Lighting a kamado might seem complicated, but it is actually very simple if you know what you are doing. Nevertheless, we regularly see mistakes online. To help you get started, we explain step-by-step how to light your kamado safely, quickly, and efficiently. Do you want to get the most out of your kamado? Then take our Kamado Basic Skills workshop!

Step 1: Charcoal and preparation

Start by filling the fire basket with charcoal. If you have any charcoal left over from a previous session, stir it well with a poker or your barbecue glove. Let the remaining ash settle and remove it via the ash drawer or with an ash shovel. For convenience, you can slide the usable charcoal to the back of your kamado and fill the front with fresh charcoal to maintain optimal air circulation. You can also use the Kick Ash Can for this. It is important to always keep your kamado well-filled, even for short sessions. This way, you will never run out of charcoal or heat.

Step 2: Light your kamado

There are several ways to light your kamado; we will explain the three most popular methods:

Lighters:

Firelighters are usually made from brown, compressed material, such as compressed softwood, compressed sawdust, or sometimes compressed cardboard in combination with paraffin and/or vegetable wax. There are also white firelighters impregnated with a flammable substance. These should be avoided, as these chemicals can contaminate the charcoal. Here is how to use firelighters:

1. Open the bottom air vent and the lid completely.
2. Use one cube for slow cooking at a low temperature. For grilling at a high temperature, use two or three cubes.
3. Carefully place them among the charcoal and light them.
4. Wait 7-10 minutes before you see small fire pits.
5. Remove the remnants of the blocks with pliers as soon as they have burned out.
6. Close the lid and open the chimney regulator.

Fire starter woks:

Smokin' Flavors firelighters are 100% natural and odorless. They are made in the same way as regular firelighters. Two firelighters are often more than enough.

1. Open the woks slightly for better air circulation.
2. Make a hole in the charcoal and place the woks in it.
3. Light with a long lighter, Lucifer gas torch.
4. For a large kamado, it is best to use two woks in different positions.

Monolighter:

The fastest, cleanest, and most controlled way to light your kamado is with the Monolith Monolighter.

1. Open the lid and ensure sufficient air supply.
2. Hold the Monolighter close to the charcoal until you see a red ignition spot.
3. Pull the Monolighter back slightly and keep blowing air until a fire starts.
4. Within 1 to 2 minutes, you will have a bright glowing spot and you can close the lid.

Step 3: Check the temperature

When your kamado has nearly reached the desired temperature, you can install accessories such as heat shields and valves. This may lower the temperature of your kamado slightly; let it rise again and then regulate the airflow to stabilize the temperature. Afterwards, close the vents almost completely, but ensure there is always sufficient airflow.

Step 4: refilling the charcoal in between

It won't happen often, but during scheduled sessions, you must add charcoal. Do not do this on top of the coals, as this smothers the fire and throws the temperature completely off balance. It can also cause problems for your ceramics due to localized overheating.

What should you do?

1. Push the floating coals back.
2. Add fresh charcoal to the front.
3. This ensures good air circulation and keeps the temperature stable.

Kamado Basic Skills Workshop

Have you got a taste for it after reading our tips? Do you want to get to know your kamado better, set the perfect temperature, and prepare delicious dishes on the barbecue? Then sign up now for our popular Kamado Basics workshop!