Head-to-head · Best Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill vs NewAge Platinum Kamado

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

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and NewAge Platinum Kamado score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #3 in Best Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill

4.5

1 sourceall derived$61.25as of Oct 10

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

— Quick and virtually painless assembly with only nine steps required
— Food cooked evenly and tasted amazing with excellent heat retention
— Heat is long-lasting and surprisingly simple to control with smart upgrades

Watch-outs

— Topping up fuel can be a faff and requires two people to lift

$61.25 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #1 in Best Kamado Grills

NewAge Platinum Kamado

4.5

1 source

The NewAge Platinum Kamado Grill received high praise in a Bob Vila review, with testers noting its impressive 450 square inch cooking surface and superior performance across multiple cooking styles including smoking, searing, and baking. Reviewers highlighted the convenient ash bucket system and overall build quality, though noted the high price point may not suit casual users. The grill's thick ceramic construction and stainless steel vents were praised for temperature control and heat retention. This model is positioned as a premium option for serious grillers seeking versatile outdoor cooking performance.

Strengths

— Ample cooking surface space with 450 square inches of cooking area
— Straightforward assembly process with included tools
— Bob Vila calls the ash bucket system more convenient than typical grill ash systems

Watch-outs

— High price point that may not suit casual grillers
— Heavy weight at 183 pounds requiring good wheels for mobility, per Bob Vila

Buy at wayfair.com Full review →

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

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.

NewAge Platinum Kamado

The NewAge Platinum Kamado offers a 450 sq in cooking surface similar to the Big Green Egg XL, but it's less durable and lacks the established brand recognition. Compared to the Kamado Joe Big Joe, it doesn't feature the innovative air lift hinge or modular firebox design, though it does offer a more affordable price point.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill	NewAge Platinum Kamado
Cooking Area	250 sq. in. max	450 square inches
Dimensions	46.5" W x 48.5" H	27.5"D x 22"W x 32.75"H
Weight	227.7 lbs	183 pounds
Fuel Type	Charcoal, smoking wood	—
Material	ceramic	Thick ceramic shell
Temperature Range	225 - to 750°F	750 degrees Fahrenheit
Diameter	18" Diameter	22"

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