Just picked my auto kamado a month ago. I've only done two cooks. I did a turkey and ribs. I absolutely love this grill/smoker. Ribs were 6 hours, turkey was 3 hours, and I am still on the original pile of charcoal. It's unbelievable how efficient this smoker is. Love it!
G'day Tom, great video. I agree with you regarding I would prefer this style of Kamado over the ceramic style any day of the week. They are brilliant. The wear and tear that you showed on the ashpan underneath, I had solved this problem by placing some folded aluminium foil inside the ashpan and I shape it to the bowl of the ashpan and it's like still perfect and no rust or discolouration of paint etc. Thanks again Tom, I love your videos.
@@TheFantasticG My smoker is the Grilla Alpha. That thing is such a tank, I expect the Joe 5 to be out before it dies, lol. My trinity at home also includes an indestructible MHP Tri-burn for the gasser and a 26" kettle for coal. The Auto Kamado is at the cottage up north, where it replaced two other grills 😁
Tom this is a great review, there’s so many bad reviews on the Home Depot and Lowe’s websites, I’m glad to know it’s working for you and the only issue was easily fixable with an alternate temperature probe that is working for you.
I agree ! I love my Auto Kamado. I wish it was a little bigger I can do 3 racks of ribs (baby backs) @ 250 or lower. Also grill @ 600 for steak. I got a deal on mine from Walmart @ $340.00 . My other smoker is a Weber WSM 28" that works a bit different. Since I got the Auto Kamado I haven't used the WSM. Good Tp about keeping the vent cover closed for low and slow. That helps.
Hi Tom, awseome video. I totally agree on your assessment of the Auto Kamado. I got mine in October of last year. You did a video on it when it was on sale and you sold me on it. I picked it up for $250 bucks along with the $50 cover, and I can say, it was worth every penny. Though I did have an issue with the fan about 3-4 months in and had it replaced, then had an issue with the probe almost two months ago and finally got the replacement about three weeks ago. But even with those two issues, the grill has held up really well and cooks great. It's even been through a few major rain storms during some long cooks and I haven't had any temp drops or issues during the storms.
I absolutely agree with you. LOVE my Auto Kamado. Heck, mine fell off the trailer and dragged 300 foot. Little battered and bruised, but still runs like a top!
I’m coming up on a year with the Auto Kamado. I did have a problem with the heat sensor. I ended up relocating the new heat sensor to the bottom half of the grill. I did this 6 months ago and it has preformed flawlessly. Love the versatility of this grill/smoker. Thank you for your 1 year review of the Auto Kamado Tom.
Enjoyed the video! I have an Auto Kamado and Masterbuilt 560. The Auto Kamado is a miser with charcoal like you said. Beyond that, not my favorite. It is easy to overshoot temps. The design is obviously different than the MB as the charcoal is in the pit. The MB is much more conducive to holding temps even if you change it by a large amount. I also find the cooking area to be small beyond cooking for 2 or 4. I got the Akorn for $250, so I don't regret it but I'd keep the MB if I could only have one grill. On long cooks for a brisket or pork butts it is great because it uses so little charcoal.
Hey Tom, had mine just over a year myself with at least 150 cooks on it. Still pretty much like new. I did have to replace my fan motor about six months in, although I think it was a little funky from the get-go judging by how perfectly this one has worked no complaints at all. couldn’t agree more about this over a ceramic Kamado not only is this even more fuel efficient but I believe it actually cooks better. The moving air really seems to be a great benefit for instance I don’t have to flip my chicken It cooks evenly on both sides which is amazing to me. and I do keep it outside on the deck so I bought the cover with the Komodo and the cover has held up great I’ve had other covers that have just fallen apart in a year or so. This one still looks like new more or less definitely worth the money have a great one as always.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍
I got the Auto Kamado early this year and my 1st cook on it was a brisket. It worked great and is still working great. The control board did go bad and they promptly sent a new one. I love cooking on it!
Just got one this week. Home depot had a flash sale the past weekend. Ended up $280 with tax. Your vids helped push me into this century with smokers. Have had Chargrillers since the the 90s. Still have my modified Smoking Outlaw for huuuge briskets and whole salmon, but the new auto kamado will be better for daily use. And will use far less charcoal for sure. Thank you for what you do.
Thanks for this great thorough review. Im looking at getting my dad one for Father's Day and you've convinced me! I was worried about reliability but you seem to stand by it. Thanks again.
I have a Komodo Kamado so I’m all set. However if I wasn’t so fortunate, the auto Kamado would be my first choice by a mile. It’s much better than the red & green ceramics. It’s price point is fantastic too. Best value period. Nice review Tom!
Hi Tom. I've had my Auto Kamado for about a year too. And, like you, I had to replace the thermometer as well. The time I contacted customer service, they were also very responsive. In this calendar year, I've also contacted them regarding my Gravity 980... and they were less responsive (note that was post-merger with Masterbuilt). At any rate, I am also still happy with the performance of the grill. Nice review and thank you!
Got mine for $350 3 months later, went on sale for $150, and told my friends, and after 4days the sale disappeared! Love mine, it's my go too Please leave a link to the original replacement sensor!
Question, since there are no adjustable vents, when direct grilling over hot coals do you have the fan running on auto if the lid is closed so the coals aren’t getting snuffed out?
Hi Tom, great job on your videos. I ended up picking up one of these auto Kamados yesterday and working on seasoning the grate this morning. It ran great for about 2 hours at 350, then got an ERF error. I ended up disconnecting all power and powering back on, but very disappointed to see an error in the first 2 hours. Have you had any issues with ErF or similar errors?
I have had the regular old akorn for about 4 years. It's starting to get pretty rusted out and honestly just kind of gross. I use a cover but it still rusts, especially the grates. I did love to cook on it, but I think its the grill's last year. I bought a Weber 22" and am more happy with it personally.
Why is my auto kamado over shooting Temps by 50 plus degrees? I didn't over light my charcoal an have the fan door open. Set it to 400 degrees an set the d setting to 3 like the computer said to. And it's not windy outside at all. Kind of disappointed with it. Any ideas to help me out? Thanks in advance.
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ okay thank you. I'm also going to try the gasket upgrade on the lid an ash pan I've seen a guy on u tube try. Says it makes it more air tight.
Can't disagree with the value and for those that want to try Kamado style cooking. One thing for sure, BBQ grill/smoker brands and styles are like a religion to the individual. That's another plus of your channel, you try as many as you have room for. You have your favorites but keep the keepers in rotation. The only style I don't recall you featuring is an offset.
@@geraldsahd3413 I’ve had The 550 ,1050, never left them out in the rain and one the fire box burnt through and the other one the door switches,blower and the controller all went bad.They were good units for 1year
Hi Tom, I just did my first cook tonight on a 5 pound pork butt. It had HORRIBLE problems keeping the temperature below 250, did I understand you correctly when you said to keep the fan door closed to solve that issue?
Just picked my auto kamado a month ago. I've only done two cooks. I did a turkey and ribs. I absolutely love this grill/smoker. Ribs were 6 hours, turkey was 3 hours, and I am still on the original pile of charcoal. It's unbelievable how efficient this smoker is. Love it!
Thanks for watching! Enjoy!
G'day Tom, great video. I agree with you regarding I would prefer this style of Kamado over the ceramic style any day of the week. They are brilliant.
The wear and tear that you showed on the ashpan underneath, I had solved this problem by placing some folded aluminium foil inside the ashpan and I shape it to the bowl of the ashpan and it's like still perfect and no rust or discolouration of paint etc.
Thanks again Tom, I love your videos.
Thanks for Watching! That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing
I also got mine on sale at Walmart for half price! No problems at all. Had for about 10 months! Love it!!
Thanks for Watching Tim! Enjoy!
Got my Auto Kamado for $225 on a weird sale at Walmart. Amazing deal!
That is a great deal! Enjoy!
So did i. I just couldnt pass it up. That being said, when my 980 & Auto-Kamado are dead, Ill be upgrading to the Kamado Joe Big 3.
Thanks for Watching!
@@TheFantasticG My smoker is the Grilla Alpha. That thing is such a tank, I expect the Joe 5 to be out before it dies, lol. My trinity at home also includes an indestructible MHP Tri-burn for the gasser and a 26" kettle for coal. The Auto Kamado is at the cottage up north, where it replaced two other grills 😁
Tom this is a great review, there’s so many bad reviews on the Home Depot and Lowe’s websites, I’m glad to know it’s working for you and the only issue was easily fixable with an alternate temperature probe that is working for you.
Thanks for Watching! Enjoy
I agree with you completely. It has performed great for me as well. Thanks for the review Tom!
Thanks for Watching! Agreed!
I agree ! I love my Auto Kamado. I wish it was a little bigger I can do 3 racks of ribs (baby backs) @ 250 or lower. Also grill @ 600 for steak. I got a deal on mine from Walmart @ $340.00 . My other smoker is a Weber WSM 28" that works a bit different. Since I got the Auto Kamado I haven't used the WSM. Good Tp about keeping the vent cover closed for low and slow. That helps.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy!
Hi Tom, awseome video. I totally agree on your assessment of the Auto Kamado. I got mine in October of last year. You did a video on it when it was on sale and you sold me on it. I picked it up for $250 bucks along with the $50 cover, and I can say, it was worth every penny. Though I did have an issue with the fan about 3-4 months in and had it replaced, then had an issue with the probe almost two months ago and finally got the replacement about three weeks ago. But even with those two issues, the grill has held up really well and cooks great. It's even been through a few major rain storms during some long cooks and I haven't had any temp drops or issues during the storms.
Thanks for Watching Appreciate the feedback! Enjoy!
I absolutely agree with you. LOVE my Auto Kamado. Heck, mine fell off the trailer and dragged 300 foot. Little battered and bruised, but still runs like a top!
Thanks for watching! Wow! That’s amazing!
I love mine,so far no problems with temp probe
Good to hear! Thanks for Watching!
I’m coming up on a year with the Auto Kamado. I did have a problem with the heat sensor. I ended up relocating the new heat sensor to the bottom half of the grill. I did this 6 months ago and it has preformed flawlessly. Love the versatility of this grill/smoker.
Thank you for your 1 year review of the Auto Kamado Tom.
Thanks for Watching Randy!
That's a brilliant idea with the sensor probe. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoyed the video! I have an Auto Kamado and Masterbuilt 560. The Auto Kamado is a miser with charcoal like you said. Beyond that, not my favorite. It is easy to overshoot temps. The design is obviously different than the MB as the charcoal is in the pit. The MB is much more conducive to holding temps even if you change it by a large amount. I also find the cooking area to be small beyond cooking for 2 or 4. I got the Akorn for $250, so I don't regret it but I'd keep the MB if I could only have one grill. On long cooks for a brisket or pork butts it is great because it uses so little charcoal.
Thanks for Watching Mike! Appreciate the feedback
Hey Tom, had mine just over a year myself with at least 150 cooks on it. Still pretty much like new. I did have to replace my fan motor about six months in, although I think it was a little funky from the get-go judging by how perfectly this one has worked no complaints at all. couldn’t agree more about this over a ceramic Kamado not only is this even more fuel efficient but I believe it actually cooks better. The moving air really seems to be a great benefit for instance I don’t have to flip my chicken It cooks evenly on both sides which is amazing to me. and I do keep it outside on the deck so I bought the cover with the Komodo and the cover has held up great I’ve had other covers that have just fallen apart in a year or so. This one still looks like new more or less definitely worth the money have a great one as always.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍
Thanks for Watching John! Appreciate the feedback and support!
Thanks!
Thanks for Watching And Supporting!
I got the Auto Kamado early this year and my 1st cook on it was a brisket. It worked great and is still working great. The control board did go bad and they promptly sent a new one. I love cooking on it!
Thanks for Watching Tim! Good to know
Just got one this week. Home depot had a flash sale the past weekend. Ended up $280 with tax. Your vids helped push me into this century with smokers. Have had Chargrillers since the the 90s. Still have my modified Smoking Outlaw for huuuge briskets and whole salmon, but the new auto kamado will be better for daily use. And will use far less charcoal for sure. Thank you for what you do.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy!
Thanks for this great thorough review. Im looking at getting my dad one for Father's Day and you've convinced me! I was worried about reliability but you seem to stand by it. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy!
Great job Tom . I run mine on dewalt battery ❤
Thanks for Watching Greg! Good to know!
I have a Komodo Kamado so I’m all set. However if I wasn’t so fortunate, the auto Kamado would be my first choice by a mile. It’s much better than the red & green ceramics. It’s price point is fantastic too. Best value period. Nice review Tom!
Thanks for Watching Eric!
Your the reason I bought this in 2022. One of the best, if not the best grills I ever owned. No complaints.
Hi Tom. I've had my Auto Kamado for about a year too. And, like you, I had to replace the thermometer as well. The time I contacted customer service, they were also very responsive. In this calendar year, I've also contacted them regarding my Gravity 980... and they were less responsive (note that was post-merger with Masterbuilt). At any rate, I am also still happy with the performance of the grill. Nice review and thank you!
Thanks for watching Peter!
Loving mine still
Good to know Kevin! Thanks for Watching
Thank you for sharing 👍🏻
Useful information
Thanks
Love that Char-Griller!!!
As do I! Thanks for Watching!
Got mine for $350 3 months later, went on sale for $150, and told my friends, and after 4days the sale disappeared! Love mine, it's my go too Please leave a link to the original replacement sensor!
Thanks for Watching Jim!,, all I have is the link to the Pitboss replacement
FYI - June 2024 - Home Depot is selling them for $299 in SF Bay Area.
Thanks for watching Ron! Appreciate the feedback
Question, since there are no adjustable vents, when direct grilling over hot coals do you have the fan running on auto if the lid is closed so the coals aren’t getting snuffed out?
Thanks for Watching! For direct grilling temp turned up all the way, top vent opened all the way
Have you done a review of the Oklahoma Joe black jack kettle yet?
Thanks for Watching! I have not
Hi Tom, great job on your videos. I ended up picking up one of these auto Kamados yesterday and working on seasoning the grate this morning. It ran great for about 2 hours at 350, then got an ERF error. I ended up disconnecting all power and powering back on, but very disappointed to see an error in the first 2 hours. Have you had any issues with ErF or similar errors?
Thanks for watching Thomas! I did end up replacing the temp probe after about a year but other than that it worked just fine
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQthanks for the info. Throwing a brisket on tonight, so hopefully no errors overnight. I'll keep my fingers crossed
I have had the regular old akorn for about 4 years. It's starting to get pretty rusted out and honestly just kind of gross. I use a cover but it still rusts, especially the grates. I did love to cook on it, but I think its the grill's last year. I bought a Weber 22" and am more happy with it personally.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback!
Why is my auto kamado over shooting Temps by 50 plus degrees? I didn't over light my charcoal an have the fan door open. Set it to 400 degrees an set the d setting to 3 like the computer said to. And it's not windy outside at all. Kind of disappointed with it. Any ideas to help me out? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for watching Jason! The fan door is a loose door, on low and slow I leave one closed. Hope this helps
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ okay thank you. I'm also going to try the gasket upgrade on the lid an ash pan I've seen a guy on u tube try. Says it makes it more air tight.
Hey Tom, I just bought one of these and I have gasket installed and it still over shoot temp by 40-50 degrees.. any suggestions?
Try using it with the damper closed
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ with the top damper closed or the fan cover?
Fan cover
Great video
Thanks for Watching Gerald!
Can't disagree with the value and for those that want to try Kamado style cooking. One thing for sure, BBQ grill/smoker brands and styles are like a religion to the individual. That's another plus of your channel, you try as many as you have room for. You have your favorites but keep the keepers in rotation. The only style I don't recall you featuring is an offset.
Thanks for Watching Ted! You as always are correct
I haven’t liked mine at all. I have had crazy temperature swings
Thanks for Watching! Mines been pretty accurate
👍👍👍👍👍
Good
Thanks
تم
جيد
Hey Tom I notice that all your reviews are titled “Honest” review. I’m waiting for you to post a dishonest one.😂
Lol! Thanks for Watching
citizen
the wheels look weak
Thanks for Watching Tom! Really? Lol, Heavy Duty my Friend
For heavens sake. The first 1/3 of your video is advertising for your channel. I love the channel but dang.
Thanks for watching
Do you have a review of the masterbuilt gravity fed grills? I’ve had 2 of them and they don’t last really cheap in their construction
Thanks for Watching Donald! Yes
Which models did you own?
Thanks for Watching! I have the 1050, had the 560 at one time also
Which model does @donaldsullivan own
@@geraldsahd3413 I’ve had The 550 ,1050, never left them out in the rain and one the fire box burnt through and the other one the door switches,blower and the controller all went bad.They were good units for 1year
Hi Tom, I just did my first cook tonight on a 5 pound pork butt. It had HORRIBLE problems keeping the temperature below 250, did I understand you correctly when you said to keep the fan door closed to solve that issue?
Thanks for watching Jack! Yes, seems to work better for low and slow
Thanks!
Wanted to buy you that beer mate 😅 thank you for your work
Thanks for watching Tim! Appreciate the support!