Kamado Joe: The Ultimate Guide to the Brand

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  June 1, 2022

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Kamado Joe is a popular brand of kamado-style ceramic cookers founded in 2009 by a group of friends who shared a passion for cooking and the kamado grill. They’ve become one of the most popular kamado grill brands in the world.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of the brand, the features of their cookers, and why they’re so popular.

Kamado Joe Logo

What You Need to Know About Kamado Joe Grills

Kamado Joe grills are built with high-quality materials and designed to serve as a single, all-in-one cooking solution. The grill’s egg-shaped design allows for even heat distribution and retention, making it perfect for low and slow cooking, as well as high-heat searing.

Some of the basic components of a Kamado Joe grill include:

  • Ceramic firebox
  • Stainless steel cooking grate
  • Cast iron top vent
  • Air lift hinge
  • Heat deflector plates
  • Ash drawer

The Range of Kamado Joe Grills

Kamado Joe offers a range of different models to suit every budget and cooking need. Some of the most popular models include:

  • Classic Joe
  • Big Joe
  • Joe Jr.

Each model is designed with a specific segment of the market in mind, with differences in size, features, and price.

The Kamado Joe Brand: Quality and Value

Kamado Joe is a recognized leader in the kamado grill market, known for their high-quality grills and exceptional value. The company offers a lifetime warranty on all of their grills, which is a testament to the quality of their products.

While Kamado Joe grills are generally priced higher than some of the cheaper brands on the market, the difference in price is justified by the quality of the materials and construction.

Expert Segmented Kamado Grill Brands

Kamado Joe is not the only brand in the segmented kamado grill market (here are the best brands). Some other popular brands include:

  • Big Green Egg
  • Monolith
  • Primo

Each of these brands offers their own unique take on the kamado grill, with differences in design, features, and price.

Choosing the Best Kamado Grill for You

When deciding which kamado grill to buy, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Your budget
  • The size of the grill you need
  • The features you want
  • The brand reputation and warranty

By considering these factors, you can find the kamado grill that best fits your needs and cooking style.

The Story Behind Kamado Joe: From Fire to Flavor

The history of kamado cooking dates back to ancient times in Japan, where the kamado, a traditional ceramic stove, was used for cooking and heating. The word “kamado” means “stove” or “cooking range” in Japanese, and the design of the kamado has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The kamado’s thick ceramic walls and tight-fitting lid make it an ideal vessel for slow-cooking and smoking meats (check out our best meats to smoke list), as well as for searing and grilling at high temperatures.

The Birth of Kamado Joe

Kamado Joe was founded in 2009 by a group of friends who shared a passion for cooking and a love of the kamado grill. They set out to create a kamado grill that was not only innovative and versatile but also affordable and accessible to a wider audience. The result was the Kamado Joe Classic, a premium ceramic grill that quickly gained a reputation for its remarkable cooking performance and exceptional flavor.

The Kamado Joe Difference

What sets Kamado Joe apart from other grills on the market is its commitment to quality and innovation. Every Kamado Joe grill is made from premium ceramic materials that are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist cracking. The patented Divide & Conquer cooking system allows you to cook a variety of foods at different temperatures and elevations, giving you more control over your cooking than ever before. And with a range of sizes and accessories to choose from, there’s a Kamado Joe grill that’s perfect for every family and every backyard.

Exploring the Versatile Range of Kamado Joe Grill Sizes

Kamado Joe offers a range of grill sizes to suit different needs and preferences. The three sizes available are the Big Joe, Classic Joe, and Joe Jr. While the Joe Jr. is perfect for small outdoor spaces or for those who like to take their grill on the go, the Big Joe and Classic Joe are the two sizes to focus on for most readers.

Classic Joe

The Classic Joe is the most popular size and is perfect for families or those who love to entertain. It has a cooking surface of 18 inches and can easily accommodate up to 10 chicken breasts or 6 steaks at once. The Classic Joe also comes with a range of accessories, including a heat deflector, ash tool, and grill gripper.

Big Joe

The Big Joe is the largest size offered by Kamado Joe and is perfect for those who love to cook for large groups. It has a cooking surface of 24 inches and can easily accommodate up to 12 chicken breasts or 8 steaks at once. The Big Joe also comes with a range of accessories, including a cart, side shelves, and a charcoal basket.

Versatile Cooking

One of the best things about Kamado Joe grills is their versatility. They can be used for a range of cooking styles, including grilling, smoking, roasting, and baking. With the right accessories, you can even use your Kamado Joe to cook pizza, bread, or even desserts.

AccessoriesShop

Kamado Joe offers a range of accessories to help you get the most out of your grill. Some of the most popular accessories include:

  • iKamand: A smart temperature controller (here are the best electric fans for other models) that allows you to monitor and control your grill from your phone.
  • Joetisserie: A rotisserie attachment that allows you to cook whole chickens, turkeys, or roasts.
  • Pizza Stone: A ceramic stone that helps you achieve the perfect crispy crust on your pizza.
  • Cast Iron Grate: A heavy-duty grate that helps you achieve perfect sear marks on your steaks.

Where To Get Your Hands On A Kamado Joe Grill

Now that you know where to buy a Kamado Joe grill, it’s important to understand the differences between the various models. Here are some of the key differences to keep in mind:

  • Sizes: Kamado Joe grills come in a range of sizes, from the big and beefy Big Joe III to the more compact Joe Jr. Choose the size that best fits your cooking needs.
  • Heat control: Kamado Joe grills are known for their excellent heat control, thanks to their ceramic construction and charcoal fuel. However, some models come with additional features like the iKamand temperature control system, which allows for even more precise temperature control.
  • Cooking options: Kamado Joe grills are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from grilling and smoking to baking and indirect cooking. Some models come with additional accessories like the Divide & Conquer cooking system and various racks to help you make the most of your grill.

Other Kamado Joe Products To Consider

In addition to the grills themselves, Kamado Joe also offers a range of accessories and parts to help you get the most out of your cooking experience. Here are some of the products to consider:

  • Covers: Keep your grill protected from the elements with a custom-fitted cover.
  • Carts: Make your grill portable with a cart that’s designed to fit your specific model.
  • Tools: Kamado Joe offers a range of grilling tools, from spatulas and tongs to pizza peels and grill brushes.
  • iKamand: This temperature control system allows you to monitor and adjust your grill’s temperature from your smartphone.
  • Parts: If you need to replace a part on your grill, Kamado Joe has you covered with a range of replacement parts available for purchase.
  • Green Egg vs. Kamado Joe: If you’re trying to decide between a Kamado Joe grill and a Big Green Egg, it’s worth doing some research to see which one is right for you. While both grills are excellent, there are some key differences to keep in mind. For example, Kamado Joe grills come with a range of features like the Divide & Conquer cooking system and the iKamand temperature control system that aren’t available on Big Green Egg grills.

Conclusion

The kamado joe brand is a brand of kamado grills manufactured in the United States. They’re known for their high quality and exceptional value. 

I hope this guide has helped you learn more about the brand and decide if it’s the right grill for you.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.