If you have not heard, Kamado Joe has been hard at work on a new project: the Kamado Joe Pellet grill. When it comes to kamado grills, you will hear popular names like “Big Green Egg” and “Kamado Joe.” These two brands have dominated the kamado grill market and make excellent charcoal grills.

Kamados can be used for everything from grilling to smoking, and because they are constructed of ceramic, they can last a long time if cared for correctly.

Nevertheless, charcoal is not for everybody. Managing a charcoal fire might be difficult for some people, while others simply despise messing with charcoal and getting their hands dirty. The automation that comes with pellet cookers has made them a favored alternative to charcoal grills, removing all of the hard labor while retaining all of the flavor.

Kamado Joe must have been paying attention because they jumped in and took all the benefits of a kamado grill and added the convenience and automation of a pellet grill.

In this article, we take a look at the new Kamado Joe Pellet and share with you what we found and learned about this new grill.

Traditional Pellet Grills VS a Kamado Pellet Grill

Traditional pellet grills are not in the same category as ceramic grills. New pellet grills are the Teslas of the BBQ industry, featuring high-tech features like Wifi, smart temperature controllers, and even Alexa integration. All this technology won’t make you a perfect cook, but it sure helps.

The ceramic kamado grill category is, well, much simpler. There was a time when a fiberglass gasket was considered a technological advancement in kamados.

A traditional Kamado Joe grill is very simple at its core. You get a ceramic egg-shaped chamber, a ceramic charcoal basket, and, of course, grill grates and other accessories, but the core of the grill is as basic as a cave man’s cave.

No, I’m not dismissing the quality of Kamado Joe and the versatility of these grills. The fact is, these grills are amazing and, in the hands of an experienced pitmaster, you can cook, bake, smoke meat, and pretty much anything your culinary mind can imagine.

Companies like Kamado Joe improved upon the designs of popular kamado grill companies and added modern touches and features like a commercial quality heat gasket, removable ashtray, and an arsenal of high-quality and useful accessories like a pizza tray and rotisserie. The end result is a high-quality ceramic grill.

Introducing Pellet Joe:

The Kamado Joe pellet is the newest addition to the Kamado Joe lineup. This grill is great for anyone who wants the smoky flavor, efficiency, durability, and versatility of a charcoal Kamado with the convenience of a pellet grill.

The Kamado Joe Pellet is a new Kamado-style grill that incorporates some of the same components as a traditional steel pellet grill. There is an electric auger that feeds the pellets to a fire pot, pellet agitators, and pellet hopper.

The system is pretty much self-contained and tightly packed in the belly of the egg. I’m actually very impressed with how Kamado Joe was able to fit a PID controller, a stainless steel hopper, an auger, and a fire pot all in the gut of this kamado.

What’s in the Box of Pellet Joe?

You get a high-quality ceramic pellet grill with a sturdy four-leg stand and two meat probes that connect to the integrated hopper that sits in the guts of this kamado. Kamado Joe states that the integrated hopper nearly eliminate pellet bridging, and the grill uses less pellets than traditional pellet cookers thanks to its ceramic construction and high efficiency.

The stainless steel hopper holds 10 pounds of pellets and the grill heat range reaches as high as 600 degrees.

There is also a drip tray, which also helps with heat dispersion but mainly directs all the grease to a drip bucket.

You also get the Joe scoop. This little tool is necessary to easily scoop pellets. This is a wifi-ready grill, so you will get a little antenna. Make sure not to lose that. Monitoring with WiFi control from a mobile device adds a level of convenience not available in the charcoal models.

Some features Found in the Kamado Joe Pellet include:

An automatic start system makes it easy to get started grilling. Turn the temperature knob and set the temperature.

A convection system (the heat shield above the burning pot) ensures even heat distribution and eliminates hot and cold spots.

A porcelain-coated cooking grate for easy cleanup.

Side shelves

Air lift hinge

Quirks and Features of the Pellet Joe

There are some interesting quirks and features unique to the Pellet Joe. A lot of the original Joe has carried over to the Pellet Joe. You get the same ceramic quality, fit and finish, spring-loaded (air lift hinge stainless ) top lop lid system, the classic stainless steel latch and the four-legged base.

Some accessories from the classic can be used on the Pellet Joe.

Some interesting quirks making this grill different from its original predecessor are a tiny hole on the back of the top lid where the ambient sensor is attached, an aside grease bucket, and a WIFI antenna next to an on and off switch on the back of the grill. It is almost strange to see these small clues of a pellet system on an old school grill known for its rudimentary design.

For the most part, the grill dimensions are the same. This grill is very similar to the Classic 18 grill.

So what is the deal with pellets?

Unlike traditional charcoal grills, pellet grills burn wood pellets that are fed into a burner to create heat. The pellets are made of compressed sawdust and other hardwoods, so they burn clean and produce a great wood smoke flavor.

Pellet grills are easy to operate and have redefined cooking. These grills can be set to a variety of temperatures, making them a great choice for all kinds of cooking.

Pros and Cons of the Kamado Joe Pellet

Pros

• It gets hot, reaching over 600 degrees.
• WiFi control means you can sit down and watch a game and still monitor the grill and the meat cooking process.
• ceramic grill efficiency. -Kamados are known for being very efficient and retaining heat well, cooking tender food and offering unsurpassed flavor.
• Fuel efficiency and heat retention. Kamados are efficient, so they consume less charcoal and pellets.
• Unlike its charcoal brother, where air vents are used to control the fire, this grill is thermostatically controlled by the PID controller. Simply set the desired temperature and the grill will maintain that temperature.
• Since the grill monitors its internal temperature, it is crucial to perfectly adjust the smoke tower.
• The Kamado works great and can retain consistent smoking temperatures.
• The pellet agitators help with jamming the pellet door, which provides access to pellets.
• The aluminum side shelves
• Efficient: burning and needing fewer pellets thanks to the efficiency of the ceramic chamber.

Cons

• It’s not as easy to load pellets. With traditional grills, you can dump a 20 lbs bag in a matter of seconds. With this grill, you need to use a scoop, which can do about 5 pounds of pellets at a time.
• For the Pellet Joe 18, there is no display. To know the ambient temperature of the grill or the meat probe readings, you need to use the app.
• The hopper capacity is only 10 pounds. But although Kamado Joe says that fewer pellets are needed thanks to the efficiency of ceramic grills.
• The cooking surface is not as large as steel pellet grills in this price range.

Conclusion

The Kamado Joe Pellet is a great option for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, reliable grill that can handle all kinds of cooking. This grill is wifi-ready, so you can control it from your phone or tablet, and it has a number of other features that make it stand out from the competition.

This grill combines the outstanding cooking efficiency of a kamado grill with the simplicity of use and convenience of a pellet cooker.

Whether you’re grilling steaks or smoking ribs, the Kamado Joe pellet grill is sure to deliver delicious results.

Dirty grates not only look gross but also can change the taste of your food, and old grease can stain your food. In this article, we will show you how to clean grill grates using different methods.

Grease, oil, marinades, and food particles get burned onto the grill grates while grilling, eventually hardening. The stuff gets on your food, changing its flavor.

So, let’s clean some grates!

Consider The Following Before Cleaning Grill Grates

Grill grates are found in different materials and coatings, and it is important to know what type of grates you have on hand before cleaning them. 

For example, some grill grates are porcelain coated, and porcelain can chip, exposing the raw metal. The exposed metal will rust, damaging your grate, and, yes, you can kiss it goodbye.

Choose the Right Tools to Clean Grill Grates

For Porcelain-coated grates

Porcelain-coated grates are great as they are rust-resistant, but the coating can be sensitive and be damaged by wire brushes. Instead, use soft or nylon brushes when cleaning coated grates.

For Cast iron grates

Cast iron grates are favored by many because of how durable these grates are. However, these grates do require minimal maintenance to last years. 

Cast iron grates can be cleaned using wire brushes but what’s most important is to keep the cast iron grates oiled to avoid rust. “Season” the grate with vegetable oil to keep it rust-free after every clean.

For Stainless steel grates

Cleaning stainless steel grates is similar to cleaning cast iron grates expect you don’t need to oil or “season” stainless steel grates. Stainless steel grates are relatively easy to clean.

A grill brush can be an excellent tool to clean stainless grates.

How to Clean Your Grill Grates Using: Guide

1. Use Your Grill to Burn Grease and Residue from the Grates

This method is easy and, if done often, should keep your grates in good shape. After grilling, the process is simple: increase the grill’s temperature to the highest safest temperature possible and close the lid.

You will see a lot of smoke, and old grease can and will light up. Keeping the lid shut and letting all this grime burn off is recommended. If you open the grill lid, you will feed air to the fire and can have a big flare-up! Be careful.

After about 15 to 20 minutes, shut off your grill, keep the lip shut and let any grease fire self extinguish. Grab a brush or cleaning tool and scrape off the grease residue. 

2. Wash the Grates Clean with Hot, Soapy Water ( once a month )

In addition to using the burnoff method, we recommend scrubbing your grill grates down with hot, soapy water at least every month.  

Burning off the grease and grime from the grates is a quick way of keeping the grates somewhat clean, but soaking the grates in on hot water and soap will ensure every inch of the grate is touched.

This method is straightforward. Fill a container with very hot water and add dish soap. Dish soap with grease removing additive works best.

Scrub the grate, give it a light wash, then let it soak in the hot soapy water for at least 30 minutes. After allowing the grate to soak, scrub and rinse the grate.

3. Use Baking Soda

Using baking soda is another method and a natural way of cleaning your grill grates. This is a preferred approach for those not wanting to use any chemicals on their grates.

The process is simple, create a baking soda paste by mixing about 1 to 1 and a half cups of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda and a half cup of water in a small container. Adjust your mix ratio to achieve a nice paste viscosity.

Grab a sponge or rag and apply the paste to the grill grate. Let the baking soda do its job and after a few minutes, grab a brush or sponge to scrub the grate.

After the cleaning process, rinse the grate and place it back in the grill. Remember to season your cast-iron grates with vegetable oil to avoid rust.

4. Grill Cleaning Spray

Many people search how to clean grill grates looking for an alternative to chemical cleaners.

This is my least favorite method because it involves chemicals, and I like to keep everything involving my grills as natural as possible, including charcoal. However, there are some excellent grill cleaning sprays, and some are even natural.

This method is straightforward. Use a good grill cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, rinse, and repeat as needed.

5. Use Vinegar

Mix a one-to-one ratio of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the grill grates with the mix and scrub the grates. 

Rinse the grates and repeat the process until clean.

How To Clean Cast Iron Grill Grates: Specific For Cast Iron Grates

Cast iron grates require extra attention to preserve their lifespan. For the most part, using the first method we explain in this article ( burning off the grease and residue with high heat ) will keep cast iron grates clean.

However, at least once a month, you should deep clean grill grates with soap and water. Here is a method you can use and how to clean cast iron grill grates.

You can start the process right after cooking a meal. Let the grill burn off any excess food or grease off the grates. Brush the food ash residue with a brush and let the grate cool down.

Once the grate is cold, use the vinegar method or the baking method we mentioned earlier in this article. If the grill grates are very dirty, I like to do one round of vinegar and one round of baking soda.

Spray the grill grates with a one-to-one ratio of vinegar and water and let the mix sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub the grates and rinse. Then apply a paste of baking soda, let sit for ten minutes and rinse. Vinegar and baking soda are great aids to clean your grill without using harsh chemicals.

You can use paper towels to absorb excess grease during the cleaning process.

Cast Iron Grates Rust Prevention

Now that you know how to clean cast iron grates, you should know that cast iron needs to remain oiled, or it is often referred to as seasoning. Without any type of porcelain coating, the raw iron exposed to the elements will rust. This process is simple and will expand the life of your cast iron grates.

Grab an old rag and soak it in vegetable oil and apply the oil to the grate. Make sure you cover every inch with oil to prevent rust. You should “season” or oil at least every time you deep clean your grates with soap, vinegar, and baking soda.

Ways to clean grill grates without brushes

Grill brushes are not well-liked by some grill enthusiasts. Some brushes fall apart after a few months, and low-quality brushes leave small residue or bristles on the grates.

While it is easy to clean your grill grates using brushes, if the grill grates are not too dirty, or you simply do not want to use a cleaning grill brush, use these methods to clean your grill grates.

Use Aluminum Foil Technique:

You can use aluminum foil as a scrubbing tool for cleaning grill grates. Grab a piece of aluminum foil, form a small ball, use some sturdy tongs, and scrub the grates. You’re welcome!

Use Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Plastic Scrubbing Pads

Non-Scratch plastic scrubbing pads are great for cleaning grates, specially porcelain-coated grates, as the plastic material on these pads is non-brite and won’t scratch or chip the porcelain coating. 

Aluminum foil works great on stainless steel but can be as harsh as a grill brush on porcelain grates.

Use baking soda and plastic scrubbers for grate cleaning.

Baking soda helps break down food buildup on grates and works excellent when compared with plastic sponges.

These are simple ways of keeping your grill grates clean. The important point here is that you should have a cleaning routine to keep your grates clean.

Happy Cleaning!

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