Clean the outside, glaze and top vent

The glaze and the cast-iron top vent

The 2024 manual for the glaze and the gasket. Kamado Joe gives no cleaning method for the cast-iron top vent; steps 3 and 4 are ours, from how it is made.

1. Wait until the grill is cool.
2. Wipe the glaze with a damp cloth and a little soapy water, with gentle pressure.
3. Wipe grease and soot off the top vent with a dry cloth, swinging the cap aside to reach under it. Keep it dry: it is coated cast iron.
4. Lift it off the chimney to clean the collar under it. No screws hold it (from photos): look first, and do not lever it.
5. Leave the gasket alone. The manual: do not scrub it; heat cleans it. Wipe off spills only.
6. Wipe the hinge and the stand.

Light cracking in the glaze (crazing) is normal, says the manual.