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Why Kamado-Style Grills are so Popular

If you’ve been on the hunt for a new grill recently — or if you’re a grilling enthusiast — you’ve likely heard about kamado-style grills. While these grills have been sold in the United States for more than 40 years, they’ve been growing in popularity recently. Manufacturers of the ancient-style grill have reported annual sales growth of 20 percent in recent years. The prevalence of the grills, in grilling magazines, on grilling blogs and in backyards, probably has you wondering: What are kamado-style grills, and what makes them so popular?

What are Kamado Grills?

Kamado-style grills are modeled after the ancient ceramic Japanese cookware they borrow a name from. The modern versions are made from ceramic, cement or refractory materials. The grills are fueled by charcoal. They are known for their oblong vertical shape, and they have either round or oval cooking surfaces. The best known kamado-style grills are manufactured by Big Green Egg and Primo Grills.

Why are Kamado-style Grills so Popular?

So, kamado-style grills feature an ancient design and earthen materials, but what makes them so popular? Grilling aficionados will tell you that kamado-style grills have so many advantages, that traditional charcoal grills can’t compete. Some of the primary advantages of kamado-style grills include:

• Versatility. Ask any expert why you should choose a kamado-style grill, and they will tell you that a more versatile grill doesn’t exist. Because of the kamado’s well-insulated sides, the temperature in the kamado can be easily controlled. That means you can cold-smoke a salmon at 100 degrees or sear a steak at 1,200 degrees. The environment inside a kamado grill is perfect for crisping up pizza crusts or baking bread. They can handle grilling go-tos like hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks, but they also can be used to smoke briskets or bake up dessert.
• Smaller fires and juicier meat. Because the walls of kamado grills provide such good insulation, they don’t take nearly as much charcoal to come to temperature as traditional charcoal grills. Maintaining that temperature also requires less airflow. When a grill takes on less air to fuel the fire, less of the food’s moisture is lost during the cooking process. That means that kamado-style grills cook up juicier burgers, steaks and roasts.
• A faster start. Because they require less charcoal and are so well insulated kamado-style grills light and are ready to cook on in about 15 minutes. Traditional charcoal grills take 20 to 30 minutes to light.
• Durability. The materials used for most kamado-style grills are incredibly durable. With proper care, which is minimal, kamado grills can last for decades.

Where Can You Find Kamado-style Grills?

In southern Maryland, Tri-County Hearth & Patio Center carries the largest selection of patio furniture, grills, and accessories. We carry top-of-the-line kamado grills and a full line-up of accessories to complement those grills. Stop by our showroom to shop for your new kamado grill today!

Start Looking for Your New Fireplace

Did last winter leave you longing for a cozy hearth to gather around? If you want to spend your winter season gathered around a fireplace, or if you’d like to lower your home heating bills by adding an additional heat source, now is the time to start looking for your new fireplace! Whether you’re looking to install a brand new fireplace or have a fireplace insert fitted into your existing hearth, there are several things you should be considering as you choose a fireplace.

Determine Your Fireplace’s Purpose

The first question to ask yourself when you begin looking for a fireplace is: What is the purpose of your new fireplace?

Then answer these questions:

• Are you looking to add style and beauty to your living space?
• Do you want to create a comfortable gathering space for family and friends?
• Are you seeking a fireplace that will augment your home’s heating?

Once you clearly define what you’re looking to get out of your new fireplace, you will better be able to make decisions about your new hearth appliance.

Select a Location

Where in your home are you looking to add your fireplace? If you already have a hearth that you’re looking to refurbish, you obviously have a set location. A fireplace can be added to nearly any room of your home, however. You might have a spot in mind, or your fireplace’s stated purpose might help you determine a location. If you’re looking for location, a fireplace in a master bedroom can make your room feel like a cozy oasis. If you’re looking for a fireplace that will help heat your home, a central location with good airflow to the rest of the home might be appropriate.

Choose Your Fuel Type

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make regarding your fireplace is fuel type. Wood offers a tradition roaring fire, and it can add a lot of heat for a low cost if you opt for an efficient wood-burning insert and have access to firewood. Gas logs can offer a similar look and feel but without the need of procuring and hauling firewood. Gas is the most efficient fuel choice, and a gas or electric fireplace offers a quick, convenient fire that you can control with a thermostat, switch or remote. If you want a fireplace in a location that can’t support a chimney, a vent-free gas fireplace, vent-free logs or electric fireplace can allow you to install a fireplace anyway.

Find Your Style

When many people picture a fireplace, they think of the traditional crackling logs in a brick or stone hearth. While many fireplaces do have a traditional feel, there are fireplaces and hearths to fit any style, from rustic looking stone models to sleek, modern glass fireplace with floating flames. A fireplace can dramatically change the look of any home. What style will your hearth set?

Stop by Tri-County Hearth & Patio

As you start looking for your new fireplace, stop by the Tri-County Hearth & Patio Showroom, where you can see some of your fireplace options and talk to our fireplace experts to find a fireplace that fits your needs. You also can browse a wide selection of the fireplaces we offer right on the Tri-County Hearth & Patio web site.