This is how you light a kamado!

Lighting a kamado might seem complicated, but it's actually quite simple if you know what you're doing. Yet, we regularly see mistakes online. To help you get started, we'll explain step-by-step how to light your kamado safely, quickly, and efficiently. Want to get the most out of your kamado? Then take our Kamado Basics workshop!

Step 1: Charcoal and Preparation

Start by filling the fire pit with charcoal. If you have any leftover charcoal from a previous session, give it a good stir with a poker or your BBQ glove. Let the remaining ash fall down and remove it through the ash pan or with an ash shovel. For convenience, you can push the usable charcoal to the back of your kamado and fill the front with fresh charcoal to maintain optimal air circulation. You could also use the Kick Ash Can for this. It's important to always keep your kamado fully stocked, even for short sessions. This way, you'll never run out of charcoal or heat.

Step 2: Lighting your kamado

There are several ways to light your kamado, we'll highlight the three most popular methods:

Firelighters:

Firelighters are usually made of brown compressed material, such as compressed coniferous wood, compressed sawdust, or sometimes compressed cardboard combined with paraffin and/or vegetable wax. There are also white firelighters impregnated with a flammable agent. These should be avoided, as these chemicals can contaminate the charcoal. Here's how to get started with firelighters:

1. Open the bottom air slide and the lid completely.
2. Place one cube for low- and slow-cooking sessions. For high-temperature grilling, use two of three.
3. Place them lightly among the charcoal and light them.
4. Wait 7–10 minutes before you see small fire pits.
5. Remove the remains of the cubes with tongs once they have burned out.
6. Close the lid and open the chimney regulator.

Kindling wokkels:

Smokin' Flavors firelighters are made 100% naturally and are odorless. They're made just like firelighters. Two firelighters are often more than enough.

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

Monolighter:

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

1. Open the lid and air supply fully.
2. Hold the Monolighter close to the charcoal until you see a red origin spot.
3. Pull the Monolighter back slightly and continue blowing air until the fire develops.
4. Within 1 to 2 minutes you will have a solid glowing spot and you can close the lid.

Step 3: Check temperature

When your kamado is almost at the desired temperature, you can install accessories like heat shields and cocks. This may lower the temperature of your kamado slightly; let it rise again and then adjust the airflow to stabilize the temperature. Then, close the dampers almost completely, but ensure there is always sufficient airflow.

Step 4: refilling charcoal in between

It won't happen often, but during planned sessions, you'll need to top up the charcoal. Don't do this on top of the coals, as it will smother the fire and throw your temperature completely out of balance. It can also be a problem for your ceramics due to local 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 your temperature stable.

Kamado Basic Skills Workshop

Got a taste for it after reading our tips? Want to get a better handle on your kamado, learn to set the perfect temperature, and prepare delicious dishes on the barbecue? Then sign up now for our popular Kamado Basics workshop!