Kamado maintenance and cleaning - grill, ceramics and fire bricks | The Rub Kitchen
A kamado can last for decades — but only if you maintain it properly. The good news is that a kamado requires little work. The high combustion temperatures burn off most residues naturally, and the ceramics never need to be washed with soap. Still, there are a few maintenance points that make the difference between a kamado that lasts 30 years and one that causes problems after 5 years.
After each session
- Burn-off — after grilling: open all vents, raise temperature to 250–300°C, let burn for 15 minutes. All grease and food pores on the grate will burn off. Afterwards, brush the grate clean with a wire brush or cast-iron brush.
- Empty ash drawer — too much ash blocks the airflow at the bottom. Learn when the ash drawer is full (on average after 3–4 sessions). Allow the ash to cool completely before emptying it — never put hot ash in a plastic bucket.
- Covering — always use a suitable kamado cover if the kamado is stored outdoors. Protects the steel (hinges, frame) from rust. The ceramic itself is weatherproof.
Cleaning the grate
- Cast iron grate: brush after burn-off, then rub with a thin layer of neutral oil (sunflower or peanut) before closing the kamado. This prevents rust. Never put in the dishwasher, never use soap.
- Stainless steel grate: less maintenance-sensitive. Brushing after burn-off is sufficient. Occasionally degrease with warm water and a sponge — no aggressive cleaning agents.
- Cast iron grates are the best option for grill marks and heat conduction, but require more maintenance than stainless steel.
Ceramics — interior
The ceramic inside the kamado should never be washed with soap or water. The ceramic is porous and absorbs liquids — soap will remain and give off a foul taste during the next session. The interior cleans itself via high temperature (burn-off). A black deposit on the inner walls is normal and desirable — this is carbonized fat that acts as insulation.
White mold on the inside? This can occur if the kamado has been closed for a long time in humid weather. Solution: burn-off at high temperature. The mold burns off completely and is not harmful.
Firebox and deflector plate
- The firebox (cast iron or ceramic) can crack due to extreme temperature changes. Always allow the kamado to heat up gradually.
- Ceramic deflector plates can crack if cold water drips on them during a hot session. Use an aluminum drip pan on the deflector plate instead of direct water on it.
- Cracked deflector plates and fireboxes can be replaced — these are consumables, no cause for panic.
Air vents
- The bottom air vent can get stuck due to ash buildup. Regularly emptying the ash drawer prevents this.
- The top daisy wheel can get stuck due to carbonized grease. Clean periodically with a dry cloth or brush. Never use water or oil on the vents.
- Rusting hinges: treat annually with a heat-resistant lubricant (not WD-40 — it burns and is not heat-resistant).
Seasonal storage
If you don't use the kamado in winter:
- Remove all remaining charcoal and ash
- Perform a final burn-off
- Allow to cool completely and cover with a kamado cover
- Preferably store the kamado in a dry place (shed, garage) or use an extra waterproof cover
- Lubricate hinges and metal parts with heat-resistant grease for long-term storage