FAQ - Barbecues

Insufficient heat may have several causes:

• The gas supply is not fully open
• The gas cylinder is (almost) empty
• The venturi tubes are not properly positioned over the gas valve openings
• The burner ports are blocked
• The regulator is not correctly connected to the cylinder and/or hose

How can I solve this?

Please check the following:

• Fully open the gas supply
• Check whether the gas cylinder is sufficiently filled and replace it if necessary
• Ensure the venturi tubes are correctly aligned over the gas valve openings
• Clean the burner ports (see manual for instructions)
• Replace the burners if needed (available on our website)
• Reconnect the regulator correctly to the cylinder and/or hose

Always consult the user manual for detailed instructions and safety guidance.

Flare-ups (sudden high flames) usually occur when grease or oil drips onto the burners.

Possible causes include:

• Fatty food dripping grease
• Blocked grease drainage openings
• Grease buildup in the bowl or on/in the burners
• Temperature set too high

How can I prevent or solve flare-ups?

You can take the following actions:

During grilling

• Trim excess fat from food
• Select a lower burner setting
• Grill fatty foods indirectly whenever possible

Cleaning and maintenance

Proper cleaning prevents most flare-ups.

Clean the burners as follows:

1. Remove the burner
2. Clean thoroughly using a soft brush or compressed air (do not use a metal needle)
3. Check that there is no grease, dust or spider webs inside the gas openings
4. Reinstall the burner according to the manual and test proper operation
5. Remove grease and debris from the bowl and clean with a soft brush

Always consult the user manual for detailed maintenance instructions.

If only one burner shows an unusually strong or irregular flame, the issue is typically not related to gas pressure or the regulator.

The most common cause is a buildup of dirt, grease or insects inside the burner openings. This disrupts the gas distribution and may cause one burner to produce a stronger or uneven flame.

How can I fix this?

We recommend thoroughly cleaning the affected burner.

Cleaning summary:

1. Remove the burner
2. Clean it completely using a soft brush or compressed air (Do not use a metal needle to avoid damage)
3. Check that no grease, dust or spider webs are blocking the gas openings
4. Reinstall the burner according to the manual
5. Test whether the flame burns normally

Always consult the user manual for detailed maintenance instructions.

What if the problem persists?

If the flame remains abnormally strong or irregular after thorough cleaning, we recommend replacing the burner.

Replacement burners are available on our website.

If one burner shows an incomplete or uneven flame, this usually indicates suboptimal burner performance.

Possible causes include:

• The burner is blocked
• The burner ports are clogged
• The burner is damaged or perforated
• Rust is affecting gas flow

How can I fix this?

In most cases, the issue can be resolved by thoroughly cleaning the burner.

Cleaning summary:

1. Remove the burner
2. Clean it completely using a soft brush or compressed air (Do not use a metal needle to avoid damage)
3. Check that no grease, dust or spider webs are blocking the gas openings
4. Reinstall the burner according to the manual
5. Test whether the flame is now even and complete

Always consult the user manual for detailed maintenance instructions.

What if the issue continues?

If the flame remains incomplete after thorough cleaning, the burner may be damaged or rusted through. In that case, replacement is recommended.

Spiders and insects can build nests or webs inside the burners and venturi tubes, which may block the gas supply.

This can cause:

• Difficulty igniting the burners
• Yellow, smoky flames
• Gas igniting outside the venturi tubes (called flashbacks)

Flashbacks can cause serious injury and material damage.

Damage caused by blocked burners or venturi tubes is considered poor maintenance and is not covered under warranty.

When should I clean my burners?

Clean the burners and venturi tubes:

• Before first use after a long period of inactivity
• At least twice per year (including once at the beginning of the grilling season)

How do I clean the burners step by step?

1. Remove the burners according to the instructions in your manual. (Lost your manual? You can download it from our website.)
2. Inspect the burners for damage or rust. If damaged → replace the burner (available via our website or retailer).
3. Clean the burners and venturi tubes using: a small soft brush, or a pipe brush (tube cleaner)
4. Reinstall the burners properly. Make sure the venturi tubes are correctly positioned over the gas valve openings.
5. Check carefully that no spider webs, dust or debris remain.

Regular maintenance ensures safe and optimal operation of your barbecue.

A proper gas flame should be blue. A yellow flame usually indicates a combustion or gas distribution issue. Possible causes include:

1. Dirt inside the burner or venturi tube
2. Incorrect gas distribution
3. Burner adjustment issue
4. Salt or grease residue on the burner
5. Using butane instead of propane

Step 1 : Clean the burner and venturi tube

In most cases, a yellow flame is caused by dirt or blockage.

How to clean:

1. Remove the burner according to the manual (Lost your manual? Download it from our website.)
2. Check for damage or rust → Replace the burner if damaged
3. Clean the burner and venturi tube using: a small soft brush or a pipe brush
4. Reinstall correctly → Ensure the venturi tube aligns properly with the gas valve opening
5. Check that no spider webs or debris remain

Step 2 : Check gas distribution

If the issue continues:

1. Ensure you are using the correct gas cylinder, hose and regulator for your country (check the manual)
2. Never connect the cylinder directly to the appliance → Always use a proper regulator
3. After connecting, check for gas leaks (see manual for instructions)
4. Test the flame again

Step 3 : Check the gas type

Butane may cause yellow flames, especially in cooler conditions.

We recommend:

• Connecting the appliance to propane
• Using a suitable pressure regulator

What if the issue persists?

If the yellow flame remains after these steps, it may be necessary to replace:

• The burners
• And/or the gas manifold tube

Replacement parts are available on our website.

Rusting can be the result of several factors. There are two options: either it is about surface rust, or it is effectively the metal under the paint that is rusting. The thickness of the paint layer is always checked on all our painted parts before packaging. We therefore guarantee that the applied paint layer is sufficiently rust-resistant. Of course, there are always external factors that influence this anti-corrosion property. Possible causes of rust formation are, for example:

• Failure to dry adequately after cleaning.
• A damp storage place.
• The use of aggressive cleaning agents.

With "surface rust" the cause is never the affected object itself, but the rust particles that are stuck to the surface. Think of a stainless steel knife that may have rust after cleaning in the dishwasher. It is very important to maintain and store the appliance properly. Rust or discoloration caused by external factors are not covered by the warranty.
The best way to remove rust is with a soft cloth and baking soda. Certainly never with corrosive products or steel wool because this will cause scratches.

The burners of a gas barbecue always need enough oxygen to function properly. If you would replace all the grids with a contact or baking tray, you would take away too much oxygen from the burners. As a result, the appliance will no longer function as it was inspected and could even produce soot. Two thirds contact plate and one third grid are allowed. One part of the grid must always remain free for optimum air circulation.

It is very important that you use the correct shutter release. The pressure indicated on the pressure release valve must correspond to the pressure indicated in the manual. For example, both the type plate (see inside front panel or door) and the manual state to use a 37mbar pressure regulator for propane gas in Belgium.
The correct pressure regulator for the correct country in combination with the correct type of gas must always be respected. We recommend that you connect the appliance under the correct conditions as described in the manual.

The Barbecook Brahma barbecues are equipped with powerful burners. This heats up your barbecue very quickly and ensures a constant temperature. If you want to grill with a closed lid, it is important that the temperature in the barbecue does not become too high. A normal temperature is about 210°C. If the temperature becomes too high, we recommend to open the lid and to turn the burners a bit more to close.
We advise you to always check the temperature in the barbecue and not to exceed 300°C. If this does happen, the barbecue can be deformed and damaged. If you use the barbecue for a long time at a temperature which is too high, it can overheat. This will cause blisters on the grills.
When you register your barbecue, you will get a complete overview of all the replacement parts that you can order. That way, your Brahma barbecue will immediately look like new again.

It is possible that the pin of the ignition is not properly positioned, so no spark is possible. If you do not get a spark when pressing the ignition, it could have several causes:

• The batteries are not in the unit (Spring: the batteries should be in the front of the push button, Siesta and Stella: the batteries should be in the right side of the igniter under the control panel of the barbecue).
• The batteries are dead.
• The batteries are not correctly seated in the igniter.
• The cables are not connected properly to the igniter.
• The electrode is too far from the burner.
• There is dirt at the electrode level on the burner.
• The wiring is interrupted.
• The ground is not connected.

If you do not get the problem solved, we will be happy to help you.

The heat distribution plates were developed to distribute the heat as evenly as possible over the grid of your gas barbecue.

For the Barbecook Spring and Siesta you need to place the burner caps in the provided slots, above the round burners.

For the Barbecook Stella the burner caps should be placed above the flat burners, also in the provided slots. The side of the burner cap with the two openings is the front and must therefore be placed forward.

The clip you refer to belongs to the side burner. The clip forms the connection between the side burner and the gas tap.
The side burner has a small opening at the bottom, into which you can hook the clip. Pull the clip over the gas tap of the burner. The clip ensures that the gas tap remains positioned in the correct place in relation to the burner. In this way, the side burner can still suck in enough oxygen for a good combustion.

Smoking basically means cooking at a low temperature for a long time. The temperature should always circulate between 50 and 120°C.
Our smokers all have an 800°C heat-resistant paint. Since in normal use such high temperatures are never reached, this means that the paint on the smoker can never peel or burn off due to heat formation. The paint can burn only when in direct contact with flames.
Problems can arise if you use the smoker as a fire pit, which of course is absolutely not the intention.
When you register your Barbecook smoker, you immediately get an overview of the possible replacement parts. That way, your smoker will look like new again in no time.

The Barbecook smoker offers various possibilities.
In the first place, the purpose of this barbecue is to smoke food hot or cold and thus add unique flavors.
In addition, the bottom part of the smoker can also be used as a regular barbecue. Remove the lid and the upper ring from the smoker. Pour the coals into the lower enameled bowl of the smoker and place the supplied grid on top. If desired, you can use the lid of the smoker while barbecuing. That way, in addition to direct grilling, you can also grill indirectly.

Unfortunately, certain types of enamel can discolor when exposed to extreme heat. For example, green enamel may acquire an orange-yellow tint and red may become dark red.
Thanks to the powerful starting mechanism, the Barbecook Quickstart® barbecues reach a high temperature during grilling. With lacquered parts, the paint would peel off immediately. For this very reason Barebcook has opted for enamel parts. During grilling, the enamel of the bowl can change color, but certainly does not peel off. Important to know is that the enamel, when cooling down, will immediately return to its original color.

The clips of our Quickstart charcoal barbecue can be placed in 3 positions. Probably your problem will be solved when you just put the clips in another position and tighten the whole a bit more. In that way, the pipe will be firmly placed on the base of the barbecue again and you can start grilling.

The ground grid of the Barbecook Quickstart charcoal barbecue is located in the center of the barbecue bowl, exposing it to enormous heat. For this reason, in the short term there can indeed be deformation or rust. However, this has no effect on the functionality of your charcoal barbecue. If desired, you can always buy a new ground grid (reference BC-SPA-8119). 

Kamal heat deflectors are resistant up to approximately 800°C.

Cracks are usually not caused by normal heating, but by thermal shock. This happens when there is a sudden temperature change, for example:

• Placing a cold heat deflector into an already hot Kamado
• Heating
  the plate while it is still wet after cleaning
• If water has been absorbed into the ceramic, it expands when heated. This can cause cracking.

This is not considered a manufacturing defect and is therefore not covered under warranty.

How can I prevent this from happening?

To avoid thermal shock:

• Always preheat the heat deflector together with the Kamado
• Never place a cold or wet plate into a hot barbecue
• After cleaning with water, allow the plate to dry completely for several days

There are two safe methods:

1. High-temperature cleaning (recommended)

Heat Kamal to above 250°C.

This creates a pyrolysis effect where grease and food residues burn off and turn into ash, which can then be brushed away.

(Pyrolysis is a process where organic material decomposes at high temperatures without oxygen.)

2. Cleaning with water

If you use water:

• Allow the plate to dry for several days
• Make sure it is completely dry internally
• Only then heat it again

Insufficient drying may result in thermal shock.

During winter storage, condensation may form underneath the cover. This
can cause moisture buildup, leading to:

• Mold spots
• Visible hairline cracks (craquelure) in the glaze

This is not a manufacturing defect, but a natural reaction of ceramic glaze to moisture and temperature changes.

Craquelure (fine hairline cracks in the glaze) is a normal characteristic of ceramic products and results from the firing process. It does not affect the
performance or safety of the appliance and is not covered under warranty.

You can reduce condensation:

• Always store the barbecue completely dry
• Do not leave it under a wet cover for extended periods
• Ensure regular ventilation when the appliance is covered

Can small marks be repaired?

For Shiny versions, a touch-up kit is available: Black Touch-Up Kit for Kamal – BC-SPA-9902 (BNL price: €4.41 – BNL RRP: €7.50)

What should I do after winter?

We recommend:

1. Cleaning the appliance thoroughly with lukewarm water and a soft sponge
2. Allowing it to dry completely

Mold spots typically disappear once the appliance is fully dry.

On older Kamal models, the side tables and handles are made from lacquered bamboo. When left outdoors without additional protection, they may:

• Peel
• Split
• Develop cracks

Peeling of the lacquer is a normal aging process of lacquered bamboo and is
therefore not covered under warranty.

Cracks in the wood are a natural result of:

• Temperature changes
• Moisture
• Heat variations during use

These surface cracks do not affect the performance or structural strength of
the appliance.

How can I maintain the wooden parts?

You can:

1. Lightly sand the surface
2. Apply a suitable outdoor wood oil

This helps protect the wood and extend its lifespan.

Yes.

These small cracks, known as “craquelure”, are typical for the glaze of ceramic products fired at high temperatures.

Ceramic is a natural material, and these fine hairline cracks are the result of natural tension that occurs during the firing process.

Does this affect quality or safety?

No. These are superficial tension cracks in the glaze layer. They:

• Do not affect strength
• Do not affect performance
• Do not affect safety

Your Kamal remains fully functional and safe to use.

Is this covered under warranty?

No.

Craquelure is not considered a manufacturing defect, but a visual characteristic inherent to the ceramic production process.

As stated in the manual (section 12.2), the following are not covered under warranty:

• Visual irregularities inherent to the manufacturing process
• Variations in color, structure, or texture
• Hairline cracks or minor surface imperfections in the glaze

These characteristics do not impact the appliance’s functionality.

In the latest production of certain Kamal 2.0 models (BC-CHA-1071 and BC-CHA-1072), the support frame of the cooking system was updated.

As a result, the older cast iron half-moon grates with reference BC-ACC-7443
are no longer compatible with the new support frame.

What is the solution?

A new product was developed to match the updated dimensions:

BC-ACC-7508 – Cast iron half-moon grates Kamal 2.0 XL

This version is fully compatible with the new cookin system. Please verify your
Kamal model number to ensure you order the correct reference.

Yes, this is completely normal. A temperature difference between the dome thermometer (in the lid) and a probe placed at grill level is common.

The difference typically ranges between 10°C and 50°C, depending on:

• Airflow inside the barbecue
• The measurement position (top of the dome vs. directly above the grill)
• Fuel amount and ventilation settings

Why does my probe sometimes show a different reading?

If the probe is not inserted into meat, it measures the ambient temperature inside the barbecue. This can differ from the temperature measured higher up in
the dome.

This does not mean that either thermometer is defective, they are simply measuring temperature at different positions.

Yes, this can happen.

Condensation inside the thermometer may occur in:

• Humid weather
• Cold temperatures
• Sudden temperature changes

It may temporarily affect accuracy, but it is not a defect.

How can I remove the condensation?

The condensation usually disappears once the thermometer warms up again.

You can:     

• Use the barbecue to heat it up
• Place the appliance in direct sunlight
• Unscrew the thermometer and allow it to dry completely indoors

Once fully dry, the thermometer will function normally again.

In most cases, this is not caused by the thermometer, but by usage or fuel quantity. If your Kamal does not exceed 150°C, it is usually due to:

• Not enough charcoal
• Insufficient preheating time
• Air vents not fully open
• Airflow partially blocked by ash or residue

How can I increase the temperature?

You can:

• Fill the charcoal basket to approximately 2/3 full
• Preheat the barbecue for at least 25–30 minutes with both top and bottom air vents fully open
• Wait until the charcoal is glowing properly before adjusting airflow
• Once the charcoal is fully ignited, temperatures can reach 350°C or higher
• Optionally verify the temperature with a second thermometer to rule out incorrect readings

Please also consult the manual for proper lighting and startup instructions.

No, we strongly advise you not to continue using the barbecue. A crack on the outer ceramic shell represents a structural safety risk. When the Kamal is heated, the ceramic expands, which may cause the crack to spread toward the inside.

This can result in:

• The bowl splitting completely
• Ceramic pieces breaking off
• Dangerous situations during use

For safety reasons, the appliance should no longer be used.

What is the solution?

A replacement ceramic bowl is available on our website.

By replacing the damaged component, your Kamal can be safely used again.

We recommend using only original spare parts to ensure proper fit and safety.

Yes, this can happen.

Condensation inside the thermometer may occur in:

• Humid weather
• Cold temperatures
• Sudden temperature changes

It may temporarily affect accuracy, but it is not a defect.

How can I remove the condensation?

The condensation usually disappears once the thermometer warms up again.

You can:     

• Use the barbecue to heat it up
• Place the appliance in direct sunlight
• Unscrew the thermometer and allow it to dry completely indoors

Once fully dry, the thermometer will function normally again.

In most cases, this is not caused by the thermometer, but by usage or fuel quantity. If your Kamal does not exceed 150°C, it is usually due to:

• Not enough charcoal
• Insufficient preheating time
• Air vents not fully open
• Airflow partially blocked by ash or residue

How can I increase the temperature?

You can:

• Fill the charcoal basket to approximately 2/3 full
• Preheat the barbecue for at least 25–30 minutes with both top and bottom air vents fully open
• Wait until the charcoal is glowing properly before adjusting airflow
• Once the charcoal is fully ignited, temperatures can reach 350°C or higher
• Optionally verify the temperature with a second thermometer to rule out incorrect readings

Please also consult the manual for proper lighting and startup instructions.

Yes, this is completely normal. The charcoal grate of the Barbecook Magnus is positioned directly above the hot coals. Due to intense heat during use, the metal may discolor.

This discoloration is a natural result of high temperatures and:

• Does not affect performance
• Does not affect safety
• Does not impact durability when properly maintained

Your barbecue will continue to function normally.

Yes, this can happen and is normal during use. The charcoal grate of the Barbecook Magnus sits directly above the hot coals. Due to intense heat exposure, the metal may slightly bend or deform.

This deformation:

• Is a normal result of high temperatures
• Does not affect the performance of the barbecue
• Does not impact safety when used correctly

Your barbecue will continue to function properly.

Nestor is designed for use with dry, untreated wood.

While it is technically possible to use charcoal, we do not recommend it.

Charcoal results in:

• A different heat build-up
• A different flavor experience
• A less authentic Nestor cooking experience

What should I keep in mind?

• Always use dry fuel
• Avoid damp wood or charcoal
• Ensure sufficient airflow for proper combustion

For optimal performance and flavor, we recommend using dry, untreated wood.

Food sticking is usually caused by:

• High temperatures
• Insufficient oil
• Moist or acidic foods

When using your Nestor, it is important to:

• Properly preheat the cooking plates
• Use sufficient oil during cooking
• Use suitable spatulas
• Avoid leaving burnt residue on the plate

Regular cleaning and seasoning prevent sticking.

How do I clean my Nestor cooking plates?

1. Pour some sparkling water onto the hot plate → This helps proteins coagulate and loosen
2. Scrape the loosened residue into the bowl using a Barbecook spatula
3. Wipe remaining residue with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth

How do I season the cooking plate?

Once the plate is properly heated:

1. Apply a neutral vegetable oil (sunflower, rice or corn oil)
2. Spread evenly across the surface using a spatula or brush (BC-ACC-7057)
3. Wipe excess oil toward the fire.

Avoid using olive oil. Olive oil has a low smoke point and may:

• Burn quickly
• Create a bitter taste
• Make the plate appear scorched

First use: Repeat this process 3–4 times.

Regular use: Season once after cleaning. During cooking, apply additional oil when needed.

Seasoning also helps protect the plate against corrosion. For optimal performance, clean and season after every cooking session.

Light corrosion (rust) and small pits may occur because the lid is made of stainless steel and is exposed to outdoor elements such as rain, humidity and
sunlight.

This is a natural phenomenon and not a manufacturing defect. Therefore, it is not covered under warranty.

How can I remove pitting or rust?

You can treat the stainless steel lid by:

• Lightly polishing the surface with fine sandpaper
• Cleaning it afterward and optionally applying a suitable stainless steel maintenance product

Regular maintenance helps limit further corrosion.

What if the damage is significant?

If corrosion or pitting is substantial (more than 50% of the surface), the cover
plate may be replaced with a protective cover.

Please note:

• The replacement is a black cover
• Over time, exposure to sunlight may cause it to fade to grey

This is normal. Nestor is made of corten steel, a material that naturally reacts
to heat, air and moisture. Grease stains or discoloration on the exterior are a
natural result of:

• Heat discoloration
• Oil penetrating into the steel
• The natural oxidation process of corten steel

This is not a manufacturing defect.

What is happening exactly?

• Heat discoloration is typical during use and will partially fade as the steel develops its natural rust patina.
• Oil may temporarily penetrate the surface and create darker spots.
• These stains usually do not disappear completely but blend into the evolving patina of the steel.

How can I treat the stains?

If the marks are oil-related:

• Gently dab excess oil with paper towels
• Lightly brush the surface with a soft, dry brush

Avoid aggressive cleaning products.

For a more uniform appearance, you may lightly coat the entire surface with a thin layer of oil. This reduces visible color differences.

How can I prevent grease runoff?

• Clean the bowl regularly
• Remove ash and grease after use
• Avoid buildup of oil or residue

Note: oil also provides temporary protection against rain and is not harmful to the steel.