Whether you cook for just fun or you are a serious cook, trying your hands on a smoker or grill is unavoidable. Anyone experimenting in the cooking arts will see how essential it’s to try a grill at least once in life. And why not right? Smoking or grilling foods can provide you with an almost limitless supply of dishes that you can have an entire year without worrying about the weather. Knowing how to smoke or grill BBQ ribs or burgers will make you the utmost incredible person on your block. Maximum people are pleased with a decent grill like the ones Kamado Joe offers. Furthermore, their grills are vastly popular since they offer you the most tender and softest meat as well as vegetables of your choice. But the question is which one from the Kamado Joe series you should buy. Or what you need, I mean which model you should go for. And that is the reason we have decided to discuss the top 3 best grills in our Kamado Joe reviews below.
These ground-breaking grills have numerous features that are enough to turn your grilling dream a reality. Grills from Kamado Joe are attractive and visually appealing as well as have top-notch structure and unique heat control.
In case you never have gotten the application of ceramic cookers earlier, the Kamado Joe Barbeque will completely change your mind for sure.
Model | Our Rating | Cooking Area | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9.7 | 243 | 2Y/Life |  |
Kamado Joe Big Joe III, 24 inch
 | 8.8 | 432 | 2Y/Life | |
Kamado Joe Kettle 22 inch
 | 6.9 | 363 | 2Y/Life | |
Kamado Joe Classic II 18 inch  Cooking Area, sq. in.: 243 Warranty: 2 years / Lifetime Made in: China  |
Kamado Joe Big Joe III, 24 inch  Cooking Area, sq. in.: 432 Warranty: 2 years / Lifetime Made in: China |
Kamado Joe Kettle 22 inch  Cooking Area, sq. in.: 363 Warranty: 2 years / Lifetime Made in: China |
In this Kamado Joe review, we'll talk about the performance, design, and also other things of the grill that we liked about it and did not like at all. So, let’s now get started with the review then!
Let’s get deep down into the details below.
Overview of Kamado Joe Grill
Even though the Kamado Joe business was originated in 2009, the kamado cooking style is over 3,000 years old now. Based on the ancient cooking style on clay ovens, the concept was invented in China and then spread to Japan, where these ovens got advanced and included dampers for the improved heat control systems.
The Kamado Joe classic charcoal grills and other grills are built on those similar ancient concepts but with modern materials as well as advanced design to produce the heavy ceramic grills a preference to use.
Just like maximum other kamado-style grills of modern days, the Kamado Joe Classic II series is quite luxurious, but its capability to easily manage low-temperature grilling and high-heat smoking, paired with its comprehensible features, make it among the most versatile grills available on the market now.
We here reviewed the most popular items from Kamado Joe to see if the product held up to the company’s reputation or not. So, let’s find out in detail below.
Kamado Joe Buying Guide
Are you considering getting a Kamado Joe grill for yourself? If yes, then let me tell you that before you decide to buy any grill from Kamado Joe grills, you need to know and check a few things. There are a few things you have to think about before you buy one.
Size of the Grill
The Kamado Joe grills come in several sizes. These grills are more than enough to grill multiple burgers and steaks at the same time. Above and beyond this, it is these grills come with sufficient space for grilling entire chickens and also large fish.
You need to see exactly which size you need for yourself. If you live alone or with 1 or 2 flat mates then go for the smallest ones, if you live with a small family of 4-5 people then you can go for small or medium ones, and if you have a large family or you regularly grill for a large group of people then you must choose the largest ones.
Check from their different sizes of grills and consider your need and also the measurement of the place where you want to keep that unit. Keeping all these points in mind, choose the size of your grill from Kamado Joe.
Material of the Grill
Check for the grill’s material. This one is the most important factor of a grill. Ceramic is one of the best materials for Kamado Joe grills. It’s due to its sturdiness, outstanding heat retention, and also it uses less charcoal as fuel.
Best of all, Ceramic material will not rust and it can survive both burning heat and cold. Nevertheless, Ceramic material means that your grill will also be heavyweight. If you are okay with that, then go for a Ceramic material grill.
Price
The Kamado Joe grills are a little expensive, but that expense is worth the money because they sell quality products. These have several products from medium range to high range. Pick one as per your budget range from the wide variety of options.
How To Clean & Maintain the Kamado Joe Grill
The best method to give the grill a long lifespan is to always keep it clean and also maintain it after every single use. So, to keep your Kamado Joe grill clean, you need to follow a few simple steps. You will not have to do much physical work as Kamado Joe’s grills like a self-cleaning unit.
The similar applies to their stainless-steel grill grates, and also their ceramic heat deflector. To clean them, you need to let the tools heat up in your grill for around 15-20 minutes at 600° Fahrenheit.
As soon as that is done, you have to close the outlets and let them cool down completely.
Any residue or food stuck to your grill will become ash and thus will make it easier for you to clean off them using a brush.
This process works for eliminating mold as well. However, placing your grill in a dry and clean spot will prevent mold in the first place.
How To Use the Kamado Joe Grill
Are you confused about how to set up as well as use your Kamado Joe grill that you just bought? While it’s easy to get your grill set up and also running, it needs a bit of patience and elbow grease. So, let's now know how to set up and use this grill.
People say that prior planning avoids poor performance. If we say it in other ways, have a vivid idea of what you need to accomplish beforehand you even start working on it.
There are numerous ways to use and cook on your Kamado Joe grill, and each of them will need different tools and setup.
Will you grill a brisket low and slow for around 12 hours or so? Perhaps you will add fuel to the flames as well as sear a few steaks over your backyard volcano. Or perhaps it will entirely be something else?
Irrespective of what is on the menu, you will have to arrange it accordingly with the right fuels and tools.
Here is a hasty list of the whole thing you might need:
- Cooking tools;
- A clean kamado;
- Fuel;
- Proper clothing;
- Flavored wood for your smoking procedure;
- Something to light up your fuel;
- Aluminum or butcher paper so that you can wrap a Texas crutch;
- Thermometers;
- Sauces;
- Dry rubs.
Kamado Joe Reviews
We have reviewed Kamado Joe's top three grills which are Kamado Joe Classic II 18 inches, Kamado Joe Big Joe III, 24 inches, and Kamado Joe Kettle 22 inches. Let's find out more about these grills below to understand which one will be the right choice for you.
Kamado Joe Classic II 18 inch
Kamado Joe grills are way different from other grills available in the market. These are different in functionality and appearance from other standard grills.
The straightforward procedure of Kamado cooking has been there for thousands of years. However, this process came to the Western world only in the mid-20th century. And keeping this concept in mind, the Kamado Joe company had made their products.
The Classic II unit from Kamado Joe company is among numerous ceramic kamados formed by Kamado Joe company, and it is the one with the widest appeal.
It is a practically sized grill that fits in maximum backyard spaces. Different from some 2-in-1 grills, the kamado can attain temperatures high enough to cook, but can similarly hold a low temperature for your true low and slow grilling process.
And, when it comes to the Kamado Joe Classic II grill’s build quality, it is the hardest to beat.
In case you are happy with the impression of such adaptability, you highly appreciate quality products, then this asset will reward you in several ways!
We have suggested this grill from Kamado Joe before, and we will not hesitate to suggest it again and again.
SPECS AND FEATURES
- Product Name: Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill;
- Brand: Kamado Joe;
- Product Weight: 250 lbs;
- Dimensions: 24.6” x 24.26” x 36”;
- Material: Steel and ceramic;
Included: Grill grates, Metal cart, ceramic heat deflectors, built-in thermometer, slide-out ash drawer, locking wheels, accessory rack, grabber tool, etc.
Warranty: Restricted lifetime on the ceramic parts, 5-year of warranty on the metal parts, 1-year warranty on the thermometer & gasket, and 3-year of warranty on the heat deflector & pizza stone
Pros:
Cons:
Kamado Joe Big Joe III, 24 inch
This Big Joe III 24” ceramic grill is ideal for amusing a crowd with splendid grilled dishes. Alike design to the Kamado Joe Classic Joe III ceramic grill, this Big Joe III from the Kamado Joe company comes typically with the innovative Smoke Chamber (SlōRoller Hyperbolic) for ideal low & slow cooking and a Three -Tier Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking which allows you to grill foods at dissimilar temperatures.
Whereas the Kamado Joe Classic III grill offers a good amount of space inside, this Kamado Joe Big Joe III grill is made for home use!
With precisely the similar benefits and features as the Kamado Joe Classic III grill, this Big Joe III grill simply up-sizes all to provide 354 sq. in. more space on its larger grates (24″). Using the most number of attachments with the three-tiered Divide and Conquer Cooking, you will have up to 864 sq. in. of space to smoke and grill.
Just remember the Big Joe III grill is BIG and thus even after having wheels, this unit is certainly not very portable. However, it is easy enough to move around your yard or take it into your garage for storing this up.
SPECS AND FEATURES
- Dimensions: 58.4” W x 53.7” H x 35.8” D;
- Cooking Surface: 24” diameter / 864 sq. in.;
- Weight: 487 lbs;
- Heat Range: 225°F – 750°F.
Design: excellent design, and every single sq. in. of this unit is well designed with wise thought.
Extremely Versatile Unit: the whole thing from low & slow cooking system to grilling steaks to making pizza on roasting heat is conceivable on this Big Joe unit.
SloRoller Technology: this technology contributes to a better-tasting meal with more reliable results.
Fiberglass Gaskets: as it is made of fiberglass, it lasts for eras and makes sure that the unit has an airtight seal.
Easy of Use: this unit is very easy to use, particularly for a kamado grill. You are not going to get an easier Kamado Joe grill to run and maintain so easily.
Three-Tier Cooking Grate: this means that the unit has a maximum cooking surface area than any other kamado joe grill has.
Lifetime warranty: lifetime Ceramic warranty, 2 to 5 years of warranty on most other parts of the unit.
Pros:
Cons:
Kamado Joe Kettle 22 inch
Kamado Joe keeps their appropriation going on of the grilling with their Kettle Joe, which is the first charcoal kettle grill. It is a simple porcelain-coated kettle grill that features ceramic supplements and also comes with a patented hyperbolic ring so that it can elevate the experience of the charcoal kettle.
You can use this grill with or without its hyperbolic ring, which allows you to choose from the typical kettle practice and the advanced smoke-infusing style of the Kamado Joe grill. In addition to this practice is the heavyweight ceramic firebox that’s standard in the Kamado Joe grill. This firebox is outstanding at retaining heat, as well as protecting the cover of the kettle from the dangerous heat inside.
With its hinged lid, you will not have to concern about the one-handed grilling process. It similarly adjusts up & down effortlessly to put up the hyperbolic insert.
The 22” cooking surface area is made up of 2 half-moon rod stainless steel grill grates, for heat retention assets and durability. A detachable ash bucket sits underneath the stainless-steel grate to help in heat retention whereas making the clean-up process painless and quick. You can also open it through the sliding door on the bottommost part of the kettle.
The top control tower allows you to effortlessly adjust the flow of air and also control the heat inside. Folding aluminum shelves on the side provide additional space for storage or prep.
As soon as folded, they reveal the side handles that are used to carry and remove your grill. The porcelain-coated steel body of the grill stands up to high heat and wear whereas keeping it very lightweight, making sure that the grill from Kamado Joe will be your preferable charcoal kettle for grilling on the go or at home.
SPECS AND FEATURES
- Dimension: 43.7” * 29.5” * 48”;
- Weight is 107 lbs;
- Heavyweight ceramic firebox gives outstanding heat retention as well as even heating inside the grill;
- You do not need to remove its adjustable hinged lid to open the grill and cook;
- Folding aluminum shelves of the side provide additional space for storage or prep;
- You can easily take off the grill of the cart as well as on the go for a nice portable charcoal kettle practice;
- 4-legged cart along with lower shelf is great for storage;
- Dome lid thermometer gauge for checking grill temperature;
- Folding metal shelves on the side saves space;
- Two stainless steel half-moon grill grates;
- Weatherproof lid vent.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
The Kamado Joe grills are among the best grills available on the market now when you look for longevity and reliability. Investing in among these grills will have your smoking and grilling requirements covered for several coming years.
No matter if you want a well-organized grill for your best barbeques or something else, the Kamado Joe grills are exactly what you need. It’s efficient, versatile, and also very easy to use–as well as we tried to display all of that in this Kamado grills review.
The advanced upgrades united with the time-tested and ancient grilling technique make these grills very special. And thus, you can easily sear burgers and steaks, char a rack of rib, or gradually smoke a huge ham whensoever your mood strikes.
These grills’ flexibility makes it easier to cook almost anything. There is no doubt that the Kamado Joe grills are an amazing kit and it is right up there with the well-known companies in terms of ceramic quality, variety of accessories, and warranty. It similarly knocks even the Big Green Egg company in terms of worth for the price.
FAQ
Q. How Long Does a Load of Charcoal Last in the Kamado Joe?
A. Normally, you can utilize a load of coal to get around 18 hours of smoking time. Nevertheless, you might have to refuel the grill before that 18 hour is up.
Q. Does Komodo Joe use stainless steel cooking grates?
A. The Kamado Joe grates are a part of the innovative Divide and Conquer Supple Cooking which substitutes the normal stainless steel grill grate.
Q. Is Kamado Joe worth the money?
A. Kamado Joe grills are definitely worth the money. It is worth it for individuals who grill often. They are a little expensive because you will get exactly what you have paid for. However, the most public who buy kamados Joe grills, wind up utilizing them repeatedly because they do a good job with more or less any kind of grilling you throw at them!
Q. Is Kamado Joe cheaper than Big Green Egg?
A. Neither of the Kamado Joe grill is cheap. The price of these grills is also dependant on the grill’s size. There isn’t much of a value difference between the 2 brands once looking at the Big Green Egg brand’s big sizes. You might spend more on a Big Green Egg in the long run to get the grilling options you want more.
You may also want to read...
- The Masterbuilt 1050 is a premium grill from Masterbuilt. It's still designed with most griller's lifestyle in mind - it has a sturdy, durable design with a lot of features that make cooking easier.
- Weber is one of the most popular brands of charcoal grills. So, which model should you buy? The Performer Premium or the Deluxe? This article will compare the two models to help you decide.
- Weber is a well-known brand when it comes to grills. Weber's Kamado cookers are not an exception. If you want to know if this grill is worth buying, keep reading our Weber Kamado review.
- You may have just bought a new grill or are in the market for one because your old BBQ is finally out-of-date. This can be a daunting decision, whether you're spending a little or a lot, so we've sifted through the options and evaluated the top rated grills to bring you our Lifesmart Kamado grill reviews list.
- Ever wonder how long does charcoal last? Other than the amount of fuel you buy and how often you use it, it is crucial to know the length of time that your charcoal will last. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how long does charcoal lasts!
- Char-Griller is the leading producer of outdoor grills, smokers, and other outdoor cooking products. We'll break down what you need to know about Char-Griller's top 3 grill models.
- The Royal Gourmet grills review provides a glimpse into all the features and benefits that make it a must-have. The key takeaway from this article is to know the basics and understand what you need to look for when buying a grill.
- In this article, you will discover everything there is to know about the Weber Performer Deluxe. You’ll find out what it was specifically designed for and how it can help you with your cooking needs.