Kamado accessories: what do you really need?

You have a kamado barbecue — congratulations. But which accessories do you actually need? And which are a nice addition if you want to develop further as a kamado cook? We've laid it all out, from the absolute must-haves to the fun extras for the more experienced.

Don't have a kamado yet? First read why the Keij Kamado is the best Big Green Egg alternative, or check out our guide to the best kamado of 2026.

The basics: what you always need

High-quality charcoal

Always use lump charcoal or high-quality briquettes without binders. Cheap charcoal burns unevenly, produces more ash and affects the flavour of your food. Don't cut corners here.

Electric lighter or looftlighter

An electric lighter is by far the easiest way to light your kamado — quick, clean and without firelighters that can affect the taste. Essential.

Heat-resistant barbecue gloves

The ceramic parts of a kamado get extremely hot. Regular oven mitts won't do — use specific barbecue gloves that can withstand extreme temperatures.

Digital meat thermometer

The Keij Kamado has a built-in thermometer for air temperature. But for the core temperature of your meat you need a digital meat thermometer with a probe. Absolutely essential for low & slow cooking.

Learn more about the correct technique in our article how to use a kamado barbecue.

Popular accessories for the more experienced

Plate setter / deflector plates

Ceramic plates that you place between the fire and the grill for indirect cooking. Essential if you want to prepare pulled pork, brisket, whole chickens or salmon. Many Keij Kamados come with deflector plates included — check this before you buy.

Cast iron grill grate

A cast iron grill grate gives nicer grill marks and retains heat longer — ideal for perfectly searing steaks. A valuable upgrade from the standard grate.

Pizza stone

Baking pizza on the kamado is an experience. At 300–350 °C you'll bake a crispy pizza with a perfect base in 5–8 minutes. A good pizza stone is essential for this.

Smoking wood and wood chips

Smoking on a kamado gives meat, fish and cheese a fantastic smoky flavour. Use fruitwood chips (apple, cherry) for a mild smoky taste or hickory for a more robust BBQ flavour. A few pieces in the charcoal are enough.

Divide & Conquer system

This system creates multiple cooking zones at different heights in your kamado. So you can grill at high temperature and indirect cook at a lower level at the same time — perfect for complete meals.

Handy extras

• Kamado cover — Protects your kamado from rain and UV rays when it's outside
• BBQ tool set — Long tongs, spatula and fork specially designed for high temperatures
• Drip pan — Catch tray for fat drippings under the meat; keeps your kamado cleaner
• Kamado table or stand — The Keij Kamado is also available on its own stand for stable use at height
• Wok pan — With a kamado wok you can cook outside at high temperature, perfect for stir-fry dishes

Accessories for the Keij Kamado

A major advantage of the Keij Kamado is that standard kamado accessories from other brands also fit. You're not tied to one brand — unlike the Big Green Egg.

Still unsure if a kamado is for you? Read our kamado vs gas barbecue comparison. And do you want to maintain your kamado properly afterwards? Read how to clean a kamado.

Conclusion

Start with the basics — good charcoal, an electric lighter, barbecue gloves and a meat thermometer. Then gradually add accessories as you want to explore more techniques. Browse our full range of kamado accessories at Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture, or visit our showroom for tailored advice via phone, email or WhatsApp.