Direct and indirect cooking on the kamado

When do you cook directly and when indirectly on the kamado?

With direct cooking the food sits right above the coals: quick searing, a crisp crust, ideal for steaks, burgers and vegetables. With indirect cooking you slide a heat deflector between the coals and the grate, so the kamado works as an oven for pulled pork, chicken and pizza. Rule of thumb: anything that needs more than half an hour goes indirect.

• Direct: food right above the coals, quick searing
• Indirect: heat deflector in between, oven effect
• Needs more than 30 minutes? Always indirect
• Pizza is baked indirectly too
• Use the Smart Qooking System for the indirect set-up