When it comes to outdoor cooking, Kamado Joe grills have carved out a special place in the hearts of barbecue enthusiasts. Known for their versatility and superior heat retention, these ceramic grills can handle everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. In this post, we’ll explore the top five Kamado Joe models that we believe every grilling aficionado should consider trying. Let’s dive into what makes each of these grills unique and how they can elevate our outdoor cooking experience.
The Kamado Joe KJ13RH Joe Jr Charcoal Grill in Blaze Red impresses with its excellent temperature control and versatile cooking options, making it perfect for small gatherings and a variety of cooking styles. While its compact size and premium construction offer durability and easy maintenance, we should keep in mind the limited cooking space and potential price fluctuations.
The Kamado Joe KJ13RH Joe Jr Charcoal Grill in Blaze Red is a true gem for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With its premium 13.5″ ceramic design, this grill boasts a thick-walled, heat-resistant shell that effectively locks in smoke and moisture, making every meal incredibly flavorful. Its cast-iron air vent allows for precise temperature control, enabling us to achieve perfect results whether we’re grilling, smoking, or baking.
Not only is the Joe Jr aesthetically pleasing with its vibrant red finish, but it’s also incredibly functional. The 304 stainless steel cooking grate and built-in thermometer ensure we can easily monitor our cooking temperatures, ranging from a low and slow 110°C to a searing 400°C. Perfect for small gatherings, this grill can comfortably cater to 4 to 6 people, allowing us to explore our culinary creativity with various dishes, from tender meats to delicious pizzas.
Compact Cooking Power Unleashed
Premium 13.5″ Ceramic Construction
Cast Iron Air Vent for Precision Temperature Control
The Kamado Joe KJ-HCIGRIDDLE Classic Joe cast iron griddle is a versatile and durable grilling accessory that excels in heat retention, making it perfect for searing burgers, steaks, and more. While it offers excellent performance and compatibility with various grill brands, its cleaning and maintenance can be a bit challenging, and it comes at a higher price point than some alternatives.
Benefits
Versatile cooking options for burgers, steaks, and more
Heavy-duty cast iron construction ensures durability
Excellent heat retention for perfect searing
Compatible with various grill brands, not just Kamado Joe
Enhances flavor and juiciness of grilled meats
Positive customer support and satisfaction experiences
Cons
Difficult to clean and maintain
Higher price compared to alternatives
We absolutely love the Kamado Joe KJ-HCIGRIDDLE Classic Joe! This versatile half-moon cast iron griddle features both a smooth and ribbed surface, perfect for achieving that perfect sear on our favorite proteins. Its excellent heat retention ensures that every meal we prepare is cooked evenly, making it an essential accessory for our Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System.
Not only is this griddle sturdy and built to last, but it also fits seamlessly with Kamado Joe Classic I, II, and III models. Many of us have experienced the joy of cooking delicious smash burgers and steaks, enjoying the fantastic results this griddle delivers. With rave reviews highlighting its quality and performance, we couldn’t be happier to add this fantastic tool to our grilling arsenal!
Versatile Cooking Companion
Double-sided design (smooth and ribbed surfaces)
Superior heat retention with cast iron material
Sturdy construction for durability
Compatibility with Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System
We absolutely love the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III! Its impressive 450 square inches of cooking space, combined with features like the SlōRoller for optimal smoking and the versatile 3-Tier Divide & Conquer system, make it a fantastic choice for any grilling enthusiast. While it comes with a premium price tag and some potential quality control concerns, the incredible heat retention and delicious results easily make it a worthwhile investment for those passionate about outdoor cooking.
PROS
Large cooking capacity (450 square inches) for big gatherings
Versatile cooking options: grill, smoke, and bake
Excellent heat retention and temperature control
Sturdy and solid construction
High-quality ceramic material for durability
Easy assembly with proper assistance
Produces great tasting food, including perfectly smoked meats
Drawbacks
Potential quality control issues with manufacturing defects
High price point may not suit all budgets
We are excited to share the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III, a powerhouse in outdoor cooking that combines innovative technology with impressive size. This 24-inch ceramic charcoal grill features the patent-pending SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber, which allows us to create mouthwatering smoked dishes by evenly distributing heat and smoke. Plus, its sturdy galvanized steel cart with locking wheels ensures that our grill stays securely in place while we cook up a storm for gatherings of any size.
With the 3-Tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System, we can easily multitask in the kitchen, preparing different foods at varying temperatures simultaneously. Whether we’re grilling steaks, smoking ribs, or even baking pizzas, the versatility of this grill is a game changer. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the patented ash drawer, allowing us to focus more on grilling and less on the mess. Overall, the Big Joe III promises to elevate our outdoor cooking experience to new heights!
Unleash Your Grilling Potential
SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber for optimal smoking and heat distribution
3-Tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System for versatile cooking options
Kontrol Tower Top Vent for precise airflow management and temperature control
AMP FireBox for increased efficiency and durability
Wire Mesh Fiberglass Gasket for superior airtight seal and longevity
Patented Ash Drawer for easy cleanup without removing interior components
We absolutely love the Kamado Joe Classic III for its outstanding build quality and versatile cooking options that elevate any grilling experience. While we appreciate its innovative features like the SlōRoller for enhanced smoke flavor, we recommend being prepared for potential delivery hiccups and consulting additional resources for assembly guidance.
Pluses
Excellent build quality and design
Versatile cooking options out of the box
Effective SloRoller insert for enhanced smoke flavor
Convenient and easy-to-use ash tray
Lightweight lid with an improved hinge mechanism
Superior cart with ample storage space
Great customer service from some retailers
CONS
Potential delivery issues, such as missing cart or stand
Limited instructions for assembly and operation compared to previous models
We’re excited to share our thoughts on the Kamado Joe Classic III, a grill that truly elevates outdoor cooking to new heights. Featuring a premium 18” ceramic grill and a heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart, this innovative grill is designed with functionality in mind. The patented SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber ensures that your low-and-slow cooks are perfectly infused with flavor, while the versatile 3-Tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System allows us to maximize our cooking space and flexibility, whether we’re searing steaks or smoking ribs.
What sets the Classic III apart is not just its advanced features, but also the user-friendly conveniences it offers. With a counterbalanced Air Lift Hinge that makes opening the dome a breeze and a slide-out ash drawer for hassle-free cleanup, we’ve found that this grill combines performance with practicality. Plus, the sturdy construction, including commercial-grade stainless steel cooking grates and a weather-resistant cart, gives us confidence that it will last for years of delicious grilling. Our friends are already envious of our grilling prowess with this fantastic addition to our outdoor kitchen!
Unmatched Versatility and Performance
3-Tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System
Revolutionary SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber
Counterbalanced Air Lift Hinge for easy dome opening
Ultra-precise Kontrol Tower top vent
Large cooking surface made of commercial-grade 304 stainless steel
Finished folding aluminum side shelves for added convenience
We absolutely love the Kamado Joe 2017 Big Joe II 24-Inch Ceramic Grill for its exceptional heat control and versatility, allowing us to grill, smoke, and bake with ease. Despite some delivery hiccups and a bit of a learning curve initially, its durable construction and ability to create delicious, flavorful meals make it a fantastic addition to our outdoor cooking setup.
Produces rich, flavorful food using hardwood chips
Ample cooking space, accommodating large gatherings
CONS
Delivery issues reported by some customers
Requires some initial learning to master temperature control
We absolutely love the Kamado Joe 2017 Big Joe II, a top-of-the-range ceramic grill that seamlessly combines the functions of a grill, smoker, and oven. Its robust design and advanced features, such as the patented KONTROL TOWER top vent and the innovative AIR LIFT HINGE, provide us with unmatched flexibility and precise cooking control. With a generous 24-inch cooking area and a user-friendly setup, it’s perfect for everything from intimate family dinners to backyard parties.
The Big Joe II also shines with its Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System, allowing us to transform our grilling experience by using multiple cooking methods simultaneously. We appreciate the ease of use with the slide-out ash drawer and the built-in thermometer, making maintenance and monitoring a breeze. With its well-crafted construction and attention to detail, this grill not only enhances our outdoor cooking adventures but also delivers superior taste that keeps our guests coming back for more.
Exceptional Versatility and Performance
Premium 24″ Ceramic Construction
Versatile Cooking Options (Grill, Oven, Smoker)
Slide-Out Ash Drawer for Easy Cleanup
Includes Heat Deflector Plates and Cooking Grates
Built-in Extra Large Thermometer
Limited Lifetime Warranty on Ceramic Parts
Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24" Grill
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