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Rear Spine: While still around the back of the cooker, we'll point out the stainless steel spine which runs down the back of the cooker. In the photos we show the spine that runs down the back of the lid and also the spine that runs down the back of the base from the bottom edge of the hinge assembly to the bottom of the cooker. This spine protects the rear edge from damage should you bump into something and gives a straight edge for the tiles to line up against.
Down Inside the Cooker: Next let's take a look down into the cooker.
The Charcoal Basket: Now we come to one of the many really impressive features of this cooker, the grids and charcoal basket. The basket sits down inside the firebox and is constructed of heavy 304 stainless steel rod. The top of the firebox and the basket is a little over 13 inches below the opening of the cooker. The handles on the basket are just over 3 inches above the top of the basket and firebox. (This will be important later when you see what you can do with the upper grid for a searing setup.)
The Lower/Searing Grid: The grids are truly impressive. Let's look at them one at a time. The lower/searing grid weighs 12.8 pounds and provides 329 square inches of cooking surface. It rests on a ledge in the wall of the cooker about 5.5 inches above the top level of the fire box, and 7 inches below the opening of the cooker. It has handles on either side and a gap in front for dropping wood chunks onto the fire.
The Lower Grid Insert: The lower grid also comes with an insert that you can use to add a bit of grilling space:
The Main Grid: The main grid weighs 16.6 pounds and provides 375 square inches of cooking surface. It also rests on a ledge in the wall of the cooker that is about 10 inches above the top level of the fire box, and 2.5 inches below the opening of the cooker. This places it about 4.5 inches above the lower/searing grid if you have that in place. It also has handles on either side and a hinged section in the front that can be opened for dropping wood chunks onto the fire.
The Upper/Searing Grid: The upper searing grid weighs 13 pounds and provides 274 square inches of cooking surface. It rests on legs so you can set it on the main grid. When resting on the main grid, it is about 5.5 inches above the main grid and a little over 3 inches above the cooker opening. Like the other grids, there are handles on either side.
A Note About The Grid Handles: Something we would like to see improved is the positioning of the handles on the lower and main grids. They are so close to the walls of the cooker, you have to use a reverse grip to lift them out of the cooker which is a bit awkward. The thought was to keep the handles as far to the side as possible in order to free up grid space, but we feel it is just not worth it to have to use such an awkward grip. Also, if you are using gloves to protect your hands from heat, it is difficult to grip the handles even from the inside.
The Grid Hanger: The grid hanger is a very new feature, so new that we didn't get one. The following photos are provided courtesy of Komodo Kamado. As you can see, you attach this to one of the side accessory plates and you now have a place to hang your grids:
The Gasket: The gasket on this cooker is made from a food grade silicone. It is attached to the CNC-shaped lip of the base of the cooker. When you close the cooker, the edge of the dome presses down against the gasket and produces a truly air-tight seal. In fact, when you close the lid, if you have the bottom vent open a bit, you can see a puff of ash blow out the opening.
Heat Deflector: The cooker comes with a heavy refractory heat deflector for use with indirect heat. It is about 1-1/8 inches thick and simply rests on the handles of the charcoal basket and shields the food from the direct radiant heat of the fire.
Rotisserie Readiness: Komodo Kamado cookers are rotisserie-ready. You can buy a 6" or 8" cradle from Komodo Kamado and order a motor separately from Joe at www.onegrill.com if you tell him you are looking for a motor for a Komodo Kamado. The cooker itself is ready for a rotisserie with the fitting and bearing for the end rods of the cradle and the motor built in.
Miscellaneous: Just a few more miscellaneous items: the ash screen and the drip pan. The ash screen fits over the rods of the lower vent inside the cooker. It's job is to prevent embers or sparks from exiting the lower vent. The drip pan is just under 17 inches in diameter and can rest on the heat deflector, the lower grid or the main grid.
The Box: And finally, let us not forget the small box which is buried down in the bottom of the cooker when it arrives. Inside you will find some important items. The tile repair kit, a wrench for the main spring, an allen wrench for the bolts holding the hinge cover, and plugs for the thermometer probe wire opening in the side of the cooker:
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