Kamado facts for kids
A kamado is a special type of cooking stove. It is traditionally from Japan. These stoves use wood or charcoal for fuel. They are great for cooking many kinds of food.
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What is a Kamado?
Where Did Kamados Come From?
The idea for the kamado stove started in China. From there, it traveled to Korea. Eventually, it made its way to Japan. The word kamado is Japanese. It means "stove" or "cooking range." It also means "a place for the cauldron."
Kamados Around the World
After World War II, a portable kamado became popular. This type was called a "mushikamado." It caught the attention of Americans. Now, you can find them in the US. They are known as Kamado-style cookers or barbecue grills. The mushikamado is a round clay pot. It has a removable dome-shaped lid. These were often found in Southern Japan.
The Japanese word kamado actually comes from the Korean word gama. This word means a "hearth" or "fireplace." Some kamados have special parts. These are called dampers and draft doors. They help control the heat better.
The Japanese writing for kamado is 竈. This symbol is best for finding information. It helps you learn about the old, unmovable kamados. But today, "kamado" is often used for any ceramic or clay stove.
Modern Kamado Cookers
How Are They Made?
Modern kamado cookers are made from different materials. Some use strong ceramics. Others use special heat-resistant materials. Some have double walls of insulated steel. You can also find them made from traditional terra cotta. Some even mix Portland cement with crushed lava.
The outside of these cookers can look very different. Some have a shiny ceramic glaze. Others are painted or have a textured surface. Some are covered with ceramic tiles. Modern materials help stop cracking. Cracking was a common problem with older designs.
Inside the cooker, there is a bowl. This bowl holds the charcoal. It can be made of ceramic or stainless steel. Grids are placed above the fire. These grids are where you cook your food.
How Do They Work?
A small opening is at the bottom of the cooker. This opening lets air in to fuel the fire. There is also a vent at the top of the dome lid. This vent lets air out. You control the temperature by adjusting these two vents. Most Kamado-style cookers have a hole in the lid. This lets you check the temperature.
Some advanced kamados can even use digital controls. A small fan helps regulate the airflow. High-end kamados have layers of insulation. This creates low-airflow cooking conditions. This helps keep food moist.
What Fuel Do They Use?
Most kamado grills use charcoal as fuel. But they can also burn dry twigs, straw, or wood. Some people have tried to use gas, electricity, or pellets.
Many people prefer lump wood charcoal. This is because ceramic cookers do not add a metallic taste. Lump charcoal also produces less ash. Charcoal briquettes often have additives. These can sometimes change the flavor of your food.
What Can You Cook?
Traditional mushikamado stoves were made to steam rice. Japanese families still use them for special events. But modern kamado cookers are very flexible. You can use them for grilling and smoking food.
You can also bake flat-breads like pizza. You just need a flat ceramic or stone tray. Kamados can reach very high temperatures. They can get up to 750°F (400°C). This is because the ceramic shell holds heat very well.
The vent system allows for precise temperature control. This means Kamado-style cookers are like wood-fired ovens. You can use them to roast and bake many dishes. Some kamados even have a rotisserie. This helps crisp the skin of birds. It also makes sure food browns evenly.
See also
In Spanish: Kamado para niños
