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!