Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in vs Upgraded 13 inch Ceramic Kamado Grill with Waterproof Air Vent Cap | Portable Ta

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

Upgraded 13 inch Ceramic Kamado Grill with Waterproof Air Vent Cap | Portable Ta comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Outdoor enthusiasts needing weather-resistant kamado — read the strengths below before deciding.

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in
Ranked #5 in Best Kamado Grills
Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in
$799.99as of Jul 8

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I 18-inch grill offers a premium ceramic cooking experience with innovative features like the 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system and Slide-Out Ash Drawer. Reviewers praised its solid build quality, temperature control, and versatility for grilling, smoking, searing, and roasting. The unit's thick ceramic walls and stainless steel grates ensure durability, though its weight and fragile ceramic construction may be drawbacks for some users. This grill is ideal for serious outdoor cooks seeking a high-performance, long-lasting kamado but may not suit those needing portability or very large cooking capacity.

Strengths
  • 2-Tier Divide & Conquer® Cooking System allows cooking different foods at various temperatures simultaneously
  • Patented Slide-Out Ash Drawer simplifies cleanup
  • Cast Iron Top Vent enables precise temperature control
Watch-outs
  • Grill is heavy at 227.7 lbs with included cart
  • Ceramic construction can be fragile and requires careful handling
Upgraded 13 inch Ceramic Kamado Grill with Waterproof Air Vent Cap | Portable Ta
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Kamado Grills
Upgraded 13 inch Ceramic Kamado Grill with Waterproof Air Vent Cap | Portable Ta
$228as of Jul 8

The London Sunshine Cadet Series 13-inch Ceramic Kamado Grill is designed for versatility and efficiency, featuring a thick ceramic construction that maximizes heat retention and airflow. Reviewers noted its upgraded waterproof venting system for precise weather control and wide temperature range from 180°F to 750°F, supporting multiple cooking methods. While praised for its pre-assembled design and ease of setup, some users found the 49-pound weight limiting for frequent transport. This grill is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and home cooks seeking a durable, multi-functional kamado grill but may not suit those prioritizing ultra-portability.

Strengths
  • 0.8-inch thick ceramic wall and dome shape design maximize heat efficiency and airflow with minimal fuel use
  • Upgraded with waterproof top vent for precise control in any weather
  • Wide temperature range from 180°F to 750°F supports smoking, baking, grilling, and broiling
Watch-outs
  • Item weight is 49 pounds making it relatively heavy for portability
  • Includes multiple components including bamboo handles and steel stand which may complicate storage

How they stack up

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I stands out with its 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system and Slide-Out Ash Drawer, features not found in the Big Green Egg MiniMax or London Sunshine models. While it shares ceramic construction with the London Sunshine and Outvita, its heavier weight and more robust build make it less portable than the latter. Unlike the Konnected Joe, it lacks digital controls but offers more traditional kamado functionality.

Upgraded 13 inch Ceramic Kamado Grill with Waterproof Air Vent Cap | Portable Ta

The London Sunshine Cadet Series offers waterproof venting that the Outvita lacks, making it more weather-resistant. While both are 13-inch models, it provides better heat retention than the Outvita and is more portable than the Big Joe Series I. However, it's heavier than the Outvita and lacks the digital controls of the Konnected Joe.

Specs side-by-side

SpecKamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker inUpgraded 13 inch Ceramic Kamado Grill with Waterproof Air Vent Cap | Portable Ta
Dimensions46.2 in18x15.5x 20.8 inches
Weight228 lb49 lb
Cooking Surface Area250 square inches90 Square Inches
Temperature Range225 - 750°F180°F to 750°F
MaterialceramicCeramic, Stainless Steel, Iron, Bamboo
Cooking MethodsSmoked, Grilled, Seared, Roasted, Bakedsmoking, baking, grilling, and broiling
Fuel TypecharcoalCharcoal
← See the full ranking of best kamado grills