I was overdue for a new grill, but Kamado grills were not on my radar. I used to cook on a cheap Weber kettle grill, but tossed it when I moved in favor of a cheap hand-me-down gas grill. I found that I didn't do a lot of grilling on gas. It didn't offer half of the flavor of charcoal, and even after replacing burners I had terrible hot and cold spots that prevented any consistency. "Buy a new grill" went on the to do list.
Meanwhile, a close friend and colleague got a Big Green Egg. I had some pulled pork that he cooked on it, and I don't remember ever having better barbeque. He told me about cooking steaks, pizza, and chicken on it. It sounded great, but I still couldn't imagine spending $1,200 or $1,300 on a charcoal grill. The same guy notified me when this version of the KJ Classic went in sale because the new generation was released. It was a "Deal of the Day" for $699, and I went for it. I'm so glad I did, and now I definitely get it. At that price there is NO good reason to buy the Classic II. Most of the differences will be a draw, or a slight improvement for most users. Right now it looks like the old version is only $100 less than the new one. For less than 10% of the total price, I might be inclined to get the Classic II.
There are dozens of comparisons that should convince you that the most important things about BGE and KJ (build quality, customer service, and the end result: food) are essentially indistinguishable. Some perceive BGE ceramic as being slightly better finished. KJ has an indisputable advantage when it comes to included accessories. You absolutely can't go wrong with either one. If I were to point out one objective advantage of KJ that I've found really convenient, it's the split, two-piece ceramic heat shield (platesetter in BGE vernacular). Since it's split, you can cook indirect and then direct without pulling hot racks out of the grill- which is what you have to do to remove the one-piece platesetter on the BGE. You can also put some char on something, and easily move it back to indirect if the internal temp isn't quite where it needs to be. This is included with the KJ, while the one-piece platesetter is an add on with BGE. This KJ package included a stand and shelves. I ended up repurposing an old outdoor grilling area, and putting it on wooden decking with firebrick, and fabricating a range hood out of a wheelbarrow and an attic fan. I modified the shelf brackets and hung the KJ shelves on the wall.
The food is amazing, and I'm eager to get outside and grill. I've done steaks, burgers, chicken, quail, and the best gluten free pizza I've had to date. The only accessory for the grill that I'd recommend is a Kick Ash Basket for maximum convenience. This allows you to lift out your remaining charcoal and just shake the ash off before topping off with new charcoal. If you're unfamiliar with lump charcoal you just keep re-using what's left after a cook, instead of throwing it away like briquettes.There are knock off ash baskets for less, but many come with stories about warping and welds breaking. It's also helpful to have welding gloves for handling hot parts when you need to. I bought my basket and welding gloves at ceramicgrillstire.com. Other than the grill itself, grilling accessories and charcoal seem overpriced on Amazon. For the best food results I'd also recommend a high quality instant read thermometer. I've tried several Sub $15 thermometers on Amazon and at Wal Mart, and they all sucked. Spend $30 on a Thermoworks Thermopop. You'll thank me. I bought mine from a local BBQ supply store. An "Expert Grill" 30" heavy duty kettle grill cover on sale for $6 at Walmart fit perfectly.
When you see 200lbs of ceramic, watch a charcoal grill sit at EXACTLY the temp you want, for as long as you want (this takes a cook or two to dial in, but isn't hard), raise the temp from 350 to 750 in two minutes for your reverse sear, and taste the food that comes off of a full ceramic Kamado, you can appreciate where your money goes. Knowing what I know now, I would absolutely pay the asking price for a quality Kamado.
Discover similar items
& Up
Price: >$200
Width: 10 to 19.9 in.
Height: 40 to 49.9 in.
Brand: Kamado Joe
Finish Type: Painted
More Filters
No results available. Please adjust the filters and try again.
$1249
Best Seller
$21 List: $39.99
$799
$520
$149
$35
$349 List: $499.00
$403 Price: $553.99
$499
$39
$399
$145
Customers also search
Page 1 of 1Page 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
CLASSIC I
The Classic I includes new innovation, featuring a thick-walled, heat resistant shell that locks in smoke and moisture at any temperature.
Product Features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
CAST IRON AIR VENTPrecise temperature control |
SLIDE OUT ASH TRAYMakes cleaning easy |
FELT GASKETFor an air-tight seal |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
AMP FIREBOXAdvanced multi-piece firebox to retain heat and prevent breakage |
DIVIDE AND CONQUERVersatility in cooking with variation in temperature ranges & cooking surfaces |
ACCESSORIESCompatible with JoeTisserie, DoJoe accessories and more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRILL COVER | JOETISSERIE | DOJOE | COOKING SURFACES | iKAMAND | |
| Product Accessories | Protect your investment | Quiet-but-powerful motor can spin up to 20 pounds of food for 360° cooking | Transform your grill into a pizza oven | Versatility in cooking with cast iron grates, griddles, and soapstones | Set, monitor, and adjust your cook temperature from anywhere with your smart device |
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
1:01
Click to play video
Kamado Joe BJ-SCS Big Joe Grill Expander
Merchant Video
Videos for this product
0:36
Click to play video
Kamado Joe Classic I Charcoal Grill Video
Masterbuilt
Videos for related products
1:18
Click to play video
See how it looks & what you get out of the box!
The Parent Game
Videos for related products
0:53
Click to play video
Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill
Masterbuilt
Videos for related products
1:31
Click to play video
Our Point of View on Kamado Joe Jr. Charcoal Grills
What Tools Inside
Videos for related products
12:49
Click to play video
Kamado Joe Classic 2 vs The Kamado Joe Classic 3
Fire & Water Cooking's Amazon Store
Videos for related products
0:46
Click to play video
VESSILS Mini Grills
VESSILS
Videos for related products
0:45
Click to play video
Set up for Lifesmart 18 inch
LIFESMART GLOBAL
Videos for related products
0:31
Click to play video
Kamado Joe Big Joe I Charcoal Grill Video
Masterbuilt
I was overdue for a new grill, but Kamado grills were not on my radar. I used to cook on a cheap Weber kettle grill, but tossed it when I moved in favor of a cheap hand-me-down gas grill. I found that I didn't do a lot of grilling on gas. It didn't offer half of the flavor of charcoal, and even after replacing burners I had terrible hot and cold spots that prevented any consistency. "Buy a new grill" went on the to do list.Meanwhile, a close friend and colleague got a Big Green Egg. I had some pulled pork that he cooked on it, and I don't remember ever having better barbeque. He told me about cooking steaks, pizza, and chicken on it. It sounded great, but I still couldn't imagine spending $1,200 or $1,300 on a charcoal grill. The same guy notified me when this version of the KJ Classic went in sale because the new generation was released. It was a "Deal of the Day" for $699, and I went for it. I'm so glad I did, and now I definitely get it. At that price there is NO good reason to buy the Classic II. Most of the differences will be a draw, or a slight improvement for most users. Right now it looks like the old version is only $100 less than the new one. For less than 10% of the total price, I might be inclined to get the Classic II.There are dozens of comparisons that should convince you that the most important things about BGE and KJ (build quality, customer service, and the end result: food) are essentially indistinguishable. Some perceive BGE ceramic as being slightly better finished. KJ has an indisputable advantage when it comes to included accessories. You absolutely can't go wrong with either one. If I were to point out one objective advantage of KJ that I've found really convenient, it's the split, two-piece ceramic heat shield (platesetter in BGE vernacular). Since it's split, you can cook indirect and then direct without pulling hot racks out of the grill- which is what you have to do to remove the one-piece platesetter on the BGE. You can also put some char on something, and easily move it back to indirect if the internal temp isn't quite where it needs to be. This is included with the KJ, while the one-piece platesetter is an add on with BGE. This KJ package included a stand and shelves. I ended up repurposing an old outdoor grilling area, and putting it on wooden decking with firebrick, and fabricating a range hood out of a wheelbarrow and an attic fan. I modified the shelf brackets and hung the KJ shelves on the wall.The food is amazing, and I'm eager to get outside and grill. I've done steaks, burgers, chicken, quail, and the best gluten free pizza I've had to date. The only accessory for the grill that I'd recommend is a Kick Ash Basket for maximum convenience. This allows you to lift out your remaining charcoal and just shake the ash off before topping off with new charcoal. If you're unfamiliar with lump charcoal you just keep re-using what's left after a cook, instead of throwing it away like briquettes.There are knock off ash baskets for less, but many come with stories about warping and welds breaking. It's also helpful to have welding gloves for handling hot parts when you need to. I bought my basket and welding gloves at ceramicgrillstire.com. Other than the grill itself, grilling accessories and charcoal seem overpriced on Amazon. For the best food results I'd also recommend a high quality instant read thermometer. I've tried several Sub $15 thermometers on Amazon and at Wal Mart, and they all sucked. Spend $30 on a Thermoworks Thermopop. You'll thank me. I bought mine from a local BBQ supply store. An "Expert Grill" 30" heavy duty kettle grill cover on sale for $6 at Walmart fit perfectly.When you see 200lbs of ceramic, watch a charcoal grill sit at EXACTLY the temp you want, for as long as you want (this takes a cook or two to dial in, but isn't hard), raise the temp from 350 to 750 in two minutes for your reverse sear, and taste the food that comes off of a full ceramic Kamado, you can appreciate where your money goes. Knowing what I know now, I would absolutely pay the asking price for a quality Kamado.
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 23, 2018
Style: Classic IVerified Purchase
I was overdue for a new grill, but Kamado grills were not on my radar. I used to cook on a cheap Weber kettle grill, but tossed it when I moved in favor of a cheap hand-me-down gas grill. I found that I didn't do a lot of grilling on gas. It didn't offer half of the flavor of charcoal, and even after replacing burners I had terrible hot and cold spots that prevented any consistency. "Buy a new grill" went on the to do list.
Meanwhile, a close friend and colleague got a Big Green Egg. I had some pulled pork that he cooked on it, and I don't remember ever having better barbeque. He told me about cooking steaks, pizza, and chicken on it. It sounded great, but I still couldn't imagine spending $1,200 or $1,300 on a charcoal grill. The same guy notified me when this version of the KJ Classic went in sale because the new generation was released. It was a "Deal of the Day" for $699, and I went for it. I'm so glad I did, and now I definitely get it. At that price there is NO good reason to buy the Classic II. Most of the differences will be a draw, or a slight improvement for most users. Right now it looks like the old version is only $100 less than the new one. For less than 10% of the total price, I might be inclined to get the Classic II.
There are dozens of comparisons that should convince you that the most important things about BGE and KJ (build quality, customer service, and the end result: food) are essentially indistinguishable. Some perceive BGE ceramic as being slightly better finished. KJ has an indisputable advantage when it comes to included accessories. You absolutely can't go wrong with either one. If I were to point out one objective advantage of KJ that I've found really convenient, it's the split, two-piece ceramic heat shield (platesetter in BGE vernacular). Since it's split, you can cook indirect and then direct without pulling hot racks out of the grill- which is what you have to do to remove the one-piece platesetter on the BGE. You can also put some char on something, and easily move it back to indirect if the internal temp isn't quite where it needs to be. This is included with the KJ, while the one-piece platesetter is an add on with BGE. This KJ package included a stand and shelves. I ended up repurposing an old outdoor grilling area, and putting it on wooden decking with firebrick, and fabricating a range hood out of a wheelbarrow and an attic fan. I modified the shelf brackets and hung the KJ shelves on the wall.
The food is amazing, and I'm eager to get outside and grill. I've done steaks, burgers, chicken, quail, and the best gluten free pizza I've had to date. The only accessory for the grill that I'd recommend is a Kick Ash Basket for maximum convenience. This allows you to lift out your remaining charcoal and just shake the ash off before topping off with new charcoal. If you're unfamiliar with lump charcoal you just keep re-using what's left after a cook, instead of throwing it away like briquettes.There are knock off ash baskets for less, but many come with stories about warping and welds breaking. It's also helpful to have welding gloves for handling hot parts when you need to. I bought my basket and welding gloves at ceramicgrillstire.com. Other than the grill itself, grilling accessories and charcoal seem overpriced on Amazon. For the best food results I'd also recommend a high quality instant read thermometer. I've tried several Sub $15 thermometers on Amazon and at Wal Mart, and they all sucked. Spend $30 on a Thermoworks Thermopop. You'll thank me. I bought mine from a local BBQ supply store. An "Expert Grill" 30" heavy duty kettle grill cover on sale for $6 at Walmart fit perfectly.
When you see 200lbs of ceramic, watch a charcoal grill sit at EXACTLY the temp you want, for as long as you want (this takes a cook or two to dial in, but isn't hard), raise the temp from 350 to 750 in two minutes for your reverse sear, and taste the food that comes off of a full ceramic Kamado, you can appreciate where your money goes. Knowing what I know now, I would absolutely pay the asking price for a quality Kamado.
Meanwhile, a close friend and colleague got a Big Green Egg. I had some pulled pork that he cooked on it, and I don't remember ever having better barbeque. He told me about cooking steaks, pizza, and chicken on it. It sounded great, but I still couldn't imagine spending $1,200 or $1,300 on a charcoal grill. The same guy notified me when this version of the KJ Classic went in sale because the new generation was released. It was a "Deal of the Day" for $699, and I went for it. I'm so glad I did, and now I definitely get it. At that price there is NO good reason to buy the Classic II. Most of the differences will be a draw, or a slight improvement for most users. Right now it looks like the old version is only $100 less than the new one. For less than 10% of the total price, I might be inclined to get the Classic II.
There are dozens of comparisons that should convince you that the most important things about BGE and KJ (build quality, customer service, and the end result: food) are essentially indistinguishable. Some perceive BGE ceramic as being slightly better finished. KJ has an indisputable advantage when it comes to included accessories. You absolutely can't go wrong with either one. If I were to point out one objective advantage of KJ that I've found really convenient, it's the split, two-piece ceramic heat shield (platesetter in BGE vernacular). Since it's split, you can cook indirect and then direct without pulling hot racks out of the grill- which is what you have to do to remove the one-piece platesetter on the BGE. You can also put some char on something, and easily move it back to indirect if the internal temp isn't quite where it needs to be. This is included with the KJ, while the one-piece platesetter is an add on with BGE. This KJ package included a stand and shelves. I ended up repurposing an old outdoor grilling area, and putting it on wooden decking with firebrick, and fabricating a range hood out of a wheelbarrow and an attic fan. I modified the shelf brackets and hung the KJ shelves on the wall.
The food is amazing, and I'm eager to get outside and grill. I've done steaks, burgers, chicken, quail, and the best gluten free pizza I've had to date. The only accessory for the grill that I'd recommend is a Kick Ash Basket for maximum convenience. This allows you to lift out your remaining charcoal and just shake the ash off before topping off with new charcoal. If you're unfamiliar with lump charcoal you just keep re-using what's left after a cook, instead of throwing it away like briquettes.There are knock off ash baskets for less, but many come with stories about warping and welds breaking. It's also helpful to have welding gloves for handling hot parts when you need to. I bought my basket and welding gloves at ceramicgrillstire.com. Other than the grill itself, grilling accessories and charcoal seem overpriced on Amazon. For the best food results I'd also recommend a high quality instant read thermometer. I've tried several Sub $15 thermometers on Amazon and at Wal Mart, and they all sucked. Spend $30 on a Thermoworks Thermopop. You'll thank me. I bought mine from a local BBQ supply store. An "Expert Grill" 30" heavy duty kettle grill cover on sale for $6 at Walmart fit perfectly.
When you see 200lbs of ceramic, watch a charcoal grill sit at EXACTLY the temp you want, for as long as you want (this takes a cook or two to dial in, but isn't hard), raise the temp from 350 to 750 in two minutes for your reverse sear, and taste the food that comes off of a full ceramic Kamado, you can appreciate where your money goes. Knowing what I know now, I would absolutely pay the asking price for a quality Kamado.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 23, 2022
Style: Big Joe IVerified Purchase
I had the Kamato original 18” grill and loved it but at times the grate space was a little crowded so I ordered the Big Joe 24” and it is huge. I included pics of the two grills side by side. If I had it to do over again I would keep the original 18” Joe. The 24” Big Joe is a great grill but just like a small car vs a SUV, it takes more gas to drive the SUV(charcoal). Both grills cook well but the 18” grill uses less charcoal and I feel was easier to keep on temperature but if you need the extra grate space maybe look at the larger grill. These things hold heat extremely well and will stay at temp for hours. I love the taste of charcoal over propane and while it takes a little more work to charcoal grill, I feel it’s definitely worth it.
Images in this review
