Beating the Heat
Grilling in the summer sun is part of the fun, but when the temps soar, so can your grill temperature. Here's how to stay in control, despite the heat.
Your grill doesn't need to fight the weather, just work with it.
Tips for Staying in Control
When it's already 90°F+ outside, your Kamado Joe starts from a warmer baseline, meaning it will come to temp faster and potentially overshoot your target. Ceramic grills retain heat incredibly well, so managing airflow and fuel becomes more important than ever in the heat.
Dial in Your Airflow (and Then Leave It Alone)
Your bottom vent controls how much oxygen feeds the fire, while the top vent helps regulate heat and smoke. On hot days, it's easier to overshoot your target temp, so:
- Start with a smaller fire than usual.
- Dial back your vents sooner.
- Make incremental adjustments and give the grill 10–15 minutes to respond.
Use a Full Charcoal Basket, But Light Less
Use your Charcoal Basket to filter ash and allow better airflow, but only light a small section (like one corner) for low-and-slow. The rest will catch naturally as needed. This gives you a longer, more controlled burn.
Use a Heat Deflector to Your Advantage
Heat deflectors aren't just for indirect cooking; they also buffer extreme temperatures and help create even heat zones inside your grill. Use them to avoid hot spots, especially if you're running the grill for long periods.
Use Built-In Tech
Grilling on a Konnected Joe™? Let the Kontrol Fan™ do the work. It automatically adjusts airflow to keep you locked into your target temp—even when it's blazing outside.
Avoid Opening the Dome Too Often
Each time you open your grill, heat escapes and oxygen rushes in. This can cause unexpected spikes or drops. Trust your tools, use built-in thermometers or smart probes to track food without lifting the lid.
Pro Tip: Cook in the Morning or Late Afternoon
Avoid direct midday sun if possible. Not only will you feel better, but your grill won't have to work as hard to maintain the right temperature.
With the right setup and a little know-how, even the hottest summer days can deliver your most dialed-in cooks yet. Kamado Joe's superior heat retention, airflow control, and optional tech tools make it easy to grill smarter, not hotter.
