Part 2 of the kamado guide · Understanding how ceramic cooks

Kamado basics

Start here with the explanation of what a kamado BBQ is and how ceramic cooking works. The ideal first step before you read on about kamado techniques or go straight to the practical tips on using a kamado.

Read the basics in three steps

Five articles, in the order that pays off most. Start at the top.

Step 1
What is a kamado?
What is a kamado BBQ? explains what the cooker is, where it comes from and what a session costs. Then the benefits of a kamado BBQ and, honestly, the drawbacks of a kamado BBQ.
Step 2
How ceramic cooks
How does a kamado BBQ work? on airflow and insulation, and what makes ceramic cooking different from a steel barbecue.
Step 3
On to the practice
Got the basics? Go to kamado BBQ for beginners, and read about convection heat in a kamado if you want to understand the technique behind it.

More from the kamado guide

Kamado basics is part 2 of the complete kamado BBQ guide. The other parts:

01 · Buying
Buying a kamado
Buying a kamado: which size, which model and the nine criteria that really matter. Plus what a good kamado costs.
03 · Using
Using your kamado
Using your kamado: lighting, controlling the temperature with the vents, the right charcoal and seasonal maintenance.
04 · Techniques
Kamado techniques
Kamado techniques: direct and indirect cooking, low and slow, smoking, reverse sear and baking. Technique over recipe.
05 · Compare
Compare kamado brands
Compare kamado brands: Grill Bill next to Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, The Bastard, Monolith and Primo on warranty, price and terms.
06 · Deals
Kamado deals
Kamado deals: the current offers on Grill Bill kamados and how to recognise a genuine deal.