Every cook: ash out with the drawer

Ash out with the drawer

Kamado Joe's every-cook routine (the Classic II's 2025 manual; the Big Joe manual has the same drawer). Kamado Joe's chef does it every single cook, for airflow.

1. Wait until the grill and the charcoal are cold.
2. Stir the old charcoal with the ash tool, in a circular motion, so loose ash falls through the fire grate.
3. Open the draft door and slide out the ash drawer.
4. Wrap the ash in foil, soak it and bin it in a non-combustible container.
5. Slide the drawer back, handle lined up with the opening.
6. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth, then cover the grill.