# How to replace a kamado or Big Green Egg gasket

Source: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/how-to-replace-a-big-green-egg-gasket
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Char and Smoke

**In short:** Peel off the old gasket, scrape the remaining adhesive from the ceramic rim with a plastic scraper and clean it with a solvent the gasket maker recommends. Fit the new self-adhesive strip around the base and lid rims without stretching it, butting the ends neatly. Close the lid and let the adhesive cure for the time in the kit's instructions, often 24 hours, before lighting the kamado.

The gasket is the felt or fibreglass strip around the rims of a kamado's base and lid. It seals the two ceramic halves so that only the vents control airflow. Over time, high heat and grease wear it down, and a worn gasket lets air leak in, which makes low temperatures hard to hold and lets smoke escape from the sides. Replacing it is a straightforward job that takes an hour or so plus curing time. This guide applies to the Big Green Egg and most other ceramic kamados; always follow the instructions supplied with your gasket kit.

## Signs the gasket needs replacing

A gasket does not need replacing just because it is discoloured. Look for these signs instead.

- Smoke leaks around the rim when the lid is closed and the vents are nearly shut.
- The kamado will not hold low temperatures or will not go out when you close the vents.
- The felt is flattened, crumbling, burnt through or coming away in places.
- Gaps are visible between the lid and base rims when closed.

## What you need

Buy a gasket kit made for your kamado and size, as the strip width matters. Some owners choose a high-temperature fibreglass or woven gasket instead of the original felt, as these resist pizza and searing temperatures better. Check that your maker approves it, as a different gasket may affect your warranty.

| Item | Use |
| --- | --- |
| Gasket kit | Replacement strip, often with adhesive backing |
| Plastic scraper | Removing old felt and glue without scratching the glaze |
| Adhesive remover or solvent | Cleaning residue; use the type the kit recommends |
| Clean cloths | Wiping the rim |
| Scissors | Trimming the strip |
| Masking tape | Holding the strip while it beds in (optional) |

Tools and materials

## Step by step

Stretching the strip is the most common mistake. It looks fine at first but shrinks back during the first cook and leaves gaps.

1. Make sure the kamado is completely cold and the charcoal has been out for at least a day.
2. Open the lid and peel away the old gasket from the base rim and the lid rim.
3. Scrape off all remaining felt and glue with a plastic scraper. Do not use metal tools on the glazed ceramic.
4. Wipe the rims with the solvent recommended by the kit, then let them dry completely.
5. Starting at the back near the hinge, peel back a short length of backing and press the strip onto the base rim, aligned with the outer edge.
6. Work around the rim slowly, pressing as you go and without stretching the strip.
7. Cut the strip so the ends meet neatly with no gap and no overlap.
8. Repeat on the lid rim, aligning the joint with the one on the base.
9. Close the lid gently and leave it closed for the full curing time given in the instructions.

## After fitting

Keep the first cook moderate. Avoid very high temperatures for the first few uses, as heat can loosen fresh adhesive. Check that the lid closes evenly; if it rubs on one side, the hinge or band may need adjusting, which your kamado's manual describes.

To make the new gasket last, burp the kamado before opening, avoid very long high-temperature burn-offs, and keep the lid closed when not in use so rain does not soak the felt. Our [how to clean a kamado](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-a-kamado) guide explains burn-off cleaning without overdoing it.

Note: Ceramic kamado lids are heavy. Make sure the hinge holds the lid open securely while you work, and never stand over the opening when relighting.

## Leaks that are not the gasket

If the kamado still runs hot with the vents nearly shut, check the top vent and bottom vent fit, any cracks in the firebox, and the seal around a thermometer. A cracked fire ring or firebox does not usually affect the seal, but a cracked outer shell does. Contact the maker or dealer if you see cracks.

Smoke from the rim can also come from food drippings or new charcoal rather than a leak; our [Big Green Egg smoking too much](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/big-green-egg-smoking-too-much) guide explains the difference. Temperature control tips are in [how to control temperature on a kamado](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/how-to-control-temperature-on-a-kamado).

[Compare charcoal smokers](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-smokers)

## Frequently asked questions

**How often should a kamado gasket be replaced?** There is no fixed interval. Replace it when it is worn, burnt through or no longer seals.

**Can I cook without a gasket?** You can, but temperatures will be harder to control and smoke will leak from the rim.

**How long should a new gasket cure?** Follow the kit's instructions. Many advise around 24 hours with the lid closed before lighting.

**Is a fibreglass gasket better than felt?** It usually withstands high heat better, which suits frequent pizza cooks. Check it is compatible with your kamado.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-smokers
- https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-bbq-uk

## Sources

- [Big Green Egg](https://biggreenegg.co.uk/)