Picked up a Kamado Joe last fall and didn't really break it out too much.
I did ribs on it, which came out good.
I'm having issues just having the temp low and slow for longer cooks. Kind of wish I went with a pellet grill instead. But I'm determined to figure it out.
Any tips? What's the best thing I can do with this grill? (Kamado Joe Classic 1)
Some of the accessories are also available on amazon.
I will say it took some time getting used to keeping the temp low and slow, but once you figure it out, it is great.
The basket really helps, in my mind, with airflow, which will help keep the temp normalized.
I cook something low and slow, almost every weekend.
Good luck.
chicken thighs and wings were great. ribs were outstanding. pork shoulder ok. did a few other small things that were fine.
i dont have a problem keeping it low, my issue is getting it really cooking when I want. im sure the heat deflectors have something to do with that. or i just need to build a bigger fire.
overall, its fun. ill never be one of those grill/meat snobs though. talk about irritating. worse than guys who need to pontificate about beer. almost.
As far as keeping the temp low (225ish), let it get up to temp as slow as possible. Should take at least an hour, maybe more since you will have all air flow vents barely opened. Once it gets too hot, its very hard to get it back down.
I didn't get the ash basket. I did get the joe-tisserie which is pretty fun. Also got a cast iron griddle half moon, cast iron grate half moon and a cast iron dutch oven (was a cheap package deal for like $65. Dutch oven still in the box). Cast iron half moon grate is amazing once its seasoned. I put the most amazing grill marks on stuff and nothing ever sticks to it.
Another tip - practice, practice, practice!
Learn to start a fire the right way. I recommend getting a propane blowtorch. You get the fire going very quickly. Start a small hot fire. Using the blowtorch, 60 seconds is all it takes. Then let the ceramics get hot before starting the cook. If you are using the deflector plates put them in the Joe to heat up. Leave them spread out so the heat can get to the dome too.
Once the Joe is hot start the cook. I get about 13 hours at around 220.
Learn to start a fire the right way. I recommend getting a propane blowtorch. You get the fire going very quickly. Start a small hot fire. Using the blowtorch, 60 seconds is all it takes. Then let the ceramics get hot before starting the cook. If you are using the deflector plates put them in the Joe to heat up. Leave them spread out so the heat can get to the dome too.
Once the Joe is hot start the cook. I get about 13 hours at around 220.
I agree 100%. find the charcoal you are comfortable with. I enjoy B&B Oak Lump Charcoal. I would like it to have more bigger chunks, but I like the burn, and it doesn't create a ton of ash.
Here's a good one for beginners.
Link - ( New Window )
Quote:
tutorials on YouTube if you have Google on your computer :)
Here's a good one for beginners. Link - ( New Window )
Haha, thanks Bill.
KJ, thank you for the link. I'll check it out. I'm interested in how to build up the lumpwood charcoal so I can hit 225 consistently for long hours for longer smokes.