Kamado Joe Classic II Review

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Upon receiving the Kamado Joe Classic II, I felt like a child on Christmas morning. The packaging alone was impressive—carefully designed to protect every inch of this powerhouse grill. As I unboxed it, I was immediately struck by the sturdiness of its build. Weighing around 250 pounds, I quickly realized this was not just any grill; this was a permanent fixture for my outdoor cooking adventures. Setting it up, I admired the vibrant red ceramic body that practically screamed durability and sophistication. My backyard was suddenly upgraded not just functionally but aesthetically too, as the grill's sleek, traditional-meets-modern design became the centerpiece of my patio.

As I ran my hands over the ceramic exterior and assembled the stand, I couldn’t help but appreciate the craftsmanship. The Kamado Joe Classic II felt different from every grill I had owned before—a tangible symbol of quality. I knew I had a long journey ahead, learning how to master its use, but the excitement of the adventure made it all worth it.

Heat Retention and Temperature Control

The Kamado Joe Classic II truly shines when it comes to heat retention, and I noticed this right from the first cook. The ceramic body is not just for show—it's a serious insulator. Thick walls retain heat more efficiently than metal grills, which means consistent temperatures whether you're cooking low and slow or searing at high heat.

The grill comes equipped with the "Kontrol Tower" top vent and a bottom air vent, both of which allow for precise airflow control. Whether I wanted a gentle 225°F for slow-smoking a pork shoulder or a blazing 600°F to get a beautiful sear on a steak, the vents made it surprisingly easy to dial in the temperature I needed. Even when the weather was a bit unpredictable—windy or chilly—the Kamado Joe Classic II maintained stability, which is not something I could say for my older grills.

Divide & Conquer Cooking System

Perhaps my favorite part of using the Kamado Joe Classic II has been experimenting with the Divide & Conquer cooking system. This system features half-moon grates that can be arranged at different levels, allowing me to cook at multiple temperatures simultaneously. This was especially handy during family gatherings.

During a recent barbecue, I used one half of the grill to sear steaks at a high temperature while simultaneously roasting vegetables at a lower heat on the other side. It was almost like having two separate cooking devices in one, and it definitely helped me impress the crowd with perfect timing on all the dishes.

Air Lift Hinge: Effortless Usability

Another game-changing feature is the Air Lift Hinge. When I first tried to open the ceramic lid, I expected it to be as cumbersome as other kamado-style grills I’ve tried. Instead, the Air Lift Hinge made it feel as light as a feather, reducing the weight by 96%. This isn’t just convenient—it’s a safety feature that allows for more frequent lid checks without the risk of accidentally dropping a heavy ceramic top. For me, this greatly improved the usability of the grill, making even longer cooking sessions more comfortable.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintenance is another area where the Kamado Joe Classic II excels. Unlike traditional metal grills that seem to bond with grease and grime, the ceramic surface of this grill makes cleaning straightforward. Any residue can be burned off easily by running a high-heat cook, and the Slide-Out Ash Drawer is a particularly thoughtful addition. I no longer had to struggle with scooping out ash from awkward angles; a quick pull and empty, and I was ready for my next cook. The Slide-Out Ash Drawer genuinely reduces cleanup time and keeps the process simple.

Smoking Capabilities

A significant reason I chose the Kamado Joe Classic II was its smoking abilities. There is something genuinely satisfying about spending a Sunday afternoon slow-smoking a brisket, and this grill made it easier than ever. The ceramic's ability to maintain steady, low temperatures made smoking a dream. The heat deflectors, in combination with natural lump charcoal, helped create that ideal low-and-slow environment that’s perfect for larger cuts of meat.

With this grill, I was able to smoke a 10-pound pork butt for 12 hours straight without any major temperature fluctuations. The resulting tender, fall-apart meat was hands-down some of the best barbecue I’ve made in my life—a rich, smoky taste that reminded me of my favorite pit stops down south.

Durability and Longevity

The Kamado Joe Classic II is built to endure the elements, which is crucial for those who, like me, live in a place where the weather can be unpredictable. Its ceramic body paired with stainless steel components ensures resistance to rust, fading, and wear. Even after months of exposure to rain and cold, the grill still looks as stunning as day one, particularly when I use a cover to keep it protected. Its rugged construction and quality materials convinced me that this is a grill designed to last for decades, not just years.

Accessories and Extras

Kamado Joe offers a range of accessories to elevate your cooking experience, and I took full advantage. I invested in the JoeTisserie attachment, and it was worth every penny. The rotisserie attachment allowed me to achieve evenly cooked, juicy chicken with crispy skin—a result that wowed everyone at my family cookout. Other accessories, like the pizza stone and rib rack, have only added to the grill's versatility, making it an all-in-one outdoor cooking station.

Price and Value

While the Kamado Joe Classic II does have a premium price tag, it is important to consider the value it offers. The advanced features like the Air Lift Hinge, the Divide & Conquer system, and the quality of the ceramic build make it a worthy investment. Unlike cheaper grills that rust out in a few seasons or struggle with temperature consistency, this grill has the features to make every outdoor meal memorable. If you're serious about outdoor cooking and love experimenting with different styles, the Kamado Joe Classic II offers long-term value.

Cooking Versatility: More Than Just a Grill

The versatility of the Kamado Joe Classic II extends far beyond grilling burgers and steaks. This grill has practically transformed into a wood-fired oven in my backyard. I baked my first pizza on the Kamado Joe recently, and it came out with a perfect, crispy crust—the kind that usually only a professional pizzeria can achieve. The ability to bake, roast, grill, and smoke all on the same appliance makes this an ultimate tool for anyone who enjoys trying different cooking methods.

Whether I was baking bread, roasting a whole chicken, or preparing delicate fish fillets, the Kamado Joe was up for the task. It has transformed even ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary events, with flavors and textures I just couldn't replicate on a traditional gas or charcoal grill.

Managing the Learning Curve

One of the few challenges with the Kamado Joe Classic II is the learning curve. As someone who was new to kamado cooking, it took me a little time to get used to adjusting the vents correctly for consistent temperatures. However, this process quickly became a fun part of the experience—a kind of experimentation that led to a deeper understanding of the grill. Once you get the hang of vent control and fuel management, using the Kamado Joe becomes second nature, and the results are worth every bit of the initial effort.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

The Kamado Joe Classic II has surprised me with its fuel efficiency. Unlike traditional charcoal grills, it uses significantly less lump charcoal, whether cooking for a few minutes or several hours. Its design allows for efficient fuel usage, which in turn helps bring out richer flavors in every dish. The natural lump charcoal imparts a distinctive, smoky flavor that made every dish feel like it had a unique, gourmet quality.

Conclusion

The Kamado Joe Classic II is far more than just a grill—it is an all-in-one outdoor cooking system. Its durable build, innovative features like the Air Lift Hinge and Divide & Conquer cooking system, and the versatility to bake, roast, smoke, and sear make it stand out in the competitive world of outdoor cooking equipment. Though it requires an initial investment, the long-term value in both quality and versatility makes it worthwhile for any serious home cook.

From enhancing casual family meals to impressing guests at elaborate weekend cookouts, this grill has redefined my outdoor cooking experience. For anyone considering a high-quality kamado grill that delivers reliable performance and endless versatility, the Kamado Joe Classic II is a top contender.

FAQ

Q: What is the Kamado Joe Classic II made of?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II is constructed from high-quality, thick-walled ceramic designed for exceptional heat retention. It also features stainless steel components, cast iron, and heat-resistant fiberglass gaskets for added durability.

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

Q: How does the Kamado Joe Classic II compare to other kamado grills?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II stands out for its innovative features like the Air Lift Hinge, which reduces the lid's weight, and the Divide & Conquer system, which allows for cooking at multiple levels. These features provide more flexibility and ease of use compared to other kamado grills like the Big Green Egg.

Q: What is the cooking capacity of the Kamado Joe Classic II?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II offers 406 square inches of cooking space with its Divide & Conquer system, making it ideal for medium-sized gatherings.

Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: The grill typically heats up in about 10-15 minutes when using 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 natural lump charcoal, which burns hotter and cleaner than traditional briquettes, adding an authentic smoky flavor to your dishes.

Q: How does the Air Lift Hinge improve the grill?
A: The Air Lift Hinge significantly reduces the weight of the ceramic lid, making it almost effortless to open and close, thereby enhancing both safety and usability during long cooking sessions.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II suitable for smoking?
A: Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is excellent for smoking, thanks to its thick ceramic construction that retains heat efficiently and allows for precise airflow control.

Q: How do you clean the Kamado Joe Classic II?
A: Cleaning is straightforward with the Slide-Out Ash Drawer, which makes ash removal quick and easy. Occasionally, a high-temperature burn can be used to clean any stuck-on residue.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II weather-resistant?
A: Yes, the ceramic body and durable stainless steel components make it weather-resistant. However, a cover is recommended to protect it from the elements and maintain its appearance over time.