Kamado grills are a unique and versatile type of charcoal grill that have gained immense popularity among outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed overview of these exceptional grills:
What is a Kamado Grill?
A kamado grill is a thick-walled, egg-shaped cooker that is typically made from ceramic materials. The name “kamado” comes from the Japanese word meaning “stove” or “cooking range”. Key features of kamado grills include:
- Thick, insulated ceramic walls that retain heat very efficiently
- Ability to maintain precise temperature control, often from 225°F to 750°F
- Use of natural lump charcoal as a fuel source
- Cooking grates made from materials like stainless steel or cast iron
- Top and bottom air vents with dampers to control airflow and temperature
- Versatile cooking capabilities including grilling, smoking, roasting, and baking
The kamado grill design originated in China over 3,000 years ago and was later refined in Japan between 300-500 A.D. After World War II, American soldiers brought the kamado concept back to the United States, and the design was modernized with space-age ceramics to improve heat retention and durability.
Today, kamado grills are known for their exceptional versatility, allowing backyard cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results with any food. Premium models like those from Kamado Joe include features such as multi-tier cooking grates, hyperbolic smoke chambers, and easy ash removal systems for the ultimate grilling experience.
Construction and Materials
Kamado grills are constructed using two primary materials – ceramic or steel. Here are more details on each:
Ceramic Kamado Grills
- Made from a proprietary blend of clays, minerals and other natural materials that are kiln-fired at extremely high temperatures.
- The ceramic body is very thick, typically over 1 inch, providing excellent insulation and heat retention capabilities.
- Premium ceramic kamado brands like Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe and Primo use high-quality ceramics designed for superior durability and longevity.
- Ceramic kamados can withstand temperatures up to 750°F or higher without cracking or degrading.
- The glazed ceramic exterior is resistant to chips, cracks and weathering for long-lasting performance.
- Ceramic construction allows for precise temperature control from 225°F for low-and-slow smoking up to 700°F+ for searing.
- Ceramic kamados are heavier and more fragile than steel models, but offer better insulation and fuel efficiency.
Steel Kamado Grills
- Constructed from double-walled steel with insulation between the layers to mimic the heat retention of ceramics.
- Steel kamados like the Char-Griller Akorn are more affordable than premium ceramic models.
- While insulated, steel doesn’t retain heat as efficiently as thick ceramic, especially at higher temperatures.
- Steel kamados are lighter weight and less fragile, but may rust or degrade faster than ceramics over time.
- Lower price point makes steel a good entry option for those new to kamado-style cooking and smoking.
Whether ceramic or steel, the thick insulated construction of kamado grills allows for superb heat retention and precise temperature control for a wide range of cooking styles like grilling, smoking, baking and more.
Key Features
The key features that make kamado grills exceptional are their thick insulated walls, precise temperature control, versatility, and fuel efficiency. Here are more details on each:
Thick, Insulated Walls
- Kamado grills have incredibly thick walls, typically over 1 inch for ceramic models, providing superior insulation.
- This thick ceramic construction allows the grill to absorb and radiate heat evenly for consistent temperatures.
- The insulation prevents heat loss, allowing the grill to maintain stable low temps (225°F) for low-and-slow smoking or reach searing temps over 700°F.
- Premium ceramic kamado brands use proprietary blends of clays and minerals fired at extremely high temps for maximum durability and heat retention.
Precise Temperature Control
- The thick insulated walls combined with controlled air vents allow for unmatched temperature regulation from 225°F up to 750°F or higher.
- Adjusting the top and bottom vents precisely controls the airflow and oxygen supply to the charcoal for raising or lowering the heat.
- This temperature control is crucial for low-and-slow smoking as well as high-heat searing and grilling.
- Some models add forced air systems or multi-piece fireboxes for even better heat management.
Versatility
- Kamado grills excel at grilling, smoking, baking, roasting and more due to their precise, stable temperature control.
- The thick walls and controlled air circulation create an oven-like environment for baking pizzas, breads or desserts.
- Adding accessories like heat deflectors, pizza stones and rib racks increases the versatility further.
- The ability to maintain consistent low temps makes them ideal for low-and-slow barbecue smoking.
Fuel Efficiency
- The thick insulated construction prevents heat and smoke from escaping for maximum fuel efficiency.
- Controlled airflow allows the charcoal or wood chunks to burn slowly and evenly with less wasted fuel.
- Users can easily extinguish the fire by closing the vents to reuse any remaining charcoal later.
- This efficiency results in longer cooking times per load of fuel compared to traditional grills.
The combination of superior insulation, precise venting, and efficient fuel usage allows kamado grills to excel at a wide range of cooking styles while providing unmatched temperature control and heat retention.
Popular Brands and Models
Here are more details on some of the popular kamado grill brands and models:
Big Green Egg
The Big Green Egg is a highly regarded brand in the kamado grill market, often credited with popularizing this style of cooking in the United States. Here are more details about its features and offerings:
Origin and Popularity
Founded in 1974 by Ed Fisher, the Big Green Egg has become synonymous with kamado-style cooking. Its distinctive egg-shaped design and green color make it instantly recognizable. The brand has a strong following and has inspired a community of enthusiasts known as “Eggheads,” who are passionate about their grills and the unique culinary experiences they offer.
Construction and Materials
The Big Green Egg is made from high-quality ceramic materials that are fired at 2000°F. This process ensures outstanding durability and heat retention, allowing the grill to maintain consistent temperatures for extended periods. The thick ceramic walls, over 1 inch in thickness, not only contribute to the grill’s ability to hold heat but also its efficiency in using fuel. This construction is a key factor in the grill’s ability to perform a wide range of cooking techniques from grilling and smoking to baking.
Size Range and Versatility
The Big Green Egg comes in a variety of sizes to cater to different cooking needs and preferences. The sizes include:
- Mini: Ideal for small batches or individual meals.
- Small, Medium, and Large: These sizes cater to typical family cooking needs, with the capacity to cook everything from birds to roasts.
- XLarge and 2XL: These larger models are suited for large gatherings or commercial use, capable of cooking multiple items at once due to their extensive cooking surface.
Temperature Control and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the Big Green Egg is its ability to precisely control cooking temperatures. This is achieved through its patented airflow systems and high-quality temperature gauges that can read up to 750°F. The efficiency of its design means that it can perform low and slow cooks for extended periods on a single load of charcoal, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Pricing and Warranty
While the Big Green Egg comes with premium pricing, it is backed by a best-in-class lifetime warranty on its ceramics. This warranty underscores the company’s confidence in the durability and longevity of their products, making it a worthwhile investment for serious cooks and enthusiasts. The warranty, combined with the grill’s versatile cooking capabilities and superior construction, contributes to its high perceived value among consumers.
Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe is a prominent brand in the ceramic grill market, known for its innovative features that enhance the grilling experience. Here are some of the key features and innovations introduced by Kamado Joe:
Multi-Level “Divide & Conquer” Flexible Cooking System
This system is a significant innovation by Kamado Joe, allowing users to cook different foods at various temperatures simultaneously. The system includes multiple tiers and half-moon cooking grates, which can be configured in different ways to create distinct cooking zones within the same grill. This flexibility makes it possible to grill, sear, and smoke different items at once, optimizing the use of space and heat distribution.
Air Lift Hinge
The Air Lift Hinge is another user-friendly feature that significantly reduces the weight of the grill dome. By reducing the dome weight by 96%, the hinge makes it much easier to open and close the heavy ceramic lid. This feature not only enhances user comfort but also reduces the risk of accidental damage from dropping the lid.
Kontrol Tower Top Vent
The Kontrol Tower top vent is designed for precise airflow management, which is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures inside the grill. This top vent allows for fine adjustments, which can be very helpful for low and slow cooking processes where maintaining a specific temperature is critical. The vent is made from powder-coated cast aluminum, which is rust-resistant and durable, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
Premium Ceramics and Durable Glazed Exteriors
Kamado Joe grills are constructed from high-quality ceramic materials that provide excellent heat retention and durability. The exteriors are finished with a durable glaze, available in classic red or sleek black colors, which not only looks attractive but also protects the ceramic against the elements. This construction helps in maintaining consistent temperatures and reduces charcoal consumption.
Range of Models
Kamado Joe offers a variety of models to suit different needs and preferences. The range includes the portable Joe Jr, ideal for small spaces or taking on the go, and the larger Big Joe series, which is suited for feeding larger groups. Each model incorporates the same innovative features, ensuring that all Kamado Joe users can enjoy a superior grilling experience regardless of the grill size.
Char-Griller Akorn
The Char-Griller Akorn is a kamado-style charcoal grill that offers an affordable entry into the world of kamado cooking. Unlike traditional kamado grills that are made from thick ceramic, the Akorn is constructed from double-walled 22-gauge steel, which provides insulation to help retain heat. While this steel construction may not retain heat as effectively as the thicker ceramic models, it still performs adequately for grilling and smoking purposes, making it a value-oriented choice.
The primary cooking area of the Akorn is 314 square inches, which is spacious enough to accommodate up to 20 burgers at a time. This makes it suitable for cooking for a family or a small gathering. In addition to the primary cooking space, the Akorn also features a warming rack, which can be used to keep food warm during preparation or for cooking at lower temperatures, such as when smoking.
The grill is equipped with cast iron cooking grates, which are known for their durability and ability to retain heat, contributing to better searing of meats. The Akorn also has a locking lid that ensures a tight seal for heat retention and features an air vent that allows for temperature control. The side shelves of the grill are foldable, providing convenience for food preparation and storage when the grill is not in use.
Overall, the Char-Griller Akorn is considered a good starter kamado grill for those who are new to this style of cooking. It offers the essential features of a kamado grill at a more accessible price point, making it an attractive option for those looking to explore the benefits of kamado-style cooking without the higher investment of a ceramic model.
Weber Summit Kamado
The Weber Summit Kamado is a high-end stainless steel kamado grill that merges the classic Weber kettle design with the insulating properties typical of traditional kamado cookers. Below are the main features of this innovative grill:
Dual-Walled Insulated Construction
The grill is constructed from high-quality U.S. steel and coated with porcelain enamel both inside and out, enhancing its durability. It features a dual-walled design for the bowl and lid, with air insulation sandwiched between these layers. This construction effectively replicates the superior heat retention capabilities of traditional thick ceramic kamado grills, allowing the Summit Kamado to maintain steady temperatures for up to 12 hours with just one load of charcoal.
Ample 24″ Cooking Area
This grill boasts a 24-inch diameter stainless steel cooking grate, offering 452 square inches of primary cooking space. This size is sufficient to comfortably serve a large family or group. It includes the Gourmet BBQ System hinged grate, which has a 12-inch removable center that allows for the use of various accessories, such as a pizza stone or wok, enhancing the grill’s versatility.
Easy Cleaning and Ash Management
The Summit Kamado features Weber’s patented One-Touch cleaning system, which simplifies the process of ash removal. By rotating the handle, ashes are swept from the bowl into a removable, high-capacity ash catcher. This enclosed ash catcher also helps keep the cooking area tidy by preventing ashes from being blown around.
Smoker Capabilities
The grill is equipped with a stainless steel diffuser plate that can be positioned above the coals to facilitate indirect, low-temperature smoking. This plate helps deflect heat away from the food, maintaining consistent low smoking temperatures. Additionally, it includes a built-in smoker box for adding a genuine wood smoke flavor to your dishes.
Premium Accessories Included
The Weber Summit Kamado comes with several premium accessories, including Weber’s char-baskets for straightforward charcoal management. It also features a heavy-duty cart with locking casters for robust support and easy mobility. The lid is designed with a braided gasket that effectively seals in heat and smoke, ensuring efficient cooking. Overall, the Weber Summit Kamado combines the efficiency of kamado cooking with the renowned quality and versatility of Weber’s design, making it a standout choice for grill enthusiasts.
While ceramic Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe models offer premium heat retention and durability, more affordable steel options like the Char-Griller Akorn provide an entry point. And brands like Weber are bringing their expertise to the kamado category as well.
Final Thoughts
Kamado grills offer a unique and versatile outdoor cooking experience, combining precise temperature control, fuel efficiency, and the ability to grill, smoke, and bake with exceptional flavor. Their thick, insulated construction and controlled airflow make them a favorite among outdoor cooking enthusiasts seeking a high-performance and versatile charcoal grill.