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Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
What is a kamado grill, and how do they work?
Grilling season is here, and it's Get Grillin' Week here at Tom's Guide. As the weather heats up, you might be rethinking your current grill situation. And if you're considering investing in the best grill for your yard this year, you may well have come across the name 'kamado grill.' So, what is a kamado grill, and how do they work? A kamado grill is a type of ceramic charcoal grill characterized by its distinctive egg-shaped design. They've gained popularity in recent years thanks to their versatility, easy temperature control, and great flavor. We tapped two grilling experts to learn more about kamado grills and determine whether they live up to the hype. Kamado grills have been used for centuries by chefs in China and Japan. Archaeologists have discovered clay cooking pots dating back 3,000 years, which they believe are the earliest examples of the modern ceramic kamado grill. The word 'kamado' translates to 'stove' or 'cooking range' in Japanese, providing insight into their functionality. Essentially, a kamado grill functions like a charcoal stove, capable of searing steaks, grilling burgers, baking pizzas, smoking brisket, and more. Today, kamado grills are more popular than ever, with several brands offering models at various price points to accommodate a range of needs and budgets. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As kamado grills have grown in popularity, several brands have jumped on the bandwagon. The two most popular brands in the U.S. today are Big Green Egg (the kamado grill pioneer in the American market) and Kamado Joe. However, established grill-makers like Weber, Char-Griller, and Grilla Grills have also entered the kamado grill market. There's more choice than ever before. You can get a basic kamado grill from Char-Griller for $200 to $400. However, you can also spend as much as $1,000 on a Kamado Joe Classic Joe grill or $1,600 on a Big Green Egg XLarge. Essentially, there's a kamado grill for every budget. The OG Kamado Joe, this bold red option offers 250 square inches of cooking space and a cast iron top vent to maintain a consistent temperature in the grill. It also comes with a stand and side shelves. 'Kamado grills are made of ceramic and operate in the same function as a drum smoker,' explains Shannon Snell, pitmaster at Sonny's BBQ. 'Coals and wood are started with fire and placed in the bottom of the kamado. Air vents located at the bottom are used to control oxygen airflow and regulate temperature.' Daniel P. Craig, founder and editor-in-chief at Kitchen Deets, explains how kamado grills utilize airflow to regulate temperature and cook a variety of foods. 'By adjusting the top and bottom vents, I regulate oxygen flow to the charcoal, controlling temperature from 225°F for smoking to over 700°F for pizza,' he says. 'The thick ceramic walls create consistent, radiant heat that circulates efficiently.' This unique design enables kamado grills to excel at heat retention. 'Ceramic grills hold heat better than any grill on the market,' Snell says. 'They are generally sealed very well and are nearly indestructible.' The dome shape allows for heat distribution from all directions, so food cooks evenly. Traditional rectangular grills often have hot and cold spots because of their shape. Kamado grills are also extremely fuel-efficient compared to other types of grills. 'The fuel efficiency amazes me—I can smoke for 12+ hours on one load of charcoal,' explains Craig. 'Kamado retains moisture better than any other grill I've used, preventing that dry barbecue I occasionally get from my offset.' 'Ceramic grills hold heat better than any grill on the market' The efficiency and versatility of the kamado grill mean you can cook a wide variety of foods. You can use a low and slow heat to cook ribs, pork butt, spatchcock chicken, and more. You can also crank it to a searing high heat for steak, pizza, and burgers. Grilling, smoking, baking, roasting—the kamado can do it all. If you're thinking of buying a kamado grill, there are several factors to consider first. Kamado grills are more complex than other types of grills, especially for beginners. 'The learning curve frustrated me initially — temperature adjustments take time, and I've overshot my target more than once,' Craig says. 'The ceramic can crack if heated too quickly, as I learned with my first unit.' Snell agrees. 'This grill does require a bit of flame management, and the temperature can be a little tricky when trying to even it out,' he says. However, if you're willing to learn proper kamado grilling techniques, the result is unmatched. 'Kamado bridges the gap between my gas grill's convenience and my offset's flavor capability,' says Craig. 'It produces better smoke flavor than pellet grills while being more user-friendly than traditional smokers.' 'It is nearly indestructible, does not rust, and lasts quite a while before you have to replace it,' says Snell. 'Also, once the vents are set and the temperature evens out, this grill is one of the most consistent when it comes to using charcoal and wood.' Consider your available space before purchasing a kamado grill. Although the grill itself doesn't take up a lot of space, you'll need to ensure the grill has proper airflow beneath it for optimal cooking. You'll also need to consider space for food preparation and trays—many kamado grills have side shelves to accommodate this, but others do not. You can also choose from several different sizes to fit your space, though smaller-sized grills will have less room for cooking food. Ultimately, your decision on whether to buy a kamado grill depends on your budget, experience level, and willingness to learn. 'Kamados work best for patient grillers who enjoy the process,' says Craig. 'I recommend them for cooks wanting versatility without multiple units, those interested in both grilling and smoking, and anyone who values fuel efficiency over convenience. They're perfect for the enthusiast willing to master temperature control through practice.' Snell agrees. 'Intermediate grillers would do well with this grill,' he says. 'This grill requires some understanding of how oxygen affects the temperature of the grill, but it's also user-friendly and controlled by a single air vent.' If you love the taste of grilled, smoked, and wood-fired food and want to learn a more traditional grilling technique, you can't go wrong with a kamado grill.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Lagom restaurant review: A Goldilocks moment where Swedish harmony meets fired-up Kerry fare
At Lagom in Kenmare , the Big Green Egg runs the kitchen. It grills, smokes, braises, and roasts, fuelled by oak shavings and Galway lumpwood. Very Swedish, in a way – if you imagine Sweden as a place where everyone is outdoors in perpetual daylight, calmly barbecuing things to perfection. And perhaps the owners, Brendan and Liz Byrne, do – Brendan having spent two years in Stockholm. Lagom, according to the website, is a Swedish word with no direct English equivalent – something about balance, harmony and feeding yourself from your surroundings – 'not too little, not too much, just right''. The room has Scandi energy, although I should advise at this point that it's not my Mastermind specialist topic, and I'm not sure that watching The Bridge counts for much. Still, the space is lined with birch saplings rising from the floor like they've wandered in from a forest, dividing the room with pale, iridescent bark. It feels gently choreographed, with warm putty walls, slate and light wooden floors, and art that might reward inspection, had I not been guided to turn left. Promising if you're boarding a plane – though here, it leads to the point where the restaurant simply runs out of room and softens into kitchen clatter. Three birch saplings frame the entrance to the triangular area with slate-blue walls, detailed with wooden reeding and a dried foliage wreath, and a clear sense – with the neighbouring table for four – of not quite being at the main event. READ MORE The menu is concise – five starters, five mains and four desserts. Bread comes to the table. The bun-shaped bread looks intriguing – treacle bread topped with white sourdough, like a miniature pint of the national stout in carb form. The second bread is a more rustic sourdough, which I prefer. The wine list is short and focused, with bottles from €29 to €95, all European, and 10 available by the glass. We opt for the Diez Siglos Verdejo (€34), a crisp white that pairs nicely with the crab starter (€14.50). It's a generous helping, piled into a squid ink croustade and topped with sharp hits of acidity: pressed cucumber, apple, rocket, dillisk and chive flowers. The St Tola goat's cheese tortellini with beetroot and red cabbage borscht (€13) reads like a familiar pairing but lands sharper than expected. The pasta is firm but silky, filled with a lactic creaminess. The borscht – closer to salsa than soup – brings earth and acidity. Tear open the pasta, stir the filling through, and it all works beautifully. The fillet of hake (€29), cooked on the bone, is the only misstep – it's a shade overcooked. There's a crisp of dillisk, a sharp tomato and prawn salsa, and a well-charred wedge of gem lettuce. The structure makes sense, the grill is doing the work, but a little sauce, perhaps a beurre blanc, wouldn't hurt. Lagom restaurant, Kenmare. Photograph: Valerie O'Sullivan Photograph: Valerie O'Sullivan Photograph: Valerie O'Sullivan The lamb rump (€31) is impressive. A thick slice, well-seared, cooked pink, with a crust tasting of oak, fat and smoke from the Big Green Egg. It is quite heavy on the salt, which may not suit everyone. With it comes lamb cannelloni – a roll of pasta tightly packed with shredded meat and, possibly, cabbage, in a slick of pea purée, roasted apple and faint mint. It's rich but measured. The vegetables are superb: miso-glazed carrots, baby broccoli, cabbage, golden roast potatoes. Dessert toys with nostalgia. It's called a rhubarb 'iceberger' (€8), which is a clear nod to the HB classic. How could I not order this? And what a joy. Instead of a brick of vanilla ice cream between two cakey biscuits, it's a sandwich of gingerbread holding marinated rhubarb and something like semifreddo. The rhubarb has been soaked in Champagne – just enough to lift the sharpness. It's the sort of dessert that sounds twee on paper but absolutely floors you in real life. There's a confidence here that doesn't need translating. It's in the shortness of the menu, the way the fish is grilled on the bone, how the lamb embraces the grill, and how the acidity adds freshness to the crab. It's in the vegetables – not an afterthought – and in a dessert that starts with a nod to childhood and ends with structure and bite. Lagom doesn't circle back to explain itself – it just cooks, quietly, like someone has thought through each element. Not too much, not too little. It's just right. Enough to make you want to come back, and sit somewhere nearer the birch tree plantation. Dinner for two with a bottle of wine was €130. The Verdict: A ceramic grill and a steady hand give Lagom its edge. Food provenance: Spillane Seafoods Killarney, Paudie Randles butchers, Glenbeigh Mussels, and Garryhinch Mushrooms. Vegetarian options: There is a full vegetarian menu. Wheelchair access: Fully accessible with an accessible toilet. Music: 'Jazz Lagom' playlist.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Ace Hardware is giving away free American flags during Memorial Day weekend 🇺🇸
Ace Hardware is giving away free American flags during Memorial Day weekend 🇺🇸 Visit your local Ace store on May 24 to get your free flag—and don't miss the best grill deals that come with a side of steaks! In honor of Memorial Day 2025, Ace Hardware is continuing its tradition of giving back to the community and honoring those who served. On Saturday, May 24, Ace—alongside the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)—will give away one million American flags at participating locations across the country between 11am and 2pm. The flags will be distributed for free while supplies last, allowing customers to proudly display their support over the holiday weekend. Pro-tip: Arrive at your Ace store early on Saturday, May 24 to claim your free flag—quantities are limited and demand is always high! Now through Monday, May 26, Ace is offering major Memorial Day savings on a wide range of summer essentials. Whether you're prepping your backyard for BBQ season or upgrading your tool shed, this sale is packed with deals from some of the most trusted names in home improvement and outdoor living. Shop Ace Hardware Top Memorial Day deals at Ace Hardware include: Grills and Outdoor Cooking : Save on top-tier brands like Weber , Blackstone and Big Green Egg —perfect for summer cookouts. : Save on top-tier brands like , and —perfect for summer cookouts. Premium Tools : Score discounts on DeWalt power tools and accessories to tackle your next DIY project. : Score discounts on power tools and accessories to tackle your next DIY project. Outdoor Equipment : Get your yard in shape with savings on Ego lawn care tools and more. : Get your yard in shape with savings on and more. Patio Furniture and Accessories: Refresh your outdoor space with stylish and durable furniture at reduced prices. More: Transform your yard with Ace YardRx, a new delivery service for expert-approved lawn care Save 8% at Ace Hardware: Big Green Egg 24-Inch XLarge EGG Package with Acacia Table Charcoal Kamado Grill and Smoker Green Get free in-store pick-up: Buy online and pick up at your local Ace Hardware store today Memorial Day pizza party: 20% off an indoor/outdoor pizza oven that cooks in 2 minutes 🍕 Free Omaha Steaks with in-store grill purchase When you buy a grill at participating Ace Hardware stores now through Monday, July 7, you'll receive a code for a free Omaha Steaks bundle including: 12 Omaha Steaks Burgers 12 Gourmet Jumbo Franks That's a $62.98 value, completely free with your grill purchase at Ace! Plus, Ace Rewards members get free assembly and delivery on grills and push lawn mowers $399 or more. What is Ace Rewards? Find out how to join for free to get exclusive perks Shop Ace Hardware deals When is Memorial Day weekend 2025? Memorial Day weekend in 2025 is from Saturday, May 24 to Monday, May 26. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, which in 2025 is May 26. Many retailers begin their sales the week before, so you can expect the biggest deals to start as early as mid-May and peak over the holiday weekend. Memorial Day appliance sales: Save up to 50% at Samsung, Lowe's, The Home Depot
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Aldi bringing back summer cult favourite for £100 cheaper than last year – and it's perfect for garden parties
New folding shelves, smoking features and bargain price make this a must-buy BBQ BACK Aldi bringing back summer cult favourite for £100 cheaper than last year – and it's perfect for garden parties BBQ lovers are rejoicing after Aldi confirmed the return of a summer cult favourite - and it's £100 cheaper than last year. Perfect for garden parties, the top-rated Kamado BBQ is landing in stores just in time for the bank holiday season — but you'll have to be quick if you want one. 3 The Kamado BBQ is officially hitting stores this May Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 3 And it's set to be the ultimate garden party essential for 2025 Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk The supermarket giant announced on X: 'The Kamado BBQ will be available in stores on the 08/05/2025.' Shoppers have already been on the hunt, with one frustrated fan posting: 'Went out looking for the new Kamado egg at @aldiuk but none in any local branches.' But there's good news, the Kamado BBQ is officially hitting stores this May. And it's set to be the ultimate garden party essential for 2025. Landing at just £299.99, it's a serious bargain compared to the celebrity-favourite Big Green Egg, which costs a whopping £850 for even the smaller models. You may remember Aldi's Kamado BBQ from a few summers ago when it first caused a storm. Shoppers snapped it up within days. Now it's making a grand return — upgraded, improved, and ready to sizzle all summer long. Aldi's Specialbuy BBQ is packed with premium features, including a stainless steel grill rack and a built-in temperature gauge. It's cleverly designed with a fold to help trap heat and prevent smoke from escaping. For 2025, Aldi has added some updates. The new model comes with removable folding wooden boards — giving you extra space to prep your food or serve up dishes straight from the grill. Plus, it's versatile. You can smoke, chargrill, sear, and, of course, barbecue, giving it many of the same functions as BBQs that cost triple the price. If you're more into gas BBQs, Aldi hasn't forgotten you. Their Four Burner Gas BBQ lands in stores on April 27 and will cost just £199.99. In comparison, the Big Green Egg is considered the king of BBQs — loved by pro chefs and serious foodies alike. But with Aldi's Kamado offering similar features at a fraction of the cost, it's a no-brainer for budget-conscious grillers. Here's how Aldi's version stacks up against the big names: The Aldi Kamado BBQ, priced at just £299.99, features folding wooden boards, supports a full range of cooking styles, and offers a massive saving compared to high-end brands. In contrast, the MiniMax Big Green Egg comes in at £850, offering compact but powerful performance with professional-grade cooking capabilities—though it carries a heavy price tag to match its heavy-duty design. For those considering even pricier options, the Kamado Joe BBQ is available online but will set you back around £1,377.99 on Amazon. So if you want the full Kamado experience without the financial burn, Aldi's version could be the way to go. Aldi isn't stopping at BBQs either. The supermarket is also bringing back the hugely popular Belavi BBQ Pizza Oven, and it's flying off shelves for just £29.99. Compared to the Ninja Electric Outdoor Oven, which can set you back a hefty £330, Aldi's dupe offers an eye-watering saving of £300. The Belavi Pizza Oven is packed with features. It includes a fire box, a ceramic pizza stone, and a grill that works with both gas and charcoal BBQs. It can whip up a 12-inch pizza in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for impromptu garden gatherings. Plus, it has a cool-touch handle and an easy-to-use temperature control that heats from 0C to 200C in 5C increments. If you're planning summer get-togethers, Aldi's also restocked two more outdoor must-haves. First up is the Portable BBQ, now back in stores for £49.99. That's a massive saving compared to John Lewis's LotusGrill Mini, which sells for £140, making Aldi's version £90 cheaper. This battery-powered BBQ comes with an integrated fan and a handy carry case, making it ideal for camping, festivals, or small garden spaces. If you miss out, there's a similar one available at Amazon for £39.99 — though shoppers say Aldi's version is 'easy to use' and 'perfect for camping trips'. And for those cooler evenings, Aldi's Portable Firepit is also back, priced at just £24.99. It comes with fold-down legs, a poker, and a carry bag — making it easy to pack away or take on trips. You'll find the XL Outdoor Rug for just £12.99, available in stripey cream or modern grey geometric prints, perfect for making your outdoor space feel cosy and stylish. Also coming soon are Solar Hot Air Balloon Lights (£6.99 each) in bright colour options, complete with a realistic flaming effect. When's the best time to shop at Aldi? WHEN it comes to shopping at Aldi, the best time to do so depends on what you want to buy. For reduced items - when shops open. Red sticker items are rare at Aldi's 830 UK stores, but the supermarket says that none of its food goes to waste so there are some to be found - if you're quick. A spokesman for the supermarket said: "All items are reduced to 50 per cent of the recommend sales price before stores open on their best before or use by dates." That means you have the best chance of finding reduced food items if you go into stores as soon as it opens. Opening times vary by shop but a majority open from 7am or 8am. You can find your nearest store's times by using the supermarket's online shop finder tool. For Specialbuys - Thursdays and Sundays Specialbuys are Aldi's weekly collection of items that it doesn't normally sell, which can range from pizza ovens to power tools. New stock comes into stores every Thursday and Sunday, so naturally, these are the best days to visit for the best one-off special deals. For an even better chance of bagging the best items, head there for your local store's opening time. Remember: once they're gone, they're gone, so if there's something you really want, visit as early as possible
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Aldi bringing back summer cult favourite for £100 cheaper than last year – and it's perfect for garden parties
BBQ lovers are rejoicing after Aldi confirmed the return of a summer cult favourite - and it's £100 cheaper than last year. Perfect for garden parties, the top-rated Kamado BBQ is landing in stores just in time for the bank holiday season — but you'll have to be quick if you want one. The supermarket giant announced on X: 'The Kamado BBQ will be available in stores on the 08/05/2025.' Shoppers have already been on the hunt, with one frustrated fan posting: 'Went out looking for the new Kamado egg at @aldiuk but none in any local branches.' But there's good news, the Kamado BBQ is officially hitting stores this May. And it's set to be the ultimate garden party essential for 2025. Landing at just £299.99, it's a serious bargain compared to the celebrity-favourite Big Green Egg, which costs a whopping £850 for even the smaller models. You may remember Aldi's Kamado BBQ from a few summers ago when it first caused a storm. Shoppers snapped it up within days. Now it's making a grand return — upgraded, improved, and ready to sizzle all summer long. Aldi's Specialbuy BBQ is packed with premium features, including a stainless steel grill rack and a built-in temperature gauge. It's cleverly designed with a fold to help trap heat and prevent smoke from escaping. For 2025, Aldi has added some updates. The new model comes with removable folding wooden boards — giving you extra space to prep your food or serve up dishes straight from the grill. Plus, it's versatile. You can smoke, chargrill, sear, and, of course, barbecue, giving it many of the same functions as BBQs that cost triple the price. If you're more into gas BBQs, Aldi hasn't forgotten you. Their Four Burner Gas BBQ lands in stores on April 27 and will cost just £199.99. In comparison, the Big Green Egg is considered the king of BBQs — loved by pro chefs and serious foodies alike. But with Aldi's Kamado offering similar features at a fraction of the cost, it's a no-brainer for budget-conscious grillers. Here's how Aldi's version stacks up against the big names: The Aldi Kamado BBQ, priced at just £299.99, features folding wooden boards, supports a full range of cooking styles, and offers a massive saving compared to high-end brands. In contrast, the MiniMax Big Green Egg comes in at £850, offering compact but powerful performance with professional-grade cooking capabilities—though it carries a heavy price tag to match its heavy-duty design. For those considering even pricier options, the Kamado Joe BBQ is available online but will set you back around £1,377.99 on Amazon. So if you want the full Kamado experience without the financial burn, Aldi's version could be the way to go. Aldi isn't stopping at BBQs either. The supermarket is also bringing back the hugely popular Belavi BBQ Pizza Oven, and it's flying off shelves for just £29.99. Compared to the Ninja Electric Outdoor Oven, which can set you back a hefty £330, Aldi's dupe offers an eye-watering saving of £300. The Belavi Pizza Oven is packed with features. It includes a fire box, a ceramic pizza stone, and a grill that works with both gas and charcoal BBQs. It can whip up a 12-inch pizza in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for impromptu garden gatherings. Plus, it has a cool-touch handle and an easy-to-use temperature control that heats from 0C to 200C in 5C increments. If you're planning summer get-togethers, Aldi's also restocked two more outdoor must-haves. First up is the Portable BBQ, now back in stores for £49.99. That's a massive saving compared to John Lewis's LotusGrill Mini, which sells for £140, making Aldi's version £90 cheaper. This battery-powered BBQ comes with an integrated fan and a handy carry case, making it ideal for camping, festivals, or small garden spaces. If you miss out, there's a similar one available at Amazon for £39.99 — though shoppers say Aldi's version is 'easy to use' and 'perfect for camping trips'. And for those cooler evenings, Aldi's Portable Firepit is also back, priced at just £24.99. It comes with fold-down legs, a poker, and a carry bag — making it easy to pack away or take on trips. You'll find the XL Outdoor Rug for just £12.99, available in stripey cream or modern grey geometric prints, perfect for making your outdoor space feel cosy and stylish. Also coming soon are Solar Hot Air Balloon Lights (£6.99 each) in bright colour options, complete with a realistic flaming effect. When's the best time to shop at Aldi? WHEN it comes to shopping at Aldi, the best time to do so depends on what you want to buy. For reduced items - when shops open. Red sticker items are rare at Aldi's 830 UK stores, but the supermarket says that none of its food goes to waste so there are some to be found - if you're quick. A spokesman for the supermarket said: "All items are reduced to 50 per cent of the recommend sales price before stores open on their best before or use by dates." That means you have the best chance of finding reduced food items if you go into stores as soon as it opens. Opening times vary by shop but a majority open from 7am or 8am. You can find your nearest store's times by using the supermarket's online shop finder tool. For Specialbuys - Thursdays and Sundays Specialbuys are Aldi's weekly collection of items that it doesn't normally sell, which can range from pizza ovens to power tools. New stock comes into stores every Thursday and Sunday, so naturally, these are the best days to visit for the best one-off special deals. For an even better chance of bagging the best items, head there for your local store's opening time. Remember: once they're gone, they're gone, so if there's something you really want, visit as early as possible 3
