The Difference Between a BBQ and a Kamado: All You Need to Know

The Difference Between a BBQ and a Kamado: All You Need to Know

Barbecuing is a beloved culinary tradition, but for many it can be confusing to understand the different types of barbecues. One common question that is often asked is, “What is the difference between a BBQ and a Kamado?” In this informative guide, we take you on a journey through the world of barbecues and Kamado grills to help you understand how they differ.

Basic features of a BBQ:

A BBQ, or barbecue, is a general term for a device used to prepare food by grilling, smoking or roasting it. BBQs can be powered by charcoal, gas or electricity. Here are some key features of traditional barbecues:

• Fuel choice: BBQs can run on charcoal, gas (propane or natural gas) or electricity, depending on the model.
• Design: They often have an open design with a grill grate above the heat source.
• Temperature control: Controlling temperature can be somewhat challenging, especially with charcoal grills.

What Is a Kamado:

A Kamado is a specific type of charcoal grill or ceramic oven that originated in Japan. Here are the features of a Kamado grill:

• Material: Kamados are made of ceramic, which retains heat well and provides excellent insulation.
• Shape/Design: Kamados are often shaped like an egg. Most kamados have pits in the design, something aesthetic to give kamados their own identity. In contrast, the design of our Grill Bill kamados is diametrically opposed. Our Pro kamados have a tough smooth design, with a matte black glaze, and our Classic kamados have a glossy black jacket.
• Temperature control: They are known for their precision in maintaining temperatures, which is ideal for slow cooking, smoking and grilling.
• Versatility: Kamados can handle a wide range of cooking techniques, from grilling at high temperature to slow smoking at low temperature.
• Fuel: They use charcoal as fuel, which contributes to the unique taste of the dishes.

The Main Difference:

The main difference between a BBQ and a Kamado is the design and temperature control. While a traditional BBQ often has an open design and temperature control can be more challenging, a Kamado grill offers the precision and versatility of ceramic construction and excellent temperature control.

In short, the choice between a BBQ and a Kamado depends on your cooking style, budget and preferences. If you are looking for a more sophisticated and versatile grilling experience, a Kamado may be the right choice. On the other hand, traditional BBQs offer a more somewhat basic approach to grilling.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the difference between these two popular grilling options and you can now make an informed decision when choosing the right appliance for your culinary adventures.