How to Clean a Kamado Joe Like a Pro: Tips, Tricks & Hacks

If you’re a fan of the Kamado Joe grill, you know it requires serious cleaning to keep it in excellent condition. 

If you’ve ever tried to clean your Kamado Joe, you know it’s not an easy task. The results aren’t always satisfactory and can be time-consuming and frustrating.

In this article, we’ll teach you the basics of cleaning a Kamado Joe like a pro and suggest tips and tricks for making the process easier and faster.

How to Clean a Kamado Joe

Cleaning a Kamado Joe is not as difficult as you might think. In reality, using a few basic strategies and tactics, your Kamado Joe will be clean and shiny in no time! We’ll walk you through the steps of How to Clean a Kamado Joe so you can return to cooking.

Cleaning a Kamado Joe is not as difficult as you might think. In reality, using a few basic strategies and tactics, your Kamado Joe will be clean and shiny in no time! We’ll walk you through the steps of How to Clean a Kamado Joe so you can return to cooking.

Time needed: 1 hour

  1. Clean the inside of your Kamado Joe

    The inside of your Kamado Joe is where the magic happens. This is where the heat and smoke from the grill cook your food. 

  2. Assemble the grill for cleaning

    First, we’ll light some charcoal in the firebox to get a fire going in the grill so that the Kamado Joe will be self-cleaned. Set the grill on top of the heat deflector rack and put the heat deflector on top of the grill. This will keep the grill from becoming too hot. Finally, put the pizza stone on top of the heat deflector rack

  3. Get the grill up to temperature

    Adjust the temperature to 650 or 700 degrees, and maintain the heat for up to half an hour. Then let the grill cool off.

  4. Next, clean the internal parts

    We need to remove all the grill pieces to clean them. First, we’re going to need to clean out the charcoal. Wash the charcoal out of the firebox and then set it aside.

  5. Clear out the ash and debris

    Lift out the ceramic pieces inside the fire ring and remove the firebox. Be very careful with it! Once it’s removed, you must take care of all the ash and debris. You will need to get down to the bottom of the container.

  6. Brush the inside of the grill

    Brush all around the inside of the oven. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up all the mess, and make sure to remove any burnt-on food particles. While brushing, you should also brush down the fire ring and the firebox.

  7. Wipe down the inside

    Once everything has been cleaned, thoroughly wipe down the grill with a moist towel.

  8. Clean the outside of your Kamado Joe

    Mix a mild detergent with water to wash the outside of your Kamado Joe. And after spraying it, rub it with a paper towel or sterile cloth. Lemon water and baking soda can be used as washing agents. The power tools can be used with a gentle brush or a vacuum. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives as this could damage the metal surfaces. 

  9. Clean the chimney

    Washing the chimney is also important. Not cleaning can lead to baked-on leftover grease buildup in your grill. With the help of a sterile cloth, remove all the grease from the outside and inside of the chimney.

  10. Clean the cooking grates

    It is essential to clean the cooking grates before and after each use.
    Food can build up on the grates and eventually lead to a buildup of grease that can cause the grates to rust or pockmark the grill’s surface.
    To wash your grates, remove the ash pan and scrub the grates with a brush. Then, use a wire brush to remove residue from the grating surface.
    Finally, wipe down the grates with a paper towel to remove any remaining dirt or debris from the surface. Avoid using abrasives or strong chemicals to wash your grate since doing so might harm the surface of your barbecue.

  11. Clean the ash catcher

    The ash catcher is responsible for catching all the ashes that fall from the fire. Over time, these ashes can build up and clog the ash catcher. To wash it, simply remove the ash catcher and empty it. Clean the area surrounding the ash collector with a brush after emptying it. To finish, use a pure towel to remove any leftover particles from the ash catcher.

  12. Finally, clean the thermometer.

    The thermometer is responsible for monitoring the temperature inside your Kamado Joe. Over time, the thermometer can become clogged with dirt and grime. Remove the thermometer and use a brush or a damp cloth to scrub it. Be sure to clean the surrounding area where the thermometer was located. Use a non-abrasive cleanser to clean the thermometer from top to bottom while you’re cleaning it.

How to Clean a Kamado Joe

FAQ

How often should I clean my Kamado Joe?

The amount of time you burn your charcoal varies depending on its quality. However, you should clean your Kamado Joe weekly to ensure it is in top condition. You also need to deep clean every three months.

Is it necessary to clean the Kamado Joe grill all the time?

No, you don’t have to clean your Kamado Joe all the time. However, if there is ash buildup or gunk on the grill surface, you should deep clean it every couple of months to ensure its optimal performance.