Birth of Kamado in USA
Japanese kamados were made by 2 families that made pottery, Kanuraki & Kacoa. Kamados were sold to the US military that were stationed in Japan in the 60's & 70's. Thousands were brought into the states. Many
servicemen made a side business of bringing kamados back for resale in
the states. They realized how good it bbq'd meats and it was a great
business! I knew a pilot "Roy" that in 1974 started to bring in 40'
containers of kamados. I partnered up with him. We sold 80,000 kamados
from 1974 - 1984 with a group of stores called "Pachinko Palace" . Pier
1 Imports also sold the same kamados starting from 1972 - 1978. Their
numbers were much smaller. It was a fantastic time for kamados, good
quality and the best bbq food in the world. The kamado business all
changed with the start of the internet in the 1990's. Sales tripled each
year and new countries started making kamados (Mexico, China, India)
Many new companies were formed to sell kamados under their new names.
When all the new kamados are reviewed and tried nothing cooks like an
"original" earthenware Japanese kamado . Although the new Chinese
kamados come real close these 2 countries will always come home with a
"trophy" at a BBQ contest. Im living proof with a winning "trophy"
myself!
Augie Longo
KAMADO KING INC.
We will be adding a section on Imperial Kamado History since Mako brought these over from Japan in the 1960's. We will also be sharing Mako's original Imperial Kamado restoration techniques.
updated 3/29/11
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Imperial Kamado Manual (original)
This is and original Imperial Kamado bbq brochure, which shows a parts listing for your Imperial bbq. We have all of these items available for your restoration project.
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Imperial Kamado Options
These are your options. We stock other parts and acessories not listed here. Please note, the "modern" style barbeque is no longer available.
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Imperial Kamado Instructions
This is and original Imperial Kamado brochure/manual. This shows how to operate you Kamado grill. We use real lump charcoal for the best grilling results.
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