Must-Have Accessories for Kamado Cooking
A kamado can take you from a quick weeknight grill to a slow-cooked Sunday roast. The right accessories help you make the most of that versatility, but you don't need to buy everything at once.
Start with what suits the way you cook, then build your setup as you try new things. Here's what's worth having, and what can wait.
Check compatibility first
Kamado accessories aren't one-size-fits-all. Before buying, check your grill's brand, model and size. A plate that looks like it fits may still need a specific rack or support, and some accessories change how much space you have under the lid.
It's also worth checking what came with your kamado. You may already have the essentials for indirect cooking.
Quality lump charcoal
The fuel you use affects everything from temperature control to flavour. Quality lump charcoal lights quickly, burns hot and clean, and responds well to vent adjustments, which makes holding a steady temperature much easier. It also leaves less ash than many briquettes, helping keep your kamado's airflow clear.
Look for larger, consistent pieces with minimal dust, and store charcoal somewhere dry. Light it with natural firelighters or an electric starter, and never use lighter fluid, which can taint your food and isn't suitable for ceramic cookers.
A heat deflector for indirect cooking
If you want to roast or cook low and slow, a heat deflector is the place to start. It sits between the charcoal and the food, turning your kamado from a grill into an oven.
Some systems use a single plate, while others use split deflectors that let you set up a hot zone and a cooler zone at the same time. That's handy for searing a steak on one side while vegetables cook gently on the other.
A reliable food thermometer
The lid thermometer tells you the temperature inside the cooker, not inside your food. A digital food thermometer is one of the most useful things you can own.
An instant-read thermometer is quick for checking steaks, sausages and chicken pieces. A leave-in probe lets you follow a long cook, like a brisket or pork shoulder, without lifting the lid and losing heat.
Heat-resistant gloves and sturdy tools
Long-handled tongs and a solid spatula make working around a hot grill far easier. Add a pair of proper heat-resistant gloves for moving grates, deflectors and stones, and have a heat-safe spot ready to set them down.
A drip tray for easier clean-up
For roasts and indirect cooks, a drip tray catches fat and juices before they reach the deflector. It keeps flare-ups down and saves a lot of scrubbing afterwards. Empty it once it's cooled.
A cast iron plate
A cast iron plate gives you a solid surface for food that slips through a grate, such as diced vegetables, prawns or delicate fish fillets. It also delivers a great sear on smash burgers and scallops.
Season it, dry it thoroughly after cleaning and store it somewhere dry, and it will last for years.
A pizza stone for pizza nights
With a pizza stone and deflector in place, your kamado becomes a backyard pizza oven. Add a pizza peel for sliding pizzas on and off, though expect a few lopsided ones while you get the hang of it.
Bring the stone up to temperature with the cooker and let it cool down naturally afterwards, as sudden temperature changes can crack ceramic.
A cover and cleaning tools
A well-fitted cover protects your kamado between cooks, especially in coastal or exposed spots. Let the grill cool completely before covering it.
An ash tool and a grill brush suited to your cooking surfaces round out the kit. Remove ash only when it's fully cold.
Build your kit around what you cook
For a practical starting kit, focus on good charcoal, a food thermometer, heat-resistant gloves and sturdy tools, plus a heat deflector if your grill didn't come with one.
Then add accessories with a purpose: a cast iron plate for seafood and smaller foods, a pizza stone for family pizza nights, or a rotisserie for regular roasts. And remember, the most valuable thing you'll add to your kamado is time behind it. Every cook teaches you a little more about how your grill responds.
Not sure what fits your kamado? Bring your brand, model and size details to the Hauland Lifestyle team, and we'll help you choose the right accessories for the way you cook.
