Best Kamado Accessories

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Kamados are versatile out of the box, but accessories multiply what they can do. A heat deflector is essential for smoking and baking. Multi-level racks create two-zone cooking. Cast iron grates improve searing. A fan controller holds steady temperatures for overnight cooks. And practical items like ash tools, gaskets, covers and carts make ownership easier.

Many accessories are model-specific, so confirm fit with your kamado's brand and size. We explain what each accessory does and which ones are worth buying first. See our kamado cooking guide.

Start with a heat deflector

The heat deflector sits between the fire and the food, blocking direct heat for indirect cooking. It's required for smoking, roasting and baking. Some kamados include one; if yours doesn't, it's the first accessory to buy. Brand names vary, such as ConvEGGtor for Big Green Egg and heat deflector plates in Kamado Joe's Divide & Conquer system.

The best kamado accessories

Multi-level cooking systems

Rack systems let you place half-moon deflectors and grates at different heights, creating hot and cool zones at once: sear on one side, cook indirect on the other. They also add cooking space for large cooks.

Cast iron and specialty grates

Cast iron grates hold heat for deep sear marks. Griddle inserts, woks and plancha plates add new cooking styles. See cast iron grill grates.

Pizza and baking stones

A pizza stone above the heat deflector turns the kamado into a pizza oven. Leave space between the deflector and stone to avoid burnt crusts. See pizza accessories.

Temperature controllers and probes

Fan controllers attach to the bottom vent and regulate airflow to hold temperatures automatically, ideal for overnight cooks. Wireless probes monitor food and pit temperatures. See BBQ temp controllers and wireless meat probes.

Ash tools and cleaning

An ash tool and ash pan or basket make removing ash easy, which keeps airflow strong. Grate brushes and scrapers help cleaning. See best ash tools.

Gaskets

Gaskets seal the lid. Worn gaskets leak smoke and make temperature control harder. Replacement gaskets, including high-temperature materials, are available. See gasket kits.

Tables, nests and carts

Kamados are heavy. Nests and carts with locking wheels make moving them safer. Tables add workspace. Place kamados on non-combustible surfaces or use proper stands. See grill prep tables.

Covers

Covers protect kamados from weather, especially gaskets and metal bands. Let the grill cool fully before covering. See grill covers.

What to buy first

1. Heat deflector (if not included).
2. Instant-read thermometer or wireless probe.
3. Ash tool.
4. Heat-resistant gloves.
5. Cover.
6. Multi-level rack system, cast iron grate or pizza stone, depending on what you cook.
7. Fan controller if you do overnight cooks.

Accessories that aren't worth it for most people

Some accessories are fun but not essential: branded utensils, specialty racks for rare cooks, and gadgets that duplicate tools you already own. Focus first on the deflector, thermometer, ash tool, gloves and cover. Add others as your cooking expands.

Buying tips

Match accessories to your kamado's brand and size, since diameters vary. Third-party accessories can be good value but check fit carefully. Read reviews from owners of your model.

Accessories by cooking style

• Smoking: heat deflector, drip pans, fan controller, wireless probes, wood chunks.
• Searing: cast iron grate, heat-resistant gloves, instant-read thermometer.
• Pizza: deflector, pizza stone, peel, infrared thermometer.
• Multi-zone cooking: half-moon deflectors and multi-level racks.
• Maintenance: ash tool, grate scraper, replacement gasket, cover.

Drip pans

A drip pan on the heat deflector catches fat during long cooks, keeping the deflector clean and preventing smoky flare-ups of burning grease. Use disposable aluminum pans or reusable pans sized for your kamado. Leave a small gap between the pan and deflector so grease doesn't burn.

Our bottom line

Get the heat deflector, thermometer, ash tool, gloves and cover first. Then add the accessory that matches the cooking you do most: a rack system for multi-zone cooking, cast iron for searing, a stone for pizza, or a fan controller for overnight smoking.

Thermometers for kamado cooks

Dome thermometers on kamados measure temperature at the top of the dome, which can differ from temperatures at the grate, especially with a deflector in place. A probe clipped at grate level gives a more accurate picture of cooking temperature. An instant-read thermometer confirms food doneness. Wireless multi-probe units let you track both pit and meat temperatures from inside. See wireless meat probes.

Grill lights and night cooking

A grill light that clips onto a side shelf or handle helps with evening cooks and checking color on meat. See grill lights.

Accessory care

Clean deflectors by burning off residue rather than washing, since some ceramic accessories can crack if wet and heated quickly. Season cast iron grates like cookware. Wash stainless racks as needed.

Gift ideas for kamado owners

Useful gifts include a fan controller, a wireless multi-probe thermometer, a cast iron grate, a pizza stone and peel, quality lump charcoal, a selection of wood chunks, heat-resistant gloves and a fitted cover. Confirm the kamado's brand and size before buying model-specific accessories.