Head-to-head · Best Kamado Grills

Big Green Egg 13 Inch Egg MiniMax Ceramic Grill vs Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart,

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart, comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about Large gatherings and serious multi-tasking cooks — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Kamado Grills

Big Green Egg 13 Inch Egg MiniMax Ceramic Grill

3.8

$850as of Jul 8

The Big Green Egg MiniMax is a compact kamado-style grill designed for versatility in cooking, smoking, roasting, and baking. Reviewers noted its 13-inch diameter grid and 133 square inches of cooking space make it ideal for intimate gatherings or gourmet experimentation. It features the same premium ceramic construction as larger models, delivering consistent heat and flavor. The MiniMax integrates well with Big Green Egg's accessory ecosystem but has limited cooking area compared to larger sizes. It's best suited for smaller households or those with limited outdoor space who want professional-grade cooking capabilities.

Strengths

— Compact design at 19.5 inches tall with 13-inch diameter stainless steel grid
— Delivers consistent heat and flavor like larger models with premium ceramics
— Suitable for intimate gatherings or gourmet experimentation with 133 square inches cooking area

Watch-outs

— Limited to 133 square inches cooking area which may be restrictive for larger groups
— Requires assembly or White Glove service for delivery and setup

$850 · Buy at biggreenegg.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart,

4.6

$63.77as of Jul 8

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker offers robust cooking capabilities with its 2-tier Divide & Conquer system and patented ash drawer for easy cleanup. Reviewers noted the Cast Iron Top Vent for precise temperature control and built-in thermometer for accuracy. However, some found the 450 square-inch cooking surface limiting for large gatherings, and the 358.9-pound weight makes it cumbersome despite included locking wheels. This grill is best suited for serious home cooks who value functionality over portability.

Strengths

— 2-Tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System allows cooking multiple foods at various temperatures simultaneously
— Patented Slide-Out Ash Drawer simplifies cleanup
— Cast Iron Top Vent enables precise temperature control with adjustable airflow

Watch-outs

— Limited cooking space of 450 square inches may not suit large gatherings
— Heavy weight at 358.9 lbs makes mobility difficult despite locking wheels

$63.77 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Big Green Egg 13 Inch Egg MiniMax Ceramic Grill

The Big Green Egg MiniMax is more compact than the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I and Konnected Joe, making it ideal for smaller spaces, but it lacks the 2-tier cooking system and digital controls of those models. While it integrates well with the Big Green Egg ecosystem, it provides less cooking area compared to the Brand-Man Rodeo and lacks the steel construction of the Weber Summit E6.

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart,

The Big Joe Series I offers the largest cooking surface of all models, surpassing the Konnected Joe and Classic Joe in capacity. Unlike the Brand-Man Rodeo, it features the 2-tier Divide & Conquer system and Slide-Out Ash Drawer. While it's more robust than the Outvita and London Sunshine, it's significantly heavier and less portable than the other 13-inch models.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Big Green Egg 13 Inch Egg MiniMax Ceramic Grill	Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart,
Dimensions	19.5 in (50 cm)	58.3 in
Weight	76 lb	359 lb
Cooking Surface Area	133 sq in (855 cm²)	450 in²
Temperature Range	200°F to 750°F (93°C to 399°C)	225 - to 750°F
Material	premium ceramics	ceramic
Cooking Methods	grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, and searing	Smoked, Grilled, Seared, Roasted, Baked
Fuel Type	Lump charcoal	Charcoal

← See the full ranking of best kamado grills