Kamado Joe Classic - Product Review
I initially started looking at the Big Green Eggs only because it is a popular brand and the only one I'd really known about. Someone on Facebook (a BGE owner) mentioned Kamado Joe to me so I started comparing the two. I decided pretty quickly that I wanted the Kamado Joe. To this day I've still never seen a BGE in person, but I'm happy with my choice. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Price wise, the BGE Large is cheaper than the Kamado Joe Classic. Both are 18". However the BGE does not come with the Nest(stand), side tables, ash removal tool, etc... The Kamado Joe came standard with the stand, side tables, ash removal tool, grill grate grabber, 2 half moon heat deflectors and the Divide and Conquer cooking system. I did not do the exact math, but I figured by the time you add all of that onto the BGE the price is probably pretty similar.
- The Divide and Conquer system allows you to cook food at 2 different levels and temperatures at the same time. You can have a grill grate in both the top and bottom positions in the grill at the same time as well as a half moon heat deflector on either side.
- The gasket on the newer model KJ is wire mesh fiberglass which is a definite upgrade over the BGE and even the old model KJ. Those gaskets are felt and don't seem to hold up well.
- The Kontrol tower top vent on the KJ seems to again be an improvement over the BGE and the old model KJ since it prevents rain from getting in. However, there is some problem with the coating that was used on them and a lot of people have had problems with it peeling/flaking off into the grill. Mine started doing this after only a few uses. I recently contacted customer support and within about 3 minutes of submitting my claim through their website they put through the order to replace it under warranty. No questions asked other than to verify my shipping address. I received the replacement 12 days after I submitted the claim (I submitted at 5PM on a Friday evening). I will report back if I have any issues with the peeling paint on the replacement that I received. Before using it the only noticeable differences are that it does not say Kamado Joe on it like the original and it fits a little looser than the original. They included some additional gasket material with the replacement, a little piece of that and it fits snug. I'm considering replacing it with an aftermarket stainless steel one (Smokeware) at some point, or possibly a stainless KJ Version which may be in the works. It looked like this before I had it replaced:
- The Air lift hinge system on the new model KJ reduces the dome/lid weight so you can lift it with one finger. It will also hold itself open. It does require some adjusting from time to time but can be done pretty easily with 2 wrenches.
- I've heard nothing but great things about how they treat their customers and how they stand behind their product. I've only contacted them once so far and they were very quick to respond and process my warranty replacement. I'm a member of a Kamado Joe group on Facebook that the owner of the company also belongs to and regularly responds to posts and provides updates on upcoming KJ products. The video below is of the KJ owner and worth watching if you are considering a KJ.
- Probably the biggest reason I chose KJ over BGE is their constant innovation. I saw this in a lot of the comparison's between the two and now as an owner of one. They are constantly working on ways to improve the product and come up with new accessories. I don't think the same can be said for BGE, if I'm wrong say so. Just this morning on Facebook the owner gave the group updates to several upcoming products including a new Stainless Steel control tower, a table/cart system, iKamand, their own version of the Kick Ash Basket, and a new grill the KJ Pro. The iKamand is a temperature controller that will attach to the bottom vent. It will be wireless, has 3 probe channels and a smart phone app.
- This is just personal preference and doesn't have any affect on the performance of the grill, but I like the Red on the KJ over the Green on the BGE.
The only regret I have about buying the KJ is that I wish I'd gone with the Big Joe (24") Vs the Classic Joe (18"). If money were no object, I'd like to have all three models.
I purchased mine from Field & Stream as they were the only local retailer. I later learned that they do road shows at Costco's all around the US throughout the year. Products are discounted at these events and they also sell the grills on display once the show is over. This is a good time/place to purchase if you are considering buying a KJ. If you purchase the Big Joe demo, they also give you the Little Joe demo for free.
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