Kamado Joe BBQs

Frequently asked questions about Kamado Joe BBQs

• Why should I buy a Kamado Joe grill?

  Kamados have been used for thousands of years. The two the air vents (one on the bottom and one on top), combined with the thick ceramic walls make for excellent temperature control, adjusting the temperature to suit whatever you want to cook. They retain heat and moisture better than any other grill, and are extremely versatile - you can do everything from grilling to baking on them. They are extremely hardwearing, meaning they stand the test of time - as long as maintained they really will last a lifetime.

• How is a Kamado Joe different to a normal BBQ?

  Kamados use charcoal like many normal BBQs, but when cooking on a kamado you keep the lid closed, to retain the heat and moisture. The vents on a kamado also mean you can easily adjust the temperature to suit what you are cooking, from low and slow to roasting hot. Because you cook with the lid closed, they retain heat longer than a normal BBQ and use charcoal a lot more efficiently. Larger kamados (Check out the Big Joe range!) can also have different cooking zones, where each zone can be a different temperature.

• What fuel do Kamado Joe BBQ Grills use?

  Kamado grills use charcoal. We recommend lump charcoal as it’s free from additives that can give food a nasty flavor. It also burns efficiently and produces far less ash. Lump charcoal burns hotter than briquettes and is made from natural hardwoods, so it produces better flavors.

• Can I use lighter fluid to light my Kamado Joe Grill?

  You should not use lighter fluid or lighter cubes in a kamado. Since they are made of ceramic, they have porous walls which will absorb the chemical flavour and make your food taste off. Once these chemicals are absorbed, they are here to stay. Instead, we recommend using newspaper in the bottom of your kamado to start it going.

• What can you cook on a Kamado Joe BBQ?

  Kamado grills are extremely versatile, due to their easily adjustable temperatures. You can cook pretty much anything from slow cooked joints of meat, through to pizzas and everything inbetween. Some kamados have optional accessories available too, like pizza stones, rotisseries and accessories for smoking.

• How do you control the temperature on a Kamado Joe BBQ?

  Kamado grills have to air vents, one on the top and one on the bottom. These are used to control the temperature of the grill. As a general rule of thumb, the more the vents are open, the hotter the kamado will get. Each kamado will include a guide on how to adjust the vents, and there are plenty of detailed guides on the internet. The Classic Joe III from the Classic Joe Range has a 'Kontrol Tower' vent for extra precision!

• Can a Kamado Joe BBQ be used in the rain?

  Yes. Kamados can be used in any weather. Rain, wind, snow or sun! The thick ceramic retains heat and means you can use your grill all year round.

• Can I leave my Kamado Joe BBQ outside?

  Yes, Kamados can be left outside. If you are planning on leaving it outdoors all year round, we suggest purchasing a cover to help protect it from the elements. Of course, if you know you will not be using it for an extended period of time, such as winter, we do suggest moving them indoors if possible.