Kamado Joe Classic II Review

==>> It is currently in stock. Get it here from the best distributor

Upon receiving the Kamado Joe Classic II, I was immediately impressed by the quality of its packaging. Every piece was carefully wrapped and secured, a clear indication of the premium product inside. Weighing in at around 250 pounds, it’s not a grill you'll be moving often, but once in place, its robust construction and eye-catching red ceramic body make a bold statement in any outdoor space. The moment I set it up, I knew this grill was designed to stand the test of time. From its sleek traditional Kamado design to its modern features, I was excited to dive into the world of outdoor cooking.

Heat Retention and Temperature Control

The Kamado Joe Classic II excels in heat retention, which became evident during my first long cooking session. Its thick ceramic walls trap heat efficiently, outperforming traditional metal grills. This superior heat retention allows you to maintain low, consistent temperatures for slow cooking or crank it up to sear at over 600°F. The dual-venting system, consisting of the "Kontrol Tower" top vent and the bottom air vent, offers precise temperature control. Whether I was slow-smoking ribs at 225°F or getting a perfect sear on steaks at high heat, I found temperature management intuitive and highly effective.

Divide & Conquer Cooking System

The Kamado Joe Classic II’s Divide & Conquer cooking system quickly became one of my favorite features. The half-moon grates can be arranged at different heights, allowing me to cook different foods simultaneously at various temperatures. During a family barbecue, I was able to grill steaks on one side while slow-cooking veggies on the other—talk about a game-changer! This system gives you the flexibility to prepare complex meals without juggling multiple cooking devices, saving time and effort.

Air Lift Hinge: A User-Friendly Design

One of the standout features of this grill is the Air Lift Hinge. Before owning this grill, I struggled with heavy kamado lids, which can be both cumbersome and unsafe. The spring-loaded hinge on the Kamado Joe Classic II made lifting the ceramic lid nearly effortless, even after hours of cooking. The ease of use and added safety were immediately noticeable, especially when I had guests over, and multiple dishes were cooking simultaneously.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After a few cooking sessions, I realized that maintaining the Kamado Joe Classic II was refreshingly simple. The ceramic surface doesn’t trap grease and grime like metal grills, and any residue that does stick can be burned off during high-heat cooking. The Slide-Out Ash Drawer is a feature that deserves special mention—what used to be a tedious task of cleaning out ash is now a quick and easy process. No more lifting the grill or awkwardly reaching inside; just pull out the drawer and dump the ash.

Smoking Capabilities

As someone who enjoys smoking meats, I was eager to test the Kamado Joe Classic II’s smoking abilities. The grill’s thick ceramic body, paired with natural lump charcoal and heat deflectors, creates the ideal environment for low-and-slow cooking. I smoked a brisket for over 12 hours, and the grill held a steady temperature the entire time. The result? Perfectly tender, smoky, and flavorful meat that rivaled anything I had made before. This grill is a smoking powerhouse.

Durability and Longevity

The Kamado Joe Classic II is clearly built for longevity. Its ceramic body and high-quality metal components have withstood months of use without any signs of wear or rust, even after being exposed to varying weather conditions. I also invested in a grill cover, which has helped keep it in pristine condition. With proper care, this grill is something I expect to last for years—if not decades—without losing its performance.

Accessories and Extras: Enhancing the Experience

Kamado Joe offers an impressive range of accessories that further elevate the cooking experience. I tested the JoeTisserie attachment, and the rotisserie chicken I made was evenly cooked with crispy skin and juicy meat. Other accessories like the pizza stone and rib rack add even more versatility, turning this grill into a multi-functional cooking system. Whether I’m baking a pizza or slow-smoking ribs, there’s an accessory that makes the process easier and more efficient.

Price and Value: A Worthy Investment

At first glance, the Kamado Joe Classic II might seem like a significant investment, but after using it, I can confidently say it’s worth every penny. The grill’s durability, advanced features, and versatility set it apart from cheaper alternatives that don’t offer the same level of performance. For those who are serious about outdoor cooking and enjoy experimenting with different techniques, this grill offers long-term value that will pay off in delicious meals and an enhanced cooking experience.

Cooking Versatility: More Than Just a Grill

What truly sets the Kamado Joe Classic II apart from other grills is its incredible versatility. This is not just a grill—it’s an all-in-one cooking machine. Whether I’m baking bread, roasting vegetables, smoking a brisket, or grilling burgers, the Kamado Joe handles it all with ease. During a recent outdoor dinner party, I even used it to bake pizzas, and the results were on par with a wood-fired oven. Its ability to execute a variety of cooking styles makes it the perfect tool for both casual weeknight dinners and elaborate weekend feasts.

Managing the Learning Curve

While I was thrilled with the grill from day one, I did encounter a bit of a learning curve. Controlling the vents to maintain consistent temperatures took a little practice, but it was an enjoyable challenge. After a few uses, I began to feel confident in my ability to adjust the airflow and control the heat. Once you get the hang of it, cooking on the Kamado Joe becomes second nature, and the results are well worth the effort.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

Another aspect that pleasantly surprised me was the Kamado Joe Classic II’s fuel efficiency. I found myself using far less charcoal than I would with a traditional grill, which means longer cooking sessions with fewer fuel refills. Whether I was grilling for 30 minutes or smoking for several hours, the fuel efficiency was impressive. This not only saves money on charcoal but also adds to the convenience of using the grill regularly.

Conclusion: The Kamado Joe Classic II—A Top-Notch Grill for Serious Outdoor Chefs

The Kamado Joe Classic II is much more than a simple grill—it’s a complete outdoor cooking system that can handle virtually any cooking technique. Its durable construction, superior heat retention, and innovative features like the Air Lift Hinge and Divide & Conquer cooking system make it a standout in the world of kamado grills. Whether you’re a seasoned grilling enthusiast or someone looking to expand your outdoor cooking skills, this grill offers endless possibilities.

While it requires a bit of an investment and a short learning curve, the Kamado Joe Classic II is well worth it. It has transformed my outdoor cooking experience, allowing me to explore new techniques and flavors that I couldn’t achieve with a standard grill. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, versatile grill that will last for years, the Kamado Joe Classic II is the one to choose.

FAQ

Q: What is the Kamado Joe Classic II made of?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II is constructed with thick-walled ceramic for excellent heat retention, along with stainless steel, cast iron, and heat-resistant fiberglass gaskets for durability.

Q: What are the main features of the Kamado Joe Classic II?
A: Key features include the Kontrol Tower Top Vent, Divide & Conquer® Flexible Cooking System, Air Lift Hinge, AMP Firebox, Slide-Out Ash Drawer, and a built-in thermometer for precise temperature control.

Q: How does the Kamado Joe Classic II compare to other kamado grills?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II stands out due to features like the Air Lift Hinge and Divide & Conquer system, offering greater flexibility, ease of use, and cooking versatility compared to similar models like the Big Green Egg.

Q: What is the cooking capacity of the Kamado Joe Classic II?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II provides over 250 square inches of cooking space, which can be expanded with additional accessories for larger cooking sessions.

Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: Typically, the Kamado Joe Classic II heats up within 10 to 15 minutes using natural lump charcoal, depending on the desired temperature and weather conditions.

Q: What kind of fuel does the Kamado Joe Classic II use?
A: The grill uses lump charcoal, which burns hotter and cleaner than traditional charcoal briquettes.

Q: How does the Air Lift Hinge improve the grill?
A: The Air Lift Hinge reduces the weight of the ceramic lid by 96%, making it easier and safer to open, even after long cooking sessions.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II suitable for smoking?
A: Absolutely. Its thick ceramic walls and excellent heat retention make it perfect for smoking meats at low temperatures for extended periods.

Q: How do you clean the Kamado Joe Classic II?
A: Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the Slide-Out Ash Drawer and the option to burn off residue during high-temperature cooking sessions.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II weather-resistant?
A: Yes, the ceramic body and high-quality materials are weather-resistant, though using a cover is recommended to prolong its lifespan.