Announcing the new Kamado Joe DoJoe Pizza Accessory! In this article we’ll talk why you may want the DoJoe, see how it compares to cooking on a pizza stone or the Pizza Porta, watching a vid or two that showcases the DoJoe, and finding out how much the KJ DoJoe costs and where you can buy one.
In a Hurry? – KJ DoJoe Quick Look
If you don’t want to read the reviews and tips about the new Kamado Joe DoJoe because you already know you want one and you just want to check pricing and availability we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a quick look at the Kamado Joe DoJoe…
Kamado Joe DoJoe Article Table of Contents
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I. Pizza on a kamado grill?
If you’re like me, then cooking a wood-fired pizza on your KJ is nothing new – heck it’s probably one of the reasons you bought your kamado, right? After all the crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and hint of smoke are the trademarks of a kamado grilled pizza and the cravings for good wood-fired pizza never dies.
Who wouldn’t want more of this?
But do we really need yet another Pizza accessory for our KJ?
I’d wager you’ve been cooking wood fired pizzas on your kamado for years, right? If so, then you’re probably using a pizza stone or a Pizza Porta, right? Both of these are great pizza accessories for your kamado so let’s take a look at each and then see how they compare to the new Kamado Joe DoJoe. It could be that you don’t need a DoJoe…then again, maybe you do?
II. Using a Pizza Stone for kamado pizzas
If you’re currently cooking pizzas on a pizza stone then I’ll bet you have one something like this right?
If you have a pizza stone, please know that I’m NOT here to knock the Kamado Joe pizza stones because I have one too and they work great. I’ve made countless pizzas on my KJ pizza stone such as this pepperoni, mushroom, and garlic classic style…
Cooking a pizza on a pizza stone in your KJ is “Kamado Pizza 101” and I mean that in a positive sense.
Master the pizza stone on your kamado and you’ll never go hungry – unless of course you want to make more than one pie.
Then you’ve gotta deal with a few challenges, including:
Maintaining your temps vs lifting the lid to check your pizza.
Dealing with the high heat temps (550-750+) depending on your method and being on guard against a dangerous backdraft/flashback.
Because of these issues, some have opted for the Pizza Porta accessory…
III. Using a Pizza Porta for kamado pizzas
The Pizza Porta was a first-of-its-kind pizza accessory for your kamado that converted your ceramic grill into a pizza oven. The Pizza Porta looks like this…
The Pizza Porta works by closing off the kamado chimney so you can retain the heat and keep the dome hot. The Pizza Porta door lets you control airflow for temperature control and most importantly…
Cook the top of your pizza the same rate as the bottom!
The Pizza Porta is a quality kamado pizza accessory and for years it was the best way to use your kamado to make a number of pizzas faster and more consistently vs a typical pizza stone.
Until the Kamado Joe DoJoe…
IV. Meet the Kamado Joe DoJoe
Now there is a new entrant into the market – the Kamado Joe DoJoe. To give us an introduction to the DoJoe let’s check out Kamado Joe‘s very own John Setzler talk about this exciting new tool…
Here are a couple more vids about the product…
APM Group DoJoe First Look
BBQ EC DoJoe Demo
I’m sure looking at those vids about the DoJoe has your mouth watering right? Let’s look at the key benefits of the Kamado Joe DoJoe…
V. Kamado Joe DoJoe Benefits & FAQ’s
If you’re considering purchasing the KJ DoJoe here’s what you’ll want to know…
The Key Features/Benefits of the DoJoe are:
The DoJoe is an authentic Kamado Joe product so you know it will fit your KJ.
The DoJoe is made of durable cast-aluminum.
The DōJoe transforms your Kamado Joe into a best-in-class pizza oven.
The distinctive wedge shape of the DōJoe makes maintaining steady temperatures even over the course of hours.
Using the DoJoe allows you to easily see and monitor their pizza as they cook. That means no more lifting the lid or looking thru the top!
The DoJoe has dedicated supports for the Kamado Joe Heat Deflectors and Kamado Joe Pizza Stone to ensure optimum distances between these accessories thus guaranteeing perfect crust and crisp toppings!
FAQ’s related to the Kamado Joe
Does the Kamado Joe DoJoe fit a Big Green Egg? The KJ Classic DoJoe should fit the BGE Large and the KJ Big Joe DoJoe should fit the BGE XL.
What temps can the DoJoe maintain? According to Kamado Joe the DoJoe should easily keep you in the 400-700F range.
Does the DoJoe have a door like the Pizza Porta? No, the DoJoe doesn’t have a door like the Pizza Porta but the DoJoe wedge design is different and supposedly doesn’t require a door – much like a typical wood fired pizza oven also doesn’t have a door.
Reviews of the Kamado Joe DoJoe
At LordoftheGrills.com we believe in providing you links to reviews and product discussions from other quality sites. Here are some helpful reviews from other BBQ sites that talk about the Kamado Joe DoJoe…
VI. Kamado Joe DoJoe – How Much Does it Cost and How Can You Buy One?
Are you ready to buy your Kamado Joe DoJoe and make some awesome wood-fired pizzas? If so, check out the latest prices on the DoJoe and pick one up today…
Traeger Grill Accessories – If you’re a Traeger Grill Enthusiast, you’ll enjoy this discussion of the best essential add-on parts to buy for your Traeger. On this page we’ll talk about why you might want to add various shelves to expand your work space, weather or not you need an insulation blanket, the importance of a quality cover, the convenience of magnetic hooks, and various power controllers.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our series about the Best Traeger Brand Accessories. Other articles in the series discuss the best Traeger Accessories for Cooking Surfaces, BBQ Tools, Pellets, Cookbooks, Cleaning Tools, Prep Tools, Spices & Rubs, and even Traeger Swag. And if you’re new to the world of Traegerhood, be sure to read this article: “What is a Traeger Grill?”
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Traeger Grill Accessories – Essential Add-Ons
When you purchase a Traeger Grill, you’re buying a quality product that will give you great satisfaction for many years to come, but as with any high-end grill hobby, there’s always a few more things you’ll want to get to set you up for success. In this article we’ll talk about some of the key parts to consider adding to your Traeger Grill.
I. Traeger Grill Accessories – Shelves
Although your Traeger will come with a lot of stuff already, you’ll quickly discover that you’re gonna want more SPACE in the area outside your grill – and in truth this is not just a want, it’s a NEED.
That’s why Traeger makes both Front Folding Shelves and Bottom Shelves for your Traeger Grill that you can add to the outside of your Traeger to give you more prep and storage space. (BTW if you’re looking for cooking shelves for INSIDE your grill, be sure to see this linked article about best cooking surfaces).
TIP: When shopping for external shelves remember they are model specific so be sure you get the right one to fit your specific Traeger Grill.
You can’t grill without making a bit of a mess and if you want to keep your Traeger clean, you’re gonna want to have some buckets and liners to help make that cleanup easier. Check out these top picks…
Magnetic Hooks for your Traeger Grill are convenient for hanging cooking utensils from and because they’r magnetic you can move them around easily. Here’s the most popular ones…
IV. Traeger Grill Accessories – Just for Fun Attachments
For a quick break in the ‘must haves’, let’s do something just for fun. The following items might not be ‘essential’ add-ons for your Trager Grill but they sure are fun. If you have the coin, consider these the Bottle Opener…
V. Traeger Grill Accessories – Insulation Blankets & Covers
Ok, back to business – let’s talk Traeger insulation blankets and covers.
IMPORTANT – Don’t confuse a cover for your Traeger with an insulation blanket – they each have a specific purpose.
A cover will protect your grill from the weather, while the Traeger insulation blanket will help you during cooking.
If you use your Traeger a good bit in colder climates, you may benefit from an insulation blanket. Why would you want a Traeger insulation blanket? Because it will help you to maintain more consistent temperatures no matter the air temperature and using an insulation blanket with your Traeger Grill will stop you from burning through extra pellets in colder weather.
As for the cover – that’s kind of a no brainer, right? Don’t let your grill sit out in the elements and be destroyed – cover it with a Traeger Brand cover.
As with other accessories, Traeger Insulation Blankets and Covers are model specific so get the one that fits YOUR Traeger Grill.
Let’s start with a COVER – there are a LOT of options depending on our grill model and style preference.
If you want to fine tune grilling and smoking times for perfectly done food every time, then use the Pro Controller. It also features an auto shut down cycle that reduces the amount of residual ash left behind in your firebox and grill bottom.
How about a pellet sensor? Never run out of pellets again. The Traeger Pellet Sensor sends notifications when your pellets are running low through the Traeger App. Focus your time on preparing that next legendary meal for your closest family and friends.
Big Green Egg Accessories – Are you a new Big Green Egg Egghead? If so this article can help you. We’ll discuss which accessories are the best to buy right away so you can speed up your learning curve and make the most of your cooks on the BGE.
On this page you’ll see the Top 10 “Must Have” Accessories for your Big Green Egg — specially curated for Egg newbies.
Best Accessories for Big Green Egg
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our series focused on the “Best Accessories for the Big Green Egg.” Besides this “Top 10 List,” we also have articles about the Best Big Green Egg Cookbooks, Best Cooking Surfaces for the BGE, Best Lump Charcoal, Fire Supplies, Cooking Tools, and many more.
Be sure to check out our Big Green Egg Brand shop as well – where you can see all the Big Green Egg Brand products we carry in our store.
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1-Big Green Egg Accessories – The EGGspander
The Big Green Egg ‘EGGspander’ is a “Flexible Cooking System” and it is the #1 “Must Have” accessory for the Big Green Egg in our opinion.
Why?
Because using a Flexible Cooking System like the EGGspander will change the way you use your Big Green Egg. With a flexible cooking system you can
There IS a learning curve when it comes to cooking on a kamado-style grill like the Big Green Egg. Do yourself a favor and get a cookbook specifically designed for kamado grills because not only will you get some great recipes but you’ll also pick up some much-needed tips on HOW to use your BGE. Here are 3 great books to consider.
With temps that can reach up to 800 degrees or more, you can’t mess around when you’re cooking on your kamado grill. Do yourself a favor and get a good pair or welding gloves or some high-heat rated rubber-style hand protection. (You’ll also want a good pair of meat claws and long-handled grilling tools but that’s a whole other article).
My dad’s a retired welder (40+ years on the job) so personally I use his old welding gloves, but if you don’t have that luxury, consider some of these great options.
As fun as it is to cook on the Big Green Egg nobody wants to sit by the fire all day. You want be with friends, drink a few brews, and relax without always wondering about the temps of your meats. Having a good remote thermometer allows you to do that. The two most popular brands to consider are ThermoPro or Maverick. Here are some of their most popular models…
5-Big Green Egg Accessories – Electric Fire Starter
Sure you can use a charcoal chimney, or blow torches, or tumbleweed and those all do work, but if you want to keep it easy just use an electric fire starter – you’ll thank me for it.
Because if you increase your airflow, you’ll get more from your lump charcoal – this means easier to reach higher temps, using less charcoal per cook, and easier cleanup. Here’s a demo vid so you can learn more…
There are a lot of options for ash baskets but the most popular by far is from 1 brand to seriously consider here: Kick Ash Baskets.
7-Big Green Egg Accessories – Pizza Stone
Who doesn’t want to cook wood-fired pizzas on their Big Green Egg? C’mon you know this is one of the reasons you bought the BGE right? Get yourself a pizza stone and give it a try. There are a lot of choices here, and you can see more pizza ovens and accessories on this page.
Stop the presses!
Pizza fans won’t want to miss this brand new accessory…The Kamado Joe “DoJoe” – it will fit BGE Large edition grills too. Here’s a vid and product link to learn more…
8-Big Green Egg Accessories – Cast Iron Cookware
We have an entire article devoted to the best ‘cooking surfaces’ for kamado grills and you’ll find lots of cast iron products in our store, but for now just know this – the stainless steels grates that come standard with your BGE are fine, but if you want to go next-level you’ll discover pretty quickly that you’re going to want some cast iron in the mix.
Cast-iron + Big Green Egg = perfect match.
So what should you get? A large dutch oven is a great start. As is a plancha pan or even a cast-iron griddle insert. Here’s a few to consider…
Remember, if you plan to get the Kamado Joe griddle or grates, you’ll need the Kamado Joe Flexible Cooking Rack System.
9-Big Green Egg Accessories – QUALITY Lump Charcoal
No matter what accessories you buy for your Big Green Egg or how well you manage your fire, if you don’t have quality lump charcoal to cook with, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
There’s nothing like doing everything right and then having the food taste bad because the lump charcoal you used was made with poor quality wood or too much of a particularly strong wood (like hickory).
Don’t let that happen to you — instead I’d recommend you buy good quality lump charcoal that has a mix of hardwoods that work with all types of foods for your basic cooks and then buy smoking wood chips for particular flavor profiles you want to add in later (such as hickory for chicken, fruit woods for fish, etc).
Salt Fat Acid Heat is a cookbook written by chef Samin Nosrat. The book has won countless awards and is now a hit show on Netflix. In this article, we’ll explore the essential kitchen products recommended by the book and give you convenient links to find them for yourself. Consider this article as your Buying Guide for the tools of the trade in your kitchen.
Editor’s Note: this article is part of a series about the book Salt Fat Acid Heat. The main article features Reviews, Tips, & More about the book – be sure to check it out.
In her book, Salt Fat Acid Heat, Samin identifies 27 items that she considers “Kitchen Essentials.” Her list includes:
Saucepan
Deep-Frying Thermometer
Frying Pan
Food Mill
Colander
Ladle
Fine-mesh Sieve
Wooden Spoon
Rubber Spatula
Spider
Stainless Steel Tongs
Stockpot
Dutch Oven
Cast Iron Skillet
Box Grater
Citrus Juicer
Mortar and Pestle
Chef’s Knife (and paring knife, and serrated knife)
Measuring Cups (and spoons)
Kitchen Scale
Meat Therometer
Salad Spinner
Mixing Bowls
Baking Sheets
Blender (or Food Processor)
Japanese Mandolin
Rasp Grater
Salt Fat Acid Heat Kitchen Essentials Buying Guide
While the following products are not specifically recommended by Samin, I’m including one or more products for each of the 27 kitchen essentials recommended by the book here in this section so you can use it as a handy buying guide as you build your own personal chef’s kitchen. These are the products I use and/or was inspired by the book to buy. I personally recommend them for you, however if you have an alternative that you like better, let me know in the comments – together we can take our cooking journey to new heights.
If you have a home cook in your life, any of these would make a great gift!
In the buying guide list, I’ll try to provide various price point options – from low cost but still highly recommended, to professional ‘workhorse’ level, and all the way up to top-shelf ‘finer things’ and ‘vanity’ level if you have a cook who likes to entertain with a bit of flair.
All of these products are a minimum of 4-star rated and most of them are Prime-eligible so you can get them quickly!
Please keep in mind, this is just a general list – your situation may require products (for example larger or smaller pots) or maybe you have a preference for copper-bottom vs. stainless, or perhaps you like a different brand than what you see here. YOU be the judge of what’s best for you and your kitchen will thank you for it.
1. Saucepan
2. Deep-Frying Thermometer
3. Frying Pan
4. Food Mill
5. Colander
6. Ladle
7. Fine Mesh Sieve
8. Wooden Spoon
9. Rubber Spatula
10. Spider
11. Stainless Steel Tongs
12. Stockpot
13. Dutch Oven
14. Cast Iron Skillet
15. Box Grater
16. Citrus Juicer
17. Mortar and Pestle
18. Knives
A good knife can make your life much easier in the kitchen. All of these brands are good brands and you’ll enjoy them.
A. Chef’s Knife
B. Paring Knife
C. Serrated Knife
D. Chef Knife Sets
19. Measuring Cups & Spoons
20. Kitchen Scale
21. Meat Thermometer
22. Salad Spinner
23. Mixing Bowls
24. Baking Sheets
25. Blender
26. Japanese Mandoline
27. Rasp Grater
Enjoy this list?
If you enjoyed reading this article, be sure to share it with a friend or Pin it for later.
It’s Samin Nosrat’s Salt Fat Acid Heat and it will change your cooking life!
First published in 2017, the book has been over a decade in the making as Samin Nosrat not only learned the craft of cooking but also of how to teach others the techniques behind the techniques — not just the HOW, but also the reasons WHY and WHEN you do things in the kitchen. Invariably these techniques have a lot to do with what Samin refers to as the ‘4 essential elements’ of cooking: Salt, Fat, Acid, and Heat and her book teaches you the magic anyone can create once you understand how these 4 elements work together.
In this article and others, we’re going to review the book, provide links to the show and official website, give you other references to learn more.
If you are a home cook looking to expand your craft and you buy ONE book this year, Salt Fat Acid Heat is the book to buy.
Salt Fat Acid Heat on Amazon
Because it’s so popular, Salt Fat Acid Heat is available in bookstores and many other fine stores that sell cookbooks, so you should have no problem finding it, but if you need a quick link to Amazon, here’s the direct link to the book in hardcover, kindle, and audio formats.
Hardcover
E-Book
Audiobook
Salt Fat Acid Heat – The Review
I’m a home cook – admittedly probably not a very good one, but hey I try. More importantly I am always eager to learn. Over the years I’ve purchased countless cookbooks and while they have certainly helped me, I’ve always wanted something more – I’ve always wanted what most cookbooks don’t give you: the WHY behind the HOW.
That’s what makes Salt Fat Acid Heat so different than other cookbooks – sure there are recipes in the book and they are pretty awesome (and not all that hard), but…
The real value to Salt Fat Acid Heat comes from Samin’s ability to teach you WHY you are using Salt, Fat, Acid, and Heat in your cooking.
It’s such a simple concept and yet most cookbooks don’t give you this – relying instead on your religiously buying specific ingredients in specific amounts and then mindlessly following directions in order to produce results. Does that technique work? Sure. But will you become a better cook just by following recipes? Probably not.
With Salt Fat Acid Heat Samin takes a different approach. She teaches you about the nuances of the 4 basic elements of Salt, Fat, Acid, and Heat, and helps you understand why they do what they do when you add them to your cooking. When you begin to understand the WHY behind the HOW, your cooking will soar!
Reading Salt Fat Acid Heat reminded me of the old adage – “Fish for a man and feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” I believe that is the spirit behind the book – although I don’t know her, I like to think Samin had that in mind when she wrote her book. Give it a read yourself and let me know if you agree.
Winner of the 2018 James Beard Award for Best General Cookbook
ICAP Cookbook Award
It’s also been named one of the “Best Books” by NPR, BuzzFeed, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Rachel Ray Every Day, San Francisco Chronicle, Vice Munchies, Elle.com, Glamour, Eater, Newsday, Minneapolis Star Tribune, The Seattle Times, Tampa Bay Times, Tasting Table, Modern Farmer, Publishers Weekly, and more.
Salt Fat Acid Heat – The Netflix Show
In a Netflix series based on her best-selling cookbook, Samin Nosrat visits Italy, Japan and Mexico to show how four basic elements can make or break any dish. Check out the trailer…
Are you an Egghead? Whether you’re a long-time owner of a Big Green Egg or a newbie, this article can help you. We’ll discuss which accessories are the best to buy for your BGE and why. Here’s a list of over 200 Big Green Egg accessories that will take your cooks to the next level.
Top 10 Accessories for your Big Green Egg
There are 200+ recommended accessories for your Big Green Egg on this page, but here’s a quick ‘Top 10’ List to get your started.
Get these items first and you’ll be well on your way to success with your Big Green Egg.
As fun as it is to cook on the Big Green Egg nobody wants to sit by the fire all day. You want be with friends, drink a few brews, and relax without always wondering about the temps of your meats. Having a good remote thermometer allows you to do that. There are really only 2 brands to consider: ThermoPro or Maverick.
Having a good remote thermometer allows you to do that. The top two brands (in my opinion) ThermoPro or Maverick.
Increase your airflow and get more from your lump.
Only 1 brand to seriously consider here: Kick Ash and the classic option is the Kick Ash Basket
I added a demo video so you can see how it works…
7-Pizza Stone
Because you know you want to make pizzas in your Egg, right? Try one of these. The BGE version is hard to find now and there are so many options is crazy. For the value I’d go with the Kamado Joe versions…
Here’s a few to add to your shopping list:
Kamado Joe DoJoe (we talked about this one in the Top 10 List above – it will turn your KJ into a real wood-fired pizza making machine!)
No matter what accessories you buy for your Big Green Egg or how well you manage your fire, if you don’t have quality lump charcoal to cook with, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. There’s nothing like doing everything right and then having the food taste bad because the lump charcoal you used was made with poor quality wood or too much of a particularly strong wood (like hickory). I’d recommend you buy good quality lump charcoal that has a mix of hardwoods that work with all types of foods for your basic cooks and then buy smoking wood chips for particular flavor profiles you want to add in later (such as hickory for chicken, fruit woods for fish, etc).
There’s really only one to consider – The KJ-made “Jotisserie” which works great on a BGE Large or XL kamado.
Here’s a demo vid so you can see the JoeTisserie ‘in action’ the Big Green Egg – MMM.
Obviously you’re gonna need some quality meat and plenty of friends and family to enjoy your BGE cooks with, but for now these 10 “Must Have” accessories are the basics that will get you fast-tracked for success with your Big Green Egg. Once you have these in your arsenal, then move on to the full list below.
200+ Accessories for The Big Green Egg
Best COOKBOOKS for the Big Green Egg
What, you’re starting your list of Best Accessories for the Big Green Egg with cookbooks?
What gives? Is a ‘cookbook’ even an accessory? In my book YES. Here’s why…
There IS a learning curve when it comes to kamado grill cooking on your Big Green Egg. And it’s a continuous learning process.
Do yourself a favor and don’t try to figure it all out on your own – you’ll just end up burning a lot of food and getting frustrated.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are a number of good books out there that can help you master kamado cooking on your Big Green Egg and speed up your BGE Mastery learning curve.
Here are two of my favorites books – they provide some awesome kamado grill recipes as well as MANY helpful tips.
After you get Hot Coals and/or Smoke It Like a Pro, other great highly-rated cookbooks for your Big Green Egg. The sauce recipes alone in Big Bob Gibson’s book make it an incredible value!
If you must have only a “BGE” specific book, check these options out…
Best Cooking Surfaces for the Big Green Egg
1-Flexible Cooking System (#1 MUST HAVE ITEM ON THIS PAGE)
This accessory will change the way you use your BGE and for that reason it is my #1 MUST HAVE Accessory for the Big Green Egg (or any kamado).
Let’s face it the Big Green Egg is the #1 most popular kamado on the market for a reason – the quality is awesome, the reputation is well-earned, and the Egghead community is the strongest of any kamado cooking group. BUT, if we’re honest with ourselves, BGE users shouldn’t be afraid to admit that even though Kamado Joe is a competitor KJ has made some great accessories over the years – perhaps the best of all time is their Flexible Cooking System called “The Divide and Conquer” system. Check out the theory behind the Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System…
A picture tells a 1,000 words in this case right?
You can use a Flexible Cooking System in your BGE and you’ll be able to…
Cook High
Cook Low
Cook both Direct AND Indirect at the same time
And gain a world of flexibility.
KJ’s Divide and Conquer system has been so successful that BGE made their own “Flexible Cooking System” and called it the EGGspander.
The Big Green Egg EGGSpander Flexible Cooking System
The KJ Alternative? If you can afford the Eggspander, go for it. You’ll be happy. However if you are looking for a quality alternative, the Kamado Joe Flexible Cooking System is a worthy option – not only is it less expensive to begin with but the cost of the various cooking surface inserts are less expensive as well. This can help your money go farther.
Remember when you are converting KJ to BGE…
The KJ Classic = BGE Large
The KJ Big Joe = BGE XL.
After you make a decision on which flexible cooking system to buy, next get some Half Moon Heat Deflectors so you can to cook both Direct and Indirect at the same time or just because they are easier to use than the traditional bulky BGE place setter (aka “The convEGGtor”)
Then get these additions to conveniently hold your drip pans and/or allow you to cook higher up in the dome – which is really useful for pizza cooking too so you can avoid burning the crust.
Finally, for even more cooking space and another higher level add these…
2-Cast Iron Griddle
Now that you have a Flexible Cooking System in your Big Green Egg tou’re going to quickly learn that the standard stainless steel cooking grates just don’t cut it for certain foods.
You want to get a good sear on steaks? Cook scallops? Griddle up some bacon and eggs? Then you’ll want a cast-iron griddle. Sure you could use a cast-iron pan but these griddles fit into your BGE and give you some great flexibility too.
Now if you can afford to get both the cast iron grates and the cast iron griddle for your BGE, you’ll be really happy, but if you have to prioritize then get the cast iron griddle first because it adds so many more options to your cooks.
I’ve got a few options for you to pick from. Personally I prefer using the half-moon Cast Iron Griddle made by Kamado Joe – it’s 1/3 of the price of the BGE version!
If for some reason you want a stainless steel griddle, you do have an option – Little Griddle makes a nice half-moon griddle specifically for the Kamado. It’s super easy to clean and has a convenient grease trough.
3-Cast Iron Grates
Although the cast-iron griddle is basically a ‘must-have’ for your Big Green Egg, the grates are more of a nice-to-have item in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong. I have the grates and I use them all the time for burgers, the indirect portion of steak grills, and more. Remember, if you have to prioritize, get the griddle first, then the grates.
When you’re ready for cast iron grates, consider these: (Again option #3 requires the KJ Flexible Cooking System but the beauty of it is you can use use the griddle for direct searing and then have the grates over a half-moon heat deflector for the indirect cook portion. Bonus!)
4. Even More Cooking Surfaces
A Quality Grilling Basket
Do you need it?
I think so. Particularly when you get a basket with a removable handle it allows you to turn fish, veggies, and delicate items easily – saving time, hassle, AND protecting your food.
A Good Dutch Oven
Even if you have the cast-iron griddle and grates you’ll benefit from a quality dutch oven. You can never have too much cast-iron right?
But seriously, the reason you’ll want a dutch oven is because by putting a dutch oven in your Big Green Egg (and learning how to use is safely) you can BAKE and FRY inside your BGE!
There’s really one one brand here to consider – The Lodge.
PIZZA in the BIG GREEN EGG
One of my family and friends’ favorite things in a kamado is wood-fired pizzas. They’re fun to make, taste great, and easy to do.
For this reason I consider a Pizza Stone to be a must-have accessory for your BGE.
Here are a few options. The BGE stone is ridiculously expensive so do a bit of research about your options and you may be able to save some money – just make sure it’s a quality stone that won’t crack on you!
After you get the stone, then get one or more of these helpful pizza accessories. Don’t overlook the Elements of Pizza cookbook here too.
Soapstone Surface
What the heck is soapstone and why do I need it?
Soapstone is great for cooking more delicate items like fish and veggies that you don’t want to put in a basket or cedar plank but do want to have directly on a cooking surface. Soapstone is bacteria and stain-resistant and may give you fewer flareups even though the meat cooks in its own juices. People also like using this surface for ‘smash burgers’ too.
We’ve gotta give credit to KJ again here because they make the best version of this item – another half-moon surface that fits the Flexible Cooking System.
CEDAR PLANK COOKING
You can’t go wrong with cooking fish on cedar plank – but cedar can be used for veggies and meats too.
BEST ROTISSERIE for the Big Green Egg
This is a Top 10 MUST HAVE Accessory for your Big Green Egg.
While a few companies are making a rotisserie for the BGE, there’s really only one to consider here – the “JoeTisserie.” It’s proven to work in the BGE and work well.
Get the JoeTisserie and turn your kamado into a rotisserie-style cooker and take your cooks to the next level. The JoeTisserie is not just for cooking chicken, you can also use it for some great Brazilian-style steak, pork, and more.
BONUS – add a grilling basket to the JoeTisserie and cook wings, veggies, and expand your game even further.
Other Useful Cooking Pans and Drip Pans for the Big Green Egg
An assortment of useful cooking pans that sit on the grates and/or don’t necessarily attach to the racks. Item #1 (The Plancha) is super popular and highly useful. BTW all of these are “BGE” official brand.
All About ASH BASKETS
What is an Ash Basket and why might you want one for your Big Green Egg?
An Ash Basket lets you simply lift out used charcoal and ash before every cook and it is reported to increase air flow around your lump charcoal in your Egg.
When you use an ash basket you can dispose of ashes and be ready for your next cook in seconds—no muss, no fuss. Just lift the ash basket out and give it a few shakes in your grill or over a trash can (make sure the fire is completely out!), then set the ash basket back in place, add some fresh charcoal, and you’re ready to go in seconds.
Spaces between the ash basket’s rings allow the small particles to fall through when you shake the ashes out. You can start each cook with an ideal fuel load, whether you’re searing steaks or going low and slow. You get easier starts and more even burning for ultimate temperature control.
The most popular choice, by far, in ash baskets for the BGE is the Kick Ash Basket.
Don’t overthink this one and get a lesser brand that’s gonna be lesser quality. You’ll use this in every cook and you’ll want it to hold up over time. Get the Kick Ash and be done with it.
Don’t Forget the ASH TOOLS too.
Temperature Controls, Thermometers, & Remote Temp Probes for the Big Green Egg
EGG Genius (Remote Temp Controls)
Most Eggheads will agree that kamado cooking is an art, not a science, however if you want to get pinpoint accuracy with your cooks the EGG Genius may be for you.
BGE says “The EGG Genius effortlessly controls the temperature of your EGG through your smartphone, tablet or computer. Remotely manage and monitor cooking temperatures for worry-free cooking, monitor the temperature of your food, view graphs of your cooks … and even receive alerts when your cook is finished or when the EGG temperature is too high or low.” Can you say, Wow?
Remote Probe Thermometer
As I mentioned in the Top 10 List, a good remote thermometer with remote probes that won’t break the bank is a must have item. If you can afford an Egg Genius then you won’t need these, but if the Genius is out of your budget or you want to have more manual control of the ‘art’ of kamado cooking (but with just a little help) then get one of these options.
Other Thermometers
You’ll need a quality instant thermometer as well as a “Candy” thermometer if you want to monitor frying oils, etc. And don’t overlook the Temperature “Gun” for checking surface temps accurately on your grill cooking surfaces and so much more (I use it all the time).
Best Lump Charcoal, Fire Starters, and Smoking Wood for your Big Green Egg
Quality Lump Charcoal
You wouldn’t drive a BMW on junk tires would you? Then why are you using crappy lump in your Big Green Egg?
Now I know there are a lot of charcoal options out there when it comes to kamado grilling and there’s even a list of quality options on the Naked Whiz Database, but for my money, I believe in the Kamado Joe Lump Charcoal brand – specifically the Big Block XL version. Why? Because not only is the bag filled with really big lumps of charcoal, but even more importantly, the type of wood used is a combination of various hardwoods so you get a great flavor but not an overpowering flavor. (If you’ve ever used lump charcoal that is primarily made with hickory then you know what I mean). The KJ-Char is great for kamado grill cooking in your Big Green Egg because you can use it for all types of food – from pizza, to chicken, to beefs, to pork, and fish. It works for all of it and it compliments it all well. Using KJ-Char as your base also gives you the flexibility to then add your own wood chips to add additional specific flavors (cherry, pecan, apple, etc) depending on what you’re cooking.
Here are some options to consider…
Helpful Dad’s Tip:
Walmart also has some good buys on charcoal – this includes 20-lb Royal Oak for around $15-20/bag and a new line called Western which is only $10 for a 30-lb bag! Both are pretty good options in my book.
Smoking Wood Chips
I’m sure you already know that your Big Green Egg is a powerhouse of a smoker – capable of both hot and cold smoking. While a quality lump will give you great flavor to begin with, if you want to impart true ‘smoke’ flavor into your meats you’re gonna need quality smoking wood too. Consider these options…
As an alternative to using chips or chucks, many BGE owners like the simplicity and control of ‘maze’ style smokers that use concentrated wood chips. A-Maze-N is the brand you want for this option. You can get the full maze or just a single tube. Then you’ll need the pellets too (see below).
Here are just a few examples of the smoking pellets you can use in the A-Maze-N for your Big Green Egg. There are tons to choose from.
Fire Starter Alternatives.
If you don’t want to use the Electric Fire Starter I recommended above, then consider these other options to light your Big Green Egg…
Knives, Cutting Boards, Tools, Tongs, Claws, and More
All of these are nice to have accessories for your Big Green Egg.
Lets Start with KNIVES
If you can’t afford to get a set or don’t want one, then focus on getting a quality chef’s knife, a Filet/Boning Knife, A Brisket Slicing Style knife, along with some nice steak knives for your guests to use. Brands I mentioned before were Wustof, Henkels, Shun, Global, Cutco, and Rapala.
Here are the knives I recommended above along with a few more worthy ones. Also, note the knife accessories at the end, including no-cut gloves and some sharpeners.
Carving, Cutting, and Serving Boards
Tongs, BBQ Sets, Meat Hooks & Claws, Rib Racks, Grate Grippers & Cleaners, and More
TONGS
I prefer relatively cheap, metal-tips tongs with flanges that grasp food easier. Steer clear of anything is rubber, plastic, or silicone on the tip to avoid sticking to the grill. I also like a variety of shorter (8-9 inch) and longer (up to 16 inch) for different uses. You can never have too many tongs!
BBQ SETS
These BBQ Sets make great gifts and (with the exception of the BGE official set) all of them are 4+ star rated on Amazon with 100+ reviews.
Spatulas & Fish Flippers
I like these spatulas because most of them are either long-handled or else have a wide flipper which makes them easier to use on the Big Green Egg.
Claws and Meat Hooks for Big Green Egg
Again I keep it pretty simple for this category – I want inexpensive but that does the trick.
RIB Racks and Smoking Meat Hooks
A few quality options to consider for rib racks and smoking meat hanging hooks for your kamado. The first two are the BGE Official ones, followed by numerous quality alternatives.
Wing Racks, Beer Can Chicken, and Turkey Roasters
Burger Presses and Grill Presses
Grate Grippers & Cleaners
If you need a replacement on your grill grate grippers for your Big Green Egg, here are a few options. The BGE official are listed first, followed by after-market brands.
Grill Mats
Whether you are looking for a grill mat to sit under your Big Green Egg and protect the ground or sit inside on the grates, we have a few to recommend…
Mops, Basting Brushes, and Meat Injectors
Custom Tables for your Big Green Egg
If you’re ready to fly beyond the next, here are a few ideas to get your started on deciding which type of custom table you want for your Big Green Egg. These are all from Amazon, but Etsy is another good spot to check too. Prices vary widely depending on the type of material (wood, plastic, stainless steel), whether you want drawers, how wide/long, granite inserts, etc, etc.
Heavy Duty Covers for Big Green Egg
Personally I like keeping my Egg under a cover – especially since I moved from the nest to a custom wood table. Here’s a few to consider – just be sure to measure the dimensions of your table and give a little room to play. I’ve purchased both of these Classic Accessories covers and they’ve held up well. If you have a large island like me, the final option is a winner…
Big Green Egg Aprons and other Swag
Did We Miss Anything?
If there is an accessory for the Big Green Egg that we’ve overlooked, be sure to let us know. Or if YOU have a favorite accessory you want to recommend, tell us about it in the comments below.
Are you an Egghead? Whether you’re a long-time owner of a Big Green Egg or a newbie, this article can help you. We’ll discuss which accessories are the best to buy for your BGE and why. Here’s a list of over 200 Big Green Egg accessories that will take your cooks to the next level.
Table of Contents
Here’s how this page is organized:
Top 10 Must Have Accessories (Highest Priority Items to buy for your Big Green Egg, especially if you are just getting started)
Cookbooks and Kamado Manuals to help you learn how to use the Big Green Egg.
Cooking Surfaces for the Big Green Egg – including a discussion of the Eggspander and the KJ Divide & Conquer System, the best pizza accessories for the Big Green Egg, using the JoeTisserie in your BGE, and more.
Ash Baskets – what it is and why you need.
Temperature Controls, Thermometers, and Remote Temperature Probes.
Fire Supplies: Lump Charcoal, Smoking Wood Chips, Electric Lighters, Gloves, and more.
Tools: Knives, Cutting Boards, Tongs, Claws, Rib Racks, Grate Grippers, and other BBQ Tools.
Cleaning Products, Grill Mats, etc.
Custom tables, covers, and vent caps.
SWAG: Big Green Egg Aprons and t-shirts.
Big Green Egg Replacement Parts
New Eggheads Start Here
Before you even consider buying any accessories it’s important to understand…
There IS a learning curve when it comes to kamado grill cooking on your Big Green Egg. And it’s a continuous learning process.
Do yourself a favor and don’t try to figure it all out on your own – you’ll just end up burning a lot of food and getting frustrated.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are a number of good books out there that can help you master kamado cooking on your Big Green Egg and speed up your BGE Mastery learning curve.
Here are two of my favorites books – they provide some awesome kamado grill recipes as well as MANY helpful tips.
After you get these two books, THEN you will be better prepared to actually use your new cooking accessories correctly…
Best Cooking Surfaces for the Big Green Egg
1-Flexible Cooking System (#1 MUST HAVE ITEM ON THIS PAGE)
This accessory will change the way you use your BGE and for that reason it is my #1 MUST HAVE Accessory for the Big Green Egg (or any kamado).
Let’s face it the Big Green Egg is the #1 most popular kamado on the market for a reason – the quality is awesome, the reputation is well-earned, and the Egghead community is the strongest of any kamado cooking group. BUT, if we’re honest with ourselves, BGE users shouldn’t be afraid to admit that even though Kamado Joe is a competitor KJ has made some great accessories over the years – perhaps the best of all time is their Flexible Cooking System called “The Divide and Conquer” system. Check out the theory behind the Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System…
After you make a decision on which flexible cooking system to buy, next get some Half Moon Heat Deflectors so you can to cook both Direct and Indirect at the same time or just because they are easier to use than the traditional bulky BGE place setter (aka “The convEGGtor”)
Then get these additions to conveniently hold your drip pans and/or allow you to cook higher up in the dome – which is really useful for pizza cooking too so you can avoid burning the crust.
Finally, for even more cooking space and another higher level add these…
2-Cast Iron Griddle
Now that you have a Flexible Cooking System in your Big Green Egg tou’re going to quickly learn that the standard stainless steel cooking grates just don’t cut it for certain foods.
You want to get a good sear on steaks? Cook scallops? Griddle up some bacon and eggs? Then you’ll want a cast-iron griddle. Sure you could use a cast-iron pan but these griddles fit into your BGE and give you some great flexibility too.
Now if you can afford to get both the cast iron grates and the cast iron griddle for your BGE, you’ll be really happy, but if you have to prioritize then get the cast iron griddle first because it adds so many more options to your cooks.
I’ve got a few options for you to pick from. Personally I prefer using the half-moon Cast Iron Griddle made by Kamado Joe – it’s 1/3 of the price of the BGE version!
Although the cast-iron griddle is basically a ‘must-have’ for your Big Green Egg, the grates are more of a nice-to-have item in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong. I have the grates and I use them all the time for burgers, the indirect portion of steak grills, and more. Remember, if you have to prioritize, get the griddle first, then the grates.
When you’re ready for cast iron grates, consider the Kamado Joe Cast Iron Grates (used in combo with the KJ Flexible Cooking System – the beauty of it is you can use use the griddle for direct searing and then have the grates over a half-moon heat deflector for the indirect cook portion. Bonus!)
4. Even More Cooking Surfaces
A Quality Grilling Basket
Do you need it?
I think so. Particularly when you get a basket with a removable handle it allows you to turn fish, veggies, and delicate items easily – saving time, hassle, AND protecting your food.
A Good Dutch Oven
Even if you have the cast-iron griddle and grates you’ll benefit from a quality dutch oven. You can never have too much cast-iron right?
But seriously, the reason you’ll want a dutch oven is because by putting a dutch oven in your Big Green Egg (and learning how to use is safely) you can BAKE and FRY inside your BGE!
There’s really one one brand here to consider – The Lodge.
PIZZA in the BIG GREEN EGG
One of my family and friends’ favorite things in a kamado is wood-fired pizzas. They’re fun to make, taste great, and easy to do.
For this reason I consider a Pizza Stone to be a must-have accessory for your BGE.
Here are a few options. The BGE stone is ridiculously expensive so do a bit of research about your options and you may be able to save some money – just make sure it’s a quality stone that won’t crack on you!
After you get the stone, then get one or more of these helpful pizza accessories. Don’t overlook the Elements of Pizza cookbook here too.
Soapstone Surface
What the heck is soapstone and why do I need it?
Soapstone is great for cooking more delicate items like fish and veggies that you don’t want to put in a basket or cedar plank but do want to have directly on a cooking surface. Soapstone is bacteria and stain-resistant and may give you fewer flareups even though the meat cooks in its own juices. People also like using this surface for ‘smash burgers’ too.
We’ve gotta give credit to KJ again here because they make the best version of this item – another half-moon surface that fits the Flexible Cooking System.
CEDAR PLANK COOKING
You can’t go wrong with cooking fish on cedar plank – but cedar can be used for veggies and meats too.
BEST ROTISSERIE for the Big Green Egg
This is a Top 10 MUST HAVE Accessory for your Big Green Egg.
While a few companies are making a rotisserie for the BGE, there’s really only one to consider here – the “JoeTisserie.” It’s proven to work in the BGE and work well.
Get the JoeTisserie and turn your kamado into a rotisserie-style cooker and take your cooks to the next level. The JoeTisserie is not just for cooking chicken, you can also use it for some great Brazilian-style steak, pork, and more.
BONUS – add a grilling basket to the JoeTisserie and cook wings, veggies, and expand your game even further.
Other Useful Cooking Pans and Drip Pans for the Big Green Egg
An assortment of useful cooking pans that sit on the grates and/or don’t necessarily attach to the racks. Item #1 (The Plancha) is super popular and highly useful. BTW all of these are “BGE” official brand.
All About ASH BASKETS
What is an Ash Basket and why might you want one for your Big Green Egg?
An Ash Basket lets you simply lift out used charcoal and ash before every cook and it is reported to increase air flow around your lump charcoal in your Egg.
When you use an ash basket you can dispose of ashes and be ready for your next cook in seconds—no muss, no fuss. Just lift the ash basket out and give it a few shakes in your grill or over a trash can (make sure the fire is completely out!), then set the ash basket back in place, add some fresh charcoal, and you’re ready to go in seconds.
Spaces between the ash basket’s rings allow the small particles to fall through when you shake the ashes out. You can start each cook with an ideal fuel load, whether you’re searing steaks or going low and slow. You get easier starts and more even burning for ultimate temperature control.
The most popular choice, by far, in ash baskets for the BGE is the Kick Ash Basket.
Don’t overthink this one and get a lesser brand that’s gonna be lesser quality. You’ll use this in every cook and you’ll want it to hold up over time. Get the Kick Ash and be done with it.
Don’t Forget the ASH TOOLS too.
Temperature Controls, Thermometers, & Remote Temp Probes for the Big Green Egg
EGG Genius (Remote Temp Controls)
Most Eggheads will agree that kamado cooking is an art, not a science, however if you want to get pinpoint accuracy with your cooks the EGG Genius may be for you.
BGE says “The EGG Genius effortlessly controls the temperature of your EGG through your smartphone, tablet or computer. Remotely manage and monitor cooking temperatures for worry-free cooking, monitor the temperature of your food, view graphs of your cooks … and even receive alerts when your cook is finished or when the EGG temperature is too high or low.” Can you say, Wow?
Remote Probe Thermometer
As I mentioned in the Top 10 List, a good remote thermometer with remote probes that won’t break the bank is a must have item. If you can afford an Egg Genius then you won’t need these, but if the Genius is out of your budget or you want to have more manual control of the ‘art’ of kamado cooking (but with just a little help) then get one of these options.
Other Thermometers
You’ll need a quality instant thermometer as well as a “Candy” thermometer if you want to monitor frying oils, etc. And don’t overlook the Temperature “Gun” for checking surface temps accurately on your grill cooking surfaces and so much more (I use it all the time).
Best Lump Charcoal, Fire Starters, and Smoking Wood for your Big Green Egg
Quality Lump Charcoal
You wouldn’t drive a BMW on junk tires would you? Then why are you using crappy lump in your Big Green Egg?
Now I know there are a lot of charcoal options out there when it comes to kamado grilling and there’s even a list of quality options on the Naked Whiz Database, but for my money, I believe in the Kamado Joe Lump Charcoal brand – specifically the Big Block XL version. Why? Because not only is the bag filled with really big lumps of charcoal, but even more importantly, the type of wood used is a combination of various hardwoods so you get a great flavor but not an overpowering flavor. (If you’ve ever used lump charcoal that is primarily made with hickory then you know what I mean). The KJ-Char is great for kamado grill cooking in your Big Green Egg because you can use it for all types of food – from pizza, to chicken, to beefs, to pork, and fish. It works for all of it and it compliments it all well. Using KJ-Char as your base also gives you the flexibility to then add your own wood chips to add additional specific flavors (cherry, pecan, apple, etc) depending on what you’re cooking.
Helpful Dad’s Tip:
Walmart also has some good buys on charcoal – this includes 20-lb Royal Oak for around $15-20/bag and a new line called Western which is only $10 for a 30-lb bag! Both are pretty good options in my book.
Smoking Wood Chips
I’m sure you already know that your Big Green Egg is a powerhouse of a smoker – capable of both hot and cold smoking. While a quality lump will give you great flavor to begin with, if you want to impart true ‘smoke’ flavor into your meats you’re gonna need quality smoking wood too. Consider these options…
As an alternative to using chips or chucks, many BGE owners like the simplicity and control of ‘maze’ style smokers that use concentrated wood chips. A-Maze-N is the brand you want for this option. You can get the full maze or just a single tube. Then you’ll need the pellets too (see below).
Fire Starter Alternatives.
If you don’t want to use the Electric Fire Starter I recommended above, then consider these other options to light your Big Green Egg…
Knives, Cutting Boards, Tools, Tongs, Claws, and More
All of these are nice to have accessories for your Big Green Egg.
Lets Start with KNIVES
If you can’t afford to get a set or don’t want one, then focus on getting a quality chef’s knife, a Filet/Boning Knife, A Brisket Slicing Style knife, along with some nice steak knives for your guests to use. Brands I mentioned before were Wustof, Henkels, Shun, Global, Cutco, and Rapala.
Here are the knives I recommended above along with a few more worthy ones. Also, note the knife accessories at the end, including no-cut gloves and some sharpeners.
Carving, Cutting, and Serving Boards
Tongs, BBQ Sets, Meat Hooks & Claws, Rib Racks, Grate Grippers & Cleaners, and More
TONGS
I prefer relatively cheap, metal-tips tongs with flanges that grasp food easier. Steer clear of anything is rubber, plastic, or silicone on the tip to avoid sticking to the grill. I also like a variety of shorter (8-9 inch) and longer (up to 16 inch) for different uses. You can never have too many tongs!
I like these spatulas because most of them are either long-handled or else have a wide flipper which makes them easier to use on the Big Green Egg.
Claws and Meat Hooks for Big Green Egg
Again I keep it pretty simple for this category – I want inexpensive but that does the trick.
RIB Racks and Smoking Meat Hooks
A few quality options to consider for rib racks and smoking meat hanging hooks for your kamado. The first two are the BGE Official ones, followed by numerous quality alternatives.
Wing Racks, Beer Can Chicken, and Turkey Roasters
Burger Presses and Grill Presses
Grate Grippers & Cleaners
If you need a replacement on your grill grate grippers for your Big Green Egg, here are a few options. The BGE official are listed first, followed by after-market brands.
Grill Mats
Whether you are looking for a grill mat to sit under your Big Green Egg and protect the ground or sit inside on the grates, we have a few to recommend…
Mops, Basting Brushes, and Meat Injectors
Custom Tables for your Big Green Egg
If you’re ready to fly beyond the next, here are a few ideas to get your started on deciding which type of custom table you want for your Big Green Egg. These are all from Amazon, but Etsy is another good spot to check too. Prices vary widely depending on the type of material (wood, plastic, stainless steel), whether you want drawers, how wide/long, granite inserts, etc, etc.
Heavy Duty Covers for Big Green Egg
Personally I like keeping my Egg under a cover – especially since I moved from the nest to a custom wood table. Here’s a few to consider – just be sure to measure the dimensions of your table and give a little room to play. I’ve purchased both of these Classic Accessories covers and they’ve held up well. If you have a large island like me, the final option is a winner…
Big Green Egg Aprons and other Swag
Did We Miss Anything?
If there is an accessory for the Big Green Egg that we’ve overlooked, be sure to let us know. Or if YOU have a favorite accessory you want to recommend, tell us about it in the comments below.
Are you a fan of Anthony Bourdain? Like me, I’m sure you’re sad that Tony is no longer with us, but rather than dwell on the negative, let’s not forget that he left a lasting legacy for us – part of that legacy are the many books Tony wrote. And what a life lesson those books taught us! Recall that Anthony was just a little known chef in his early 40’s who was often on the skids until he a tongue-in-cheek article he wrote for The New Yorker found unexpected success and quickly morphed into his first book “Kitchen Confidential” – the title that skyrocketed him to fame. In this article, we’ll talk about that book and others he wrote so you can build your library with some must-have Anthony Bourdain books.
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Bourdain’s Best-Selling Books
Let’s start with the four books by Anthony Bourdain that are basically must-own titles for any of his fans of the show. If you love Tony for his tell it like it is, no apology style, and you want to enjoy some of his most classic stories, the start with these books…
Check out Anthony Bourdain in the early days
Any list of Anthony Bourdain’s best books has to start with this book – it’s the title that effectively propelled Tony to stardom and it’s an all-time classic in the ‘chef reveals his secrets’ category.
This is the book that warned us ‘don’t eat fish on Monday,’ that taught us the inside scoop on sneaky tricks by penny pinching restaurateurs, and gave us our first glimpse into Tony’s (sometimes scary, often hilarious) life story and outlook on life.
If you’re building a library of Anthony Bourdain books, then Kitchen Confidential is your #1 first buy – don’t wait, get it now!
Go behind the scenes of Anthony Bourdain’s first book – listen to what Tony had to say about the New Yorker article that first made him famous….
A Cook’s Tour is perhaps Tony’s 2nd most popular book.
It was written around the time he starred in a TV show of the same name in the early 2000’s on The Food Network. It’s basically an account of his world travels to Portugal, France, Vietnam, Russia, Morocco, Japan, Cambodia, Mexico, Spain, and the famous restaurant French Laundry in Napa Valley.
This is classic Tony – in addition to introducing you to the local food and culture, you get his humorous take on each of the locations as he tries to answer the question “What would make the perfect meal?”
Tony in his first TV series.Tony in his first TV series.
The most recent of Tony’s books, Medium Raw is actually a long-overdue ‘sequel’ to his original book Kitchen Confidential. It became an instant NY Times Best Seller.
Fans of Tony who want to see him at his most personal, will love this book because it’s basically a memoir of his recent years, his rise to fame, his thoughts on other TV show ‘chefs’ (and he uses that word loosely when describing some of his rivals), and more.
It’s a no-holds barred, adults-only, put the kids to bed and enjoy kind of book.
Personally The Nasty Bits is one of my favorite Anthony Bourdain books. I’m not sure why it’s often overlooked because this title features so much of that hilarious ‘Hardcore Tony’ that so many fans love. If you like that style of Anthony Bourdain, then you’ll enjoy this book.
What’s here is a collection of 30+ essays in classic Bourdain-style on topics from from behind-the-scenes in restaurants, to “Tony Rants” about places and people he doesn’t like, to some inside scoop on his passions, and more.
The Nasty Bits is fast-paced, funny, and really hard to put down!
There was more to Tony than just his funny quips about traveling around the world. Did you know he also enjoyed making graphic novels? Or that he wrote a couple culinary mysteries? Or that he even penned a what-if historical book?
See – there’s more to Tony than you knew!
Intrigued?
Then check out these Anthony Bourdain books too…
Graphic Novel
Available October, 2018
Best-selling Graphic Novel
CIA Murder Mystery
Food, Crime, & Mayhem
Mob Crime Mystery
The real cause of Typhoid?
Anthony Bourdain – Advice for writers
Are you an aspiring writer? Check out some of Tony’s advice for wanna be authors and producers…
Ichi-go Ichi-e, Tony
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What Now?
If you’re striving to live a legacy life like Tony did, follow our blog and let’s stay in touch. If you’re on Facebook, accept my personal invitation to join The Legacy Life Facebook Group too. Be sure to share some of the funny stories and memorable quotes you picked up by reading all of Anthony Bourdain’s books!
If you’ve ever been to Sanibel, Captiva, or Fort Myers, Florida it’s likely you’ve heard of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar (and hopefully you’ve been there). If you have, then for sure you have had their signature dish – Yucatan Shrimp. This peel-n-eat shrimp appetizer is hands down awesome. It’s spicy, it’s addictive, it’s messy, and it’s oh-so-good. In the video I’ll show you how we make Doc Ford’s Yucatan Shrimp recipe at home. It’s really easy and you can do it too. In this article I’ll give you the traditional recipe (shell-on) and which I made for about a decade.
As a bonus, I’ll also give you my NEW version of Yucatan Shrimp which I’ve been using the last couple years (HEAD-on, but no shells). Why might you want to have shrimp with the heads on but no body shells? So you can suck on the heads and get an amazing mouthful of flavor! In addition, all the ‘Yucatan’ spices will be on the shrimp body and not the shells so the shrimp will be more flavorful. And best of all it’s less messy because you don’t have to peel anything at the table.
That said, both versions are outstanding so Enjoy!
To wet your appetite check out this pic I snapped from the first time I had Yucatan Shrimp at Doc Ford’s marina in Fort Myers…
Doc Ford’s Yucatan Shrimp at the Fort Myers marina
Yucatan Shrimp Recipe Ingredients List:
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-2 Large cloves of Garlic (minced)
Juice of two large limes
1-2 tablespoon Sambal Oelek Chili Sauce (or substitute Siracha in a pinch)
1-2 pound large, fresh, shell-on shrimp without heads
2-4 tablespoons chopped cilantro.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 loaf crusty bread
Step-by-Step Directions to make Yucatan Shrimp at home
In a small saucepan melt **2** tablespoons of butter over low heat.
Add the garlic and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
Add remaining **6** tablespoons butter to saucepan. When it melts, stir in the lime juice, chili sauce, salt and pepper, then turn off the heat. Well done – you’ve just made the sauce for Yucatan Shrimp! Now let the sauce rest while you cook the shrimp.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
Add the unpeeled shrimp and cook for 2 minutes (or until they are just firm and pink). Important: Do not overcook the shrimp — as soon as they are pink get the shrimp out because they will keep cooking a bit in the sauce while on your plate.
Drain the shrimp in a colander and shake over the sink to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp and Yucatan sauce mix together.
Plate the shrimp and be sure to put plenty of sauce in the bowls.
Serve with crusty bread (lots of it) for dipping.
Congratulations, you’ve just made Doc Ford’s Yucatan Shrimp at home!
Serves 4 very happy people – just be sure to give them lots of napkins!
Source: recipe adapted from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar of Fort Myers, FL
Yucatan Shrimp Recipe Video
Version 2 – Yucatan Shrimp HEADs On, but no shells on body
The ingredients are the same but for the shrimp – in this case you want shrimp with the HEADS on. They will come with the shells on the body too, but we’ll be taking those off. Additionally, this is a one pan dish so that means less clean up later!
Yucatan Shrimp Recipe Ingredients List:
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-2 Large cloves of Garlic (minced)
Juice of two large limes
1-2 tablespoon Sambal Oelek Chili Sauce (or substitute Siracha in a pinch)
1-2 pound large, fresh, unpeeled Shrimp with HEADS on
2-4 tablespoons chopped cilantro.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 loaf crusty bread
Step-by-Step Directions to make Yucatan Shrimp at home
Peel the shrimp but leave the heads on.
In a large frying pan melt **2** tablespoons of butter over low heat.
Add the garlic and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
Add remaining **6** tablespoons butter to fry pan. When it melts, stir in the lime juice, chili sauce, salt and pepper and let the flavors marry together for a minute or two.
Add the shrimp with the heads on to the frying pan that has the sauce still in it and cook for 1-2 minutes until the side that’s down turns pink. Then flip the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes until the entire shrimp is pink.
Serve the shrimp WITH ALL THE SAUCE in a large wide bowl that allows for the shrimp to be spread out AND allows the buttery sauce to be accessible for dipping.
Serve with crusty bread (lots of it) for dipping.
Here’s an example of cooking this version with the heads-on shrimp…
As you can see the bodies of the shrimp are absorbing all that buttery goodness and the heads are going to produce an amazing flavor bomb when you suck on the heads before you eat the shrimp body. (Note – it should go without saying that you do not EAT the heads, you just suck out the juices and then you throw away the heads just like the tails).
This version is far less messier at the table and in my opinion tastier too!
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View from the Marina at Doc Fords in Fort Myers, Fl
Tired of the same old K-cups? Why not give yourself something to look forward to with your morning cup of Joe? Even better, how about a cup of coffee that not only tastes great but is also healthy for you AND won’t break your fasting routine? If this sounds interesting to you then I’ve got another practical solution for you to try – I call it the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup.
I’ll give you two versions of the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup to try – the super simple, super fast, anyone-can-do-it version and the Pimp My Cup AwesomeR version.
If you just want the recipe without all the details, here it is, however, if you want to know more about why it’s healthy, how it relates to fasting, and get some tips for taking this coffee and more to the next level, keep reading.
CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup Super Simple Recipe
Put a ½ Tablespoon of Grassfed Butter in the bottom of your coffee mug
Brew your favorite cup of coffee into the mug that has the butter so it melts the butter as it pours into it.
Sprinkle some cinnamon on the top.
Stir
Enjoy
You can use your regular K-Cup for this version of the recipe or any other regular coffee that you normally brew. The goal of the super simple CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup recipe is just to introduce the idea to you and kick up your regular cup a notch with flavor while also allowing you to experience the potential health benefits of this coffee. This is a speedy way to enjoy the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup for those in a rush – you’ll get 75% of the overall benefits from using this method and anyone can do it.
How long does it take? How fast can you cut the butter and sprinkle the cinnamon? It adds about 30 seconds to your normal routine.
What about my cream and sugar? I encourage you to at least try the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup without any additional cream and sugar. The flavor is already there so you shouldn’t need to add anything to it. Also if you add cream on top of butter it will end up breaking your fast. And if you add sugar, you’ll really spike your blood sugar. Add them if you must and you’ll enjoy the flavor but try to work yourself towards the non-additive version so you can get the health benefits too.
CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup – Pimp My Cup AwesomeR Recipe
Put a ½ Tablespoon of Organic Grass-fed Butter in the bottom of your mug.
Grind fresh coffee beans.
Simple: use a motorized coffee/spice grinder.
Advanced: practice mindfulness and use a ceramic burr-grinder for the freshest possible taste.
Brew your coffee with a French Press or an Aeropress (my choice) – pressing it into the mug that has the butter.
Sprinkle organic cinnamon onto the top.
Stir with an organic cinnamon stick.
Smell the amazing aroma.
Enjoy.
For the Pimp My Cup AwesomeR version of the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup we’re moving beyond instant coffee, K-Cups, or even pre-ground beans. Here we want only the freshest beans, we want to brew them with a French Press or an Aeropress (see below), we’re using organic grass-fed butter, organic cinnamon, and we’re adding an organic cinnamon stick into the mug at the end too. The goal here is to get the best possible experience. We’re being mindful when we use our ingredients (thus the hand-crank ceramic burr grinder and that use-anywhere Aeropress). And we’re using only the best ingredients. Our goal is taking time to turn the simple into the extraordinary vs. rushing through life.
OMG, How Long Does All This Take? Don’t be afraid of this method from a time standpoint. It’s not like it takes forever. If you use the motorized spice grinder it adds about 30 seconds total to the process. If you go the hand grinder that will add a good minute. The French Press or Aeropress adds another 2-3 minutes. So what’s the total additional time? Let’s call it 5 minutes. Is 5 minutes of additional time worth it to get the full experience of the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup Pimp My Cup AwesomeR experience? I think so, but I encourage YOU to give it a try for yourself and let me know.
CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup Tools of the Trade
This section gives you some tips on what I use to make my CinnaBUTTER Coffee cups. Where available I’m including some Amazon affiliate links – remember I only recommend products I actually use myself and to learn more see my Trust Guarantee. Pick these up on Amazon or find them at your local store. Enjoy…
Favorite Butter – I’ve been using Vital Farms grass fed, pasture-raised butter and KerryGold Irish Butter. Use whatever version you prefer but move beyond the run-of-the-mill butter because a lot of your flavor will come from the butter so don’t skimp on this important ingredient.
Favorite Coffee – Lots of options here. Try to expand your horizons a bit. Yes, you can use your K-Cups but trust me when I say that there is a difference between K-Cups and using coffee grounds. Right now my favorite beans are Sprouts Mountain Gold – it’s bold, rich, and even has hints of chocolate in it. I also like using Organic Colombian Coffee beans as well.
Did you know most places that sell coffee beans have a grinder that you can use for free? Try it, because even if you don’t grind at home, you’ll get a better flavor and aroma by using coffee grounds vs K-Cups, etc.
Coffee Bean Grinders: The reason to grind at home is to experience the freshest coffee aromas and flavors. Did you know that coffee beans lose their freshness just a few hours after grinding? If that’s true then you’ll want to grind at home. Now if you really want to blow your mind with aroma and incredible fresh flavor try the hand-grinding – it takes a minute or two but its nice. That said, if you are not ready to go there just yet, then at least use a coffee/spice grinder — you’ll get 80% of the benefits of fresh grounds. Here’s what I use:
Aeropress: This is a take-anywhere way to make your own fresh coffee in under 5 minutes with just coffee grounds and hot water. I have another article about the Aeropress, there’s tons more online, and there’s even a Wikipedia page for Aeropress. The bottom line about Aeropress is that it’s inexpensive compared to a french press and yet many believe it provides a better cup. Pick up one on Amazon using this link.
BTW, the pic doesn’t do it justice – check out this video too…
Cinnamon: Lots of options here. I’ve always been a fan of McCormick’s spices, but here are a few options. Find them on Amazon or your local grocer…
Hot Water/Tea Kettle: If you are going to to the Aeropress route, you’ll need a way to heat hot water quickly. I love using an electric tea kettle – it’s fast, you can control the temp (Aeropress recommends 175-185 degree hot water), and easy to pour.
Do you use something else besides these tools? If so, please share your tips with me.
Why is the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup Healthy for you?
Assuming you are not adding cream and sugar to the cup and that you are not using coffee with any artificial sweeteners, etc, then you should be able to benefit from the potential health benefits of this style of coffee. I say potential because I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV. That being said I’m not the first to tout the benefits of adding healthy fats to your coffee or the pro’s of using cinnamon in your diet.
What about my fasting? Will the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup break my fast? One of the best things about the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup (either version) is that it won’t break your fast AND it fits in great with an Intermittent Fasting routine. I’m a big fan of Intermittent Fasting and I have an article with lots of tips for that lifestyle.
Tips for Intermittent Fasting
Using grass fed butter is great because not only do you get lots of flavor but you also get access to ‘good’ fats to use as an energy source and brain-food during your fasting stage. Can you say Double-Bonus? Remember there are no carbs in the butter or we don’t want to add any to your CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup so we can stay in the fasting stage. But you do need energy and that butter provides a great way to bridge yourself to the end of your fasting period.
For me, a single cup of CinnaBUTTER Coffee takes me all the way through to the end of my 16-hour fasting cycle.
As for the cinnamon – again using it is for more than just flavor (although let’s not overlook the fact that cinnamon is great tasting and there was a famous Seinfeld skit from “The Dinner Party” episode about cinnamon too.
What’s super important about cinnamon for our purposes is that cinnamon regulates blood sugar and while were in the fasting stage we want to ensure we’re using energy from fat not carbs so we can get all the benefits of the Intermittent Fasting routine. Cinnamon helps us to do that.
Do you see the magic of the CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup? To use the old ad line… it tastes great AND it’s less filling!
CinnaBUTTER Coffee Cup – Give it a try
OK, it’s time to stop reading and start brewing.
Give the Cinnabun Coffee Cup a try and let me know what you think. I’m guessing you’ll find yourself happy you gave it a try.
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