Kamado Joe Classic II Review

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If you're passionate about grilling, you know the importance of having the right equipment. Over the years, I’ve tried various grills and smokers, but when I finally got my hands on the Kamado Joe Classic II, I knew I had found something special. This ceramic grill has been making waves in the barbecue world, and after spending several months using it, I’m ready to share my thoughts on it. In this review, I'll cover its features, performance, pros, cons, and whether it's truly worth the investment for anyone serious about outdoor cooking.

What Is the Kamado Joe Classic II?

The Kamado Joe Classic II is a high-quality ceramic grill and smoker, designed to give you a versatile cooking experience. It’s part of the Kamado Joe family, a brand known for its premium ceramic grills. The Classic II is the middle child in the Kamado Joe lineup, sitting between the entry-level Joe Junior and the larger Big Joe. Despite being classified as “classic,” it’s far from outdated. In fact, it’s packed with modern features and innovations that make it stand out among other kamado-style grills.

Key Features of the Kamado Joe Classic II

One of the main reasons people rave about the Kamado Joe Classic II is its solid build and innovative features. From the materials used to the accessories included, this grill is built to impress. Here are some of its standout features:

1. Ceramic Construction
   The Kamado Joe Classic II is made of premium ceramic, which provides excellent heat retention and insulation. This is a critical feature for any kamado-style grill since it ensures even cooking and allows you to maintain a stable temperature for extended periods.
2. Premium Cooking Grates
   The grill comes with a set of heavy-duty stainless steel grates. These are sturdy and easy to clean, ensuring long-term durability and great cooking results every time.
3. Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System
   One of the most innovative aspects of the Kamado Joe Classic II is its Divide & Conquer system. This allows you to create multiple cooking zones with different heat levels by adjusting the height of the grill grates. You can cook various types of food at once, with different temperatures, maximizing the cooking surface area.
4. Air Lift Hinge
   Lifting the lid of a traditional kamado grill can be a workout, but Kamado Joe has solved this issue with their Air Lift Hinge system. It makes the lid incredibly easy to open and close, even with one hand. This feature is especially useful when you’re managing the grill while cooking.
5. Kamado Joe’s “Slide-Out” Ash Drawer
   Cleaning your grill after cooking can be a hassle, but the slide-out ash drawer makes this task simple. It helps you easily remove ash and other debris, keeping your grill in top shape with minimal effort.
6. Built-in Thermometer
   The built-in thermometer is a nice touch, making it easier to monitor the temperature without having to open the lid. This is especially important for long cooks, like smoking meats, where maintaining a stable temperature is crucial.

Kamado Joe Classic II Performance

When it comes to performance, the Kamado Joe Classic II does not disappoint. Whether you're grilling steaks, smoking brisket, or baking pizzas, this grill offers exceptional versatility. The key to its performance lies in its ability to retain heat and maintain a consistent temperature.

Grilling and Searing

The Kamado Joe Classic II excels in searing and grilling. Thanks to its ceramic body, it retains heat exceptionally well, allowing you to achieve high temperatures needed for perfect sear marks on steaks and burgers. I've been able to grill everything from burgers to chicken wings with ease, achieving a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. What’s great is that the grill can maintain that high heat without much fluctuation, even when you open the lid to check on things, which can be a challenge with other grills.

Smoking

Smoking is where the Kamado Joe Classic II truly shines. The heat retention and ability to hold low and slow temperatures for extended periods make it an excellent choice for smoking large cuts of meat like pork shoulders and brisket. I’ve smoked ribs and a whole turkey with amazing results—juicy, flavorful meat with a beautiful smoke ring.

The Divide & Conquer system is especially useful here, as it allows me to set up different zones on the grill for indirect heat, perfect for slow cooking. The grill holds steady temperatures in the 225°F to 250°F range for hours without any issues. I’ve found that it’s easier to control the temperature, which can be a challenge with many other smokers I’ve used in the past.

Baking

Yes, you read that right—baking. The Kamado Joe Classic II is also a great option for baking pizzas and bread. The ceramic construction helps to create a pizza oven-like environment, with radiant heat that bakes the crust to perfection. I’ve baked several pizzas on it, and each time, I’m impressed with the results. The crusts are perfectly crispy, and the toppings cook evenly. It’s especially nice because the grill’s shape mimics a traditional pizza oven, providing the ideal cooking conditions for a crispy, charred crust without burning.

My Experience Using the Kamado Joe Classic II

I have to admit, when I first heard about the Kamado Joe Classic II, I was skeptical. It seemed like a large, complicated piece of equipment, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit to something so high-end. But after spending some time with it, I quickly realized how user-friendly it is despite its professional-level capabilities.

Ease of Setup

Out of the box, the Kamado Joe Classic II isn’t the hardest grill to assemble, though it is a two-person job due to its weight. Once put together, though, it feels solid and sturdy. There’s nothing flimsy about it. The setup process was straightforward, with clear instructions that made it easy to get started. The first cook was a breeze, and I didn’t feel overwhelmed at all.

Temperature Control

One thing I struggled with in the past on other grills was getting the temperature just right and keeping it there. The Kamado Joe Classic II is incredibly efficient at retaining heat, so once I’ve set the temperature, it stays there. This has made a big difference, especially when I’m smoking meat for long hours. The combination of the Air Lift Hinge (which makes the lid easy to open for quick adjustments) and the built-in thermometer really help me keep track of everything with minimal hassle.

Clean-Up

Cleaning a grill is never the most enjoyable task, but the slide-out ash drawer of the Kamado Joe Classic II makes it a lot easier. The drawer allows you to remove the ash from the grill without having to reach inside with a scooper or shovel, which used to be my least favorite part of grilling. I typically use a grill brush to clean the grates after each cook, and with the stainless steel grates, it’s been much easier than with other grills I’ve owned.

Kamado Joe Classic II Accessories

Kamado Joe doesn't just stop at offering a top-notch grill; they also offer a range of accessories that enhance the overall cooking experience. Some of these accessories come with the Kamado Joe Classic II right out of the box, while others are available for purchase separately. A few of the most notable ones include:

• The Big Block Charcoal: Specifically designed to burn cleaner and longer than regular lump charcoal, making it perfect for low and slow cooks.
• Pizza Stone: A must-have accessory if you love baking pizzas. The stone helps to evenly distribute heat and prevents soggy crusts.
• Rotisserie Kit: A handy accessory if you're interested in roasting whole chickens or other meats. The rotisserie kit helps cook the food evenly while keeping it moist.

These accessories are great add-ons, and I’ve personally used the pizza stone a few times with fantastic results. If you plan on baking or roasting, they’re definitely worth considering.

Kamado Joe Classic II Pros and Cons

No product is perfect, and the Kamado Joe Classic II is no exception. However, its pros far outweigh the cons. Let’s break it down:

Pros:

1. Exceptional Heat Retention: The ceramic construction ensures that the grill holds heat well, making it an excellent choice for grilling, smoking, and baking.
2. Versatility: The Divide & Conquer system allows you to cook multiple types of food at different temperatures simultaneously.
3. Easy to Use: The Air Lift Hinge makes it easy to open and close the lid, while the slide-out ash drawer simplifies cleanup.
4. Built-In Thermometer: Helps you easily monitor the temperature without lifting the lid.
5. Great for Low and Slow Cooking: The Kamado Joe Classic II is ideal for smoking and slow-cooking large cuts of meat.

Cons:

1. Weight: Due to its ceramic construction, the Kamado Joe Classic II is heavy. It can be difficult to move around, especially if you don’t have a stand or cart with wheels.
2. Price: The Kamado Joe Classic II is on the pricier side compared to some other grills. However, the quality and performance make it a worthy investment for serious grillers.

Kamado Joe Classic II Review: Conclusion

After several months of using the Kamado Joe Classic II, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best investments I’ve made for my outdoor cooking setup. The grill’s versatility, heat retention, and performance make it an excellent choice for grilling, smoking, and baking. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced griller, this kamado grill is easy to use and produces outstanding results.

The only downsides are its weight and price, but given the quality of construction and performance, I believe it’s well worth the cost. If you’re looking for a top-tier ceramic grill that can do it all, the Kamado Joe Classic II is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Kamado Joe Classic II

Q: What is the Kamado Joe Classic II made of?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II is made from premium ceramic, which provides excellent heat retention and insulation. This ceramic construction ensures even cooking and helps the grill maintain a steady temperature for long periods, making it ideal for both grilling and smoking.

Q: How does the Divide & Conquer system work?
A: The Divide & Conquer system allows you to create different cooking zones on the grill by adjusting the height of the cooking grates. This gives you the ability to cook multiple types of food at different temperatures at the same time, maximizing the cooking area and making meal preparation more efficient.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II easy to assemble?
A: While the Kamado Joe Classic II is fairly heavy, it is not overly complicated to assemble. It typically requires two people to set up due to its weight, but the process is straightforward with clear instructions provided. Most users find that they can get it up and running within a couple of hours.

Q: Can the Kamado Joe Classic II be used for smoking?
A: Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II excels at smoking. Its excellent heat retention allows it to hold low temperatures (around 225°F to 250°F) for long periods, making it perfect for smoking meat. It’s great for slow-cooking large cuts like brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder.

Q: Does the Kamado Joe Classic II have a built-in thermometer?
A: Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II comes with a built-in thermometer on the lid, which allows you to easily monitor the internal temperature of the grill without needing to open the lid. This feature helps to maintain consistent temperatures, especially during long cooks.

Q: How easy is it to clean the Kamado Joe Classic II?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II is relatively easy to clean. It features a slide-out ash drawer that allows you to easily remove ash and debris after cooking. Additionally, the stainless steel cooking grates are easy to scrub and maintain, ensuring your grill stays in top condition.

Q: Can the Kamado Joe Classic II be used for baking?
A: Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is great for baking, especially pizzas. The ceramic construction helps to distribute heat evenly, providing the perfect conditions for baking a crispy pizza crust. You can also use it for baking bread or other items that require indirect heat.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II portable?
A: While the Kamado Joe Classic II is not the lightest grill on the market, it can be made more portable with the optional Kamado Joe cart, which features wheels for easy transport. Without the cart, the grill is quite heavy, so moving it around can be a bit of a challenge without assistance.

Q: What type of charcoal should I use with the Kamado Joe Classic II?
A: It’s recommended to use high-quality lump charcoal for the Kamado Joe Classic II, such as Kamado Joe’s own Big Block Charcoal. This type of charcoal burns cleaner and longer, helping to maintain a steady temperature for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking.

Q: How long does the Kamado Joe Classic II last?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II is built to last, thanks to its high-quality ceramic construction and durable components. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for many years, and some users have reported owning their Kamado Joe for over a decade with little to no issues.