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Thanks to a renewed interest in outdoor pursuits, the barbecue and grill market is exploding across the U.S. and should reach a value of $10.38 billion by 2025.

Are you among the newly inspired outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want to try something new? A kamado ceramic grill may be a great fit for you.

Find out more about this ancient cooking style and how to choose the best grill kamado grill for your needs.

What Is a Kamado Ceramic Grill?

While the word kamado might seem like a brand name, it refers to a specific type of grill. One that's been around for over 3,000 years.

Originally, these egg-shaped grills comprised a clay exterior and had many uses, including steaming rice in China and cooking tandoori dishes in India.

The style of kamado commonly found in the USA hails from Japan and descends from the 'mushikamado', a type of cooking range or stove. American soldiers stationed in Japan during WWII tried out this cooking style at the time and brought the concept back home with them.

Nowadays, these types of grills are a far cry from the original. They feature a unique egg-shaped ceramic construction, with plenty of extra accessories to accommodate a range of cooking styles.

Types of Kamado Grills

The Big Green Egg was the result of these soldiers' travels, and it's still around today. Nowadays, there are many other brands of kamado grills on the market, each offering unique benefits.

Regardless of the brand you choose, kamado grills work according to the following principles:

●      The fire goes inside the bottom two-thirds of the grill

●      The coals sit on a small grate

●      The ash falls through the grate and collects on the bottom of the grill

●      The cooking area is above the fire

●      A tightly-sealed lid keeps the fire's heat inside the grill

●      You can adjust the heat via top and bottom vents

The thick ceramic walls and heat-retaining lid create very high temperatures inside the grill, up to 360-degrees. They also keep the smoke close to the food, for optimum penetration.  

You can place a ceramic insert over the fire to deflect and absorb the heat when smoking and baking. Without the insert, your kamado is perfect for direct heat grilling.

You can find out more about the different types of kamado grills and accessories from stores like Komodo Kamado, Elite Patio Direct, or Big Green Egg.

The Benefits of a Kamado Grill

When you own a kamado grill, you can smoke, bake, and grill food in the same place. It's easy to use and boasts great heat dispersion so your food cooks evenly.

The insulating qualities of the grill's ceramic shell maximize radiation and heat absorption, so you use less fuel to keep your grill going. You won't experience any heat loss, no matter how cold it is outside.

Ceramic doesn't rust, it's easy to clean, and requires very little maintenance. You can build your kamado grill into an outdoor kitchen and use it in small outdoor spaces, too.

There are a few disadvantages associated with kamado grills, too. These are:

●      Small size

●      Extended heating up and cooling-off periods

●      No different heat zones for varied cooking

●      They're heavy and ceramic is fragile

Due to their smaller size, kamado grills are the best grills if you have limited space, they're also a lot cheaper than some of the more complex, larger, modern grills.

Choosing the Best Grill For You

If you're convinced that a kamado is a good fit for your outdoor lifestyle, you should keep a few things in mind when you go shopping. Here are some pointers for finding the perfect grill:

Premium Construction

You might come across metal kamado grills during your search. While these are more durable and lighter than the real deal, ceramic is the best material to optimize the benefits of buying a kamado grill.

Buy a grill with the thickest walls you can afford. They use less fuel and retain heat better.

Avoid cheap metal fittings and joinery that aren't sealed properly. Choose a grill with strong hinges and latches, and a sturdy, substantial base.

Good-Quality Temperature Gauges

A cheap thermometer can ruin your best cooking efforts. Your pizza won't crisp the way you like it, and your low-and-slow meats won't come out perfectly.

Plenty of Cooking and Work Space

Make sure the grill has enough space to cook your favorite meats. A good kamado grill should accommodate a rack of ribs, a brisket, or tri-tip.

If you want to use your kamado grill freestanding, make sure the attached workspaces can accommodate your seasonings, utensils, and a cold beverage.

Available Accessories

To make the most of your kamado grill, you'll need some accessories. Browse the brochure to make the manufacturer makes everything you want to attach to your grill.

These include rotisseries, skillets, stacking grills, carts, and pizza stones. There should also be a selection of covers available to keep your kamado grill safe from the elements when it's not in use.

Your Budget

Kamado grills aren't cheap, but the best quality ones can last a long time. They also come with a warranty that protects you from manufacturer defects or unexpected breakages.

You can find kamado grills for as little as $300, but most of them will set you back a couple of thousand bucks.

Buying a cheaper grill won't give you the satisfaction you crave, so rather invest in the best one you can afford to ensure years of enjoyment.

Get Cooking

A kamado ceramic grill is one of the easiest ways to enjoy specialized cooking techniques like smoking foods. It's also perfect for a quick Saturday afternoon barbecue with friends.

So, if you're new to the world of outdoor cooking, a kamado is likely a good option for you.

Would you like to discover some more easy and convenient ways to create new, exciting meals? Browse our website for the best tips and hacks.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels