When it comes to outdoor cooking, Kamado Joe has made a significant mark with our innovative approach to grilling. One of the standout features that sets us apart from the competition is our revolutionary Air Lift™ Hinge. In this blog post, we'll dive into what the Air Lift Hinge is, why it matters for your grilling experience, and how to make the most of this exceptional feature.
Why It Matters
The Air Lift Hinge is a groundbreaking mechanism designed by Kamado Joe to enhance the usability, safety, and overall cooking experience of our kamado-style grills. A kamado grill, often referred to as an "egg-style grill," is a traditional Japanese charcoal grill known for its exceptional heat retention and versatility.
The Air Lift Hinge addresses a common challenge with kamado grills: their weight. These ceramic grills are known for their solid construction, which is excellent for heat retention but can make opening the lid tricky. The Air Lift Hinge employs a unique counterbalance system that reduces the weight of the lid by up to 96%. This means you can effortlessly lift the heavy ceramic lid with just a finger, allowing easy one-handed operation.
FAQs about the Hinge
How does the Air Lift Hinge work?
The Air Lift Hinge utilizes a specialized spring mechanism that counterbalances the weight of the heavy ceramic lid. This engineering marvel makes it possible to lift the lid with minimal effort, eliminating the need for any heavy lifting.
Can the Air Lift Hinge be adjusted?
Yes, the Air Lift Hinge can be adjusted to suit your preferences. You can fine-tune the hinge tension to ensure that the lid remains open at the desired angle. This is particularly useful when you're checking on your food or when you want to control the amount of airflow for temperature regulation.
How to Adjust the Air Lift Hinge
- Locate the Adjustment Nut: The hinge tension can be adjusted using the nut located on the hinge arm.
- Loosen or Tighten: To reduce tension, turn the nut counterclockwise. To increase tension, turn it clockwise.
- Test the Lid: Adjust the tension to achieve the desired level of resistance when opening and closing the lid.
Which Kamado Joe Grills Have the Air Lift Hinge
As of now, the Air Lift Hinge is available on the Classic Joe® II and III, Big Joe® II and III, and the Konnected Joe™. These grills are equipped with the Air Lift Hinge as a standard feature, further enhancing their user-friendly design and performance.
How to Tell Which Kamado Joe You Have
If you're unsure which Kamado Joe grill model you own, you can usually find a label with the model name and number on the side or back of the grill.
The top vent is also a good indicator of which grill you have. If your grill has a Cast Iron Top Vent, you likely have a Classic Joe I, Big Joe I, or the Joe Jr®. These grills will not have the Air Lift Hinge. If you have the Kontrol Tower® top vent, you likely have the Classic Joe II or III, Big Joe II or III, or the Konnected Joe. These grills will have the Air Lift Hinge.
Additionally, you can visit the official Kamado Joe website and compare your grill to the product images to identify the specific model.
Differences from Other Brands
While many brands offer kamado-style grills, Kamado Joe's Air Lift Hinge sets it apart from the competition. Other brands may not provide the same level of effortless lid lifting and adjustability, making Kamado Joe grills a top choice for those who value convenience and precision in their outdoor cooking.
For a visual comparison of Kamado Joe and a competitor style Kamado grill, check out this informative video.
In the world of kamado grills, the Kamado Joe Air Lift Hinge stands as a testament to innovation and user-centric design. With its ability to effortlessly lift the heavy lid and its adjustable tension, this feature makes grilling a more enjoyable and hassle-free experience. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a novice, the Air Lift Hinge showcases Kamado Joe's commitment to enhancing the art of outdoor cooking. So, fire up your Kamado Joe grill and experience the future of charcoal grilling firsthand!
