The cooker has been great. But while I love how the vent protects during the rain the paint is peeling and the vent sticks. Cooks everything well. There are times I wish I had the big joe. Other times, I am glad it’s smaller. Love the ash removal. I do want to get the charcoal basket with divider offered with the kamado joe iii.
I actually got one of the Original Big Joe's for my birthday four years ago. For the first 35 years of my grilling life, I was a gas grill guy. I have tried cooking everything on the Big Joe and can honestly say that whether I'm smoking a pork roast or turkey, grilling steaks or burgers, and even cooking vegetables the cooking experience is second to none. Start up is easy with Kamado Joe starters and big block coal. If you have not ever cooked on a kamado learning to bring the grill takes a little work, but once you master that you can cook anything like a pro. It may sound crazy, but family and friends all agree that everything tastes better and more incredible coming off the Joe. And then clean up is super simple. I'd take the Big Joe over a gas grill every time. I love it! As I said when I started, I have an original, but it's clear to me that Kamado Joe is focused on improving an already incredible product with the tweaks they have made on the Big Joe II and now the III.
I did my research, and all my sources said that a Kamado Joe was the best grill for me. Been working great, and I love the self-cleaning feature. Best grill I've ever had.
Having never before owned a smoker, or even a charcoal grill, i decided to splurge on a Kamado Joe Classic II and I'm so glad I did! I am so impressed at how well the grill holds temperature and how easy it is to operate. If you're on the fence about purchasing a Kamado Joe, don't hesitate. They are well worth the money!
Exchanged Other brand for a KJ and never regret it
on April 2, 2020
Posted by: Sjors
from Netherlands
Gender:Male
Had less money and bought another brand Kamado as it was cheaper than the KJ classic. Then the KJ2 came out and this was a game changer. My Kamado got quality issues and after two replacements the dealer agreed that I got my money back. Kudos for Their Support as well. But I just added 500 bucks to the budget and got my a KJ2. What a nice thing and after 2 years already, no cracks, minor issue with the vent (replaced under warranty) and still happy. Yeah I would love to have the KJ3, but this version is also great. If you are on a budget, just buy this one. The quality is good, the innovation is great. Other brands are really behind.
Bought my first Classic Joe about a year ago for our lake house. We just built an outdoor kitchen at our primary residence and had to have a second Joe. We love cooking on these grills!