History & Advantages of Kamado Grills

Learn the history and advantages of kamado grills which are often referred to as "ceramic grills or ceramic smokers". Learn the benefits of the ancient kamados and how they can create the perfect combination of versatility, functionality, and durability for the ultimate culinary experience.

• History Of Kamado Grills
• What Are The Advantages Of Ceramic Grills?
• Kamado Grills vs Charcoal Grills

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History Of Kamado Grills

There is a unique tradition that dates back to the ancient roots of Kamado style ceramic smoker grills. Based on the ancient Japanese cooker known today as a "Kamado", the concept behind modern ceramic grills was first introduced over 2000 years ago. Since then, advancements in the design of Kamado style cookers have been made to better accommodate the lifestyles, needs and tastes in the 21st century. Kamado style cookers are much like wood-fed ovens and can be used to roast or bake anything you would normally do in a traditional oven. The lump charcoal used in the Kamado style grills is not only economical but is also eco-friendly. It contains no chemicals, produces little ash and is environmentally sustainable. This modern cooker combines the benefits of the ancient Kamados and traditional charcoal grills, creating the perfect combination of versatility, functionality, and durability for the ultimate culinary experience.

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Ceramic Kamado Advantages

• Ceramic walls retain heat with accurate temperature control and no hot spots
• Fuel efficient so there is no need to add more charcoal while cooking; unburned charcoal can be reused
• Constant tending not required; with enclosed cooking there are no grease flare-ups
• Withstands temperature extremes from below 0° to 1800°F
• Can be used year around, even in freezing temperatures and rain
• Surface stays cooler and is safer around children than metal grills
• Weatherproof ceramics won't rust
• Handsome, decorative and unique design
• Produces the juiciest, most succulent food you'll ever taste
• Low temperatures can be retained for 12 hours or longer for smoking
• Cook as low as 225 degrees or as high as 750 degrees Fahrenheit
• Can be used as a grill or a smoker - versatile Kamado ceramic grills!
• Ready to cook within 15 minutes
• Gives you a true charcoal flavor. Natural lump charcoal is made from charred hardwoods like oak, hickory and maple
• Minimal set up time. On average it could take up to 15 - 30 minutes set up time vs a gas grill taking up to 2 - 3 hours

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Kamado Grills vs Charcoal Grills

	Kamado Grills	Conventional Charcoal Grills
Taste	Ceramic grills give a true charcoal flavor. Natural lump charcoal is made from charred hardwoods like oak, hickory and maple. Excellent for grilling and especially for smoking meats	Charcoal grills add a charcoal smoked flavor to the grilled food and even more so if used in a smoker. Briquettes contain additives like borax, starch and sawdust from waste lumber. “Ready to Light” briquettes can leave an after taste to food.
Ease of Use	Ceramic grills are less convenient than gas grills and the desired temperature is achieved adjusting the air flow. Includes an easy-to-read thermometer.	Charcoal grills are less convenient than gas and requires a little guesswork to achieve the desired temperature
Start Up Time	15 minutes and you're ready to cook	20 - 30 minutes start up time required
Temperature Range	Consistent temperatures as low as 225°F and as high as 750°F+ can be achieved easily. Low temperatures can be retained for 12 hours or longer for smoking.	Low temperatures can be achieved. Depending on the amount of briquette charcoal, you can achieve temperatures near 700°F. Average high temperatures hover around 500°F for most models
Heat Sources	Natural Lump Charcoal	Briquette Charcoal
Fuel Cost	1.50 - 1.75 per use depending on the brand.	3.00 - 3.50 per use depending on the brand.
Assembly	15-30 minute assembly time.	15-30 minute assembly time.
Maintenance	Annually check the tightness of the band screws that hold the base and lid and connect to the hinge. Replace felt gaskets as needed; generally every 2-3 years	Charcoal grills are typically a very simple design, so there is not a lot to maintain other than replacing the cooking grate if it begins to chip or rust.
Cleaning	Kamado grills produce one-third the ash of briquettes, however an ash tool is usually provided that can be used to remove it. Brush or scrape the cooking grate before cooking.	Briquette charcoal produces a lot of ash residue. If you grill often, consider a model with an ash catcher can. Brush or scrape the cooking grate before cooking and occasionally clean the outside.
Space	Kamado grills work well in a limited outdoor space. They can also be inserted in a grill table for an additional working surface and storage	A small area is needed and they are a good choice for limited outdoor space like an apartment balcony. Check your rental agreement for restrictions.
Price Ranges	Kamado grills range in price from $600 -$1,000. If you add a grill table plan to spend $250-$750 more	Tailgating style grills can cost as low as $29.00. Standard models will run around $75-$150 and up to $4000 for deluxe models.