Kamodo Grill

[deerminator]

I got one of the Char Griller models on sale at the big M store a few weeks back and finally had the chance to set it up this weekend. Overall, I was impressed. I know it's no BGE, but for about 1/4 of the price, I thought I would give it a try. Seems well built, heavy as heck, but easy to move around on its wheeled base.

I had it going Saturday when it was cold and windy as heck and held the heat nicely for some smoked pork chops and chickens. Then I made some salmon today quickly with it on high heat.

I like the grate that pulls out in the middle so you can add more coals if you need to. Anyone else staring out with Kamodo grills this Summer? I think I may be using this more than my gas grill from here out. Performs a lot better it seems like.

[ThunderLund78]

How low was the temp you were holding with the wind, etc? I'm looking to purchase something similar and the BGE is out of my range as well. Do you feel you could easily hold a 200-220 deg temp, or even lower?

[McGurk]

Another option for the Costco members is the Vision Grills Classic Kamado. It's a ceramic BGE like cooker the goes for around $700 typically, but they have had it on sale for $399.99 with shelves and a rolling stand. Watch the site for a good price. I've never used one, but that price is pretty compelling...

[deerminator]

I think it could hold that temp no problem for a long time. It held in the mid 200s for long time on Saturday before I snuffed out the coals with the top vent and bottom damper.

It's not ceramic, but I guess that's not a huge issue for me. It's double walled steel with a thick layer of insulation in between. It also has a removable fire bowl and the bottom ash pan latches on and off so you can just pull it off and empty. All of this makes for easy cleaning.

I watches several youtube reviews before forking over $250 for it. Some called it the bargain basement or entry level kamodo but all gave it great reviews in terms of performance. So I guess that's good enough for me. Works great. Looks great. Just like my 870 in the field. She's no Benelli but she gets the job done!

[iland99]

I've had one since February. Absolutely love it. I haven't touched my Weber or propane smoker, and I think I've only used my gas grill once since I got it. I've used it in temps of -10/windy and it held 225 for hours in those conditions. I thought the removable center grate was a nice touch too, although I've never had to reload it with charcoal even after 10+ hours. I've cooked just about everything in it, even pizza.

Do you feel you could easily hold a 200-220 deg temp, or even lower?

220 is doable for sure. Below 200 would be tough, I think you'd be on the verge of snuffing it out at those temps.

[ThunderLund78]

I've been doing some other online research, I do think a Kamodo is going on my list. The only problem is... it's a long list.

[B. Amish]

any further updates on these? trying to decide myself on a grill purchase.

[ishy]

I have had the same one for two years now. Was a Weber guy forever. Took a little getting used to, but now I love it. Pizza's are absolutley fantastic. Frozen, take and bake, and home made are all great. Great for smoking (ribs,butts,chicken,EGGS of course, etc.),grilling and everything in between. Really for the price you can't beat it. One bad review, the side tables are crappy. They fell apart pretty quick. Made my own and she is good to go.. Also, I use nothing but Cowboy charcoal. Tried many lump brands and this works the best for me...It holds temps very well once you get used to it. It was quite the learning curve for me..

[iland99]

I still love mine. 4th of July weekend I smoked a couple pork butts at 225 for 15 hours and had enough lump left over to grill T-bones at 700+ the next day. The only complaint I have is that when I store it outside without a cover the lower pan fills with water. Water drips down the sides and comes in through the lower vent, so you really do need to keep it covered. It uses way less lump than my old Weber did. I've used it to cook pork butts, loins, venison tenderloin and backstraps, salmon, burgers, brats, hard boiled eggs, jalapeno poppers, pizza (homemade and frozen), corn, kebabs, etc. Everything has turned out great.

Cowboy lump for me too. Royal Oak lump in the green bag is pretty decent also.

[deerminator]

I really like mine. I've been using it 4-5 times a week at a minimum since I got it. Especially since the big storm came through in June and trashed my Weber gas grill but left the Kamodo standing! You can get it heated up to cook most things in about 20 minutes or so, therefore its not that much more time consuming than gas to get to the desired temp. For the fourth, I cooked a couple of pork butts on it and the other night did some ribs. I find that to cook at a low temp like 200-225, you really have to do some experimenting to get the hang of it but you can figure it out after a few times. A good thermometer helps. I really like the wireless one in the picture. When I did pulled pork on the fourth, it was nice to have the temperature alarm since I put the butts on the Kooker before I went to bed the night before. I would highly recommend it. It's not a BGE, but the price is right and it works great.

[bobbymalone]

I really like mine. I've been using it 4-5 times a week at a minimum since I got it.

LOL. Awesome.

I hope you're having breakfast

[deerminator]

Yep. Plenty of fiber via supplements! In fact, as you get older, you realize that a good BM every day is nothing to sneeze at. Lol. Wait, that's not really funny. I should add we cook plenty of chicken and lean steaks on it too!