Frozen Kamado

[ricewp]

I live in Massachusetts and in the winter time by Kamado grill freezes shut and I can't get the lid open to cook.

Two questions:

1) Anyone know how I can prevent this from happening?

2) Anyone know the best way to open a frozen Kamado grill?

Thanks for any feedback.

Bill

[LA Pork Butt]

Not sure how to open, but something like wax paper when has cooled down should do the trick when you are finished cooking.

[smokin fool]

I have the Keg and have never had that problem but I do keep it covered year round.
As for getting open depending on the size of the lower damper build a small fire in there and let the heat do its job.
You could flash a blow torch around the gasket between the body and lid where it looks frozen as a last resort....very last....

[scottranda]

Hair dryer.

[Jerod Broussard]

I know I've read guys starting a very small fire to slowly heat things up.

[Henrik]

Yep, use some tumble weed starters (or any starter) and push a few coals in there thru the bottom vent and leave it for 30 minutes.

To avoid having mine freeze again I just place a log between the lid and the bottom half, so it’s open 3-4 inches. Done deal, works every winter.

[fracmeister]

Well the Houston winters aren't so tough. Move on down to Texas pardner! No state income tax and brisket goes on sale all summer. Plus, the lids never freeze.

[EdF]

Yabbut then there's Houston summer - a whole different quandary! ;-)

[texastweeter]

EdF make man outta ya. Put some hair on yer knuckles.

[EdF]

Already got plenty - gift of the genetics. ;-)

[smokin fool]

I've always said I'd miss the seasons moving to Texas....man I'm an idiot....

[Spinaker]

I take the chimney Cap off and drop in some paraffin cubes or I light some lump and drop it in the top. Then I damp it down a bit to trap the heat.

A good way to keep it from freezing is to keep it covered, but even then, it can still freeze shut. After I am done cooking, I will damp down the whole kamado, seal it up tight and let it burn out. I think it helps to bake the gasket out and dry it out.

Also, your gasket might be old and in need of replacement.

[tbob4]

Good answer even though mine has never experienced that. I routinely burn things hot at the end for cleaning. You answer makes complete sense. That's why you are a Moderator!

[EdF]

Good reminder. I haven't had that issue since I stopped using a gasket.

[Argoboy]

Easy fix buy a cover end or keep inside. Mine sits on the deck with a cover and no issues.