Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Kamado Grills

Grilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado Grill vs Kamado Joe Big Joe

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

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The short answer

Grilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado Grill comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about users who need maximum cooking capacity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Grilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado Grill
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Kamado Grills
Grilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado Grill
4 sources2 derived$799.99as of Aug 21

The Grilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado is a heavy-duty, 276-pound grill featuring 1.25-inch ceramic construction and an all-terrain cart for mobility. It offers 643 square inches of cooking space with both main and upper grates, and can reach temperatures up to 700°F. While it includes bamboo side shelves and handle for aesthetic appeal, the diffuser is sold separately. Shipping is via freight with delivery driver assistance required for pallet jack service.

Strengths
  • All-terrain cart included for easy mobility and off-roading capability
  • 643 square inches total cooking surface with both main and upper grates
  • Includes bamboo side shelves and handle for aesthetic and functional appeal
Watch-outs
  • Diffuser not included with the grill
  • Shipping via freight with delivery driver required for pallet jack service
Kamado Joe Big Joe
Ranked #2 in Best Kamado Grills
Kamado Joe Big Joe
9 sources1 derived$162.53as of Aug 21

The Kamado Joe Big Joe is praised for its user-friendly air lift hinge, accurate built-in thermometer, and removable ash tray that simplify cleaning. Reviewers highlight the updated modular firebox design and smoke tower as notable improvements. However, some users report issues with the top vent becoming clogged and requiring frequent cleaning, as well as a latch that has broken twice. This large-capacity cooker is ideal for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who frequently entertain large groups, though those with limited space may prefer the smaller Classic II model.

Strengths
  • New air lift hinge makes lifting the heavy lid easy with one finger
  • Lid-mounted thermometer is surprisingly accurate for a built-in model
  • Removable ash tray simplifies cleaning
Watch-outs
  • Top vent (kontrol tower) becomes gummed up after several uses and requires burn-out to clean
  • Latch on lid has broken twice according to reviewer, though customer service replaced it quickly

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Grilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado Grill

The Grilla Grills Kong offers 643 sq in of cooking space that's larger than the Big Green Egg XL's 452 sq in, but it's significantly heavier and lacks the established brand recognition. Unlike the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe, it doesn't feature smart technology or automatic fire starters, though it does offer an all-terrain cart for mobility.

Kamado Joe Big Joe

The Kamado Joe Big Joe features an innovative air lift hinge that makes it easier to use than the Big Green Egg XL, but it's less durable and lacks the ceramic construction that makes the Big Green Egg a premium choice. Compared to the Konnected Joe, it doesn't feature smart technology or automatic fire starters, though it provides a more traditional charcoal cooking experience.

Specs side-by-side

SpecGrilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado GrillKamado Joe Big Joe
Cooking Area643 square inches24" diameter / 452 sq. in.
Dimensions49 Inches50" W x 54" H x 31" D
Weight213lbs250 lbs
Fuel TypeLump CharcoalLump Charcoal
MaterialHeavy-duty ceramicPolyester
Temperature Rangeupward of 700F225°F – 750°F
Diameter24”24 in
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