Welcome to the world of Kamado grilling! If you’re new to this style of cooking, let us tell you, it’s a game-changer. The Kamado grill, also known as a ceramic grill or egg-shaped grill, has been around for centuries and is renowned for its ability to retain heat while infusing food with rich smoky flavors.
Our team at Synergy Outdoor Living has been installing the Kamado Joe grill in custom outdoor kitchens for years, and we can confidently say that it’s one of our favorite grills out there. From perfectly seared steaks to juicy smoked ribs, there’s not much this versatile cooker can’t do.
Keep reading for our favorite tips and tricks for using a Kamado grill!
Credit: Kamado Joe
What is a Kamado Grill?
A Kamado grill is a traditional Japanese-style ceramic grill that has been gaining popularity among backyard chefs for its versatility and unique cooking capabilities.
One of the reasons why Kamado grills are so popular is because they can cook at high temperatures, making them perfect for searing steaks or roasting vegetables. However, they can also be used for low and slow cooking, which makes them great for smoking meats or baking pizza.
The ceramic construction allows for even heat distribution and moisture retention, ensuring that your food comes out perfectly every time.
The Secret Ingredient to Perfectly Grilled Food: Kamado Joe
If you’re an avid griller, you know that the secret ingredient to perfectly grilled food is not just about the quality of meat, but the equipment used. That’s why we highly recommend Kamado Joe!
Kamado Joe has revolutionized the way people grill by using high-quality ceramic
material that retains heat better than traditional metal grills.
Our favorite standalone Kamado Joe grills that can be built into our custom kitchens include:
Credit: Kamado Joe
Classic Joe® Standalone Series III
If you’re looking for a high-quality grill that can provide the ultimate outdoor cooking experience, look no further than the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series III.
- 18” premium ceramic grill
- 250-square inches of cooking space
- Three-tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System allows you to cook different dishes at different temperatures
- SlōRoller hyperbolic insert that converts your grill to a smoker in an instant
- Kontrol Tower™ top vent to maintain consistent air setting during opening and closing
- Stainless steel charcoal basket allows for easy clean up
- Includes multiple accessories
Credit: Kamado Joe
Big Joe® Standalone Series II
The Big Joe II Standalone Grill is the perfect answer for those who love to cook with enough space to feed a large crowd. Whether you’re grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs for a summer party, or roasting an entire turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, the Big Joe II Standalone Grill has got you covered.
- 24” premium ceramic grill
- 450 square inches of cooking space
- Two-tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System allows you to cook different dishes at different temperatures
- Kontrol Tower™ top vent to maintain consistent air setting during opening and closing
- Patented “Ash Draw” for easy clean up
- A superior airtight seal is provided by the double-thick Wire Mesh Fiberglass Gasket.
- Multiple accessories
Credit: Kamado Joe
Konnected Joe™ Digital Charcoal Grill & Smoker
This innovative grill brings a new era of ceramic cooking to your backyard, making barbecuing easier and more enjoyable than ever before.
- 18-inch WiFi-enabled grill with 250 square inches of cooking space
- Automatic Fire Starter button
- Digital Kontrol Board with multiple cook modes
- Kamado Joe App allows you to set the temperature, time, and more!
- The Kontrol Fan maintains your desired temperature
- Automatic Cook Mode or Manual Cook Mode is available
Credit: Kamado Joe
Elevate Your Grilling Game with These Kamado Tips & Tricks
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to dust off your grill and get ready for some mouth-watering meals. While these versatile ceramic cookers are perfect for smoking, baking, roasting, and of course, grilling, it can be a little overwhelming at first.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help!
Cooking on a Kamado
First, make sure you use natural lump charcoal instead of briquettes. Lump charcoal burns hotter and has fewer additives than briquettes which results in better flavor. You can also experiment with different types of wood chips such as hickory or applewood to infuse delicious flavor into your food.
Always keep an eye on your temperature. The Kamado grill is designed to retain heat and lock in moisture, which means that it cooks differently than other grills. Make sure you have a thermometer handy so you can monitor the temperature inside the grill at all times.
Indirect heat is your friend. Indirect heat means that the heat source (charcoal) is placed off to one side of the grill rather than directly under the food. This allows for slower and more even cooking without burning or overcooking your meal.
It’s especially useful when cooking larger cuts of meat such as brisket, ribs, or pork shoulder which require low and slow cooking temperatures for several hours.
Need an idea for dinner this week? Try out this delectable recipe from Kamado Joe: New York Strip Loin
Cleaning a Kamado
Once you’ve cooked up dinner, you need to make sure that your Kamado is clean and ready for your next grill session.
- Use a stiff brush to remove any food particles or debris on the surface of the grates. If you notice any stubborn stains, try using a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub them away.
- Next, tackle the interior of the kamado. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to wipe down any excess ash or debris that’s accumulated inside. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose to suck up ash that’s hard to reach with a brush or cloth.
- Don’t forget about the ash buildup in your Kamado’s bottom vent or ash drawer. This needs to be cleaned regularly as well to prevent airflow blockages that could affect your cooking temperature and quality.
Note: Your grill should always be cleaned after each use. Keep up with it as it can become a much bigger job if you don’t!
More Outdoor Kitchen Upgrades > Maximize Your Outdoor Kitchen with Perlick Refrigeration
Credit: Kamado Joe
Grill Like a Pro
Whether you’re an experienced grill master or new to grilling, Kamado Joe has everything you need to create delicious meals that will impress your family and friends. With their superior heat retention and precise temperature control, these ceramic grills truly allow you to grill like a pro.
So what are you waiting for? Contact our outdoor kitchen designers at Synergy Outdoor Living and get a quote to install a Kamado Joe in your outdoor space in Tampa, Orlando, or Jacksonville!
Featured Image: Kamado Joe
