QUATRO L fiberglass gasket

The seal of a kamado plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the device. It is mainly used to maintain a perfect seal between the different parts of the kamado, thus guaranteeing better heat, smoke and air management.

Here are the main purposes of the joint in a kamado :

– Ensure optimal waterproofing
The gasket creates a tight barrier between the lid and the base of the kamado, preventing air, heat, and smoke leakage. This keeps the internal temperature of the kamado stable, which is essential for achieving consistent cooking results, especially when cooking indirect or long cooking at low temperatures.

– Temperature control
The seal prevents air from entering or exiting uncontrollably. This allows for better temperature control by reducing thermal variations, especially during long cooking periods such as smoking or grilling at low temperatures. A good seal helps to prevent overheating or overcooling of the inside of the kamado.

– Optimize smoke management
A good seal also helps to keep smoke inside the kamado, creating an ideal atmosphere for smoking meats, fish, cheeses, and other foods. If the joint is ineffective or worn, the smoke will escape and the smoky taste will be less intense, affecting the quality of the final product.

– Improve energy efficiency
A properly installed seal helps retain heat and reduce coal consumption. By preventing air leakage, kamado requires less fuel to maintain a stable temperature, which is not only more economical but also more environmentally friendly.

– Prevent premature wear
The gasket also protects the internal parts of the kamado from excessive exposure to air and moisture, which can reduce the risk of premature deterioration of the cooking material, whether ceramic or metal. By limiting wear and tear and cracking, an effective seal extends the life of your kamado.

The gasket of a kamado should be replaced periodically to ensure optimal sealing and maintain high cooking performance. However, the frequency of replacement depends on several factors, such as the use of the kamado, the duration of the cooking, the type of seal, and maintenance.

As a general rule, the gasket on your kamado should be replaced about once a year or every 2 to 3 years, but this can vary depending on the following conditions:

1. Frequent or intense use :
– If you use your kamado regularly or for long cooking (such as smoking or indirect cooking at high temperatures), the seal may deteriorate more quickly. In this case, an annual replacement may be necessary.
– Repeated high-temperature cooking can wear out the joint prematurely

2. Occasional use : If you only use your kamado occasionally (a few times a year), the seal can last 2-3 years before showing signs of wear.

3. Maintenance conditions : if you maintain your kamado properly, by cleaning the joint regularly, avoiding exposing it to extreme temperatures or excessive humidity, the joint will be able to last longer. On the other hand, if the joint is often exposed to cracks or deformations, an early replacement may be necessary.

– Air or smoke leaks : If you notice air or smoke coming out of the joints, it means that it no longer provides a perfect seal and it is time to replace it.

– Visible wear : If the seal is visibly worn, torn or burned, it loses its effectiveness and needs to be replaced.

– Temperatures that are difficult to regulate : If you are struggling to maintain a stable temperature, it may be due to a worn seal that no longer keeps air and heat inside the kamado.

– Wrinkled or degraded material : A joint that becomes brittle, cracked, or loses shape indicates deterioration of the material.

– Check the condition of the seal regularly : Inspect your seal after each use and clean it to remove any food or grease residue.

– Do not expose the joint to excessively high temperatures for long periods of time. Cooling too quickly after cooking at high temperatures can damage the seal.

– Avoid rubbing the gasket too hard when closing the lid so as not to damage or deform it.

The life of the seal also varies depending on the material used:
– Fiberglass seal : very resistant, it can last from 2 to 3 years, or even more, if well maintained. However, with repeated extreme temperatures, it can start to deteriorate faster.

– Felt gasket : less durable than fiberglass, a felt gasket can have a lifespan of one to two years, depending on the intensity of its use.

The fiberglass gasket and felt gasket are two of the most common options for ensuring optimal sealing in a kamado, but they have notable differences in performance, durability, and adaptability to different types of cooking.

Here’s a comparison between these two types of gaskets to help you determine which one is best for your needs.

1. Fiberglass seal:

– High thermal resistance: the fiberglass gasket is designed to withstand high temperatures, often up to 700°C or more, which is more than enough for the temperatures generated by a kamado.

– Durability : It is highly resistant to wear, thermal shock, and moisture. This makes it a sustainable choice, especially for long cooking at a stable temperature.

– Excellent sealing : Fiberglass creates a very airtight seal, which prevents air leakage and maintains a constant temperature inside the kamado, thus optimizing carbon consumption.

– Flexible and abrasion resistant : Although fiberglass is relatively rigid, it remains flexible to the point that it can adapt to the curves of the kamado. In addition, it is abrasion resistant, which reduces the risk of premature wear.

2. Felt seal :

– Less resistant to high temperatures : felt is generally designed to withstand more moderate temperatures (often around 350-400°C), which makes it less suitable for firing at extremely high temperatures. It can degrade faster if you use it at temperatures that are too high.

– Limited durability : Felt, while soft and easy to handle, can wear out faster, especially if you use it frequently for high-temperature or prolonged baking. It is likely to lose its sealing effectiveness over time, especially with repeated exposure to high temperatures.

– Less resistant to thermal shock: compared to fiberglass, felt is less resistant to thermal shock, which can lead to cracks or deformations after several uses.

In summary, for optimal performance, especially in the context of high-temperature cooking or long smoking sessions, the fiberglass gasket will generally be more suitable. However, for more occasional use and less temperature demanding, the felt gasket may be sufficient.