If you’re passionate about BBQ, you’ve probably heard of Kamado Joe – the premium ceramic grill brand loved by BBQ enthusiasts worldwide. More than just its bold, signature red color, Kamado Joe wins over users with its exceptional quality and smart innovations.
So, what makes this brand the top choice for BBQ lovers? Let’s dive into what makes Kamado Joe so popular
The beauty of the Kamado Joe ceramic grill in the backyard.
Introduction to Kamado Joe
Founded in the U.S. in 2009, Kamado Joe was created with a mission to revolutionize traditional ceramic grilling, delivering a more premium BBQ experience. Established by Bobby Brennam and Kerry Coker, the brand not only preserves the benefits of classic kamado grills but also continuously innovates with modern designs and advanced technology, making grilling easier and more efficient.
In the high-end ceramic grill segment, Kamado Joe faces many competitors. However, thanks to its superior features—such as its innovative hinge system, multi-level grilling racks, and precision air vents—it stands out as one of the top choices for BBQ lovers worldwide.
Let’s explore the standout features that make Kamado Joe a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts
Key features of Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe not only inherits the advantages of traditional kamado grills but also continuously innovates to deliver an exceptional grilling experience. Here are the standout features that make Kamado Joe a top choice in premium ceramic grilling:
Premium ceramic material
Kamado Joe grills are crafted from thick, high-quality ceramic that offers excellent heat retention and even heat distribution, ensuring food cooks evenly while staying juicy and flavorful. This durable material also gives Kamado Joe a longer lifespan compared to metal grills, as it is resistant to rust and warping, even under extreme heat.
Overview of Kamado Joe grill ceramic material
Air lift hinge system
One of Kamado Joe’s most impressive innovations is the Air Lift Hinge, which sets it apart from other kamado grills. With a spring-assisted mechanism, this hinge reduces the dome’s weight by up to 96%, allowing users to open the grill lid effortlessly. This not only makes grilling more convenient but also enhances safety and ease of use.
A close-up of Kamado Joe’s Air Lift Hinge, which reduces weight by 96%
Divide & conquer multi-level grilling system
The Divide & Conquer multi-level grilling system allows you to cook different types of food simultaneously at varying temperatures. This flexible, modular design maximizes cooking space and provides ultimate convenience, making it easier to grill, smoke, or sear multiple dishes at once.
The multi-level Divide & Conquer grill allows you to cook various foods at different temperatures
Kontrol tower vent
The Kontrol Tower Vent on Kamado Joe allows for precise airflow control, ensuring stable temperatures even in windy or rainy conditions. This is a major advantage, giving users the ability to easily adjust the heat for various cooking styles—from high-temperature searing to low-and-slow smoking.
The Kontrol Tower vent of Kamado Joe allows precise temperature control
Fiberglass gasket system
Kamado Joe features a fiberglass mesh gasket with a stainless-steel latch, unlike traditional felt gaskets found in other kamado grills. This enhanced seal provides better heat retention, reduces heat loss, and improves fuel efficiency, allowing for more precise temperature control.
Kamado Joe’s fiberglass mesh gasket.
Thanks to these groundbreaking innovations, Kamado Joe not only delivers a professional grilling experience but also allows users to enjoy rich, restaurant-quality BBQ flavors right at home
Popular Kamado Joe models
Kamado Joe offers a variety of grills, catering to everyone from beginners to BBQ experts. Here are the most popular models:
Kamado Joe Classic Series – The perfect choice for families
The Kamado Joe Classic Series is the most popular model, perfect for family cooking and small gatherings. With an 18-inch (~46 cm) grill diameter, the Classic Series offers ample space to cook multiple types of food at once.
Kamado Joe Classic I: The standard version with all the essential features of a high-quality kamado grill.
Kamado Joe Classic II: Upgraded with the Air Lift Hinge system for effortless lid opening and a durable fiberglass gasket.
Kamado Joe Classic III: The premium version featuring a 3-tier Divide & Conquer cooking system, Kontrol Tower vent, and the SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber for enhanced low-and-slow smoking performance.
Comparison table of Kamado Joe Classic Series
Feature
Kamado Joe Classic I
Kamado Joe Classic II
Kamado Joe Classic III
Grill diameter
18 inches (~46 cm)
18 inches (~46 cm)
18 inches (~46 cm)
Cooking surface
~1,610 cm²
~1,610 cm²
~1,610 cm²
Body material
Premium ceramic
Premium ceramic
Premium ceramic
Hinge system
Standard
Air Lift Hinge (96% lighter)
Air Lift Hinge (96% lighter)
Grill system
Divide & Conquer 2-tier
Divide & Conquer 2-tier
Divide & Conquer 3-tier
Charcoal basket
Standard
Standard
Compatible with SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber (optimized for slow cooking & smoking)
Kamado Joe Big Joe – The perfect choice for large gatherings
If you need a grill with a larger capacity, the Kamado Joe Big Joe is the ideal choice. With a grill diameter of up to 24 inches (~61 cm), the Big Joe can accommodate large gatherings or those who love cooking multiple dishes at once.
Kamado Joe Big Joe I: The first version with a simple design and standard hinge, ideal for those who need a large cooking space at an affordable price.
Kamado Joe Big Joe II: An upgraded version with a sturdy design, assisted hinge system, and multi-level grates, perfect for professional BBQ needs.
Kamado Joe Big Joe III: Features all the brand’s premium innovations, including the SlōRoller accessory, which optimizes the smoking and slow-cooking process, delivering exceptional BBQ flavor.
Comparison table of Kamado Joe Big Joe series
Features
Kamado Joe Big Joe I
Kamado Joe Big Joe II
Kamado Joe Big Joe III
Grill diameter
24 inches (~61 cm)
24 inches (~61 cm)
24 inches (~61 cm)
Cooking surface
~2,800 cm²
~2,800 cm²
~2,800 cm²
Body material
Premium ceramic
Premium ceramic
Premium ceramic
Hinge system
Standard
Air Lift Hinge (96% lighter)
Air Lift Hinge (96% lighter)
Grate system
Divide & Conquer 2-tier
Divide & Conquer 2-tier
Divide & Conquer 3-tier
Charcoal basket
Standard
Standard
SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber (optimized for slow cooking & smoking)
BBQ enthusiasts wanting ease of use & better heat retention
BBQ professionals, slow-cooking & smoking lovers
Kamado Joe Junior – Compact, versatile, and portable
As the smallest grill in the Kamado Joe lineup, it is designed for easy portability while maintaining the same high-quality grilling performance that Kamado Joe is known for.
Grill diameter: 13.5 inches (~34 cm), ideal for groups of 2-4 people.
Lightweight design: Weighs only around 31 kg, making it easy to take on camping trips, picnics, or road trips.
Excellent heat retention & fuel efficiency: Premium ceramic construction helps maintain heat and reduce charcoal consumption.
Kamado Joe Kettle Joe – A hybrid of kamado and traditional charcoal grill
This grill features a hybrid design that combines the benefits of a kamado with the classic kettle-style charcoal grill. It offers a more affordable option while still retaining many advantages of a ceramic grill.
Kamado Joe Kettle Joe
22-inch (~56 cm) cooking grate, providing more space than the Classic series.
Integrated SlōRoller charcoal basket, optimizing slow cooking and smoking—something traditional charcoal grills can’t achieve.
Wheeled frame, allowing for easy mobility and flexibility.
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe – Smart connectivity for easier BBQ
This is Kamado Joe’s most advanced smart ceramic grill, combining modern electronic technology with the traditional Kamado design. It’s the perfect choice for BBQ enthusiasts who want a simpler, more convenient experience while still achieving perfect grilling quality.
Kamado Joe Konnected
Digital control panel allows for precise temperature control with just a button press, eliminating the need for manual adjustments like traditional Kamado grills.
Kamado Joe mobile app enables you to monitor and adjust the temperature remotely, making grilling easier than ever.
Automatic Fire Starter (AFS) mode: Simply press a button, and the grill automatically ignites the charcoal, saving time on fire-starting.
Manual mode: If you prefer a traditional BBQ experience, you can still control the airflow manually, just like other Kamado Joe models.
Multi-level Divide & Conquer cooking system allows you to grill different types of food simultaneously.
Superior heat retention and airflow control ensure even cooking while preserving the natural flavors of your food.
Kamado Joe grill usage & Maintenance guide
How to use Kamado Joe properly
Lighting the grill & Controlling temperature
Open the lid, place charcoal in the charcoal basket, and use a specialized fire starter (do not use alcohol or gasoline).
Let the charcoal burn for 10-15 minutes, then close the lid and adjust the top and bottom vents to control the temperature.
Once the desired temperature is reached, place the cooking grates and food on the grill.
Adjusting airflow for temperature control
High-temperature searing (250-400°C / 480-750°F): Open both the top and bottom vents wider to increase airflow.
Low-temperature smoking (100-150°C / 200-300°F): Adjust the vents to a smaller opening to maintain steady heat.
Medium-temperature cooking (150-250°C / 300-480°F): Partially open the vents to stabilize the temperature at the desired level.
Extinguishing the fire after use
Close both the top and bottom vents to cut off oxygen, allowing the charcoal to burn out naturally.
Do not use water to extinguish the fire, as it can damage the ceramic interior.
How to maintain Kamado Joe for long-lasting use
Cleaning after each use
Remove ash using a specialized cleaning tool.
Use a wire brush to clean the grill grates while they are still warm.
Wipe the ceramic exterior with a soft cloth to prevent stains.
Protecting the grill from harsh weather
Use a dedicated grill cover to protect Kamado Joe from rain and sun.
Avoid direct exposure to water to prevent ceramic cracking.
Regular inspection & maintenance
Check the gasket, hinges, and vents to ensure smooth operation.
Over time, you may need to replace the gasket or deep clean by burning off accumulated grease at 350°C (660°F) for 30 minutes
Where to buy Kamado Joe
If you are looking for an authentic Kamado Joe grill in Vietnam, X-BBQ is your top choice. As the exclusive distributor of Kamado Joe in Vietnam, X-BBQ guarantees genuine products with full warranty coverage and expert technical support.
At X-BBQ, you will find the complete range of Kamado Joe grills, including Classic I, II, III, Big Joe, and Junior, along with official accessories to enhance your BBQ experience. Additionally, the X-BBQ expert team is always ready to assist you in selecting the perfect grill for your needs.
Contact X-BBQ now to get your authentic Kamado Joe grill and elevate your premium BBQ
Conclusion
Kamado Joe is more than just a grill—it’s a premium BBQ experience, allowing you to enjoy perfect grilling sessions with advanced technology, precise temperature control, and durable, elegant design. With continuous innovation, Kamado Joe has become the top choice for BBQ enthusiasts worldwide.
If you’re looking for a high-end ceramic grill, Kamado Joe is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment. Visit X-BBQ, the exclusive authorized distributor in Vietnam, to experience and own a Kamado Joe grill today—elevate your BBQ game now