New kamado user

[Bayousooner]

I am a very experienced cook and have owned a number of kettles, but I am having a lot of trouble with slow cooking on my new Kamado. The coals only want to burn in one small section by the front of the grill. Would appreciate any help I can get—fire goes out at 225 degrees.

 

[primeone]

We've recently expanded the forum to include a section for Weber Charcoal Grills and it's been a little slow.

Hopefully someone will be able to chime in with some advice for you.

 

[John Burns]

I am a very experienced cook and have owned a number of kettles, but I am having a lot of trouble with slow cooking on my new Kamado. The coals only want to burn in one small section by the front of the grill. Would appreciate any help I can get—fire goes out at 225 degrees.

Sorry to hear about the trouble with your grill! I noticed your post is from last October.

Are you still having trouble with Low & Slow cooking?

If so, how are you starting the coals?
Are you using a chimney starter? If so, how long are you letting the coals burn before you pour them onto the charcoal grate?
Is your charcoal a brand that you've had good results with before? Have you tried more than one bag?
How are you arranging the coals?
Are you using any baskets or other charcoal management devices (SNS, etc.)?
How do you have the dampers on the bowl set?
Are you using the heat deflector included with the grill?
Is the bowl and ash catcher clean and free of ashes/debris before you begin your cooking session?
How do you have the lid damper set?
How long are you letting the grill warm up before you put your food on?

 

[JpsBBQ]

Kamado style cooking is a totally different experience from regular kettle cooking. That said, the device is very simple. Air in the bottom and air out the top. The type and brand of coal is a potential variable. Unlike kettle cooking you only get a small area of coal lit for low and slows. I don’t use a chimney but rather starter squares. The fire will spread slowly. You should be able to cook for 16-24 hours at low temps on a load of fuel. Just make sure you fill enough fuel. It should take very little air flow to keep the fire going to maintain the low temps.

Good luck, I search YouTube for videos to confirm your approach.