Greetings from the "GTO" lab grillers!
Can't you just feel it coming? Spring has certainly sprung although the minus ten degree mornings still remind me that winter's air is still lurking! At this time of year I take advantage of precious time and weeks leading up to early April to prep my grilling gear for "The Grateful Grilling Party Experience" which anyone who has experienced will tell you is a bit, or bit more than a bit of a road show, no doubt!
This is the time of year I roll out the "kamado rover", air out the two XL Primo ovals that sit proudly inside of it and start going through a massive check list of things to do and go over to ensure my gig is ready to roll. Last year my first party was May 8 and this year I am anticipating an early start in April based on bookings thus far, good news indeed!
From the greasing of wheels to the checking of nuts, bolts, gaskets, and ceramic parts I go over things with a fine tooth comb because frankly when you are traveling with 2000lbs. of gear and over 50% of it is made up of ceramic there's no room at all, for error! This time of year also makes me reflect back on what's truly been an amazing journey thus far with my partner "k". Anyone who knows me well will tell you, I think, that I pull no punches when it comes to the real deal on the kamado cooker and category as a whole. Emails are now coming into my office from all over the world from excited people everywhere about this ancient earthen vessel called kamado!
Sometimes the questions are basic and other times they are complex but all in all they are good questions about what to buy, where to buy, how much to spend, where to save money, what accessories to purchase, are they as good as the companies say they are and the list goes on and on and on. It's for this very reason and after a decade of hard core experience I think I can call myself, ( tongue in cheek) a self confessed expert on the subject because, well, as most of you know, I have tirelessly researched and cooked and put together and taken apart and physically sold hundreds of these cookers and drawn my own conclusions on what's good, what's not so good and what to look for before you purchase your own and it goes back to my simple few questions that I pose to all people before putting your money down!
Sometimes the questions are basic and other times they are complex but all in all they are good questions about what to buy, where to buy, how much to spend, where to save money, what accessories to purchase, are they as good as the companies say they are and the list goes on and on and on. It's for this very reason and after a decade of hard core experience I think I can call myself, ( tongue in cheek) a self confessed expert on the subject because, well, as most of you know, I have tirelessly researched and cooked and put together and taken apart and physically sold hundreds of these cookers and drawn my own conclusions on what's good, what's not so good and what to look for before you purchase your own and it goes back to my simple few questions that I pose to all people before putting your money down!
how many people are in the family?
how often do you entertain and for how many on average?
what kind of outdoor living space/deck area do you have?
what kind of budget do have to allocate to the purchase?
what are you expecting from your new kamado cooker?
As I have said in past post's these questions must be thought through carefully and once answered you are then ready to start shopping for the best kamado that suits your lifestyle and pocket book and as I predicted over three years ago now, you have options people and lots of them! I'm of the opinion that if you are spending this kind of money to the tune of $800-$1000 one deserves service with a smile from door to door and as I used to do when I retailed these cookers, I delivered an experience to my clients and grilled their first meal for them as well! Why you ask? Simple, I wanted to make an impression forever and instill a level of confidence in my client that I was there for them and for the record I'm still there for all my clients via my on deck "demo's". So, find a retailer that's service driven, find the kamado expert on the floor, demand it even, by asking that person if they have ever used a kamado and if so what kinds and what are the differences etc, etc, etc, but then again that's precisely why I'm here, partly that is, and please think of me as your go to expert with practically all the major kamado brands that exist today. With my help and expertise you will make the right decision, guaranteed, and my advice is free but my parties you ask, well that's a different story!
The companies you will hear a lot about today and moving forward are Big Green Egg, Primo, Kamado Joe, GrillDome, Kamado King, Saffire, and Comet. It would appear that Dragon Fire is not in business anymore, however, I have recently found a company called "Sunrise" Kamado who has adopted a product that looks identical to what used to be called Dragon Fire but buyer beware!!! There's lots of product coming out of various parts of the world and many more in the years to come and this is where a great retailer with a great reputation for customer service is key because you need to make sure you have a warranty!
FACT! You will burn through felt gaskets, temp gauges and you will crack fire boxes and fire rings and based on the warranties from the various brands the fine print explains in detail what's considered a warranty or not but again most of these companies do a great job backing up their products, most of the time. Its important to note as well that the money you are putting down only starts with the cooker but you should allocate at least $200-$300 additional dollars for useful accessories that enhance your over all grilling and cooking experience, i.e. indirect cooking accessories that deflect heat and turn your kamado into a convection like oven for long slow cooking sessions or extended grids to increase space on your grill so you can fit more onto the surface. All these things are important but cost you more money so once again, ask questions and really zero in on what you want your kamado for and then and only then will you be truly happy with your purchase!
Anyone who I have met thus far over the last decade who has taken the plunge and spent money on the kamado has done so because they, like me, were after something different, special, long lasting, quality oriented and simple and it doesn't get simpler than the kamado and honestly after a few thousand years they haven't changed all that much in the way they function. If you ask me, invest in a table or make your own for your cooker and skip the side tables and stands that most of these companies sell as add on items because its the kamado magic you are after or should be after and the extra space for storage, and cooking/grilling surface area is a huge bonus!
Ok, so you want to know WHAT KAMADO DO I INVEST IN OH GRATEFUL ONE? Here's how I break it down thus far!
Primo
I have coined an expression "P" stands for Primo and "V" stands for versatility! Bottom line and a sensible choice when it comes to more grill space which means more food on your cooking surface, works for me and will work for you thanks to oval construction and the only made in USA story out there! These guys do a junior oval version which is fantastic for smaller families that don't entertain to often or single folks and couples who simply want to experience the kamado touch! Before you invest in a more expensive round kamado, check into pricing on the Primo round version because it really works well and although its not they're #1 model by a long shot you may find a smoking deal on line or elsewhere. If you ask me what size to purchase, I will always tell you to buy bigger, you will thank me later!
GrillDome
A beautiful round kamado that comes in color options, pre-assembled with stainless component kit and the only kamado company that has a technical story that's explained with their "Terepex" technology. What they lack in cooking accessories they make up for in performance and the spring hinge on the back of these cookers is the smartest I've seen thus far in category as it makes lifting the lids a cinch for anyone! If you live in Canada, you should cover these cookers and keep them away from potential hazardous falling objects like ice, and snow. They don't have a baked glaze finish and instead have a baked painted finish which suits warmer climates better but nevertheless a gem of a cooker and fantastic customer service!
Kamado Joe
It might look like a red Big Green Egg but these guys are blazing a kamado trail of their own with by far the best marketing story in the business and a round kamado cooker that comes in two color's, black and red. Everything from top to bottom goes toe to toe with any of the existing kamado companies currently on the North American market and their recent unveiling of the "Pro Joe" kamado which literally stunned passers by as the story goes at the latest HPBA Show has proven that "Kamado Joe" are here to stay and are most certainly innovators for the category! Bottom line is the steak tastes fine with KJ on your deck!
Saffire
What can I say? This kamado comes in at a great price for what you get and if your purchase is solely based on price, it might be something worth looking at because the price is right! It looks identical to what used to be called "Dragon Fire" exception to the wood chip hole on the front of the cooker and its a solid little device that churns out tasty food! With the exception to a lower volume lid/dome this kamado is good value for those on the hunt!
Big Green Egg
I still and always will have a place in my heart for this kamado because as I've mentioned before it's the very reason I got so passionate about this way of cooking and although they are the #1 worldwide seller of this type of cooker they certainly have a pant load of competition out there! Their medium and large models are the most popular for good reason, they work and they work well! These guys have finally started to create better accessories for their units as well and if they could only pre-assemble them that would make things a lot easier for both retailer and end consumers! With a significant North American following the company have been around since '73 thanks to Ed Fischer who for the record is a hell of a nice guy who I got the chance to meet a few years back in Orlando and we had a great chat about the kamado and my concept! So, chances are if your neighbor has one, you'll want one too but if you get on the magic green bus you must invest in a plate setter at the very least and search out options for pizza stones because the accessories for these guys tend to be pricey!
Kamado King
You want to talk about an interesting guy and kamado? You have to get in touch with the man I call Augie! I met him over the phone a few years back while researching the category and he still has an original "Imperial Kamado" on hold for me to complete the collection so to speak but Augie is selling his own version of the kamado which I have had a tremendous amount of fun with since I took delivery of it a few summers ago! Its bare bones and basic and I honestly like his cooker as much as I like his street fighting attitude for taking care of people and bargaining for the best price on stuff. Although I have never met him in person I really look forward to the day I do because this chap puts his money where his mouth is and has a fascinating history that goes way back with the kamado and a retailer called "Pacinko Palace" of all names. Anyways, you can find him on line by searching "Kamado King" and tell him the Grateful Griller sent you! FYI, its the best priced kamado product that works on the market currently!
So, I've said my piece about the above mentioned brands but as always I love to save the best for last! To date there has only been one other company that is producing kamado's but can't be compared the same way to the brands I have spoken about already because "Komodo Kamado" are in a league all on their own. Their fearless and creative (beyond words) owner Dennis Linkletter not only produces the most beautiful and efficient kamado that I have personally cooked on to date but he has taken the entire game to a new level by producing his product out of "refractory" based material which takes the entire cooking experience up 100%!!!! He has been able to re-create a kamado that is as nice to look at as it is to use and when you own one of these cookers one gets the feeling you are in the presence of something so special that words believe it or not, fail me. LOL! Seriously friends, I feel the kamado's ancient origins in the presence of this product and the fact that each of these cookers are finished with a gorgeous, personalized mosaic tile is just the start of the journey! When they are fired up you barely know it but when food comes off of them and you taste the difference, its jaw dropping!
Anyone who takes their outdoor cooking lifestyle seriously and wants the best, does not have to look much further than Komodo Kamado for re-defining the art, technology and functionality debate because its not up for debate. Every single detail from top to bottom of these vessels is as remarkable to look at as they are to cook on and every time I cook on mine I learn so much more about the method. Komodo Kamado come with price tag's starting at around $3000 US and move up from there and are sold direct to consumer anywhere in the world today so if you are the type of person who can afford this investment and demands the best, Komodo Kamado are your go to company! Komodo Kamado customer service is also impressive beyond belief especially considering that Dennis lives in Bali, Indonesia year round! He is truly one of the nicest guys I have met to date in this business and by far the most knowledgeable when it comes to the kamado and how to make it and the over all cooking experience better!
Well, that's another kamado post for the "grateful" archives and I can't tell you all how excited I am to get the coming summer going so I can get on your decks and keep spreading the word on the "grilled to obsession" lifestyle that for me defines much of who I am, a guy who's crazy passionate about my family, my food, my friends, my music and without a doubt my kamado! I leave you all with a few lines that came to me while listening to some old classic Zeppelin and the song "Ten Years Gone" which reminded me that when my journey with the kamado started my daughter was in diapers and now she's almost ten and although I'm shocked at how fast time goes by we all have to make the most of every day, so find your passion and at all costs, live it large!
Feed those fires friends!!!!!!!
Kamado Street Preacher
Standing amongst all this snow, you bare witness to my passion grow.
To grill in silence, just you and me "k".
Ice and fire as my inner flames shoot higher, cold trees surround us with snow laden branches.
Ten years gone, risks, guts and chances!
All I want to do is grill with you, scrape the grill, kick and chill.
Coals hot and ready, throw it down, nice and steady.
To be one with you all, we will celebrate, party and answer the call!
Feel the fire, hear the crackling choir, feel so good, you'll never tire.
Bottom of the ninth, my bases are loaded and my message hasn't corroded!
Grateful grilling story exploded!
A jet stream I welcome all to ride, enter the rip and feel the rising tide!
Fat steaks, fruity crapes, whatever it takes, kamado will see it through for you and your crew.
Bake, sear, grill and roast I raise my glass to you "k" and make a toast to you, our speechless host who allows us to coast and enjoy these moments with those who matter most........
feed the fire and desire to take your grilling games higher!
G
Anyone who I have met thus far over the last decade who has taken the plunge and spent money on the kamado has done so because they, like me, were after something different, special, long lasting, quality oriented and simple and it doesn't get simpler than the kamado and honestly after a few thousand years they haven't changed all that much in the way they function. If you ask me, invest in a table or make your own for your cooker and skip the side tables and stands that most of these companies sell as add on items because its the kamado magic you are after or should be after and the extra space for storage, and cooking/grilling surface area is a huge bonus!
Ok, so you want to know WHAT KAMADO DO I INVEST IN OH GRATEFUL ONE? Here's how I break it down thus far!
Primo
I have coined an expression "P" stands for Primo and "V" stands for versatility! Bottom line and a sensible choice when it comes to more grill space which means more food on your cooking surface, works for me and will work for you thanks to oval construction and the only made in USA story out there! These guys do a junior oval version which is fantastic for smaller families that don't entertain to often or single folks and couples who simply want to experience the kamado touch! Before you invest in a more expensive round kamado, check into pricing on the Primo round version because it really works well and although its not they're #1 model by a long shot you may find a smoking deal on line or elsewhere. If you ask me what size to purchase, I will always tell you to buy bigger, you will thank me later!
GrillDome
A beautiful round kamado that comes in color options, pre-assembled with stainless component kit and the only kamado company that has a technical story that's explained with their "Terepex" technology. What they lack in cooking accessories they make up for in performance and the spring hinge on the back of these cookers is the smartest I've seen thus far in category as it makes lifting the lids a cinch for anyone! If you live in Canada, you should cover these cookers and keep them away from potential hazardous falling objects like ice, and snow. They don't have a baked glaze finish and instead have a baked painted finish which suits warmer climates better but nevertheless a gem of a cooker and fantastic customer service!
Kamado Joe
It might look like a red Big Green Egg but these guys are blazing a kamado trail of their own with by far the best marketing story in the business and a round kamado cooker that comes in two color's, black and red. Everything from top to bottom goes toe to toe with any of the existing kamado companies currently on the North American market and their recent unveiling of the "Pro Joe" kamado which literally stunned passers by as the story goes at the latest HPBA Show has proven that "Kamado Joe" are here to stay and are most certainly innovators for the category! Bottom line is the steak tastes fine with KJ on your deck!
Saffire
What can I say? This kamado comes in at a great price for what you get and if your purchase is solely based on price, it might be something worth looking at because the price is right! It looks identical to what used to be called "Dragon Fire" exception to the wood chip hole on the front of the cooker and its a solid little device that churns out tasty food! With the exception to a lower volume lid/dome this kamado is good value for those on the hunt!
Big Green Egg
I still and always will have a place in my heart for this kamado because as I've mentioned before it's the very reason I got so passionate about this way of cooking and although they are the #1 worldwide seller of this type of cooker they certainly have a pant load of competition out there! Their medium and large models are the most popular for good reason, they work and they work well! These guys have finally started to create better accessories for their units as well and if they could only pre-assemble them that would make things a lot easier for both retailer and end consumers! With a significant North American following the company have been around since '73 thanks to Ed Fischer who for the record is a hell of a nice guy who I got the chance to meet a few years back in Orlando and we had a great chat about the kamado and my concept! So, chances are if your neighbor has one, you'll want one too but if you get on the magic green bus you must invest in a plate setter at the very least and search out options for pizza stones because the accessories for these guys tend to be pricey!
Kamado King
You want to talk about an interesting guy and kamado? You have to get in touch with the man I call Augie! I met him over the phone a few years back while researching the category and he still has an original "Imperial Kamado" on hold for me to complete the collection so to speak but Augie is selling his own version of the kamado which I have had a tremendous amount of fun with since I took delivery of it a few summers ago! Its bare bones and basic and I honestly like his cooker as much as I like his street fighting attitude for taking care of people and bargaining for the best price on stuff. Although I have never met him in person I really look forward to the day I do because this chap puts his money where his mouth is and has a fascinating history that goes way back with the kamado and a retailer called "Pacinko Palace" of all names. Anyways, you can find him on line by searching "Kamado King" and tell him the Grateful Griller sent you! FYI, its the best priced kamado product that works on the market currently!
So, I've said my piece about the above mentioned brands but as always I love to save the best for last! To date there has only been one other company that is producing kamado's but can't be compared the same way to the brands I have spoken about already because "Komodo Kamado" are in a league all on their own. Their fearless and creative (beyond words) owner Dennis Linkletter not only produces the most beautiful and efficient kamado that I have personally cooked on to date but he has taken the entire game to a new level by producing his product out of "refractory" based material which takes the entire cooking experience up 100%!!!! He has been able to re-create a kamado that is as nice to look at as it is to use and when you own one of these cookers one gets the feeling you are in the presence of something so special that words believe it or not, fail me. LOL! Seriously friends, I feel the kamado's ancient origins in the presence of this product and the fact that each of these cookers are finished with a gorgeous, personalized mosaic tile is just the start of the journey! When they are fired up you barely know it but when food comes off of them and you taste the difference, its jaw dropping!
Anyone who takes their outdoor cooking lifestyle seriously and wants the best, does not have to look much further than Komodo Kamado for re-defining the art, technology and functionality debate because its not up for debate. Every single detail from top to bottom of these vessels is as remarkable to look at as they are to cook on and every time I cook on mine I learn so much more about the method. Komodo Kamado come with price tag's starting at around $3000 US and move up from there and are sold direct to consumer anywhere in the world today so if you are the type of person who can afford this investment and demands the best, Komodo Kamado are your go to company! Komodo Kamado customer service is also impressive beyond belief especially considering that Dennis lives in Bali, Indonesia year round! He is truly one of the nicest guys I have met to date in this business and by far the most knowledgeable when it comes to the kamado and how to make it and the over all cooking experience better!
Well, that's another kamado post for the "grateful" archives and I can't tell you all how excited I am to get the coming summer going so I can get on your decks and keep spreading the word on the "grilled to obsession" lifestyle that for me defines much of who I am, a guy who's crazy passionate about my family, my food, my friends, my music and without a doubt my kamado! I leave you all with a few lines that came to me while listening to some old classic Zeppelin and the song "Ten Years Gone" which reminded me that when my journey with the kamado started my daughter was in diapers and now she's almost ten and although I'm shocked at how fast time goes by we all have to make the most of every day, so find your passion and at all costs, live it large!
Feed those fires friends!!!!!!!
Kamado Street Preacher
Standing amongst all this snow, you bare witness to my passion grow.
To grill in silence, just you and me "k".
Ice and fire as my inner flames shoot higher, cold trees surround us with snow laden branches.
Ten years gone, risks, guts and chances!
All I want to do is grill with you, scrape the grill, kick and chill.
Coals hot and ready, throw it down, nice and steady.
To be one with you all, we will celebrate, party and answer the call!
Feel the fire, hear the crackling choir, feel so good, you'll never tire.
Bottom of the ninth, my bases are loaded and my message hasn't corroded!
Grateful grilling story exploded!
A jet stream I welcome all to ride, enter the rip and feel the rising tide!
Fat steaks, fruity crapes, whatever it takes, kamado will see it through for you and your crew.
Bake, sear, grill and roast I raise my glass to you "k" and make a toast to you, our speechless host who allows us to coast and enjoy these moments with those who matter most........
feed the fire and desire to take your grilling games higher!
G
