Kamado Fire School
Master ceramic barbecue cooking with confidence and creativity
Kamado-style barbecues are powerful tools – but most people only scratch the surface of what they can do. This one-day course is dedicated to helping you understand, control and get the best from ceramic grills, whether you're already cooking on one at home or just thinking about making the leap.
At High Grange, we’ve got a full family of Kamado Joes – and we certainly put them through their paces. Low-and-slow, rotisserie, smoking, grilling, baking – it’s all here, taught by Luke, who has worked closely with both Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg for years.
Learn from real experience
Designed for curious and adventurous cooks
Luke shares honest, hands-on knowledge built from years of teaching, cooking and collaborating with the world’s leading ceramic barbecue companies.
You’ll cover fire management, temperature control, using the dome effectively, working with different fuels, and how to cook different proteins and vegetables with confidence and consistency. Cooking dinner for two or planning a feast, you'll leave knowing how to make your Kamado work for you.
What We'll cook
Serious technique, exceptional ingredients
On the day, we’ll work with stunning produce from our local suppliers – Devon meat, Lyme Bay fish, garden vegetables and homegrown eggs.
Depending on the season and the group, you might prepare rotisserie chicken, hot-smoked trout, marinated lamb, or slow-cooked ribs – all cooked on Kamados using a range of methods.
Sides and sauces are just as important. You'll also learn to make punchy condiments and fire-cooked accompaniments that elevate everything on the plate.
“The food was truly remarkable, delicious. We had such a great time listening to you talk about the wood, charcoal, steak cuts, how to cook, the BBQs… honestly learnt so much and in such gorgeous surroundings.”
Recent Fire School attendee
Your tutor
Luke Vandore-Mackay – chef, fire cook, and longtime Kamado collaborator
Luke has cooked with Kamado Joe, Somerset Grill, Vulcanus and Big Green Egg at events, in brand shoots, and through recipe development. He understands what makes these grills so versatile – and what trips people up when they try to use them without guidance.
At High Grange, he’s created a course that takes you from curious or cautious to confident and creative – with food that genuinely tastes better than you thought possible.
Fire School Testimonials
“The food was truly remarkable. Listening to you talk about wood, charcoal, steak cuts – honestly, we learnt so much and in such gorgeous surroundings.”
– Fire School guest, 2024
“I learnt so much and had a brilliant time. Not to mention all the fantastic food consumed! The birthday sea bass was also very much appreciated!”
– Charlie, August 2024
Award-winning Fire Schools
We are thrilled to have received multiple awards for our Fire School! We have been awarded Best Training School and a Gold Award from Devon Food & Drink, and we won a Bronze Award at the South West Tourism Awards.
ICSA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
We are an Accredited ICSA Cookery School by our inspectors, achieving our highest award of ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Outdoor cooking and fire experiences.
High Grange Gift Vouchers
Give the gift of fire to a loved one!
High Grange is run by Luke and Sara Vandore-Mackay, who swapped city life for three acres of woodland and built something personal, rooted and award-winning.
With a background in food, wine, law, writing and wellbeing, they’ve created a venue where fire cooking, feasting and rest all come together to create something truly memorable. Learn about their story, their team, their awards and what it’s like to hire High Grange for private events or shoots.
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