If you’ve ever watched someone effortlessly turn out smoky brisket, perfectly crisp pizza, and flame-kissed steaks all from the same barbecue, there’s a good chance they were using a Kamado BBQ. These iconic egg-shaped cookers have surged in popularity over the last decade and for good reason. They don’t just grill. They roast, bake, smoke, sear, and slow-cook with impressive control and efficiency.
So what’s the big deal? Let’s break down why Fire Mountain Kamado BBQs have become the crown jewel of our outdoor cooking range.
What Is a Kamado BBQ?
A Kamado BBQ is a thick-walled, ceramic (or insulated steel) charcoal cooker, traditionally egg-shaped, designed to retain heat like a furnace. Inspired by ancient clay cooking vessels used in Asia, the modern Kamado blends traditional charcoal flavour with near-oven-level temperature precision.
The result? A BBQ that can hold temperatures low and steady for 12+ hours, or blast up to pizza-oven levels, often 400–500°C (750–900°F) depending on the model.
The Secret Weapon: Heat Retention
The magic of a Kamado BBQ lies in its insulation.
Unlike thin metal barbecues that lose heat as fast as they gain it, Kamados keep heat locked inside their ceramic shell. This makes them:
- Fuel-efficient (you use less charcoal)
- Consistent (steady temperature for long cooks)
- Versatile (low and slow or blazing hot)
Once a Kamado reaches your desired heat, it stays there with minimal adjustment.
Temperature Control That Actually Works
If you’ve ever tried maintaining a steady 110°C (230°F) on a standard charcoal BBQ for a long smoke, you’ll know the struggle: vents, flare-ups, cold spots, constant monitoring…
Kamados simplify this with precise airflow control.
Our models have:
- A bottom vent to control oxygen intake
- A top vent (daisy wheel or chimney) to regulate exhaust
Because the cooker is sealed so well, even tiny vent adjustments can fine-tune the temperature, meaning you can leave food to cook knowin
What Can You Cook on a Kamado? (Spoiler: Everything)
1. Searing Steak
Kamados are excellent at high-heat cooking. The airflow design and charcoal base produce intense radiant heat for that coveted crust.
Pro tip: Many Kamado owners recommend a cast-iron grate or a “reverse sear” method for steak perfection.
2. Low-and-Slow BBQ
This is where Kamado BBQs shine. With a drip tray, a heat deflector, and a stable 105–120°C cooking temperature, you can smoke:
- Pulled pork
- Brisket
- Ribs
- Whole turkey
- Beef short ribs
And because the Kamado holds moisture better than many smokers, the meat often comes out exceptionally juicy.
3. Pizza That Rivals Restaurants
With a pizza stone and the lid closed, a Kamado becomes a true pizza oven.
It’s not uncommon to cook a pizza in 3–6 minutes, with bubbling cheese and crisp, blistered crust.
4. Roasts and Sunday Dinner
Kamados behave like a convection oven, especially when using an indirect setup. Think of meals such as:
- Roast chicken
- Lamb shoulder
- Whole salmon
- Garlic rosemary potatoes
And yes, you can even bake bread!
Why Kamados Taste Better
Charcoal already adds flavour, but Kamados amplify it by creating a clean, controlled burn with airflow that maintains smoke flow without excessive flare-ups. Plus, the ceramic interior helps circulate heat evenly, reducing those dry patches you sometimes get from standard grills.
If you’re using quality lumpwood charcoal and natural wood chunks, the flavour can be outstanding.
Choosing the Right Fire Mountain Kamado BBQ
If you’re shopping for one, keep these in mind:
Size Matters
- Small (13–15"): perfect for 1–2 people (Fire Mountain Fuji 15’’ Ceramic Kamado BBQ)
- Medium (18"): best all-rounder (Fire Mountain Fuji 18’’ Ceramic Kamado BBQ)
- Large (21–24"+): ideal for families, entertaining, big briskets (Fire Mountain Fuji 24’’ Ceramic Kamado BBQ)
Consider Accessories
Many Kamados become truly versatile with add-ons like:
- heat deflectors (for indirect cooking)
- multi-level racks
- pizza stone
- rotisserie kit
- cast iron grates
- temperature controllers (fan-assisted)
You can find our full range of Fire Mountain BBQ accessories on this page.
Handy Tips for First-Time Kamado BBQ Users
1) Use lumpwood charcoal, not cheap briquettes
2) Light in one spot for low-and-slow (don’t dump the firelighters sporadically)
3) Let it come up slowly: it’s easier to raise temp than lower it
4) Avoid opening the lid too often (it’s like opening an oven door)
5) Learn the vents: small changes make big differences
Once you master these skills, you’ll be out-cooking most restaurants in no time.
The Verdict: Is a Fire Mountain Kamado BBQ Worth It?
If you love outdoor cooking and want a single BBQ that can handle everything from steaks to brisket to pizza, a Fire Mountain Kamado is one of the best investments you can make.
It’s more than a barbecue. It’s a lifetime cooker, built for flavour, control, and versatility.
Once you cook on a Fire Mountain Kamado BBQ, it’s genuinely hard to look back.
