Part 1
Looking to know more about Kamados? Have a look and enjoy.
Why is it in two parts? I discovered each post has a limit of 10,000 words.
View this thread using a web browser as Tapatalk does not work.
Buying a Kamado
A short thread about why you should buy a Kamado
Should I buy a Kamado?
Owners of different types of Kamados write about what they like about their Kamado
I love my Kamado Joe
I love my Akorn or Dragon
I love my Saffire
I love my Big Steel Keg - BSK
I love my Primo
Some Kamado reviews
Akorn vs Kamado Joe Classic Review
Weber Kettle One Touch Gold vs Akorn Kamado Review
Benefits of Kamado Style Ceramic Grills
What to look for in a Kamado
Kamado Assemby
The Grateful Griller putting together a Kamado Joe
"Let's get it done" putting together a Vision Kamado
Types of Charcoal
Note: It is not recommended that you use briquettes like head beads in a ceramic Kamado as it can leave a chemical taste.
Using NSW as an example for types of charcoal available.
Emberpak - emberpak.com/
Good service and useful advice.
Their courier range is wide and ship as far as the Central Coast. They also ship interstate so it is worth a call if you don't live in Sydney.
Mangrove lump charcoal - From Thailand
- 20KG standard lump
- 20KG large lump
- 20KG large premium
Charcoal briquettes
- 10KG sawdust
- 10KG coconut
Compress sawdust log - from Malaysia
Charcoal chips - from Malaysia
White Charcoal/Binchotan - From Thailand
BBQ Aroma - bbqaroma.com.au or bbqaroma.com/homepage/charcoal-bbqs/charcoal-fuel/
They have good service and a variety of type of charcoal.
A bit hard to locate their range on their web site but they have:
- Redgum from NSW
- Gidgee from QLD
- Mallee from Vic
Firebrand - firebrandcharcoal.com/
A decent range of briquettes which you can buy on-line or in your local bbq or grocery stores.
Bunnings - bunnings.com.au/heat-beads-16kg-bbq-briquettes_p3180306
The Heat Beads 16KG box (4 x4KG bags) is good value at around $24, especially when some supermarkets sell the 4KG retail bag for $10.
The lump charcoal they stock is expensive compared to the price you pay from Emberpack or BBQ Aroma.
BBQ Galore - barbequesgalore.com.au/
They sell Kamado Joe lump charcoal, other brand lump charcoal and heat beads. Compared to other suppliers they are expensive.
Where to Buy Charcoal
I found Tandoor Living has a good list of Suppliers
http://www.tandoorliving.com.au/Charcoal-for-s…-Australia.html
Let's Fire up the Kamado
Using a Looftlighter is popular. Read the thread and see how Gumb starts up his Kamado in a few minutes.
Electric charcoal BBQ starters
Watch the Grateful Griller starts up a Kamado Joe with firelighters
Here's some links on how to set-up you Kamado for certain cooking types.
http://www.kamadojoe.com/cooking/grilling
http://www.kamadojoe.com/cooking/searing
http://www.kamadojoe.com/cooking/smoking
Kamado Temperature Control
Kamado Burping
Essential Knowledge
Don't Do This to Reduce Your Temperature Quickly!
Beware of Flashback!
Don't use a grass blower to fan your charcoal!
Kamado Cleaning and Maintenance
Firebox Repair
Cracked Kamado Repair
Replacing your gasket
Every few years the gaskets wear out on the Kamado. People seem to upgrade to Nomex gaskets. The process is pretty straight forward.
Must Have
I'm assuming you have the standard accessories such as cover, deflector and grill extender.
Digital Thermometers
The thermometers you get with your Kamado aren't that accurate. Buy a good quality thermometer. A cheap one will just let you down. There are two popular types.
Dual probe where one is used to measure the grill temp and the other the meat temp. An example is the Maverick ET-733.
The other type is the instant read. Instant read thermometer
Oven Gloves
The Kamado can generate some seriously hot temps and oven gloves are essential. Stop getting burnt hands - Oven gloves
Pot Holders
Sometimes the temps are so hot the gloves need help. Pot holders provide that extra protection. Stop getting burnt hands - Pot holder covers
Esky/Ice Box
These are great to keep your meat warm, ready for your meal later. Esky, Ice boxes, whatever you call them, the things you put stuff in to keep cool or warm
Grill Grates
The champions use these in comps to get the best grill marks. Grill Grates
Vacuum Sealers
These are great for cold smoking, eg storing cheese and bacon and if you like to cook to store. Vacuum Sealers
Weber Charcoal Baskets
Let's Cook!
Low and Slow Pulled Pork
A popular step is to season the a new ceramic Kamado by doing a low and slow pork.
Pizza
From doing a slow and slow at 220F for 16 hours, let's pump up the temp to 700F and enjoy a pizza.
Steak
Time to cook sear some steak at 700F
Steak - Reverse Sear
A combination of indirect and direct steak cooking
Bread
There's nothing better than fresh bread to make you feel at home
Two Zone Cooking
Some Kamados are great for two zone cooking. Two Zone Cooking
The Dwelling Technique