Kamado Egg BBQ is a new cooking method that has recently become very popular. The main difference between Kamado and other types of grills is that they don’t require charcoal or gas. Instead, these cookers rely on wood chips or pellets to provide heat. They also come with a lid that allows you to control the temperature inside.
Kamado (pronounced KAM-a-do) means “fireplace” in Japanese. These cookers are designed to mimic the way fireplaces were built hundreds of years ago. In Japan, they are commonly found in restaurants, cafes, and even homes.
This ultimate guide will help you learn everything about this fantastic food cooker: from how it works to its pros and cons. Plus, we’ll show you what you need to know before buying one for yourself. So without further ado, let’s start!
What Is Kamado Cooking?
A traditional fireplace used to be placed in front of a home or castle to indicate wealth and status. This same concept was applied to modern grill kitchens. Today, the popularity of Kamado Egg BBQ cooking has surged because it offers convenience and flexibility.
Unlike most conventional outdoor cooking methods, Kamado grills use wood-based fuel instead of charcoal. Wood chips, pellets, sawdust, rice straw, coconut shell, and even fruits like apples can serve as fuels to create a healthy smoke. As such, Kamado Egg BBQ cooking does not produce harmful soot and ash.
Woods are burned over a ceramic grate that sits above the base of the grill where the oven part of the Kamado lies. Once the flames die down, the embers are left to smolder until the coals themselves ignite. It takes approximately 45 minutes for the coals to reach their peak temperature, while the rest of the cooking time is spent maintaining the desired temperature.
To maintain the ideal temperature, a Kamado ceramic Egg BBQ comes with either a thermometer or a digital readout. While both options work equally well, the thermometer is easier to operate. Also, there are different levels of temperatures available depending on your needs. The lowest level is around 350 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while the highest range goes up to 500° F. Some models have two ranges starting low and then gradually increasing.
Tips on choosing a Kamado Cooker
After having tried many Kamado Egg BBQ, here are some things I learned about picking the right model for you.
Size
If you want a Kamado grill that suits all of your needs, look into getting the size that matches your budget and storage space. For example, if you plan on using your Kamado Egg BBQ mostly during the warmer months, you might want to go for a smaller unit, since larger ones take more effort to keep cool. If you plan to use it year-round, get something bigger.
Durability
As with any kitchen item, durability is important. A simple knock or fall could ruin your investment. Make sure you choose a model that features heavy-duty construction. Most importantly, make sure you get a warranty. All major brands offer extended warranties.
Ease of Use
Many people find Kamado hard to use. Especially if you don’t have previous experience with them. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes easy to use. Choose a model that gives you control over your heat settings, rather than relying on preset settings.
Smoke
While smoking meat is enjoyable, smokers also leave behind a lot of unwanted byproducts. You may end up spending money cleaning out the smoke from your kitchen. On the contrary, Kamado ceramic Egg BBQ grills give you total control over the quality of the smoke. And unlike other types of grills, no matter how dirty they become, the smell never gets too bad.
Cost
Kamado grills come in various prices, ranging anywhere from £200- £1,000+. Before buying one, do some research and compare costs with other similar products. Find out what type of maintenance you need to perform and how often.
Cooking Time
Once again, this will depend on the size of your cooker, but generally speaking, Kamado cookers run longer than gas and electric grills. They require constant attention to keep their heat consistent. It’s recommended to prepare large meals at least an hour before serving.
Storage
Most Kamado Egg BBQ grills come with built-in shelves to store spices, sauces, etc., but they’re not meant to be used as makeshift pantries. Make sure that when you buy a Kamado grill, it has enough room for storing food and other essential items.
Safety Features
Most Kamado grills feature safety mechanisms like auto shutoff, which turns off the burners automatically if they aren’t being used for a certain amount of time. This reduces the risk of fire due to overheating. In addition, most models come with automatic cleaning systems. Kamados can clean themselves without much hassle. To ensure your safety, always follow manufacturer recommendations regarding safe usage.
Conclusion
So there are certainly pros and cons to each kind of cooking device. Choosing a Kamado ceramic Egg BBQ grill means giving up some conveniences such as a traditional oven, but in return, you gain so many benefits. With proper knowledge, you can easily choose the best Kamado for yourself at Kamado Club it best place to buy quality kamado grills.
