SHOKUNIN KAMADO GRILL CLEANING AND CARE GUIDE

The Shokunin Kamado Grill is crafted from high-quality stainless steel and built to provide a lifetime of use and enjoyment. Read on for care and cleaning tips to keep your grill performing at its optimal level.


CLEANING THE SHOKUNIN’S COOKING GRATES

Before each cooking session, you need to clean your grates. The cooking grates are most easily cleaned when they are hot. To clean the grates: 

  1. Use a stiff stainless steel grill brush or wooden grill grate scraper to brush away burnt on grease and residue. 
  2. Remove periodically for degreasing and deep cleaning. After deep cleaning, they should be reseasoned.


SEASONING THE SHOKUNIN’S COOKING GRATES

Treat your cooking grates more like a cast iron skillet. The goal is to keep them clean, but to also keep them black. To season the grates: Wipe them with vegetable oil before the first use and after each deep cleaning, then keep the grates in the grill during preheating to keep them seasoned.


CLEANING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR SHOKUNIN GRILL

Your Shokunin Kamado Grill is made from 304 or 316 marine-grade stainless steel that are both very resistant to corrosion. However, while the stainless steel may discolor from the intense heat, this condition is normal. 

Before starting to clean, always make sure the grill has completely cooled then follow these cleaning tips: 

  1. Always clean the exterior of your stainless steel grill with a degreaser such as Simple Green™ BBQ Cleaner, followed by a stainless steel polish such as Claire's. 
  2. Use a microfiber towel and clean with the grain. 
  3. Remove all cleaner residue before using the grill in order to avoid a build-up of film from the cleaner.

For stubborn stains, we recommend powdered Bar Keepers Friend®. For any scratches or problem areas, we recommend using a Scratch-B-Gone kit. 


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OCEANFRONT ENVIRONMENTS

Oceanfront environments with salt air and sea spray will require regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent rust. For maximum corrosion and stain resistance of your products, we highly recommend cleaning the stainless steel at least twice a month.


CLEANING THE CONTROL VENTS OF YOUR SHOKUNIN

Depending on the kinds of food you cook most frequently, the air vents may become discolored with burnt grease. To clean them, use a foaming degreaser such as Simple Green™ BBQ Cleaner.

CARING FOR YOUR SHOKUNIN GRILL’S WOOD FRAME

Ipe wood is incredibly durable and resistant to insects and rot so there is minimal maintenance for the frame. For the oiled ipe frame finish, the rich, brown color can be maintained through seasonal treatment using Penofin® oil. Oiling the wood once or twice per year will maintain that appearance. For the natural ipe finish, you can simply let it age naturally and it will weather to a warm, pewter gray color.


CLEANING THE INTERIOR OF YOUR SHOKUNIN GRILL

Wait at least 24 hours after the fire has been snuffed and the ash is cool before cleaning the inside of the grill. 

To clean the inside of the grill, start by emptying the ash pan. This needs to be emptied frequently (after every few times the grill is used). To empty: 

  1. First flip open the cooking grates. Unburnt charcoal can be removed and saved for future use. Spent charcoal and ash can be brushed down into the ash pan using a natural hair painter’s brush. 
  2. Sweep each fire grate clear of ash, and then flip up into the open position (the adjustable fire grates flip up to the rear of the grill, and the main fire grate flips up to the front of the grill). All the grates should be in the open position. 
  3. Carefully lift out the ash pan using the two handles in the center and throw away the spent charcoal and ash.


CARING FOR THE SHOKUNIN’S LID GASKETS

We recommend you routinely check the lid gasket for a quality seal. The gasket can wear out over time. Replacement gaskets are available, and are easy to install.

SEASONAL CARE FOR YOUR SHOKUNIN GRILL 

If you don't plan to use your grill for longer than one month, we recommend covering the grill with a Kalamazoo Sunbrella Cover to prevent water collection. When the grill is not in use, keep the grill control vents closed. 


CARE AND MAINTENANCE TIPS

  1. Every few months we recommend following these maintenance tips to keep your Shokunin in good working order for years to come: 
  2. Clean the exterior of the grill with a degreaser, followed by stainless steel polish. 
  3. Flip up the cooking grates on your grill and use a brush to clean off any remaining charcoal or ash on the fire grates into the ash pan at the base of the grill. Tilt open the fire grates to access the ash pan. 
  4. Remove and empty the ash. Use a small dust brush and pan to remove any ash that made its way around the clean, cleaning out the actual bottom of the grill. 
  5. Clean your grill grates following instructions from this care guide. 
  6. Re-season the cooking surfaces. Using a clean rag, wipe vegetable oil on both sides of the cooking grates. Place the grates, back into the grill then heat the grill to 500ºF . When the surfaces turn brown or black, they are seasoned.


For specific instructions about starter burner care and orifice cleaning, view the Shokunin Kamado Grill Product Care Manual.

To learn more about winterizing your full outdoor kitchen, visit our complete guide here.