Kalamazoo Unveils New Kamado Grill

“Kamado-style grills date back 3,000 years. The word kamado means stove, but it wasn’t until after World War II that this style of grill was introduced to the United States,” said Russ Faulk, Chief Designer and Head of Product for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. “The Shokunin is the next evolution of kamado grills and redefines the industry standards for this style of outdoor cooking. We took the best design principles of a traditional kamado grill and  broadened its capabilities to create better even heat distribution, expand the available cooking surface, and increase the number of cooking levels to maximize the grilling experience.”

Unique Design, Impeccable Execution

The design of the Shokunin is like no other kamado grill on the market. It features a unique 18 x 24” rectangular grilling area which expands the size of the cooking surface and makes cooking with an offset fire much easier. Its rectangular shape and stainless steel exterior also creates a seamless design with other outdoor cooking appliances.

Versatility

One of the greatest advantages to cooking with the Shokunin is its even heat distribution and its ability to cook for a long time. The Shokunin features a multi-tiered fire grate that can be placed in three different positions depending on the cooking style. Place the grate in the lowest position for a gentle heat, ideal for smoking “low-and-slow” barbeque, roast to perfection in the middle position, and utilize the top position as a traditional charcoal grill for intense searing of steaks or burgers.

Materials Matter

Weighing more than 200 pounds, the Shokunin is constructed of 304 grade stainless steel. The mass of the metal, including two layers of stainless steel and the two inches of insulation built into the design, retains interior heat to more than 1200°F. This design also keeps the grill’s exterior cool to the touch even when interior temperatures reach 600°F.

The grill is accented with an ipe wood frame and handles, giving it a furniture-like quality. Accessory shelves and trays clip onto the frame for convenience.

“The word Shokunin is the Japanese word for master of one’s profession, a craftsman or an artisan,” said Alexis Hiller, Head of Marketing. “That is especially true of the Kalamazoo team. Our expert team welds and assembles by hand every grill at our factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It’s our commitment to creating a flawless fit and finish with every Kalamazoo product.”

The Shokunin is the newest grill offering from Kalamazoo which also includes the award-winning Hybrid Fire Grill and the Argentinian-style Gaucho Grill.

The new Kalamazoo Shokunin Kamado Grill will be available starting summer 2019 online and authorized dealer showrooms.  To learn more, schedule an interview, or request high resolution images of the Shokunin Kamado Grill, contact Ryan Gartman at rgartman@kalamazoogourmet.com.