Choosing the Right Cookware for Your Grill
When it comes to grilling, your cookware can make or break the dish. Whether you're stir-frying veggies over an open flame, searing steaks, or building flavor-packed sides, the material you choose affects performance, flavor, and ease of use. Let's break down the differences between carbon steel and stainless steel and why we believe the Karbon Steel™ line leads the pack for serious grillers.
Having the right tools and accessories can drastically improve your culinary experience.
Why Karbon Steel™
Kamado Joe's Karbon Steel™ cookware combines the best attributes of cast iron and stainless steel, without the weight or hassle.
Top Benefits:
- Lightweight: Easier to handle than cast iron with similar heat retention
- Heats Quickly & Evenly: Responds like stainless, with fewer hot spots
- Natural Non-Stick Surface: Develops seasoning over time—no coatings, no chemicals
- Handles High Heat: Built for the fire, perfect for kamado-style grilling
Comparing Cookware for the Grill: Karbon Steel™ vs. Cast Iron on the Grill
Whether you're searing, sautéing, or stir-frying over charcoal, your cookware makes a big difference. Here's how Karbon Steel™ and cast-iron stack up when it comes to grilling performance.
| Feature | Karbon Steel™ | Cast Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Handles High Heat | ✅ | ✅ |
| Heats Up Quickly | ✅ | ❌ |
| Limits Hot Spots | ✅ | ❌ |
| Non-Stick Surface | ✅ With seasoning | 🔶 With seasoning |
| Lightweight | ✅ | ❌ |
| Easy to Clean | ✅ With proper care | ❌ Can rust easily |
What About Cast Iron?
Cast Iron can still bring some benefits to your kamado grilling. While it is heavier and harder to upkeep, the Cast Iron Wok, Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Half-Moon Cast Iron Grate, Half Moon Cast Iron Reversible Griddle can be a great addition to your grilling arsenal.
Explore the Karbon Steel™ Wok
Nest it directly into your Kamado Joe and let it handle the flames. This is ideal for quick stir-fries, noodles, and high-heat sears.
Explore the Karbon Steel™ Griddle
Flat-top cooking for burgers, bacon, pancakes, and more. Excellent for backyard brunch or hibachi nights.
Explore the Half-Moon Pans
Designed for the Divide & Conquer® system, these allow dual-zone cooking: sear on one side, smoke or roast on the other.
Explore the Paella Pan
Perfect for feeding a crowd with rice dishes, baked pastas, or even dessert cobblers.
Karbon Steel™ Collection delivers what grillers need most: speed, strength, and sear, without weight or worry. Whether you're flipping smash burgers or stirring up stir fry, it's your go-to tool for fire-fueled cooking.
