Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Kamado Grills

Grilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado Grill vs Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill

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 4.5). 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 Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill
Ranked #3 in Best Kamado Grills
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill
3 sourcesall derived$65.62as of Aug 21

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe II offers a premium grilling experience with its egg-shaped ceramic design and smart upgrades that make it feel luxurious. Reviewers noted its excellent heat retention, even cooking, and versatility for smoking, searing, and low-temperature cooking. While assembly is straightforward, the grill's weight and portability are drawbacks. It's best suited for those seeking a high-end, space-efficient charcoal grill rather than casual or portable users.

Strengths
  • Durable and attractive design with vibrant fire engine red finish
  • Quick and virtually painless assembly with only nine steps required
  • Food cooked evenly and tasted amazing with excellent heat retention
Watch-outs
  • Not portable due to heavy weight and size (231.5 lbs)
  • Topping up fuel can be a faff and requires two people to lift

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 Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II offers quick assembly and vibrant design that the Big Green Egg XL lacks, but it doesn't match the Big Green Egg's legendary reputation for longevity. Compared to the Konnected Joe, it lacks smart technology integration and automatic fire starter, though it provides a more traditional charcoal cooking experience.

Specs side-by-side

SpecGrilla Grills Kong Ceramic Kamado GrillKamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill
Cooking Area643 square inches250 sq. in. max
Dimensions49 Inches46.5" W x 48.5" H
Weight213lbs227.7 lbs
Fuel TypeLump CharcoalCharcoal, smoking wood
MaterialHeavy-duty ceramicceramic
Temperature Rangeupward of 700F225 - to 750°F
Diameter24”18" Diameter
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