Whether you’re having a family barbeque or just want to cook a few steaks, you do not want to spend your time hovering over a hot grill. Kamado Joe has a line of grills that allows you to control your grill using the iKamand, adjusting your grill’s temperature, cook time, and much more.
The iKamand works by connecting to the Kamado Joe grill’s draft door. Using a small fan, it will enter into “Stoke Mode,” where the fan will run at full speed for 10 minutes to get the fire started. Users can press the button located on the side of the device or control the device using the iKamand app.
Continue reading to learn more about using your iKamand in conjunction with your Kamado Joe grill.
How the iKamand Works
When you unbox your iKamand, it will come with the following pieces of hardware:
- The iKamand
- An AC power adapter
- A draft door cover
- An ambient temperature probe
- A meat temperature probe
- A replacement draft door
- A pit probe holder
- The user manual
It is worth noting that iKamand only works with compatible Kamado-style grills. (Kamado-style grills are used for “slow and low” grilling.)
Installing iKamand
On the side of your Kamado grill, you will see that the draft door has two screws on the right-hand side. Remove those screws using a Phillips head screwdriver. From there:
- Remove the nuts that are anchoring the draft door in place.
- Slide the door off.
- Slide in the draft door that came with your iKamand.
- Insert your iKamand into the rectangular-shaped port.
- Fasten the screws and nuts back on.
- Connect the iKamand to your Wi-Fi by using the iKamand app.
Afterward, you will need to start the fire using either coal, wood chips, or another type of kindling. Put the iKamand in “Stoke Mode” using the steps we mentioned above. Once you have a satisfactory fire, you should:
- Place your ambient temperature probe on the grill by using the clip.
- Connect it into the first port of your iKamand.
- Take the meat temperature probe and insert it into the meat you are cooking.
- Connect the end of the probe to the second port on your iKamand.
Using the app, you will be able to monitor your meat’s temperature and how long it should cook.
How to Use the iKamand App
You can download the iKamand app for free either on the Google Play store or the App Store. After you have downloaded the app, you will need to make an account using your email or your Google or Facebook account.
From there:
- Power on your iKamand.
- Press the button on the iKamand’s face for at least eight seconds until the Wi-Fi button is flashing.
- Select “Go to Settings.”
- Select your home’s Wi-Fi network.
- Return to the iKamand app and enter your Wi-Fi credentials.
- Wait for a few minutes while your iKamand connects.
Now your iKamand is set up! If you have any problems connecting to your Wi-Fi, make sure that your device is in range.
Using iKamand to Check on Your Food
You do not need to keep opening the dome door to check on your food. Instead, iKamand will send you text message alerts. From within the app, you can also monitor your meat’s temperature. Ensure that the meat temperature probe is inserted into your iKamand and meat to get accurate readings.
Note: Do not leave your grill unattended for long periods. At a barbeque, you can check in with your guests, socialize, and have a few drinks. However, it is ill-advised that you leave your grill on while you are not at home, even with an intuitive device like the iKamand available to help control things.
Troubleshooting iKamand
If you still have questions about operating or installing your device, you have options. You can check out Kamado Joe’s YouTube channel, where you can watch step-by-step videos on how to use your product.
If you want to connect with Kamado Joe’s customer support team, you can fill out this form. You will need to need to include the name of your product, its model, and the affected item. You can even include pictures of your device if you believe that doing so will help you get better support.
In Conclusion
Using your iKamand with your Kamado Joe grill is easy. By removing the draft door, installing your device, and putting it into Stoke Mode, you can cook your meats to perfection. Although iKamand limits the amount of time you spend checking your food, you should periodically monitor its progress for your own safety.