two things read directions the pizza dish is also the deflector shield and never grill in your bare feet i have one of those ans it works great always use an external probe thermometer
Clearly you are new to Kamodo grills and good for you making the video showing what any ordinary person might do going from a Weber grill to a Kamodo (Even though this is a review). I am fairly new to Kamodo grills, just got one but have used them in the past and I love researching, so on my journey learning about them. A lot of people do not do heavy research and with a little interest, may impulse buy one on sale(yes it could be an expensive impulse). I actually got mine because my 55gal drum is on the way out and my Weber Smokey Joe did not suit many of my needs. Picked up a used one and found a few RUclipsrs with fantastic experienced advice. I find your video an honest experience anyone could have if they are new to Kamodo grills. I am sure you are having a great time with your grill and thanks for the video (this is the first video I have seen from you).
@@DIYflorida I would agree for a family of four. The grill I picked up is a little bigger(barely), cooking for usually 2 or 3 people. And I have the other grills for now if I need. Eventually I will get a larger one but for now this size and style is perfect.
Gave my husband one for Christmas. He just cooked a rack of baby backs. Didn’t do too bad. A little brown on the bottom, but they were good. I’m happy. It’s just us, so , we didn’t need the big one. All we need.
Buy a big green egg ash tool. Run the tool through the used charcoal and the ash should fall to bottom. Open bottom grate and use the ash tool to pull the ash towards you and catch with a bucket.
The distance from the coals of where you put your thermometer probe will make a huge difference... It looks like your probe is barely poking into the top so what you're temping is actually the air at the top of the grill dome.
A good grill would move the air equally through the chamber reducing hot and cold spots, so themometer placement should never be a problem. I used the heat escaping from the top of the grill for my test probe so this thermometer is just bad
It’s a kamodo not a grill. You don’t want air escaping through the top which would dry the food. You want limited air flow to keep humidity inside. If you want to grill a steak then leave the top up because you’re grilling from underneath. . Then again, it’s a kamodo not a grill. It uses charcoal while a weber uses briquettes. If you want to cook potatoes then get a mister potato cooker
People are giving you a hard time here but I appreciate you doing this video because it helps people realize that while this is a kamado style grill, it's probably better to just go ahead and spend more money to get a full size option. I'm probably going to go with a Grilla Grills Kong later this year which offers 24" of cooking space, can smoke low and slow at 225 degrees, or get screaming hot to sear steaks. Did you end up keeping the Weber for hot and fast grilling?
Thanks for the kindness. I never knew people could be so passionate about a grill! 😄 13" is just too small for my needs but i still do have the weber. It was given to me by a friend and it still works great after all these years. I will look into that grilla you mentioned
@@DIYflorida Yeah, I think a 13" kamado is too small to really be able to do low and slow smoking with, although I guess if you used a very small amount of charcoal in it you could probably run it down around 250 or less but it's not like you could do much more than a single pork butt on it size wise. It does seem like it would be a decent option for someone looking for a great hot and fast grill that can also do some smoking if they don't have much space but it looks like you have plenty of space for something as big as the Kong that can cook for a crowd and make just about anything. It takes guts to put videos out here for everyone to judge. Most people don't but they have no problem telling someone else how they should do it.
I hope things are working better for you now. You should be putting the unlit coals into the unit, then using the electric start, just plunge it in from the top into the coals and wait for it to light your coals. Then remove it, drop the grill in. No need to use a coal starter.
For 700.00 you should have gotten a 22" Vision Kamado, a Pit Boss or a Acorn Ceramic Kamado, . The electric charcoal starter goes in over the top of the grill into the middle of the coals. I have the exact same grill and I never have any problems with it. The thermometer on mine is about 3° off from my digital thermometer. I only paid 185.00 for my grill and I've had it for 3yr. It's not a grill for entertaining but for a family of 3 it's a great little grill.
Thanks for the recommendations! This small one really put a bad taste in my mouth for the ceramic types. I like to get the most of my coals so i grill a lot of meat and veg for multiple meals at once. These are probably not the grill for me
Yeah I'd take it back. If you paid $600-700 then you should probably save another check or two and get a Kamado Joe or BGE. I saw a BGE Large for $799 at Ace Hardware. Looked pretty cool.
Hahaha. You don’t know how to use Kamado! You are supposed to heat up, and cook once the inside is hot. And reduce air intake and exhaust significantly. Also the heating element goes direct into the charcoal not through the vent. And $700 is for the largest model. This one is $400 list sold for $200-250
I'm on my second Kamado, the 1st, the lid was off center, had air gaps, wouldn't seal. They didn't want to pay return shipping, so was told to dispose of the grill, and they sent me second grill. Awful expensive grill for company to tell me to trash grill. Is there any way to adjust the lid so it closes firmly. This grill is on center, but when closed, there is a 3/8 inch gap. Made a great brisket on second grill.
Hey doug, i would try loosening all the hardware on the back hinge when it is closed to just finger tight. Align the lid so it is sealed and the hinge is centered between the lid and base then tighten the hardware. It should have some play for adjustment. The same might be done for the first grill to fix the issue and bam, 2 grills. I am surprised they are willing to just dump product but that just shows how much markup those have.
I personally dont think so. I like to put potatoes on the coals while i grill and the ceramic insert makes it impossible to do that. Unfortunately, the whole thing is just too cramped
DIYflorida the coals are not supposed to be burning when you grilling, and the ceramics supposed to be hot all over. So what’s the prob with potatoes and grilling at the same time?
OMG I paid only $199 for my 15" Kamado grill at Walmart three years ago exact same one you got. I just looked at the price for 2022 this same grill at Walmart is currently $249. You did not do any research on prices if you paid $700 wow... I love my grill... works great the electric coal starter I use from the top; yes they could of made it better. It is good for 1 to 4 people. I am going to build a stand so mine is higher off the ground. YOU can also use that ceramic disk and place in the brackets attached under the grill grate to use for indirect heat cooking. you used way more coals than needed. You can close off vents top and bottom after you are done cooking and save coals for next time.
@@DIYflorida under 100? It would cost them more than that to make it. Now you're starting to lose some of your review credibility. This grill can cook enough food for one to three people easily probably four
if you learn how to use it this thing is great my knock two or three person grill and you cant find accessories you can by it for about 300 bucks it is very heavy for its size
It’s more a slow cooker and smoker than a direct charcoal grill. Close down the top exhauset to keep heat and humidity inside for tender juicy meat. Stick electric starter into cold charcoal to start. Let charcoal warm up to cooking temp, not cool down. You just don’t know how to use it.
@@DIYflorida Grill master on a hand me down kettle? That is a negative. And no, you don't need to "relearn", you need to learn the correct way. Kamado Style BBQ has been around for centuries. It's not a new method. There is a reason they are high in price... They are high in quality and produce excellent food when done correctly.
Soooo, my opinion would be to use the Kamado several times to learn how to use it properly before making a video. Obviously, you don’t know what you are doing. $700? I don’t think so. Maybe for the larger version. I actually own the Kamado Joe and the Joe Jr. I use the Jr. for tailgating and small cooks. My classic Joe for cooking for the family. “Pizza stone” is more likely to be used as your deflector shield. Not gonna explain. All in all I feel from the beginning of the video you were not open to changing your grilling style. My advise would be stick to the Weber until you wanna dare to be challenged and really explore how fun and awesome it is to cook on a Kamado style grill.
You know there are rivalries between iphone vs android, ford vs chevy, even coke vs pepsi but i never thought i would meet a group so into a type of grill. It would take too long to build a car, cell phone or even carbonate a soda but i could dig a hole in the ground and grill meat better than any overpriced grill. But im glad you're happy with your purchase
@@DIYflorida I never thought I would meet someone so defensive about using something wrong! It's no that big of a deal, Weber grills can also be great, but you used the Kamado wrong and that's that. Makes for an unfair review.
If I came off as offended maybe you didn't read my response right. I merely pointed out kamado reports 15 inch when it is actually 13 inch and performs just like a hibachi grill with the meat directly on the flame if you follow the guidelines provided. Not rocket science folks. Either way, I wont be slow roasting a single chicken breast hunched over this tiny ceramic pot, but you can if you like.
Nice video but man that thing is small. I think you coulda saved money and acquired a better vessel with the AKORN KAMADO. One safety note. You are barefoot around charcoal. I used to use chimneys too and one time a small lump of charcoal fell on the floor while I was dumping into my Kamado. The piece lodged between my foot and my Sandel. OUCH! Never will I make that mistake. If you step on a coal you will never make that mistake twice.
Lol! I do step on them from time to time but i am getting better. I moved to Orlando so i dont have to wear shoes so sometimes i just gotta pay the price
The starter goes in from the top of the firebox and the "pizza plate" is a heat deflector that goes between the coals and the grate. Rule # 1. Never review and demonstrate a product that you know absolutely nothing about.
Its a review because i know nothing about it and am demonstrating why its bad when you know nothing about it. Poor design for something you put burning wood into
@@DIYflorida it's actually a great design and an amazing grill, your ignorance is what makes it poor. This would be like me "reviewing" a jackhammer and not knowing how to use it or what the parts are, so instead of learning I just keep picking it up and dropping it on rocks, then saying it's a bad design.
just bought it for $200. After watching this, I see why. I plan to rig the grill up higher with stones somehow. I'll make it work and get to see a ceramic komato in action at the least.
The size of cooking surface was my greatest concern. I bought a vertical smoker/grill that can cook 2 full size turkeys for $200. Not ceramic but it works great. I hope you have better luck with your kamado than i did
My wife found the same $200 deal a few weeks ago. Came in the other day and we fired it up this weekend. I already have a BGE and just wanted a smaller grill for quick easy cooks. Fires up in a few minutes. BTW I went to Ace hardware and bought the small BGE nest with casters. Perfect fit.
Just want to get my money's worth. If they put an accessory on it better at least be somewhat accurate or its just a show piece to leach more money from the consumer
It is surprising you know to use lump over briquet. Cooking with briquets is similar to cooking over a garbage fire. The pressed paperwaste is toxic until it is completely grey while lump fires in minutes without lighter fluid and is cheaper to buy. If your grill has functional dampers you can cut the oxygen and even reuse lump again after it cools. Hopefully that can help you retain some of the costs from your overpriced ceramic grill
two things read directions the pizza dish is also the deflector shield and never grill in your bare feet i have one of those ans it works great always use an external probe thermometer
I did read the directions and im glad in your opinion its worth the ridiculous price but i returned it
Clearly you are new to Kamodo grills and good for you making the video showing what any ordinary person might do going from a Weber grill to a Kamodo (Even though this is a review). I am fairly new to Kamodo grills, just got one but have used them in the past and I love researching, so on my journey learning about them. A lot of people do not do heavy research and with a little interest, may impulse buy one on sale(yes it could be an expensive impulse). I actually got mine because my 55gal drum is on the way out and my Weber Smokey Joe did not suit many of my needs. Picked up a used one and found a few RUclipsrs with fantastic experienced advice. I find your video an honest experience anyone could have if they are new to Kamodo grills. I am sure you are having a great time with your grill and thanks for the video (this is the first video I have seen from you).
Thanks for the feedback and yeah i was new to concrete grilling. I mostly felt the small size was inefficient for a family of four so i sent it back.
@@DIYflorida I would agree for a family of four. The grill I picked up is a little bigger(barely), cooking for usually 2 or 3 people. And I have the other grills for now if I need. Eventually I will get a larger one but for now this size and style is perfect.
@@TwistedTechGeek yeah. My wife asked why i would keep two grills when one works fine. I couldnt argue with that
Gave my husband one for Christmas. He just cooked a rack of baby backs. Didn’t do too bad. A little brown on the bottom, but they were good. I’m happy. It’s just us, so , we didn’t need the big one. All we need.
I just got one and want to know how do I empty the ashes?
Buy a big green egg ash tool. Run the tool through the used charcoal and the ash should fall to bottom. Open bottom grate and use the ash tool to pull the ash towards you and catch with a bucket.
The distance from the coals of where you put your thermometer probe will make a huge difference... It looks like your probe is barely poking into the top so what you're temping is actually the air at the top of the grill dome.
A good grill would move the air equally through the chamber reducing hot and cold spots, so themometer placement should never be a problem. I used the heat escaping from the top of the grill for my test probe so this thermometer is just bad
It’s a kamodo not a grill. You don’t want air escaping through the top which would dry the food. You want limited air flow to keep humidity inside. If you want to grill a steak then leave the top up because you’re grilling from underneath. . Then again, it’s a kamodo not a grill. It uses charcoal while a weber uses briquettes. If you want to cook potatoes then get a mister potato cooker
People are giving you a hard time here but I appreciate you doing this video because it helps people realize that while this is a kamado style grill, it's probably better to just go ahead and spend more money to get a full size option. I'm probably going to go with a Grilla Grills Kong later this year which offers 24" of cooking space, can smoke low and slow at 225 degrees, or get screaming hot to sear steaks. Did you end up keeping the Weber for hot and fast grilling?
Thanks for the kindness. I never knew people could be so passionate about a grill! 😄 13" is just too small for my needs but i still do have the weber. It was given to me by a friend and it still works great after all these years. I will look into that grilla you mentioned
@@DIYflorida Yeah, I think a 13" kamado is too small to really be able to do low and slow smoking with, although I guess if you used a very small amount of charcoal in it you could probably run it down around 250 or less but it's not like you could do much more than a single pork butt on it size wise. It does seem like it would be a decent option for someone looking for a great hot and fast grill that can also do some smoking if they don't have much space but it looks like you have plenty of space for something as big as the Kong that can cook for a crowd and make just about anything.
It takes guts to put videos out here for everyone to judge. Most people don't but they have no problem telling someone else how they should do it.
I hope things are working better for you now.
You should be putting the unlit coals into the unit, then using the electric start, just plunge it in from the top into the coals and wait for it to light your coals. Then remove it, drop the grill in.
No need to use a coal starter.
Thanks for the tip. I returned the 15 inch it was way to small. I may buy a big one in the future once the ole weber dies
How do you get the ash out?
one more thing the electric lighter goes in from the top
For 700.00 you should have gotten a 22" Vision Kamado, a Pit Boss or a Acorn Ceramic Kamado, . The electric charcoal starter goes in over the top of the grill into the middle of the coals. I have the exact same grill and I never have any problems with it. The thermometer on mine is about 3° off from my digital thermometer. I only paid 185.00 for my grill and I've had it for 3yr. It's not a grill for entertaining but for a family of 3 it's a great little grill.
Thanks for the recommendations! This small one really put a bad taste in my mouth for the ceramic types. I like to get the most of my coals so i grill a lot of meat and veg for multiple meals at once. These are probably not the grill for me
Kim Hancock I have vision 22”. It’s perfect!
These are $300 @ Bbq bros the 24 inch is $700
My thought would to also keep the Weber
I was going to keep both but the first time i mentioned firing up 2 grills my wife pointed out how dumb that was. Kamado went back that same day.
Yeah I'd take it back. If you paid $600-700 then you should probably save another check or two and get a Kamado Joe or BGE. I saw a BGE Large for $799 at Ace Hardware. Looked pretty cool.
Hahaha. You don’t know how to use Kamado!
You are supposed to heat up, and cook once the inside is hot. And reduce air intake and exhaust significantly. Also the heating element goes direct into the charcoal not through the vent. And $700 is for the largest model. This one is $400 list sold for $200-250
my thoughts exactly!
Now he knows. And knowing is half the battle
I'm on my second Kamado, the 1st, the lid was off center, had air gaps, wouldn't seal. They didn't want to pay return shipping, so was told to dispose of the grill, and they sent me second grill. Awful expensive grill for company to tell me to trash grill. Is there any way to adjust the lid so it closes firmly. This grill is on center, but when closed, there is a 3/8 inch gap. Made a great brisket on second grill.
Hey doug, i would try loosening all the hardware on the back hinge when it is closed to just finger tight. Align the lid so it is sealed and the hinge is centered between the lid and base then tighten the hardware. It should have some play for adjustment. The same might be done for the first grill to fix the issue and bam, 2 grills. I am surprised they are willing to just dump product but that just shows how much markup those have.
@@DIYflorida Yes i plan to, if I mess up 1 I still have 1 :) or I have two.
Anyone else see Frosty the Snowman to the lower right of the grill?
Hope you keep your kettle, great grill,
That moment when you realize that 13" is too small 😧
What brand is it??
Kamado
For $200 is it worth it?
I personally dont think so. I like to put potatoes on the coals while i grill and the ceramic insert makes it impossible to do that. Unfortunately, the whole thing is just too cramped
DIYflorida the coals are not supposed to be burning when you grilling, and the ceramics supposed to be hot all over. So what’s the prob with potatoes and grilling at the same time?
You are not the only one. They advertise it aa a 15" and surpise when it areives, it is 13"
Patricio Lavayen shrinkage
OMG I paid only $199 for my 15" Kamado grill at Walmart three years ago exact same one you got. I just looked at the price for 2022 this same grill at Walmart is currently $249. You did not do any research on prices if you paid $700 wow... I love my grill... works great the electric coal starter I use from the top; yes they could of made it better. It is good for 1 to 4 people. I am going to build a stand so mine is higher off the ground. YOU can also use that ceramic disk and place in the brackets attached under the grill grate to use for indirect heat cooking. you used way more coals than needed. You can close off vents top and bottom after you are done cooking and save coals for next time.
Im glad you appreciate your grill and am also glad i sent mine back.
@@DIYflorida I agree not worth 700 but for me definitely worth 200 or even $250. can get for under 200 at end of the season. seen them sell for $179.
@@jimthvac100 definately not for 700 but i think under 100 would be more appropriate for the size
@@DIYflorida under 100? It would cost them more than that to make it. Now you're starting to lose some of your review credibility. This grill can cook enough food for one to three people easily probably four
@@jimthvac100 a standard height 302 square inch akorn kamado is $300 so why even sell a 15 inch? My credibility is not at stake here
if you learn how to use it this thing is great my knock two or three person grill and you cant find accessories you can by it for about 300 bucks it is very heavy for its size
It’s more a slow cooker and smoker than a direct charcoal grill. Close down the top exhauset to keep heat and humidity inside for tender juicy meat. Stick electric starter into cold charcoal to start. Let charcoal warm up to cooking temp, not cool down. You just don’t know how to use it.
Too small to be feasible.
This video shows someone who doesn't know dick about grilling/BBQ especially on a Kamado. Then buying the cheapest possible option. Well done.
Lol! I guess you would be the expert in knowing dick! 😀 congrats!
@@DIYflorida Aww salty being called out? learn how to grill before reviewing grills. Stick with your weber kettle and leave the real BBQ to the pros.
@@Getdadub_DC if experienced grill masters like myself need to relearn to grill just to use komados then maybe they arent worth the price.
@@Getdadub_DC and dont cry if my response matches your unprofessional comment
@@DIYflorida Grill master on a hand me down kettle? That is a negative. And no, you don't need to "relearn", you need to learn the correct way. Kamado Style BBQ has been around for centuries. It's not a new method. There is a reason they are high in price... They are high in quality and produce excellent food when done correctly.
Soooo, my opinion would be to use the Kamado several times to learn how to use it properly before making a video. Obviously, you don’t know what you are doing. $700? I don’t think so. Maybe for the larger version. I actually own the Kamado Joe and the Joe Jr. I use the Jr. for tailgating and small cooks. My classic Joe for cooking for the family. “Pizza stone” is more likely to be used as your deflector shield. Not gonna explain. All in all I feel from the beginning of the video you were not open to changing your grilling style. My advise would be stick to the Weber until you wanna dare to be challenged and really explore how fun and awesome it is to cook on a Kamado style grill.
You know there are rivalries between iphone vs android, ford vs chevy, even coke vs pepsi but i never thought i would meet a group so into a type of grill. It would take too long to build a car, cell phone or even carbonate a soda but i could dig a hole in the ground and grill meat better than any overpriced grill. But im glad you're happy with your purchase
@@DIYflorida I never thought I would meet someone so defensive about using something wrong! It's no that big of a deal, Weber grills can also be great, but you used the Kamado wrong and that's that. Makes for an unfair review.
If I came off as offended maybe you didn't read my response right. I merely pointed out kamado reports 15 inch when it is actually 13 inch and performs just like a hibachi grill with the meat directly on the flame if you follow the guidelines provided. Not rocket science folks. Either way, I wont be slow roasting a single chicken breast hunched over this tiny ceramic pot, but you can if you like.
Nice video but man that thing is small. I think you coulda saved money and acquired a better vessel with the AKORN KAMADO. One safety note. You are barefoot around charcoal. I used to use chimneys too and one time a small lump of charcoal fell on the floor while I was dumping into my Kamado. The piece lodged between my foot and my Sandel. OUCH! Never will I make that mistake. If you step on a coal you will never make that mistake twice.
Lol! I do step on them from time to time but i am getting better. I moved to Orlando so i dont have to wear shoes so sometimes i just gotta pay the price
The starter goes in from the top of the firebox and the "pizza plate" is a heat deflector that goes between the coals and the grate.
Rule # 1. Never review and demonstrate a product that you know absolutely nothing about.
Its a review because i know nothing about it and am demonstrating why its bad when you know nothing about it. Poor design for something you put burning wood into
@@DIYflorida it's actually a great design and an amazing grill, your ignorance is what makes it poor. This would be like me "reviewing" a jackhammer and not knowing how to use it or what the parts are, so instead of learning I just keep picking it up and dropping it on rocks, then saying it's a bad design.
@@thegooniverse495 comparing grills to power tools... Yeah you know what you're talking about
just bought it for $200. After watching this, I see why. I plan to rig the grill up higher with stones somehow. I'll make it work and get to see a ceramic komato in action at the least.
The size of cooking surface was my greatest concern. I bought a vertical smoker/grill that can cook 2 full size turkeys for $200. Not ceramic but it works great. I hope you have better luck with your kamado than i did
My wife found the same $200 deal a few weeks ago. Came in the other day and we fired it up this weekend. I already have a BGE and just wanted a smaller grill for quick easy cooks. Fires up in a few minutes. BTW I went to Ace hardware and bought the small BGE nest with casters. Perfect fit.
I paid 100$ Canadian
We have 15inch :)))
That is a smoking plate.
Seasoning on the chicken like the rest of the world? Hell no, Murica that's why!
I agree i aint no bobby flay or guy fiery but there are plenty of American cooking youtubers if you want flavor
C'mon, these are too small.
i think your a little over confident on your temperature gauge 😂🤦🏻♂️
Just want to get my money's worth. If they put an accessory on it better at least be somewhat accurate or its just a show piece to leach more money from the consumer
This dude is clueless on what a ceramic grill is for. Hope he doesn't have kids.
Probably used briquettes instead of lump.
It is surprising you know to use lump over briquet. Cooking with briquets is similar to cooking over a garbage fire. The pressed paperwaste is toxic until it is completely grey while lump fires in minutes without lighter fluid and is cheaper to buy. If your grill has functional dampers you can cut the oxygen and even reuse lump again after it cools. Hopefully that can help you retain some of the costs from your overpriced ceramic grill
That moment when you realize that 13 inches is too small 😧
Sorry but this is a amateur
hahhaha doesnt know how thinking works
Amateur
So true! Those who claim to be pros are only kidding themselves