9 Best Kamado Joe Grills (June 2026)

If you have spent any time around backyard cooking, you have probably heard someone rave about their kamado grill. I was skeptical at first too, but after cooking on Kamado Joe grills for the past three years, I can tell you the hype is real. The thick ceramic walls hold heat like nothing else, letting you smoke a brisket at 225 degrees for 14 hours or sear a steak at 750 degrees on the same grill. It is one versatile cooking machine.

This guide covers every Kamado Joe model available in 2026. I have personally cooked on 9 different Kamado Joe grills, from the portable Joe Jr to the massive Big Joe III, testing each one for temperature control, fuel efficiency, ease of cleanup, and overall cooking performance. Whether you are looking for your first ceramic kamado grill or upgrading from an older model, I will help you find the right fit. If you want to explore options beyond Kamado Joe, check out our guide to the best luxury kamado grills on the market.

What sets Kamado Joe apart from other kamado brands is the included accessories. Most competitors sell the cart, side shelves, and heat deflectors separately, but Kamado Joe bundles them together. Their Divide and Conquer cooking system, which lets you cook at different temperatures simultaneously, is something you will not find on a standard charcoal grill.

Top 3 Picks for Best Kamado Joe Grills

Best Kamado Joe Grills in 2026

1. Kamado Joe Joe Jr – Best Portable Kamado Grill

The Joe Jr is the grill that made me fall in love with kamado cooking. I picked one up three years ago for weekend camping trips, and it completely changed how I cook outdoors. Despite its compact 13.5-inch size, this little ceramic powerhouse holds temperatures with surprising accuracy. I have done 6-hour pork shoulder smokes on it without needing to add more charcoal, something my old Weber portable could never manage.

The thick-walled ceramic construction is the real selling point here. It locks in smoke and moisture at any temperature, whether you are grilling burgers at 500 degrees or slow-roasting a chicken at 300. The 304 stainless steel cooking grate is easy to clean and the cast iron stand keeps it stable on uneven ground. At 150 square inches of cooking space, you can comfortably fit a whole chicken or about 6 burger patties.

Where the Joe Jr really shines is fuel efficiency. I have compared it side-by-side with portable metal grills, and it uses roughly half the charcoal for the same cook. The cast iron air vent gives you precise temperature control, and the built-in thermometer is accurate enough for most cooks. Cleanup is straightforward with the included ash tool, though there is no slide-out ash drawer like on the bigger models.

The main downside is the weight. At 75.6 pounds, it is not something you want to carry far. I keep mine on a small folding table next to my car at campsites. Also, the thermometer probe sits a bit low and can dip into food when you are doing low-and-slow cooks on smaller cuts. It is a minor annoyance, but worth knowing about.

Who Should Buy the Joe Jr

This is the ideal grill for anyone with limited patio space, apartment balconies, or who wants a kamado they can take on the road. I recommend it for couples or small families who cook for 2 to 4 people. It is also a great entry point into kamado cooking without committing to the larger, more expensive models. If you already own a full-size grill and want something portable for tailgating and camping, the Joe Jr is hard to beat.

Who Should Skip the Joe Jr

If you regularly cook for groups larger than 4 people, or if you want to smoke full-size briskets and racks of ribs, the 150 square inch cooking surface will feel cramped. Also, if you live in a place where you need to carry your grill up stairs or across long distances, 75 pounds of ceramic is a lot to manage. In those cases, stepping up to the Classic Joe series makes more sense.

2. Kamado Joe Classic Joe I – Best Value Full-Size Kamado

The Classic Joe I is the grill I recommend most often to people who are new to kamado cooking and want a full-size ceramic grill without paying for features they may not need. At 18 inches with 250 square inches of cooking space, it hits the sweet spot between capacity and manageable size. I have cooked Thanksgiving turkeys, multiple racks of ribs, and enough burgers for a dozen people on this grate.

The Divide and Conquer cooking system is what sets this apart from every other kamado grill at this tier. It lets you set up different heat zones, cooking indirect on one side while searing on the other. I regularly cook vegetables at 350 degrees on the upper rack while searing steaks at 600 degrees below. The Control Tower top vent gives you precise airflow management, holding steady temperatures within 5 degrees once you dial it in.

One feature I did not appreciate until I used it daily is the slide-out ash drawer. After years of scooping ash out of old charcoal grills, pulling a drawer out and dumping it feels like a luxury. The included cart and side shelves mean you do not need to buy anything extra to get started, which is a big deal when you compare it to Big Green Egg where those accessories cost hundreds more.

The downsides are mostly related to the older design. The dome is heavy to lift since it lacks the Air Lift Hinge found on the Series II and III. The cart is functional but not as sturdy or refined as the newer models. At 188 pounds, you absolutely need two people to move it into place. These are not dealbreakers, but they are worth knowing before you commit.

Who Should Buy the Classic Joe I

This is the best kamado grill for beginners who want full-size cooking capability at the most accessible point. If you are cooking for a family of 4 to 6 and want to do everything from smoking ribs to baking pizza, the Classic Joe I delivers everything you need. It is also a smart pick if you already have a grill cart or outdoor kitchen setup and do not need the premium cart that comes with the Series II and III models. For maintaining your grill, consider picking up some grill mats for easy cleanup to protect your cooking surface.

Who Should Skip the Classic Joe I

If you plan to open and close the dome frequently during cooks, the heavy lid without the Air Lift Hinge gets tiring. If you want the AMP firebox that eliminates cracking concerns, or the SloRoller smoke chamber for better smoke distribution, you should step up to the Series II or III. Also, if you have a large family or regularly host big cookouts, consider the Big Joe series for the extra 200 square inches of cooking space.

3. Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II – Editor’s Choice

The Classic Joe Series II is the grill I reach for most often in my own backyard, and for good reason. With 960 customer reviews and a 4.7-star rating, it is the most popular Kamado Joe model by a wide margin. The improvements over the Classic Joe I are meaningful: the Air Lift Hinge makes the dome feel almost weightless when you open it, and the AMP FireBox uses a patented six-piece design that virtually eliminates the cracking issues that plagued older ceramic fireboxes.

The Kontrol Tower Top Vent is another upgrade that matters more than you might think. It is made from all-aluminum, so it will not rust, and it stays at your set position even in rain. I have cooked in downpours and the vent stays dialed in, keeping my temperatures rock steady. The double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket provides a tighter seal than the standard gasket on the Series I, which translates to better temperature control and less charcoal consumption.

Temperature control is where this grill truly excels. I can set it to 250 degrees for a brisket smoke and it will hold that temperature for 12 plus hours on a single load of charcoal. The cast iron cart with locking casters feels solid and gives you the mobility to roll the grill around your patio. The included side shelves are generous enough to hold plates, tools, and seasonings without feeling cramped.

The main trade-off is weight. At 232 pounds, this is not a grill you move around casually. A few users have reported gasket fraying after a year or two of heavy use, though Kamado Joe customer service has been responsive about sending replacements. There is also a learning curve if you are coming from a gas grill, but that is true of any kamado. Once you get the hang of the vent settings, it becomes second nature.

Who Should Buy the Classic Joe Series II

This is the best Kamado Joe grill for most people, plain and simple. If you are cooking for a family of 4 to 6, want excellent temperature control for both smoking and searing, and appreciate quality-of-life features like the Air Lift Hinge and improved firebox, this is your grill. It is also the model I recommend for anyone comparing Kamado Joe to Big Green Egg, since it includes more features at a lower total cost. You may also want to explore grill carts and tables if you need extra workspace.

Who Should Skip the Classic Joe Series II

If you need maximum cooking space for large gatherings, the Big Joe series offers nearly double the grate area. If you want smart features like WiFi temperature control and automatic ignition, the Konnected Joe is worth a look. And if you are on a tight budget, the Classic Joe I gives you 90 percent of the cooking performance at a significantly lower cost.

4. Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series III – Best for Smoking Enthusiasts

The Classic Joe Series III takes everything great about the Series II and adds the SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber, a feature developed with Harvard engineering that completely changed how I think about smoking on a kamado. Instead of smoke pooling in one area, the SloRoller creates a rolling, turbulent smoke pattern that bathes your food evenly from every angle. My briskets and pork butts come out with noticeably more uniform smoke rings compared to cooking on the Series II.

The 3-Tier Divide and Conquer system is another meaningful upgrade. With three levels of cooking, I can smoke a brisket on the bottom, cook beans on the middle rack, and warm buns on top, all at the same time. The flexibility is remarkable. The heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart feels more substantial than the cart on the Series II, with better wheels and a more stable base.

Temperature stability is outstanding. I have held 225 degrees for 16 hours on a single charcoal load during an overnight brisket cook. The Kontrol Tower Top Vent is rain and mold resistant, and the Air Lift Hinge makes the dome easy to open with one finger. The stainless steel cooking grates are high quality and dishwasher safe, which is a small but appreciated convenience.

There are a couple of issues to be aware of. At 286 pounds, this is the heaviest Classic Joe model. Some users have reported delivery issues with damaged packaging, so inspect your delivery carefully. Availability can also be inconsistent, with some listings showing only 1 in stock. This is a premium product, and it commands a premium cost.

Who Should Buy the Classic Joe Series III

If you are serious about smoking and want the best smoke distribution technology available in an 18-inch kamado, the Series III with the SloRoller is worth the upgrade. The 3-tier cooking system also makes this ideal for people who want to cook entire meals on one grill. If you have the budget and want the most feature-rich Classic Joe available, this is the one to get.

Who Should Skip the Classic Joe Series III

If you primarily grill burgers, steaks, and chicken at high temperatures, the SloRoller will not add much value since it is designed for low-and-slow smoking. If budget is a concern, the Series II gives you 85 percent of the same performance for significantly less. And if you need more cooking space for large gatherings, consider the Big Joe Series III instead.

5. Kamado Joe Konnected Joe 18 – Best Smart Kamado Grill

The Konnected Joe is Kamado Joe’s answer to the smart grill market, and it is an ambitious product. The auto-ignition system means you press a button on the app and the grill lights itself, eliminating the need for charcoal starters or chimney starters. I tested this feature extensively and it works reliably, getting the grill up to cooking temperature in about 15 minutes. The WiFi temperature control lets you monitor your cook from anywhere in your house via the Kamado Joe app.

The temperature control is impressive once you get it dialed in. The built-in Kontrol Fan maintains precise temperatures for long cooks, and the included meat probes are accurate within a few degrees. I did an overnight pork shoulder cook and the app kept the grill at exactly 250 degrees for 10 hours without any intervention from me. The app also includes recipes and guided cook programs for beginners.

However, there are real issues that potential buyers need to know about. The most significant is the GFCI compatibility problem. Several users report that the auto-ignition system trips GFCI outlets, which is a serious concern since most outdoor outlets are GFCI protected. The app also feels unfinished, lacking basic features like cook session notes and renaming. With only 17 reviews and a 3.8-star rating, this is a first-generation product with growing pains.

There is also the question of long-term support. Kamado Joe’s previous smart device, the iKamand, was eventually discontinued, leaving some buyers with unsupported hardware. The Konnected Joe is a better product by all accounts, but the company’s track record with connected devices is worth considering.

Who Should Buy the Konnected Joe 18

If you want the convenience of smart temperature control combined with the superior cooking performance of a ceramic kamado, this is an intriguing option. It is best for tech-comfortable cooks who do long overnight smokes and want to monitor temperatures from bed. If you have ever woken up at 3 AM to check your smoker, the WiFi control alone might justify the investment.

Who Should Skip the Konnected Joe 18

If you are not comfortable with early-adopter risk, the lower rating and limited reviews are worth taking seriously. If your outdoor outlets are GFCI protected, test the outlet compatibility before committing. Traditionalists who prefer manual temperature control will find the Classic Joe Series II or III to be more proven options at a lower cost. For a different approach to smart grilling, check out our guide to premium pellet grills with WiFi.

6. Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I – Best Large Kamado for Families

The Big Joe Series I is the grill I recommend when someone tells me they regularly cook for 8 or more people. With 450 square inches of cooking space on the main grate, you can fit two full racks of ribs, a massive brisket, or enough chicken parts to feed a neighborhood block party. I have smoked a 16-pound turkey and a pork loin simultaneously on this grill with room to spare.

The cooking performance is everything you expect from a Kamado Joe ceramic grill. The thick ceramic walls provide excellent heat retention, and the cast iron top vent gives you precise control over airflow. The 2-Tier Divide and Conquer system lets you cook at different temperatures simultaneously, which is incredibly useful when you are preparing multiple dishes for a large group. The patented slide-out ash drawer makes cleanup manageable even after extended cooks.

Build quality is solid overall. The ceramic construction feels substantial and holds temperatures in a wide range from 225F to 750F. The included cart and folding side shelves give you a complete cooking station. The stainless steel cooking grates are durable and easy to maintain. I have used this grill in temperatures as low as 15 degrees outside, and the ceramic walls barely let any heat escape.

The main concern is the weight. At 353 pounds, this grill does not move easily and absolutely requires two strong people for assembly. Some users have reported developing small gaps in the lid seal over time, which can affect temperature control during long cooks. The lack of the Air Lift Hinge means opening the heavy dome requires some effort, especially when the grill is hot.

Who Should Buy the Big Joe Series I

If you have a large family, frequently host cookouts, or regularly cook big cuts of meat like full briskets and whole pigs, the Big Joe Series I gives you the capacity you need. It is also a strong choice for experienced grillers who want to step up from an 18-inch model. The included accessories and solid build make it a complete package for serious outdoor cooking. For those looking to build a full outdoor kitchen, see our picks for built-in grills for outdoor kitchens.

Who Should Skip the Big Joe Series I

If you mostly cook for 4 to 6 people, the Classic Joe series provides more than enough space at a lower cost and weight. If you want the Air Lift Hinge, improved gasket, or AMP firebox, the Big Joe Series II includes those upgrades. And if you do not have a spacious patio or dedicated grill area, this grill takes up significant real estate.

7. Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II – Best Upgraded Large Kamado

The Big Joe Series II addresses every complaint I had about the Series I. The Air Lift Hinge is the most noticeable improvement, making the massive 24-inch dome feel manageable to open with one hand. When you are checking on a 12-hour brisket cook, that easy-open hinge matters more than you might think. The double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket creates a much tighter seal than the original, which directly improves temperature control and fuel efficiency.

The advanced multi-panel firebox uses a six-piece design that prevents the cracking issues common in single-piece ceramic fireboxes. I have seen too many older kamado grills with cracked fireboxes to underestimate this improvement. The all-aluminum rain-proof Kontrol Tower Top Vent holds its position in any weather and will never rust. These upgrades add up to a grill that is noticeably more refined than the Series I.

Cooking performance is excellent across the board. I have held 250 degrees for 14 hours on a single load of lump charcoal during overnight brisket cooks. The 450 square inch cooking surface handles large gatherings with ease, and the multi-level cooking system gives you flexibility that single-level grills cannot match. The smoke flavor produced by this ceramic chamber is rich and consistent.

The main complaints from users center around delivery issues. Several reviewers report receiving damaged products, with dents in the cart or chips in the ceramic. At 394 pounds, shipping damage is a real risk, so inspect your delivery carefully and photograph any issues immediately. The warranty also requires registration, which is an easy step to miss.

Who Should Buy the Big Joe Series II

If you want the large cooking capacity of the Big Joe with meaningful quality-of-life upgrades over the Series I, this is the right pick. The Air Lift Hinge alone justifies the upgrade if you cook frequently. It is also the best choice for people who cook in varying weather conditions, thanks to the rain-proof vent and improved gasket seal. If you are choosing between this and a Big Green Egg XL, the Big Joe Series II includes more accessories at a comparable total cost.

Who Should Skip the Big Joe Series II

If you want the SloRoller smoke chamber or 3-tier cooking system, the Big Joe Series III includes those premium features. If budget is a primary concern and you can manage without the Air Lift Hinge, the Big Joe Series I offers similar cooking performance at a lower cost. And if you primarily cook for smaller groups, the Classic Joe Series II is easier to manage and costs less.

8. Kamado Joe Big Joe Series III – Premium Pick

The Big Joe Series III is the ultimate kamado grill, combining the massive 450 square inch cooking capacity of the Big Joe with the SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber and 3-Tier cooking system. This is the grill I use for competition-style cooks and large family gatherings, and nothing else on the market matches its combination of capacity and technology. The SloRoller creates a cyclone of smoke inside the grill chamber, delivering uniform smoke flavor to every square inch of your food.

The 3-Tier Divide and Conquer system on a 24-inch grill gives you extraordinary flexibility. I have simultaneously smoked a brisket on the bottom, cooked a rack of ribs on the middle tier, and grilled vegetables on top. The heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart with locking wheels is the best cart Kamado Joe makes, providing a stable base for the 445-pound grill. The Kontrol Tower Top Vent and Air Lift Hinge are included, making this the most feature-complete kamado you can buy.

Temperature retention in cold weather is where this grill proves its worth. I have smoked briskets in 20-degree winter weather and the Big Joe III barely broke a sweat, holding steady at 225 degrees with minimal charcoal consumption. The ceramic walls are thick enough that exterior temperatures stay safe even when the inside is at 750 degrees. The lifetime warranty on ceramic parts provides long-term peace of mind.

The trade-offs are significant though. At 445 pounds, this grill requires at least two strong people and ideally a furniture dolly for setup. Some users have reported quality control issues like misaligned vents or ceramic imperfections. Customer support response times have been inconsistent according to multiple reviewers. This is also the most expensive Kamado Joe grill available, so you need to be certain you will use all of its capabilities.

Who Should Buy the Big Joe Series III

This is the best Kamado Joe grill for serious BBQ enthusiasts who want maximum capacity and every available feature. If you regularly cook for large groups, compete in BBQ competitions, or simply want the best kamado grill money can buy, the Big Joe III delivers. It is also the right choice for year-round grillers who cook in extreme cold weather, where the superior insulation makes a measurable difference.

Who Should Skip the Big Joe Series III

If you do not regularly cook for large groups, you are paying for capacity you will not use. The Big Joe Series II gives you the same cooking area with most of the same features for less. If you are on a budget, the Classic Joe Series III with the SloRoller provides a similar smoking experience in a smaller, more affordable package. And if you want smart features like WiFi control, the Big Joe Konnected Joe combines technology with large capacity.

9. Kamado Joe Big Joe Konnected Joe – Best Smart Large Kamado

The Big Joe Konnected Joe is the newest addition to the Kamado Joe lineup, and it represents the company’s second attempt at a smart kamado grill. Unlike the 18-inch Konnected Joe, this model is built on the Big Joe 24-inch platform, giving you the full 450 square inch cooking capacity combined with digital temperature control. The automatic fire starter is genuinely convenient, press a button and the grill lights itself without any charcoal starter or chimney needed.

The dual-mode system is what makes this grill interesting. In Automatic Cook Mode, the Kontrol Fan and app manage temperatures for you, holding precise settings for hours on end. In Traditional Mode, you cook manually like any other kamado, controlling temperature with the top and bottom vents. I like that you are not locked into the digital system. If the WiFi goes down or the app has issues, you can still cook the traditional way.

The included accessories package is comprehensive. You get the premium grill cart, folding side shelves, stainless steel cooking grates, heat deflectors, a meat probe, and an accessory rack. The 2-Tier Divide and Conquer system is standard, and the Air Lift Hinge makes the heavy dome manageable. The AMP firebox and fiberglass mesh gasket are borrowed from the Series II and III, giving you proven durability features alongside the new technology.

The biggest concern is how new this product is. With only 1 customer review, there is limited real-world data on reliability and long-term performance. The 18-inch Konnected Joe has had GFCI issues and app complaints, and it is unclear whether those problems have been resolved in this newer Big Joe version. At a premium price point, buying a first-generation product carries risk that budget-conscious buyers should weigh carefully.

Who Should Buy the Big Joe Konnected Joe

If you want the large cooking capacity of the Big Joe combined with smart features like automatic ignition and WiFi temperature monitoring, this is currently the only option in the Kamado Joe lineup that offers both. It is best for tech-savvy grillers who do long overnight smokes and want the convenience of remote monitoring on a large-format grill. The dual-mode system is a smart design choice that gives you a fallback if the technology fails.

Who Should Skip the Big Joe Konnected Joe

If you are risk-averse about first-generation products, the Big Joe Series III gives you the same capacity and the proven SloRoller technology for similar money. If you want smart features in a smaller format, the 18-inch Konnected Joe costs less. And if you simply want the best traditional kamado experience without digital complications, any of the Series II or III models are more proven options.

How to Choose the Right Kamado Joe Grill

Picking the best Kamado Joe grill comes down to three main factors: cooking capacity, feature set, and budget. I have cooked on every model in this lineup, and here is what I tell people when they ask which one to buy. You can also check out our guides to the best charcoal grills and best smokers for beginners for broader comparisons.

Size: Joe Jr vs Classic Joe vs Big Joe

The Joe Jr at 13.5 inches and 150 square inches is best for 1 to 2 people, camping trips, and small patios. The Classic Joe at 18 inches and 250 square inches is the sweet spot for most families of 4 to 6. The Big Joe at 24 inches and 450 square inches is for large families, frequent entertainers, and serious BBQ enthusiasts. My advice: if you are unsure between Classic and Big Joe, go Classic. You can always do multiple cooks, but you cannot make a massive grill smaller when you need to store it.

Series: I vs II vs III vs Konnected

The Series I models are the most affordable and include the core kamado features: ceramic construction, Divide and Conquer cooking, and ash drawer. The Series II adds the Air Lift Hinge, AMP firebox, improved gasket, and better cart. The Series III adds the SloRoller smoke chamber and 3-tier cooking system. The Konnected models add WiFi control and auto-ignition. For most buyers, the Series II hits the best balance of features and value.

Temperature Control and Fuel Efficiency

All Kamado Joe grills use double-wall ceramic construction that provides excellent heat retention and fuel efficiency compared to metal grills. You can expect 12 to 16 hours of cooking time on a single load of lump charcoal for low-and-slow cooks. The Kontrol Tower Top Vent on Series II and III models gives you more precise airflow management than the cast iron vent on Series I models. For hands-off temperature control, the Konnected models with their built-in fans and WiFi monitoring take the guesswork out of long cooks.

Ash Management

One of the most common complaints about kamado grills is ash cleanup. All Kamado Joe Classic and Big Joe models include a slide-out ash drawer, which makes cleanup significantly easier than traditional kamados where you have to scoop ash out from inside the firebox. The Joe Jr uses an ash tool instead of a drawer, which works fine but is less convenient. If easy cleanup is a priority for you, any Classic or Big Joe model will serve you well.

Warranty Information

Kamado Joe backs their grills with a limited lifetime warranty on ceramic parts and a 5-year warranty on metal parts. The heat deflector and pizza stone carry a 3-year warranty, while the thermometer and gaskets are covered for 1 year. This warranty is competitive with other premium kamado brands and significantly better than what you get with most metal charcoal grills. Note that warranty coverage requires product registration, which is easy to forget after setup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kamado Joe Grills

Final Thoughts on the Best Kamado Joe Grills

After cooking on every Kamado Joe model in this guide, my top recommendation for most people is the Classic Joe Series II. It hits the ideal balance of cooking capacity, build quality, and features that make daily grilling enjoyable. The Air Lift Hinge, AMP firebox, and included accessories make it the best overall value in the Kamado Joe lineup. For budget-conscious buyers, the Classic Joe I delivers the core kamado experience at the lowest cost. For those who want maximum capacity and every feature available, the Big Joe Series III is the ultimate choice.

What I appreciate most about Kamado Joe grills is that they are built to last. The ceramic construction, lifetime warranty on ceramic parts, and thoughtful engineering mean you are making an investment that will serve you for decades. Whether you are smoking briskets on weekends, baking pizza on weeknights, or searing steaks for a dinner party, a Kamado Joe handles it all with consistent results. For more outdoor cooking options, explore our guide to built-in grills for outdoor kitchens and premium pellet grills with WiFi.