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Kimuura Yaki Kamado Grill (the pre-BGE?)...

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Greetings all! I am new to the forum and need some help with a grill I bought over the weekend. It stands about 31" tall and has an 18" cooking surface. The name on the handle of the grill grate tool says "Kimuura Yaki Kamado." I bought it from an estate sale. The story is that the previous owner visited Hawaii in the 1960's & saw a grill like this. When he came home he ordered this one. My research indicates that this was the precursor of the BGE & unlike the BGE (being made of ceramic), this grill may be made of clay and is prone to cracking during high heat cooking. I paid $200 for it. It's in great shape with no cracks & no significant rust. I am curious as to whether cracking could be an issue? What would be the value of this grill? I am considering selling it to purchase a BGE. Thanks to all who may be able to assist me!

Comments

  • Richard Fl
    Richard Fl Posts: 8,297
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    I have had 3  original kamados in my lifetime.  Bought the first in SE Asia in '68 It lasted about 5 years until I moved and it was dropped by the mover.   in the last 5 years I have bought 2 kamados from estate sales also and did some restoring to them.  When I use them I keep the temp under 375F or so.  I also have 3 BGEs so high temp cooks just get done on them. Welcome to EGGland.
  • jllbms
    jllbms Posts: 381
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    You know the warranty didn't transfer to you... :)
    Kemah, TX
  • Redskull
    Redskull Posts: 55
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    Sweet find, I know that this method off cooking dates when back in the Japanese history.  I would love to find one for myself.  Share some cooks with us EGGheads.
    MESQUITE, TEXAS - LBGE, Tejas Smoker, Circle-J 24" open pit grill, indoor & outdoor cooking, beer, camping, more beer & cooking...
  • Skiddymarker
    Skiddymarker Posts: 8,522
    edited July 2014
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    Welcome! 
    What a great find. Enjoy it with care. The clay will last a long time if the fires are kept small and the temps low. 
    Delta B.C. - Whiskey and steak, because no good story ever started with someone having a salad!
  • allsid
    allsid Posts: 492
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    Cool find!  I was just able to cook on one of those about 3 weeks ago.  Be careful with that handle as they had not quite nailed the concept of not burning your fingers and knuckles yet.  I was also told that some of the handles will have numbers on them that signify production number or production run, but cannot validate that.  
    Proud resident of Missoula, MT
    https://www.facebook.com/GrillingMontana
    http://grillingmontana.com
    https://instagram.com/grillingmontana

    Check out my book on Kamado cooking called Exclusively Kamado:
    http://bit.ly/kamadobook

  • HDumptyEsq
    HDumptyEsq Posts: 1,095
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    Score!

    Tony in Brentwood, TN.

    Medium BGE, New Braunfels off-set smoker, 3-burner Charbroiler gasser, mainly used for Eggcessory  storage, old electric upright now used for Amaz-N-Smoker.

    "I like cooking with wine - sometimes I put it in the food." - W. C. Fields

  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
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    Man, that looks just like my BGE except for the finish! Is the BGE a clone of this?
    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
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    Man, that looks just like my BGE except for the finish! Is the BGE a clone of this?

    LOL... You didn't think the egg was an Ed Fisher original, did you?

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

  • DMW
    DMW Posts: 13,832
    edited July 2014
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    Man, that looks just like my BGE except for the finish! Is the BGE a clone of this?

    LOL... You didn't think the egg was an Ed Fisher original, did you?
    I thought he copied it from Richard Johnson

    I included sarcasm tags but they aren't rendering or displaying.

    They/Them
    Morgantown, PA

    XL BGE - S BGE - KJ Jr - HB Legacy - BS Pizza Oven - 30" Firepit - King Kooker Fryer -  PR72T - WSJ - BS 17" Griddle - XXL BGE  - BS SS36" Griddle - 2 Burner Gasser - Pellet Smoker