process defined by steady temperature, great insulation, and extreme fuel efficiency. Its shape allows for different cooking methods: baking, roasting, smoking, grilling, sautéing—the methods are practically limitless!

Nowadays, the mass-produced Kamado Grill has been built with extreme versatility for modern grilling, including space for additional attachments and components.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a Kamado Grill, it’s important to know what features you want—down to the grills materials, fuel required, and optional attachments. This way, you can get the most out of your investment with minimal hassle.

Kamado Grill Placement

Freestanding

If you’re looking for a portable option, look no further than a freestanding Kamado. Some can be wheeled around on carts, giving users ultimate flexibility on grill placement. Additionally, having a freestanding grill gives you the option to move your grill inside your garage. Not mandatory—as Kamado Grills can withstand precipitation with so much as a grill cover—but the option’s there!

The portability that comes with a freestanding Kamado Grill is convenient—but there’s also an element of functionality involved. See, Kamado carts are designed to significantly increase airflow to the bottom and top grill vents—giving the user more control over controlling temperature (the same mechanics are in play with BBQ smokers in which air vents are the only way to adjust the temperature in a closed system).

Built-In

A built-in Kamado Grill is great for adding a permanent, sightly appliance to your outdoor setup. Kamado Grills can be installed in two ways: as a drop-base installation, or as a classic drop-in. A drop-base installation keeps your grill at a workable height while also allowing full airflow (for temperature regulation). However, be sure that if you have a metal model, it has an insulated grill jacket attached—if installed in a combustible outdoor kitchen island. A drop-in Kamado, on the other hand, must be placed in non-combustible islands, which may be a limiting factor if you’re installing in an existing area. However, drop-in Kamado Grills require access doors for cleaning, maintenance, and proper airflow.

Kamado Grill Shape

For a Kamado Grill especially, the grill shape has a tremendous effect on your cooking capabilities. It’s worth noting that Kamado Grills have similar shapes, so be sure to check the tech specs for the grill shape before committing.  

Oval Kamados

Ovular Kamados are able to maintain dual-zone cooking if you have the center divider in place. This means that users can use the direct charcoal heat to cook something in one part of the grill—while using the indirect heat of the flames to cook something else on the other side. Similarly, lopsided cuts of meat, like briskets and turkeys can be carefully placed for more even cooking.

Round Kamados

Constructed in its traditional egg shape, round Kamados are built to radiate heat towards a central point, producing uniform heat throughout the unit. This totally-even cooking is great for baking, smoking, and roasting. It’s also possible to add attachments to offset the heat distribution in a round Kamado if what you’re cooking requires different temperatures in different places.

Ceramic vs Metal Grills

Ceramic Kamados

Ceramic is perfect for absorbing heat, then evenly radiating it back within the cooking chamber. Although it may seem trivial, this ability is what makes Ceramic Kamado Grills extremely fuel-efficient, which is a significant boost for a charcoal-powered appliance.

There is a slight downside to ceramic material—and that is durability. There is the possibility that the ceramic grill can be cracked or damaged if the lid isn’t properly handled. Some models have addressed this with clever engineering modifications, like smoother lids or segmented fireboxes within the grill to better absorb stress.

Ceramic’s heat-absorbing qualities make a more efficient burn. That’s because ceramic has thicker sides, and so heat is more easily retained. For slow-and-low cooking, Ceramic Kamados are great for steady flames, backed by consistent airflow caused by the dampers. Ceramic, unfortunately, also absorbs liquids. So, try to keep liquids away from your Kamado; even lighter fluid.

Metal Kamados

This might be the better material for any beginners. With a Metal Kamado, you won’t have to worry about any micro-fractures or bad drops damaging your grill body. Take note of your specific metal, as each has its own attributes. Steel is durable but can rust over time—whereas cast aluminum, a heavier material, won’t ever rust, but is more fragile.

Beyond durability, metal Kamados are better at reaching higher temperatures, unlike ceramic units, which run the risk of slight distortion from heat stress. They can get hotter, but Metal Kamados use more fuel and are less heat-efficient than ceramic models. And although they lose heat more easily, metal-constructed Kamados can still maintain temperatures throughout long burns.

Other Kamado Grill Considerations

Kamados are built for efficient airflow since that leads to steady temperatures and no heat loss. However, if you open a Kamado Grill too quickly, a rush of oxygen could enter the grill and stimulate the charcoal, sending flames towards the lid. It’s not a common occurrence, but it’s worth keeping in mind that you should always be cautious when opening your Kamado Grill, which includes keeping your body away from the flames and making slow movements when operating.

The most important task in maintaining a Kamado Grill is emptying the ashes after a few uses to ensure smooth airflow. Other than that, Kamados are remarkably easy to maintain, considering it is a charcoal-powered appliance with such versatility!

Kamado Accessories

Grill Cart

Depending on the brand and model, you may receive a grill cart or wood grill table with your purchase. These aren’t necessarily game-changers for the grilling itself, but the organization could go a long way for your long-term setup (not to mention impress guests at your barbecue!).

Hood-Lift Assist for Kamados

Hood-lift assists are good for gently opening your Kamado Grill. This comes in handy for ceramic units, which don’t handle stress as well as their metal counterparts. With a hood-lift assist, you can safely close your Kamado without damaging your device.

Because airflow is strictly controlled in a Kamado Grill, make a note to slowly open your unit. If you open your unit too fast, there is the possibility of sending a rush of air into the charcoal, which could send flames bursting toward the opened lid. Luckily, a hood-lift assist can prevent this by giving you more leverage to slowly open the unit. 

Kamado Chimneys

A chimney can be added to the top of your Kamado Grill to protect the exhaust vent from any damage caused by the outdoors. A water-resistant chimney will protect your Kamado Grill without getting in the way of smooth cooking.

No matter the attachments, modifications, and materials—a Kamado Grill is a fantastic asset for anyone looking to barbecue. Whether it’s slow cooking briskets or crisping some corn on the cob, this special grill can provide impressive, stable heat. If you shirk at the retail price keep in mind that the Kamado Grill has versatility, unlike any other cooking appliance!

Looking For Your Next Kamado Grill?

Fireplace Deals’ inventory has dozens of Kamado Grill options for your perfect outdoor kitchen! If you have further questions feel free to reach out by phone 866-848-3473 or by email. In the meantime browse our Learning Center for great articles.

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