Kamados: An ancient tradition, modernized

The Origins Of The Kamado

While you may not know it, barbecue has many origins. While the modern barbecue you know originated in Spain and evolved in the southern states of the USA. Other countries, also had their own methods. In Japan, cooking was done with a “Kamado”. A variation of clay cooking stoves from China. This method uses a ceramic bowl and lid housing a pan or other platform used for slow-cooking rice under a charcoal fire. Evolution’s over the ages included valves to allow for temperature control and grills to cook meat.

This came to the attention of Americans post World War II who brought their own Kamado’s home after the war in the Pacific, and “Kamado” style grills had been a small, but notable trend. In 1974 “The Big Green Egg” was conceived and launched by the Big Green Egg company. An incredibly versatile and tough grill. It could be used for grilling at high heat or smoking at low heat featuring a unique temperature valve and a heavy outside coating making it an ideal all-year-round solution.

Eggheads and Joes

The Big Green Egg soon earned a cult following of “Eggheads” across America and it became a renowned name in grilling culture. However, a new upstart. The Kamado Joe, has recently come on the scene and become an incredibly popular option. The Kamado Joe is unique in the materials it uses, it’s customization and its modern approach.

While there is passionate debate online about which Kamado is the best Kamado on the market. Currently, professionals and enthusiasts are raving about the Kamado Joe. The Joe includes several smart and modern design choices, including its “Divide and Conquer” heat system. Using “half moon” shaped grills and slots at different levels, allows users to place grills to allow indirect heat and open flame.

Thanks to this system, it can also allow for different types of cooking at the same time allowing you to cook different dishes on different shelves. The Joe also comes with a number of accessories included, including plates to help deflect heat, an ash scraper to help clean, and a grate gripper that will help you pick up hot grills safely.

The Joe also features modern ceramics and a rainproof gasket that can easily be controlled to allow you to choose the heat that is right for your food. Along with an incredibly lightweight latch system that easily allows you to lift the lid safely.

Certainly Not “An Average Joe”

In comparison, the egg is lacking in the modernity department. But its proponents will tell you, “Why fix what’s not broken”. Indeed, the Big Green Egg is a venerable tradition to Eggheads and it will still cook superb food fast and hot or low and slow using the one grill. But the Joe stands out with its modern construction and additions. Especially since the Egg requires its own accessories and may cost you a bit more. Especially if you want your grill to be portable as the Egg does not even come with its own cart, but it is included as standard on the Joe. However, it will still, cook, heat and smoke incredibly well.

In this video by BBQGuys.com. Chef Tony Matassa runs through the features of both in-depth and explains why he believes Joe is the best Kamado on the market. If you are looking for a grill with a difference, but also with a modern touch, the Kamado Joe may be the Kamado for you.

We stock Kamado Joe Classic II BBQ and Kamado Joe Classic III BBQ. If you buy one now you will get 3 bags of Kamado Joe lump wood for free! You will be stocked up with high-quality natural lump charcoal which burns up to 18 hours and adds a signature charcoal flavour to food.