Tips for a Kamado University freshman (just graduated from Kettle High)

[mjpmap]

A lot of great tips already mentioned. Make sure you stay on top of the gasket condition. If the gasket is bad, you won’t be able to control temp at all. Do the dollar bill test all around with the lid closed. If the bill pulls out easily, either the gasket is bad or the bands need to be readjusted. A lot of youtube vid’s to walk you through it. Lunchman mentioned chasing temps. It will drive you crazy if you do it. For most cooks, if I’m somewhere between 275 and 300 then I’m happy. I use the Igrill2 to monitor grill temp and IT. It takes all the guesswork out. Great pick up, you’re going to love it!

 

[Big George's BBQ]

The Cowboy lump I got once had scrap wood in it- pieces of molding etc At the time others had the same experience I don't know if they fixed it but I never went back to it My go to lump is Wicked Good Also like RO and Chefs Select

 

[JMM]

Hey once again thanks to all of the veteran brethren that have replied thus far with tips and advice! I've totally found the right place and I'm glad I did... searching the web before getting here led me to a lot of conflicting and bad information... so many people so eager to share online that they never take the time to verify the "knowledge" they're passing along first.

I do have a quick, specific question for M-fine (or anyone who can answer it) regarding the comment below:

Get a CGS spider and a 16” stone or two half stones for a deflector. Much better than the Pit Boss plate setter style... They also sell a 16” DRIP pan.

What does the acronym CGS stand for? I'm looking to order my plate-setter this weekend, and I'd love to get an alternative to the Pit Boss/Louisiana brand one -- as long as it works well. The one that fits my kamado is like $60...

 

[Big George's BBQ]

Most Likely Ceramic Grill Store- great products I have a raised grid from them for my Egg and Love it

 

[m-fine]

Yes, the Ceramic Grill Store. They make some custom deflector and grate systems for the major ceramic cooker brands. They have the best stuff for a Pit Boss K24 if you are willing to invest some coin to take it to the next level.

https://ceramicgrillstore.com/collections/pit-boss-24-kamado-grill-costco

I have two spiders and the adjustable rig with several of their heavy duty stainless grates, drip pans and stones. I recently smoked 3 levels of pastrami indirect with a deflector in place which is more than double what I could fit on the factory 2 level grates with the ****ty leg placement.

 

[LocoLeonard]

1. So I only use a MAPP gas torch. They are a bit pricey but last a long time. My first bottle lasted around four years. I just light a couple of spots. I leave the bottom vent wide open & the lid open & give it a chance to get burning. Once it's caught on pretty good I close the lid & leave the top vent wide open. After a while I'll start closing down vents to regulate the temperature.
2. I add a few chunks of wood here & there. Some are small & some are large.
3. I have never used a water pan. This idea just scares me.
4. Make sure you clean your kamado out periodocially. Once in a while I'll just let mine burn up the remaining charcoal because all of the little stuff really starves my Primo for air. About once every six months I pull the fire box out & do a real good ash clean up. On mine the air holes in the bottom of the fire box get clogged up with grease & ashes plus you'll get ashes & junk betheen the kamado & the fire box.
5. What I would suggest is just go out & start a fire in your this weekend. Don't plan on cooking anything. Just practice getting the fire going & managing temperatures. I did this one Saturday & it did me a worls of good.
6. Another tidbit I read somewhere was to get your vents basically where you want them, then adjust using the top vent. The bottom vent is for major adjustments & the top vent is for minor adjustments.

 

[frognot]

1. Yes to heat deflector
2. No to water pan
3. Chunks but you wont need a lot. Lump charcoal.

 

[JMM]

Yo M-Fine, ordered a spider and a two-piece (half circles) ceramic plate setter from Ceramic Grill Store. Thanks for the link! Maybe I'll set a new post with some pics when I get it in and try it out. Thanks again.

 

[Big George's BBQ]

Just remember have fun