Multilevel cooking on your kamado

Anyone who truly wants to get the most out of their kamado cooks in layers. Multilevel cooking means working with multiple grilling levels and temperature zones within a single kamado. You utilize the full space of the kettle and create different heat zones without having to constantly adjust your entire setup. The result is more control, more even cooking, and the freedom to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.

What is Multilevel cooking?

With Multilevel cooking, you work with multiple heights in your kamado. Powerful direct heat is generated close to the coals. Higher in the dome, the heat becomes calmer and more even. By cleverly utilizing these differences, you can work directly and indirectly simultaneously.
You can sear meat on the bottom first and then let it finish cooking on the higher heat. Or let vegetables cook slowly while the fire is burning brightly at the bottom. This system makes your kamado more versatile and efficient.

Direct and indirect in one session

With a Multilevel setup, you combine direct grilling and indirect cooking without having to reconfigure your kamado. On one side, you work over open coals for a powerful crust. On the other side, you create a protected zone for larger cuts of meat or delicate preparations.
This provides peace of mind while cooking and prevents unnecessary temperature fluctuations.

Baking, smoking, and stewing with varying heights

Multi-level cooking isn't just about left and right, but also about top and bottom. A pizza stone placed higher in the dome benefits from optimal air circulation and top heat. When smoking, a stable airflow ensures a deep, even smoky flavor. And when stewing, using a pan on an indirect zone creates a constant low temperature. By working in layers, you harness the full power of your kamado.

The Monolith Smart Grid System as an example

A well-known example of a multilevel system is the Monolith Smart Grid System , also known as SGS. This modular grate system makes it easy to combine different heights and zones within a single kamado.
With separate grates and deflector stones, you build the layout exactly as your dish requires. The SGS clearly demonstrates how multilevel cooking works in practice and how flexible a kamado can be when working with a modular system.

Why Multilevel makes the difference

A standard grate gives you one cooking zone. Multilevel cooking gives you control over heat distribution, height, and doneness. You work more efficiently, have to move less, and get more out of every session. For those serious about cooking with a kamado, Multilevel is not an extra option but a logical next step.