How To Clean Kamado Joe Soapstone

How To Clean Kamado Joe Soapstone (Step-By-Step Guide)

If you’re an avid griller like me, you’re in for a treat.

I could talk about the Kamado Joe smoker features all day, but in this article, we’ll focus specifically on its remarkable soapstone accessory!

If you didn’t know, the Kamado Joe is a renowned brand that has revolutionized the way we cook outdoors.

Their high-quality ceramic grills not only provide exceptional heat retention but also offer precise temperature control, making it a favorite among grill masters.

Now, let’s talk about the star of today’s show: soapstone. 

Derived from natural quarries, soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock known for its excellent heat retention properties.

With its smooth and non-porous surface, it has become an ideal option for cooking surfaces. 

The soapstone accessory for Kamado Joe grills provides an additional layer of versatility by allowing you to sear your steaks, roast vegetables, bake pizzas, or even smoke your favorite cuts of meat.

So, how do you clean the Kamado Joe Soapstone?

Cleaning a Kamado Joe soapstone is a straightforward process. Begin by allowing the soapstone to cool completely after use. Gently scrape off any remaining food particles using a grill brush or scraper. Use warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth to clean the surface, ensuring you remove any residue. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry the soapstone completely before placing it back in the Kamado Joe.

In this article, I’ll take you through this process step-by-step so you can understand how to do it yourself. 

Let’s dive in!

How To Clean Kamado Joe Soapstone (Key Takeaways)

Here are the key takeaways for how to clean a Kamado Joe soapstone:

  • Allow the soapstone to cool completely before cleaning.
  • Use a grill brush or scraper to gently remove any food particles.
  • Clean the soapstone with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth.
  • Thoroughly rinse the soapstone with water.
  • Dry the soapstone completely before placing it back in the Kamado Joe.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
  • Regular cleaning and proper maintenance ensure the soapstone’s longevity and performance.

Brief Overview of Kamado Joe

Kamado Joe is more than just a grill; it’s a lifestyle. 

The company prides itself on producing top-of-the-line ceramic grills that enhance the cooking experience like no other. 

From their innovative design to their commitment to quality craftsmanship, Kamado Joe has gained a loyal following worldwide.

In my opinion, what sets Kamado Joe apart from other grill brands is their dedication to detail and performance. 

Their grills are built with precision using high-quality materials that can withstand extreme temperatures while ensuring even heat distribution throughout the cooking surface.

Watch this:

 

 

Benefits and Uses Of Soapstone For Cooking

The use of soapstone in cooking dates back centuries due to its remarkable properties. 

One significant benefit that I’ve found is its exceptional heat retention capabilities.

Soapstone absorbs and retains heat evenly, allowing for consistent cooking temperatures across the entire surface. 

This ensures that your food cooks evenly, preventing any hotspots that could lead to uneven cooking results.

Furthermore, soapstone is a non-porous material, which means it won’t absorb any flavors or odors from your food. 

This quality makes it an excellent choice for grilling delicate items like fish or vegetables without the risk of imparting unwanted flavors.

Additionally, soapstone’s smooth surface prevents food from sticking, making it easier to flip and remove your culinary creations. 

Whether you’re searing a mouth-watering steak or slow-cooking a tender roast, the soapstone accessory for Kamado Joe grills provides an exceptional cooking surface that enhances flavor and versatility in every dish you prepare.

Importance of Cleaning Kamado Joe Soapstone

Cleaning your Kamado Joe soapstone is an essential task that should not be overlooked. 

By ensuring that your soapstone is properly cleaned after each use, you can maintain its optimal cooking performance and flavor retention capabilities.

Over time, soapstone can develop a build-up of grease, food residue, and other impurities from cooking. 

These residues can affect the way heat is distributed and absorbed by the soapstone, ultimately impacting the quality of your dishes.

When you cook on a dirty soapstone surface, the remnants from previous meals can mix with the flavors of new dishes. 

This cross-contamination can lead to unintended flavor combinations and undesirable tastes in your food.

Ensuring Optimal Cooking Performance and Flavor Retention

The cooking performance of your Kamado Joe grill relies heavily on a clean soapstone surface. 

As you use your grill repeatedly over time, layers of grease and residue gradually accumulate on the stone’s surface. 

This build-up creates an uneven distribution of heat, making it difficult for your food to cook evenly.

Cleaning the soapstone removes these unwanted deposits and restores its ability to absorb heat evenly throughout its surface. 

With a clean slate, you’ll find that your dishes cook more uniformly, resulting in better texture and taste.

Whether you’re grilling juicy steaks or baking delicious pizzas on your Kamado Joe grill with a soapstone base, regular cleaning guarantees consistent cooking results every time. 

Beyond just cooking performance alone, cleaning also plays a crucial role in preserving the natural flavors of the food you cook.

Watch this:

 

General Cleaning Tips for Kamado Joe Soapstone

Here are some simple general cleaning tips that I use for the Kamado Joe Soapstone.

1. Allow the Soapstone To Cool Down Completely Before Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning your beloved Kamado Joe soapstone, the first rule of thumb is to exercise patience and let it cool down completely. 

It might be tempting to jump right into the cleaning process after an intense grilling session, but trust me, giving it time to cool off will make your life so much easier.

Rapid temperature changes can cause the soapstone to crack or even shatter, and we definitely don’t want any accidents ruining our cooking dreams. 

So take a moment, sip on a refreshing beverage while you admire your culinary masterpiece.

Letting it sit undisturbed for about 30 minutes will suffice. 

Once you feel that the soapstone has cooled down sufficiently, you’re ready to embark on your cleaning adventure!

2. Gently Scrape Off Any Food Residue Using a Wooden Spatula or Brush

Now that we’ve allowed our Kamado Joe soapstone ample time to cool down, let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle those pesky food residues. 

Grab a wooden spatula or brush – something soft that won’t damage the surface of the soapstone – and gently start scraping away any leftover bits of deliciousness.

Take your time with this step as it’s essential not to rush and risk scratching or damaging the surface of the soapstone. 

Be thorough in removing all visible food particles from both sides of the soapstone.

You can also use this opportunity to marvel at how well-seasoned your soapstone has become from previous grill sessions – it adds character! 

Remember, though: be gentle yet determined in your scraping efforts; we want sparkle without sacrificing integrity!

3. Remove The Soapstone From The Grill and Place It on a Heat-Resistant Surface

To begin the deep cleaning process, carefully remove the soapstone from your Kamado Joe grill and find a suitable heat-resistant surface where you can work comfortably. 

This could be a countertop, table, or even an old baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to catch any drips or spills during the cleaning process. 

Ensuring that the soapstone is placed on a heat-resistant surface eliminates any risk of damage caused by extreme temperatures.

4. Preparing A Cleaning Solution

To create a gentle yet effective cleaning solution for your Kamado Joe soapstone, mix warm water with mild dish soap in a bucket or sink basin. 

The warm water helps to loosen dirt and grime while the dish soap acts as a degreaser.

If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains or grease buildup, you can enhance the cleaning power by adding white vinegar.

A mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water should suffice. 

Gently stir the solution until it is well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

5. Submerge The Soapstone In The Cleaning Solution For About 15 Minutes

Once your cleaning solution is ready, it’s time to submerge your Kamado Joe soapstone in it. 

Allow it to soak for approximately 15 minutes. 

This step allows the solution to penetrate and loosen stubborn stains and grease buildup from hours of cooking delicious meals on your grill.

6. Scrubbing the soapstone:

After soaking, take a soft-bristle brush or sponge and gently scrub away any remaining residue from your Kamado Joe soapstone. 

Pay special attention to areas with heavy staining or stuck-on food particles.

Be cautious not to use abrasive cleaners or metal brushes, as they can damage the surface of the soapstone. 

It’s important to maintain the integrity of the soapstone’s smooth surface while ensuring it is thoroughly clean.

7. Rinsing Off The Soapstone

Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the soapstone, it’s time to rinse off any remaining cleaning solution. 

Hold the soapstone under running water and ensure that all traces of the cleaning solution are removed.

To check if any soapy residue remains, gently rub your fingers over the surface. 

If there is no slippery sensation or visible residue, then your Kamado Joe soapstone is clean and ready for future culinary adventures.

Watch this:

 

How To Clean Kamado Joe Soapstone (Final Thoughts)

Cleaning your Kamado Joe soapstone may seem like a daunting task, but by following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively remove stains and grease buildup without harming its delicate surface. 

Remember to always handle and clean your soapstone with care to ensure its longevity.

With a clean slate, you can now enjoy cooking on your Kamado Joe grill with confidence and passion, knowing that each meal will be prepared on a beautifully maintained cooking surface. 

Embrace this cleaning routine as an opportunity to reconnect with your grill and cherish every moment spent crafting delicious culinary creations.

Related Articles:

As a passionate enthusiast of smoking, grilling, and BBQ, Mark has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of outdoor cooking. With over a decade of experience in the field, he has honed his expertise and authority on all things related to meat smoking, grilling, and BBQ. From mastering the perfect cut of meat to choosing the right wood for the smoker, Mark has the knowledge and experience to help you become a pro at outdoor cooking.
Mark

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *