Kamado Grill Use and Care Guide

There isn’t an outdoor kitchen in the country that wouldn’t benefit from a kamado grill. Versatile enough to allow you to grill, smoke, and bake, kamado grills are the ultimate multi-tasker, capable of producing a variety of different dishes for even the pickiest guests. Their simple design has stood the test of time, effortlessly providing steady, even heat while allowing moisture retention for more flavorful food. Grilling on a kamado is straightforward, and our tips here are guaranteed to keep your unit running at full capacity.

Kamados certainly have their own personality and operational quirks (despite looking similar to common charcoal grills). But don’t panic, their uncomplicated design makes them both user-friendly and, just as importantly, easy to maintain. Below we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to keep your kamado in tip-top shape for years to come.

Kamado Cooking Tips

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Use Lump Charcoal

Use only 100% natural hardwood Lump Charcoal. Briquette charcoal has additives that will emit odors and can be absorbed into the ceramic. Shop Lump Charcoal

Looftlighter X being used to start charcoal

Use a Charcoal Lighter

There are many acceptable methods to light your charcoal, such as a charcoal chimney starter, an electric starter, or branded firestarter cubes/matches. Never use lighter fluid! Lighter fluid contaminates your kamado with chemicals which can be absorbed into the ceramics and affect the taste of your food. Shop Charcoal Starters

Avoiding Flashbacks

To prevent a flashback, use a method known as burping – just open the lid just a few inches and pause to prevent a flareup.

Kamado Cleaning Tips

Removing Leftover Ash

Since natural lump charcoal produces a small amount of ash, it is recommended to remove it after each use. Use a charcoal ash tool to stir up the remaining charcoal in the firebox to remove the lose ash. The ash will fall through the grate for easy disposal. An ash vacuum makes removing ash even easier, especially after longer cooks. Shop Ash Removal Tools

Spray bottle misting the air with cleaner

Cleaning the Grill’s Exterior

From time to time, you'll want to clean the exterior of your grill. Use a solution of mild detergent and water or glass cleaner with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove dirt and grime on the ceramics and hardware. If surface rust appears on unfinished hardware, use a steel wool pad to remove it. Shop Grill Exterior Cleaner

Kamado thermometer showing temperatures around 600 degrees

Cleaning the Grills Interior

Cleaning the interior of your kamado grill is easy because it works like a self-cleaning oven:

Heat the grill to +600 for 30 minutes and allow the grill to cool completely.
Remove the internal components of the grill.
Use a soft bristle brush to brush the interior of the grill.
Remove the residue that collects in the bottom of the grill.
Insert the internal components.

Kamado Maintenance Tips

Kamado bands with highlighted areas to tighten

Tightening the Band

Periodically check the tightness of the band that holds the base and lid together. Tighten the nuts until there is a good amount of tension. Do not over tighten.

Replacing the Gaskets

Over time, the gasket material where the base meets the dome will degrade. Depending on the amount of cooking you do, it may need to be replaced every few years. To replace the gasket, purchase a gasket replacement kit and follow the instructions. Shop Kamado Gasket

Kamado grill cover being used to cover a grill

Extended and Off-Season Storage

To protect your grill for extended periods of non-use, a grill cover is recommended for both indoor and outdoor storage. Shop Kamado Grill Covers

Still have questions about how best to clean and maintain your kamado grill? Give one of our kamado grill experts a call at 1-844-452-9775! They are always standing by to answer your outdoor cooking questions.

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