Kamado Joe: compare the Joe Jr., Classic and Big Joe

Kamado Joe is an American brand that focuses entirely on ceramic kamados. You recognise them by the red dome and by clever details such as the half-moon grate, which lets you cook on two levels and with two temperature zones at the same time. A kamado holds its heat for a long time, so you can grill on it just as well as smoke low and slow or bake a pizza. On this page you compare Kamado Joe models and a large number of Kamado Joe accessories, with the current price at the shop.

The Kamado Joe models

• Joe Jr.: the compact 34 cm kamado, on its own, as a complete set or as the Junior Celebration Pack
• Classic: the mid-size 46 cm model, as Classic I, Classic II, Classic II Stand-Alone without a stand and as the Classic III starter pack, plus a Classic set with cover and gloves
• Big Joe: the large 61 cm kamado, as Big Joe I and Big Joe II
• Konnected Joe: a digital kamado with a 46 cm grate
• Accessories: covers, half-moon grates and griddles, pizza stones, rotisseries, charcoal and smoking wood

Which Kamado Joe suits you?

The size mainly depends on how many people you cook for. The Joe Jr. is small enough for a balcony where charcoal is allowed, a small garden or for taking along, and suits one or two people. The Classic is the most popular size: enough room for a family and for smoking a large joint of meat. Choose the Big Joe if you regularly cook for a large group or want to prepare several large cuts at once.

Within the Classic line, the difference is mainly in the specification. The Classic I is the simplest version, the Classic II and III have a more elaborate lid and ventilation system, and the Classic III comes as a starter pack. The Stand-Alone has no stand and is meant to be set into a table or outdoor kitchen. If you would rather monitor the temperature via an app and built-in control, look at the Konnected Joe. New to kamados? Read how to use a kamado barbecue first.

Kamado Joe accessories

Many accessories come in a version for the Classic Joe and for the Big Joe, and sometimes for the Joe Jr. Think of half-moon grates in cast iron or stainless steel, reversible cast-iron griddles, heat deflectors for indirect cooking, the flexible cooking racks, pizza stones and a Grill Expander for extra space. For spit roasting there are the JoeTisserie and the SlōRoller, and for pizza the DōJoe and a pizza peel. You will also find covers per size, charcoal baskets, Big Block charcoal, oak smoking chunks, a wok, a rib rack and a meat probe for the Konnected Joe. Also take a look at the barbecue covers, pizza accessories and rotisseries, or read which kamado accessories you need. Check the product page to see whether an accessory fits your size.

Comparing Kamado Joe with other brands

For kamados, compare Kamado Joe with the Big Green Egg, Monolith and the Keij Kamado. Looking for a comparable ceramic kamado for less money? Read Kamado Joe alternative. A broader overview is in which kamado barbecue suits you.