Old Japenese Kamado

TruthSpitter

I bought an old Japanese Kinuurayaki Kamado #5 this week from some people that purchased estate house that has sat empty for ten years. I am an experienced bbq/smoker, but I have no experience with an egg style cooker. The kamado is all in one piece and able to be moved without worry of it breaking, but there are some long cracks that are visible on the inside and outside. The bottom firebox is in large pieces with a few small pieces broken off. I have found web pages showing how to make repairs...although I am not sure if repairs are necessary.

I am deciding if I want to repair and keep it to smoke things (like brisket) on, or if I should sell it and buy something else. (like a modern green egg) What kind of price can I expect to get if I sell it? (repaired and as is) How do these compare to modern green eggs? Any feedback or info you can give me is greatly appreciated!

mb168

How cool is that??? I don't think I'd want to cook on one, vs a new one, but pretty cool find.

WessB

If it's as old as it looks it is most likely made from clay, which is not intended for any higher temp cooks like we are doing with the ceramic egg....Don't really remember the recommendation for clay cookers, but I believe it was...keep it below 300°....probably will still make great lo N slo cooker..

Bacchus

No reason it can't be used as a smoker, low heat of course. Not sure you would get much out of it and hopefully you didnt pay a whole lot.

TruthSpitter

It is made from clay. The manual (which I found online) says to keep it under 500. For my smokes that is not a problem...200 - 300 is the range I will be staying in.

TruthSpitter

From what I have read online there does appear to be a market for these, so I am hoping somebody familiar with them stops by and is able to give me some solid info from their knowledge and experience.

WessB

If ya got it for cheap I would say throw as little money at it as possible..and cook away, if it breaks or falls apart you aint out a lot...that said, if it's a collectors item it might be worth throwing more money into to sell for a profit....

Florida Grillin Girl

RichardFL bought one just like that and restored it. Send him an email and I'm sure he will be happy to explain how he did it.

Faith

Bacchus

I would think anyone lacking knowledge or exprience would avoid responding to you.
Good Luck!

Richard Fl

Went thru a similiar event last Oct.

http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=733592&catid=1


Used JB Weld on the fire ring and box, sandblasted the metal and sprayed with high temp black for BBQ's.Used Ace Hardward fleck stone (sp) Figured I did not need high heat paint as I only plan on going 350-400F for pp, ribs and poultry. Also dutch over chilies and gumbos,



Naked Wizard has a manual on his site for kamados.

TruthSpitter

Thanks for the info Richard! How does your cooker do on maintaining temps on longer smokes? How much do you need to keep adjusting things to maintain constant temps?