Customer Reviews for KAMADO JOE - JOE JR. Charcoal Grill with stand - Blaze Red
Customer Rating
5
MY BIG JOE
on September 8, 2023
Posted by: Pilot Lonnie
from The Woodlands, Tx
Gender:Male
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] We've enjoyed our Big Joe Classic for about three years. It has never disappointed. Since I purchased the Slow Roller, my briskets have been awesome!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Had my Big Joe for several years now. Initial design left some to be desired as several parts have needed to be replaced (heat deflector, fire box, retention bands). At first customer service was great, but they since have not been warrantying all items as lifetime.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I purchased this grill a little over a month ago after using my older Vision Kamado grill for years. I always thought that a kamado was a kamado until I received the KJ Big Joe. I am truly amazed at its performance and build quality. I have since given away my older Vision grill and will never look back. I am a Kamdo Joe fan for life. I can not get over the way this grill operates.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I use it constantly - grilling, griddling, slow cooking, and pizza. I've "sold" at least 5 of them to friends and neighbors based on recommendations.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’ve owned a Big Joe for about 6 years and results have been overwhelmingly positive. It holds heat extremely well and also retains moisture in whatever meat I cook. The ash tray needed to be replaced perhaps due to the fact that I marinate most everything I cook. Also, the casters did not last, with the rubber on the wheels dry rotting in a matter of two years even though I maintain the unit under cover when not in use. One advantage that I wasn’t anticipating is the fact that when cooking is complete, you can snuff the coals and reuse them on your next bbq event.
I came across the Kamado Joe brand while researching Grill/Smokers. I have primarily used propane grills for my grilled foods for close to 40 years. I tried an electric smoker for a short time. I wasn’t impressed with that. I thought that I would end up with a pellet smoker/grill… it seemed like that was the way to go. My son-in-law has one and it seemed to produce some nice smoked meats. The main reason I went with Kamado Joe was that during my research I learned that pellets could become clumped in humid climates. Being that I live in FL, humidity is a huge factor. I also didn’t like the idea of having to plug in a pellet grill and that most cannot sear. I started watching YouTubes on Kamado grills and these grills really intrigued me. The last charcoal style grill I had used was a small Habachi grill, 40 something years ago. Let me tell you, cooking with lump charcoal is the ticket, especially with Kamado Joe. Easy to bring up to temperature and the temperatures hold! I bought my Kamado Joe directly from the website and it came to my house packed extremely well. It was easy to assemble (you’ll need another person for the lift up). I chose the Series I simply because of the price. I would have loved to have the newer style lid and hinge system but so far this grill/ smoker is working great! I’ve smoked 4 racks of ribs, seared and cooked ribeyes and smoked chicken. They all came out great! My next challenge will be a brisket. If you’re on the fence about these grills… go for it. There’s tons of videos with tips and recipes for this style of grilling/smoking. Does it take a little extra time to prepare your meals? Absolutely. But the quality of the cook will totally impress your loved ones and friends.