Kamados are an excellent addition to any outdoor cooking space. These ceramic grills, originating from Japan, are known for their ability to retain heat and provide even cooking. However, before you can start grilling, smoking, or baking on your new kamado, it's important to properly cure it. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Kamado Preparation
Before curing your kamado, make sure it's clean and ready to use. Remove any packaging material and clean the inside and outside of the kamado with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue.
Step 2: Filling with Charcoal
Fill the kamado with charcoal up to the lower edge of the grill opening. It's important to use good quality charcoal, as this will affect the taste of your food. Hardwood charcoal is an excellent choice for kamados.
Step 3: Lighting the Charcoal
To light the charcoal, you can use a charcoal lighter or simply newspaper. If you use newspaper, make a ball with it and place it in the center of the kamado. Then, place a few pieces of charcoal around and on top of the paper. Light the paper and let the fire spread to the charcoal.
If you use a charcoal lighter, simply place it in the center of the kamado and light it. Then, place the charcoal around and on top of the lighter.
Step 4: Kamado Curing
Once the charcoal is lit, close the kamado lid and let the charcoal heat up for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to leave the vents open to allow air to flow and feed the fire.
After this time, adjust the vents to maintain a constant temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) for at least one hour. This will allow the kamado to slowly cure and prevent the ceramic from cracking due to a too rapid temperature change.
Step 5: Kamado Cooling
After curing the kamado, let it cool completely before using it for cooking. This can take several hours, so be patient. Once the kamado is completely cooled, it will be ready to use.
Remember that curing your kamado is an essential step to ensure its performance and longevity. By following these steps, you'll ensure that your kamado is ready to provide you with years of delicious outdoor meals. Happy grilling!
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