|
The Kamado originally made
in Japan is no longer available, so if you have one please preserve it as
long as you can. It is an art form and a "collector's item". If
possible, repair and rejuvenate your unit before replacing it.
To identify a genuine Japanese Kamado..
There is a “Japanese character” imprinted on the front of the
lid (refer to parts names & diagram on web-site, “parts price”) Having the cookbook
does not guarantee the originality of the Kamado as the cookbook has sold separately.
Here are hints in the
process:
Repair
of your Kamado:
-
Small dents or cracks are
occasionally found on the inner or outer surface of the Kamado. When a
Kamado is made, the drying process often causes these cracks, but
these do not affect the durability or performance of the Kamado.
-
If you drop and break the
damper top or lid, they can be easily repaired. Most hardware stores
have an epoxy glue that comes in two cans--one of resin and one of a
hardening agent that acts overnight. Use it and your Kamado will be as
good as new. Heat resistant silicone adhesive and mortar mix may also
used. One of our customers recommends the use of Furnace Cement, which
comes in a tube to be used with a corking gun.
-
Tip: To insert the heat resistant epoxy glue into hair line cracks, use a
toothpick and a used toothbrush.
First, place the epoxy glue on the hair line crack by using a
toothpick then use a toothbrush to gently fill the crack. Try a bit of
paint thinner or similar liquid on the toothbrush to get the epoxy glue into
the inside of the crack smoothly. We recommend repeating the process a few
times with an interval of 5-10 minutes in order to fill the crack completely
with the epoxy glue. If it is possible, do the same filling of the glue
from the other side, and you will get a better result.
 Rejuvenation
of Your Kamado:
-
To prepare your Kamado for a
new coat of paint, first use a steel wool pad (medium or fine) to loosen
and remove the old paint and dust from the Kamado surface. Use your choice of a basic spray paint (stain paint), applying the first coat by
spraying the entire Kamado surface. When the first coat is completely
dry, you may apply the same color or second color (enamel paint), using
a hard surface roller.
-
The black colored Kamado shown on this page is a rejuvenated one,
looking just like new !
-
Please note that if your Kamado is faded after use, it is because of
high heat, and you may be overloading it with fuel. Do not start the fire with more
than 30 briquettes even for model #5.
-
If you would like to give your Kamado extra protection against the
weather, you may use a 3rd coat with clear Epoxy.
Note: to spray the #5 Kamado, approximately 2 cans of spray paint
are
required.
Replacing
Parts:
To remove old gasket,
first dampen it with a wet sponge or towel, pressing lightly. Wait a
few minutes and you will be able to completely pull away the old
gasket. After the area is
dry, apply regular glue (Elmer's white
school glue) to all the edges of the Kamado base and then cover with
the new cloth gasket, hold and press one end to paste it then
lightly pulling and pressing all around the edge, cut it to the
size. Leave the Kamado lid open until completely dry.
Please note that the
current metal bands have been improved by the addition of
projections on the inner surface which fit into a hole in the Kamado
to prevent slippage of the band. If your Kamado is older than 20
years you need to drill a hole in your Kamado (both base and lid) to
fit the projections. Use an electric drill (concrete type), drilling
slowly and gently to avoid any damage to the Kamado. To install the
bands with its hinges, first start from the base then go to the lid.
Adjust the bolts and nuts to tighten the bands using two wrenches.
After installation, use WD40 lubricant on the moving joints for
easier lid function.
In case the
circumference size of your Kamado is smaller than the current
(#3 or #5)
metal band, please use "mounting tape"
(3M brand at Wal-Mart works well), (one for the Lid and one
for the Base) between the metal bands and both circumferences of the
Lid and Base.
To
shorten the metal bands:
(If you are a
handy-man or can find a handy-man)
Cut off both ends of
metal bands at the bent position and make the same size of the hole
at the newly created end portions. Then bend the shortened band to
mimic the original angle & shape. It may bend more easily if the
area to be bent is heated up first. I recommend the use of a vise
to hold the band and a hammer to get a result like the original
angled-shape. Use a grinder or file to make the corners and cut
edges smooth, and spray black enamel paint to give a finished look.
To fit your model #3 or #5 from the current sizes, shorten the
front bands only.
For owners of model #4 & Model #2, if you cut short all 4 bands, you
may use model #5 to your #4 and #3 can be adjusted to your #2
For
instant wooden handle repair, two matched halves of the handle &
appropriate wood glue are supplied. "Just remove the damaged handle,
then glue the new halves together in its place."
-
Replacement of Firebox: Our earthenware
replacement parts are designed exclusively for Imperial Kamado.
Please do not use
replacement parts made by other companies (ceramic & metal
products) especially the grate, firebox and the fire ring.
Their’s conduct more heat and may damage your earthenware Kamado.
Our competitor’s material is ceramic and will absorb and transmit
high temperature as advertised, so this rapid heat conduction may
crack your Imperial Kamado.
Alternatively do not use
earthenware Kamado parts in the high temperature ceramic cooker. (the
cooking grill is located away from the fire/charcoal position &
does not cause the same problem so it is interchangeable.)
-
Take out old firebox:
Before removing your old firebox note its orientation so you will
perfectly replace it. If your damaged firebox is not easily
removed because it is sealed into the Kamado base, you may need to
remove it in pieces, simply tap on it with a piece of hard wood or
a punch using a hammer until the old firebox collapses. Do not
damage the Kamado base. Then clean the Kamado well.
-
To replace the new
firebox use your fingers from your both hands, lightly putting
your fingers into the holes of firebox from inside, then facing
the firebox to match the opening of the draft door.
It is not necessary to
seal the edge of the firebox and the wall if it fits firmly. If
there are a gap more than 1/2 inch between the firebox and the
wall of the base, better to make a seal using a mixture of sand
(60%), cement (30%) and water (10%) or premixed fireplace mortar.
If the size of the firebox is a bit large for your Japanese Kamado
base, you may need to shave or cut the outer edge with an electric
grinder or electric concrete saw .
Please use a dust-mask, goggles & heavy
gloves for safety.
(A recent tip from an
owner of a 20 yr-old Kamado whose replacement firebox was too big
was: "Use the broken firebox as a template with which to mark the
top of the new firebox, Then cut off the excess". He used an
electric Skil saw equipped with a Remington diamond-grit edge
blade, got a perfect fit and proudly proclaimed his Kamado good
for another 20 years of use! B.S. Pismo Beach, CA)
-
Tip: To seal the gap between the wall (inside of the base)
and edge of the firebox.
Use masking tape with width more than double the size of the gap to
cover the separation (hammock style) around the whole circumference. Gently
paste the sealer (premixed fireplace mortar or mixed sand, cement and water)
on the tape for easy sealing. The masking tape will prevent losing the
sealer into the gap.
-
If the firebox is cracked into several pieces, take out it and place it up
side down on the floor. Starting from lower, wider portion, place the
heat resistant epoxy glue to both sides (outer & inner) of the cracked
surfaces. Then assemble each piece to its original position to recover the
shape perfectly. Let set for 24 hours before using.
-
Tips for repair of
cracked Lid:
-
As shown in picture 1, even when cracked in 4 pieces, a
lid can be repaired in steps as shown in pictures 2,3,4,5,6 to look and
perform like new.
 |
 |
 |
|
Picture 1 |
Picture
2 |
Picture
3 |
-
Picture 2: First step, use heat resistant epoxy glue,
(that comes in two cans/tubes-one of resin and one of a hardening agent that acts overnight)
apply the heat resistant epoxy glue to both sides (out & inner) of the cracked
surfaces. Then assemble each piece to its original position to recover the
shape perfectly. In order not to lose the shape, apply packing tape
or the steel wire around the bottom of the lid. This one step can suffice to make
useable lid. Let set for 24 hours.
-
However, to make a stronger lid, do the additional process
(pictures 3,
4, 5, 6), and your lid will last longer (because the additional work
makes the lid stronger for the heat than picture 2 alone)
only. Repainting improves the appearance.
-
Picture 3: After completing #2, use the premixed
fireplace mortar to paste and cover the line and the small gaps in the cracked
surface. We recommend using rubber glove, to do the above.
 |
 |
 |
|
Picture
4 |
Picture 5 |
Picture 6 |
-
Picture 4: After 24 hours, second step is to turn the lid
up side down and do the same
work for the inside of the lid.
-
Picture 5: Before spraying new paint, you may need to
clean and make smooth the repaired surface with medium steel wool or sand paper, or a
file.
The same repair applies to all our earthenware
parts. (such as the damper top, grate, firebox, fire ring, even for the
large portion of Kamado base).
For your enjoyment, rejuvenate your old Japanese Kamados/Hibachis
and make it look like new ! (final picture #6)
We
welcome your feedback as to your old Kamado stories.
mykamado@imperialkamado.com
[Japanese
Kamados / Hibachis] [New Imperial
Kamado] [Imitation Products]
|
