Kamado grills are not your everyday barbeques. These grills are based on the concept of “low and slow” cooking, meaning that they cook your meats at slow temperatures over prolonged periods. While a kamado grill certainly has its advantages over its competitors, it is undeniably more expensive. But why?
Kamado grills are so expensive because they are made of thick, heat-resistant ceramic. The ceramic allows for the grill’s interior to reach temperatures of up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit––and insulate that temperature, as well. Another factor making many kamado grills so expensive is that most are also smartphone compatible.
Continue reading to learn more about what makes these “green egg grills” so exemplary. After learning about its features, you may find that the grill is not exactly expensive, but rather, an investment.
Why are Kamado Grills So Expensive?
The kamado grill style originated in East Asia, discovered by World War II soldiers in the 1940s. Impressed by the grill’s ability to maintain incredibly high temperatures, it wasn’t long before the design made its way overseas.
A kamado grill could run you anywhere from $300 to $2,000, depending on which size you go for. This price range also does not include the many add-on features that could truly make your backyard cookout special.
Here are some reasons why these state-of-the-art grills are so expensive:
They’re Made of Ceramic
While some kamado grills are made out of steel, for the most part, they also use ceramic. This material is ideal for cooking meat because:
- It’s a great insulator.
- It is non-reactive.
- Its chemicals will not leach into your food.
Ceramic also allows you to give your steaks an initial sear before you cook them at low temperatures. Additionally, while you may think that ceramic is easy to break, kamado grills are not. In fact, the ceramic used in Kamado Joe’s grills come with lifetime limited warranties.
Kamado Grills Are Intended for Lifetime Use
When you purchase a kamado grill, even those on the lower price end are intended to last a lifetime. If properly maintained and cared for over time, you could get years out of your product.
Maintaining your grill is easy. All you have to do is keep it out of harsh elements (like snow or heavy rain), periodically clean the inside, and treat it with care. If you are planning on putting it in storage, be sure to keep it on the ground, away from other objects. Even though the ceramic lasts a lifetime, you do not want to take any chances.
Kamado Grills Are Smartphone Compatible
While this cannot be said for all kamado-style grills, Kamado Joe’s line of grills, at least, is smartphone compatible. Their product, the iKamand, allows you to check your meat’s temperature, regulate heat, and configure other settings. Instead of hovering over your grill for a few hours, you can “set it and forget it.”
This cannot be said for other types of grills. Many of these products have not yet made the transition into the digital age.
Kamado Grills Have Certain Advantages Over Other Grills
People who swear by propane or charcoal grills have never used kamado grills. Some of the advantages over these “egg grills” include:
- Their airtight seal allows you to maintain and keep high temperatures while at the same time allowing for adequate airflow. It also prevents moisture from affecting your meat’s taste.
- It will not rust over time since it is made out of ceramic.
- They are easily moveable. Even though the Kamado Joe weighs about 180 pounds, it comes on wheels, meaning that you can easily move it from your porch to your deck.
Kamado grills also provide even, stable heating. This cannot be said for charcoal-powered grills, which can be hot in one area and lukewarm in another.
You Can Taste the Difference
When you eat steak, ground beef, or sausage cooked on a kamado grill, you will not taste things like:
- Lighter fluid
- Charcoal residue
- Gas
- Particles from other cooked meats
When you make ribs, the meat will literally slide off the bone. The ceramic dome absorbs the undesirable tastes of meals past.
You Can Cook More Than Just Meat
Admittedly, we have talked a lot about the benefits of cooking meat on your kamado grill. However, that’s not all! You can also cook things like:
- Pizza
- Flatbread
- Corn
- Sweet potatoes
- Baked beans
- Cobbler
The only limit with your kamado grill is your imagination. While you can cook these foods on other types of grills, you may need add-ons and other devices, which can quickly add up.
In Conclusion
While kamado grills are notorious for being expensive, the investment is well worth it. There’s no getting around it; these products are built to last and provide incomparable cooking experiences.