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Cooking methods

Kokko XL Ocean Blue kamado

The different cooking methods with a kamado

Vertical cutaway of an olive green Kokko kamado

Direct grilling

The principle of direct grilling is to place food directly on the stainless steel grate of the Kokko kamado, right over the fire. This cooking method is one of the most popular ways to enjoy barbecue.

Direct grilling is ideal for foods that require a short cooking time, such as skewers, sausages, or chops.

Cooking directly over the fire is a fast method, rarely exceeding 10 minutes.

Vertical cross-section of a Kokko Oxide Red kamado

2. Elevated direct grilling

Elevated direct grilling unlocks new possibilities, thanks to the stainless steel cooking grate that can be set at different heights. With this raised cooking method, your food is gently infused with the radiant heat from the dome. Positioned about 40–45 cm above the embers, ingredients cook more slowly, developing deeper, richer flavors. This technique also delivers irresistibly crisp and crunchy textures. Elevated direct grilling unlocks new possibilities, thanks to the stainless steel cooking grate that can be set at different heights. With this raised cooking method, your food is gently infused with the radiant heat from the dome. Positioned about 40–45 cm above the embers, ingredients cook more slowly, developing deeper, richer flavors. This technique also delivers irresistibly crisp and crunchy textures.

Among the many kamado cooking techniques, elevated direct grilling stands out for its ability to preserve flavors while creating a beautifully golden, crispy finish.

Vertical cross-section of a deep black Kokko kamado

3. Indirect cooking

Indirect cooking uses the heat of the fire without direct contact between the food and the flames. The Kokko kamado makes this cooking method possible thanks to the heat deflector, which can be placed inside the kamado. There are two types of deflectors: the ceramic stone, which also lets you bake pizzas or bread, and the lava stone, which is ideal for grilling meat or fish while infusing them with a unique flavour.

The ceramic or lava stone heat deflector is very thick. It acts as a thermal barrier and delivers steady, even heat.

Its purpose is to maintain airflow to regulate the temperature inside the kamado, ensuring powerful, consistent heat and transforming your Kokko into a true outdoor oven.

Vertical cutaway of a Kokko Ocean Blue kamado

4. Combine direct and indirect cooking

The Kokko kamado lets you cook a variety of foods that require different cooking methods. It seamlessly combines direct and indirect cooking in a single appliance. Thanks to the half-moon ceramic plate, you can create two distinct cooking zones. Effortlessly switch between cooking styles—bake as you would in an oven while grilling and searing your cuts of meat to perfection.

Vertical cutaway of an olive green Kokko kamado

5. Hot smoking on the kamado barbecue

Smoking food means exposing it to smoke to infuse flavor without actually cooking it. The temperature must remain low, around 100°C (225 F). Smoking should be a slow process, lasting between 5 and 15 hours.

Traditionally, kamado cooking is all about low and slow heat, bringing out the very best in every ingredient. The result is truly exceptional.

On a more technical note, during slow cooking, the connective tissues and collagen in meat gently melt away, leaving only tender, juicy cuts. This method is ideal—and effortless to achieve with the Kokko ceramic kamado.

Vertical cross-section of a Kokko olive green kamado with cold smoking coil

6. Cold smoking

Cold smoking involves exposing food to smoke without cooking it, at temperatures below 30°C (86°F).

This process can last from 6 to 12 hours, allowing flavors to develop slowly and deeply. Unlike hot smoking, cold smoking preserves the texture and tenderness of the food while infusing it with a rich smoky flavor.

This technique is ideal for preparing fish, meats, or cheeses, and can be easily achieved with the Kokko kamado, which offers precise temperature control to ensure perfect results.