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.
Full review
Assembly complexity and setup
The grill requires a two-person assembly process that takes approximately 45 minutes, according to one reviewer who noted it was the easiest grill to assemble among those tested. The base assembly involves slotting together components, though the reviewer found the base less sturdy than expected, particularly when carrying the 231.5-pound unit. The main assembly steps include slotting parts together within the grill, attaching side arms that latch securely into place, and installing the firebox walls, which the reviewer described as a fiddly process requiring two people. The grill arrives with most parts pre-assembled, but the reviewer noted that the egg-shaped grill still had a slight wobble after installation, detracting from the high-end feel. The assembly process includes handling sharp edges inside the ash tray slot, which the reviewer recommended addressing with gloves. The setup also requires careful positioning of the grill in its base, with the reviewer noting that the egg shape should face symmetrically for easy access to the ash dispenser.
Design and build quality
The grill features a striking red ceramic finish that emphasizes its aesthetic appeal, with the reviewer noting it's a piece worth showing off in the yard. The construction uses thick-walled ceramic that provides exceptional heat retention and moisture control, distinguishing it from traditional metal barbecues. The grill incorporates several design features that enhance usability, including a spring-assisted Air Lift hinge that allows one-finger operation for lifting the heavy lid. The reviewer highlighted the robust latch system, which requires a good amount of force to operate but provides secure positioning. The temperature gauge is factory-calibrated and accurate, allowing for precise temperature control. The firebox uses multiple panels to prevent cracking from thermal expansion and contraction, which significantly extends the grill's lifespan. The grill also includes a slide-out ash drawer for easy cleanup, and the reviewer noted that the charcoal basket provides better airflow for combustion and temperature control.
Cooking versatility and performance
The grill demonstrates exceptional versatility, supporting low-temp smoking for extended periods, high-heat searing, and even pizza cooking. The reviewer noted that the ceramic construction allows for long-lasting heat and precise temperature control, making it suitable for various cooking styles. The Divide & Conquer system enables cooking at multiple levels with direct and indirect heat settings, allowing for techniques like reverse searing. The reviewer emphasized that the grill can handle temperatures from low-and-slow smoking at 107°C (225°F) to blazing hot searing at 400°C (750°F). The ceramic deflector plates can be used to convert the grill into an oven for baking and roasting. The reviewer also noted that the grill can accommodate accessories like the JoeTisserie rotisserie, which adds to the cooking flexibility. The reviewer found that the grill's ceramic construction allows for excellent heat retention and insulation, enabling long smoking sessions without refueling.
Temperature control and airflow management
The grill features a Kontrol Tower Top Vent that maintains temperature settings even when the lid is opened and closed, with the side-opening design preventing rain from entering. The reviewer noted that airflow management is critical for proper cooking, with the bottom vent controlling airflow through the charcoal box to the top vent. The reviewer emphasized that understanding the airflow system is essential for proper operation, as improper vent settings can lead to cooking issues. The grill's design allows for fine-tuning of airflow through the vent system, enabling precise temperature control. The reviewer noted that the grill's ability to maintain consistent temperatures is a key advantage, particularly for low-and-slow smoking. The reviewer also mentioned that the firebox's segmented design prevents cracking from thermal expansion and contraction, which significantly extends the grill's lifespan.
User experience and learning curve
The reviewer noted that there is a learning curve for mastering this traditional grilling style, particularly for those unfamiliar with kamado-style cooking. The reviewer emphasized that understanding airflow management and vent settings is crucial for proper operation. The reviewer recommended checking out YouTube guides and resources on the Kamado Joe website for proper education. The reviewer noted that the first time using the grill, they served raw chicken to their family due to misunderstanding the vent settings. The reviewer also noted that the grill's versatility makes it suitable for various cooking styles, but requires proper understanding of the airflow system. The reviewer emphasized that the grill's performance is excellent once properly understood, with the ability to handle high temperatures and long cooking sessions. The reviewer noted that the grill's longevity and performance after five years of heavy use was impressive, with the ceramic pieces built like tanks and the warranty covering any issues.
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
- +Heat is long-lasting and surprisingly simple to control with smart upgrades
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
How it compares
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.
Rating sources
“I've had this for five years I've probably done about a thousand Cooks on here and it's handled them incredibly well.”
“So, it's really neat to be able to move this around. It's very versatile. And if you look into our down into our firebox, you'll see that we have multiple panels.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
