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Smart BBQ Controller iKAMAND – Unboxing and Setup Guide


By 5teve-0 | June 18, 2018 | Category Cooking on the Kamado Joe

Update 6/29/18: To read my full review, impressions and thoughts on the iKAMAND smart BBQ controller after a week of ownership and 5 successful cooks with it, read Kamado Joe iKAMAND First Impressions; Thoughts and Review

###

I first learned about the coveted Kamado Joe iKAMAND smart BBQ controller in the Facebook Kamado Joe enthusiast group, “Kamado Joe Grilling, Smoking and more.” Thanks to the Altanta Grill Company, I was able to pre-order at a discounted rate and promptly received this long awaited device to mixed reviews from early adopters. This post is pretty much an unboxing, installation and setup guide. I’ll publish another post detailing my personal experience and thoughts about it after doing several cooks with it.

So what is an iKAMAND? The iKAMAND is a smart BBQ controller and monitoring accessory developed by Kamado Joe in conjunction with Desora amidst a growing market of barbecue grill temperature controller and monitoring devices. Currently, the iKAMAND only works with Kamado Joe Classic and Big Joe while iKAMAND documentation indicates mounting plate for other non-Kamado Joe cookers will be made available in the future. Unfortunately, the iKAMAND is strictly a cloud-based device controlled through the iKAMAND iOS or Android app and requires an iKAMAND user account and internet connection to function properly.

Unboxing the iKAMAND Smart BBQ Controller

The iKAMAND is packaged in a rectangular water resistant zipper case with a hang tab label show casing the product’s featured benefits.

iKAMAND Smart BBQ Controller Unboxing

The iKAMAND includes a carrying case, an ambient temperature probe grill clip, a replacement lower temperature vent, an instruction booklet, vent cover, power supply, iKAMAND smart BBQ controller, an ambient temperature probe and a regular temperature probe.

iKAMAND package iKAMAND Unboxing iKAMAND Unboxing iKAMAND Unboxing

iKAMAND Unboxing iKAMAND Unboxing iKAMAND Unboxing

iKAMAND Smart BBQ Controller Installation

The iKAMAND installs directly onto the lower vent of the Kamado Joe Classic or Big Joe with a size specific replacement sliding lower vent cover. The installation of this replacement vent plate, according to the iKAMAND’s official instructions, will require the user to remove the original lower temperature vent plate which involves removing the fire box, removing the two screws holding the lower vent plate backing in place, swapping out the original lower temperature sliding vent plate and replacing it with the vent plate that is included with the iKAMAND package. It is a pretty straight forward installation. This is also the perfect time to sweep up or vacuum the ash accumulated behind the fire box of their Kamado Joe during the installation process!

However, some iKAMAND users in the Facebook Kamado Joe group suggests installing the iKAMAND replacement lower vent plate ON TOP of the original Kamado Joe lower temperature sliding vent door. This is what I did and I did not have to remove the original lower temperature sliding vent door. I rotated the Kamado Joe Classic II counter clockwise to clear the lower vent from the stand then inserted the iKAMAND replacement lower vent cover from the left:

iKAMAND installation iKAMAND installation

I continue pushing the iKAMAND replacement lower vent cover along the track with my index finger and thumb.

iKAMAND installation iKAMAND installation

The whole process took about 5 minutes, but you can install it over the existing lower temperature sliding vent door easily:

iKAMAND installation iKAMAND installation

Of course, the iKAMAND vent cover is now optional but it still looks cool if you’ve removed the iKAMAND:

iKAMAND installation iKAMAND installation

Doing this allows the option to use the original vent plate to completely close off the lower vent during the cool down process. Some users have reported high temperature cooking resulted in warped iKAMAND mount covers.

The iKAMAND unit then simply clips onto the replacement lower temperature sliding vent and is secured on by two pinch tabs on opposite sides of the mounting hole:

iKAMAND installation iKAMAND installation iKAMAND installation

Download and Install the iKAMAND App

Download and install the iKAMAND app from the App Store or Google Play.

Install the iKAMAND app Install the iKAMAND app

Setting up the iKAMAND

Setting up the iKAMAND so it can connect to an existing WiFi is very similar to setting up a Ring or Nest Hello doorbell camera, or even an ecobee smart thermostat. But instead of relying on a Bluetooth connectivity, the iKAMAND broadcasts its own ad-hoc WiFi network as you would see in a DJI Phantom drone or baby monitors.

  1. The user will need to connect to the device’s built-in wireless ad-hoc network so the iKAMAND can be configured through the iKAMAND app.
  2. Once connected to the device’s ad-hoc network, the iKAMAND must be configured to connect to an existing 2.4 gHz band WiFi network, which the user will supply the compatible network’s SSID and password as prompted.
  3. Once connected to an existing 2.4 gHz band WiFi network, the iKAMAND setup is complete and the iKAMAND can be controlled across the internet through the iKAMAND app just like any other IoT / smart device.

Here is a step-by-step walk through to help you get your iKAMAND up and running:

First, connect the iKAMAND device to a power source. The iKAMAND power cord is only 5 ft long, so you’ll most likely need an extension cord with a 2-prong outlet. The LED light will light up turquoise on initial start up:

iKAMAND setup

Press and hold the button on the iKAMAND for 8 seconds, then release the button. The LED light flashes turquoise, then quickly flashes blue as it enters setup mode.

If you press the button and release for less than 8 seconds, you will activate stoke mode, turning on the fan. To turn off stoke mode, press and release the button again.

iKAMAND setup

iKAMAND setup

Launch the iKAMAND app and sign up for an iKAMAND account through the app if you haven’t already, then click on CONNECT.

iKAMAND setup

Connect to the iKAMAND’s ad-hoc wireless network from your phone by going to the phone’s WiFi setting and scanning for iKAMAND-x###

iKAMAND setup

Once connected to the iKAMAND’s ad-hoc wireless network, return to the iKAMAND app.

iKAMAND setup

When prompted, enter the credential to an available 2.4 gHz WiFi network. The SSID for the network is case sensitive. Press CONNECT.

Setting up and connecting the iKAMAND to your WiFi requires the presence of a 2.4 gHz band WiFi network. Most newer WiFi routers and mesh WiFi system are dual band broadcasting both 2.4 gHz and 5.0 gHz signals and devices will automatically connect to the correct band. If attempting to connect the iKAMAND to an older device or a device that does not automatically switch bands or does not offer dual band connectivity, the band may need to be manually selected from your router admin configuration page.

iKAMAND setup

The LED on the iKAMAND will slowly flash blue as it attempts to connect with your WiFi network. It will then become solid blue once it establishes connection with your WiFi and is connected to the internet. The iKAMAND app will notify you once it is successfully connected.

iKAMAND setup iKAMAND setup iKAMAND setup

Using the iKAMAND

From the home menu, the iKAMAND app offers many different cooking presets based on the meat of choice:

Cooking with iKAMAND

Simply select the meat type and enter the total weight of the meat being cooked:

Cooking with iKAMAND

iKAMAND will load up the preset recommended cooking pit and food temperatures, which you can adjust:

Cooking with iKAMAND

Once you click on COOK, the iKAMAND will do its job and automatically operate the fan speed to maintain the pit temperature at the set temperature. A total of three food temperature probe can be added. The iKAMAND kit includes one food temperature probe and additional probes will be available for sale in the near future. Once on COOK mode, you can assign the the temperature probe (Probe1, Probe 2 or Probe 3) to monitor the temperature of the food.

I will be smoking a pork butt overnight as the iKAMAND’s first cook following Chef Tom’s classic pulled pork sandwich recipe.

I will post a follow-up article on the results and my thoughts on the iKAMAND. Stay tuned!

Related

Tags: atlanta grill company, ceramic grill, ikamand, kamado, kamado joe, kamado joe classic, temperature controller, temperature monitoring

8 thoughts on “Smart BBQ Controller iKAMAND – Unboxing and Setup Guide”

  • Rick says:
    July 21, 2020 at 1:45 PM

    I purchased an iKamand for my 24″ Kamado – it is an older model, design no. 457. The iKamand adaptor for the vent screen is wider than the vent screen on my Kamado. Any suggestions on how to know which iKamand will fit on my Kamado? I have tried to contact Kamado and Desora with no reply. I’ve spoken with some Kamado retailers and they could not provide an answer…they did not keep iKamand’s in inventory. I can not find any dimensions listed for the iKamand vent screen adaptor

    Reply
    • 5teve-0 says:
      August 4, 2020 at 10:12 AM

      Hi Rick, have you tried asking in the iKamand Owner’s Group on Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/groups/ikamand/

      Reply
  • Don Smith says:
    April 29, 2020 at 1:04 PM

    The recommended vent settings are designed for the newer Kamado Joe vent tower, i.e.
    – Low N Slow 150-275 degrees F – Halfway between the first and second line
    – Medium 275-400 degrees F – At the second line
    – High 400-500 degrees F – Between the second and third line.

    I have an older Kamado Joe with the daisy wheel vent configuration. What are the equivalent vent settings using the daisy wheel?

    Reply
  • arthur b skinner says:
    June 29, 2018 at 6:30 AM

    Hello 5teve-0, I don;t know if it was power plug issue, you could be right I will chk it out. As you said its likely not the condensation issue. Your disconnect experience was identical to mine.

    What do you mean server? Is that the Server in the cloud,, dose the unit have to stay connected to a cloud server or are you referring to the wifi connection?

    Reply
    • 5teve-0 says:
      June 29, 2018 at 8:59 AM

      The iKAMAND server is in the cloud. When you control your iKAMAND through the app, it communicates with the iKAMAND cloud server and then the iKAMAND cloud server interacts with your unit to control it.
      You can see photos of the power plug issue in my review here: http://blog.machanon.net/2018/06/25/kamado-joe-ikamand-first-impressions-thoughts-and-review/

      Reply
  • arthur b skinner says:
    June 26, 2018 at 8:49 AM

    I bought the Ikamand and I did a long cook recently, stated at 10pm, grill temp probe set for 225 and meat probe set for 165 temp. , which was my temp. to wrap. At some point in the night, approx. 4am, my unit stopped working and I had to go to hand temp probing. I did have a water filled drip pan under the pork butt grate and on top of the heat deflector, also I did spritz the butt approx. 3 times during the first 5 to 6 hrs. I noticed a small moisture pool underneath the unit on the fire pad and small drops of moisture coming off the front right bottom corner of the IKamand unit, at the point when I noticed the unit had stopped working. Could this moisture have caused the unit to stop working? Also, I could not restart the unit manually or reconnect to wifi, it was just stuck off! This was very frustrating. I left the unit in place as I needed to keep a low air flow and when I finished the cook I removed the unit and let it dry out. When the unit dried out and it began to start working. For the price point of the IKamand, I would not expect the unit to stop functioning! Any suggestions?
    Art

    Reply
    • 5teve-0 says:
      June 26, 2018 at 1:17 PM

      Hi Art, I too recently used the iKAMAND for an overnight, 18 hour, low and slow with a 7.5 lb pork butt starting at 5:30 PM. You can read more about it in a recent entry. My iKAMAND also experienced condensation, and like yours, it condensed into liquid and dripped onto my grill mat, also from the bottom right corner of the iKAMAND unit. I don’t think this caused your unit to go offline as the owner, Bobby Brennan, of Kamado Joe demonstrated an iKAMAND running at 100% fan speed and dunking it into a container of water with it still running. I rinsed my iKAMAND off with soapy water after the cook, let it air dry, powered it up and it was running as usual.

      Reply
    • 5teve-0 says:
      June 26, 2018 at 1:17 PM

      I did experience a short iKAMAND server interruption that cut my 18 hour overnight low and slow two hour short. The iKAMAND basically disconnected from the server and froze, meaning it was uncontrollable from the app for about an hour. But once the server issues were resolved, my iKAMAND worked again. I am aware that there are legitimate units that had problems and Joe fans with these units are getting them replaced. If you are continuing to experience issues, consider looking into a replacement.

      Also, I’ve noticed the power input isn’t exactly built solid and the power plug may need to be removed and re-plugged to supply power – could this be an issue you are experiencing?

      Reply

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