Kamado Joe Classic II Review

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Upon receiving the Kamado Joe Classic II, I was immediately impressed by the meticulous attention to detail, starting with the packaging. Everything was well-secured, ensuring the grill arrived in perfect condition. Once I managed to wrestle it out of the box, the first thing that struck me was its sheer weight—about 250 pounds! This is not a grill you'll want to move around often, but it gives a sense of sturdiness and longevity right from the start. The ceramic body exudes durability, and its vibrant red finish brings a modern, stylish touch to any outdoor space. Setting it up in my backyard felt like I was installing a permanent fixture—a grill that’s here to stay.

As I began to explore its features, I quickly realized that the Kamado Joe Classic II wasn’t just a tool for cooking but an opportunity to transform how I approached outdoor grilling and smoking.

Heat Retention and Temperature Control

One of the most impressive aspects of the Kamado Joe Classic II is its outstanding heat retention. Its thick ceramic walls hold onto heat far better than traditional metal grills, which makes all the difference whether you're doing a slow, low-and-slow cook or searing a steak at high heat. The dual-vent system, which includes the Kontrol Tower Top Vent and a bottom air vent, allows for precise control of the internal temperature. Whether I’m smoking a brisket at 225°F or cranking up the heat to 600°F for a quick sear, maintaining a steady cooking temperature is practically effortless.

I found that once you get the vents dialed in, the temperature stays stable for hours without needing constant adjustment. This was a game-changer for me, especially on long cooks where I didn't have to babysit the grill.

Divide & Conquer Cooking System

One of the standout features of the Kamado Joe Classic II is its innovative Divide & Conquer cooking system. This multi-level system uses half-moon grates that can be positioned at different heights, allowing you to cook at varying temperatures simultaneously. For me, this feature was particularly useful during family gatherings, where I could sear steaks on one level while roasting vegetables or slow-cooking chicken on another.

The flexibility this system offers is a huge advantage. It allowed me to prepare a whole meal on the grill without needing to juggle different cooking times or manage multiple grills. Plus, the stainless steel grates are heavy-duty and easy to clean.

Air Lift Hinge: A Game Changer

Lifting the heavy ceramic lid of a kamado-style grill can often be a hassle, but the Kamado Joe Classic II solves this problem with its Air Lift Hinge. This spring-loaded hinge dramatically reduces the weight of the lid, making it easy to open and close—even with just one hand. Not only does this feature enhance the grill’s usability, but it also adds a layer of safety, particularly during those long smoking sessions when you're constantly checking on your food.

The Air Lift Hinge is an underrated but crucial feature, especially for those who spend long hours grilling or smoking. I found it made the cooking experience more enjoyable and less of a physical challenge.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Kamado Joe Classic II is surprisingly easy, thanks to its ceramic surface. Unlike metal grills, the ceramic doesn’t hold onto grease or food residue, which means you can often burn off any buildup with a high-heat cook. One feature I especially appreciate is the Slide-Out Ash Drawer, which makes ash removal simple and mess-free. Instead of having to scoop out ashes by hand, the drawer slides out easily, making the task quick and efficient.

Overall, the maintenance of this grill requires minimal effort, and it’s much easier to clean than traditional grills. After each cook, a quick brush of the grates and an occasional high-heat burn-off keep it in great shape.

Smoking Capabilities

One of the main reasons I was drawn to the Kamado Joe Classic II was for its smoking capabilities. Whether you're smoking a brisket, ribs, or pork shoulder, this grill excels at maintaining the low temperatures required for long, slow cooks. The thick ceramic walls and precisely engineered airflow control ensure that the grill retains heat for hours, making it perfect for smoking large cuts of meat.

The use of natural lump charcoal and the grill’s ability to maintain a steady temperature also contribute to the quality of the smoke, which imparts a rich, deep flavor to the meat. I’ve smoked several different cuts on this grill, and each time, the results have been impressive.

Durability and Longevity

After using the Kamado Joe Classic II for several months, I can confidently say that it’s built to last. Its weather-resistant ceramic body has shown no signs of wear or rust, even after being exposed to various weather conditions. The grill is incredibly sturdy, and with the use of a grill cover, I expect it to maintain its excellent condition for years to come.

The stainless steel and cast iron components are also highly durable, and the overall construction feels solid. If you’re looking for a grill that will stand the test of time, the Kamado Joe Classic II is a fantastic choice.

Accessories and Extras

One of the aspects I love about the Kamado Joe Classic II is the wide range of accessories available. I tested the JoeTisserie attachment, which is a rotisserie system designed specifically for this grill. It produced some of the best rotisserie chicken I’ve ever made—perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. I’ve also used the pizza stone to make wood-fired pizzas that rivaled those from professional ovens.

Other accessories like the rib rack and grill expander add even more functionality, turning the Kamado Joe Classic II into a versatile outdoor cooking system. These accessories enhance the overall experience and allow you to experiment with different cooking techniques.

Price and Value

The Kamado Joe Classic II is definitely an investment, but it’s one that pays off for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. With its high-quality construction, innovative features, and wide range of capabilities, the grill offers excellent value for its price. While it may be more expensive than some other options, the durability and versatility justify the cost.

Compared to cheaper alternatives, the Kamado Joe Classic II provides a premium cooking experience that is hard to match. For those who enjoy experimenting with different cooking styles, this grill offers long-term value and endless possibilities.

Cooking Versatility: More Than Just a Grill

The Kamado Joe Classic II is far more than just a standard grill. It’s capable of grilling, smoking, roasting, and even baking, allowing you to experiment with a wide variety of cooking techniques. One of my favorite experiences with this grill was baking a pizza using the pizza stone attachment. The crust came out perfectly crispy, with that wood-fired flavor you can only get from a high-heat ceramic grill.

This versatility makes the Kamado Joe Classic II suitable for everything from quick weeknight dinners to elaborate weekend feasts. Whether you’re grilling burgers, slow-smoking a brisket, or baking bread, this grill can handle it all.

Managing the Learning Curve

One thing to note is that the Kamado Joe Classic II does come with a learning curve, particularly for those new to kamado-style cooking. Getting the hang of vent adjustments and maintaining a consistent temperature takes some practice. However, once you master the basics, the process becomes second nature.

For me, learning how to control the vents and airflow was an enjoyable part of exploring the full potential of this grill. With a little patience, you’ll be able to tackle any cooking challenge the Kamado Joe Classic II throws your way.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

One of the features I appreciate most about the Kamado Joe Classic II is its fuel efficiency. Compared to traditional grills, it uses much less charcoal, even during long smoking sessions. The grill’s efficient design means you can cook for hours without having to constantly add more fuel.

Additionally, the performance in terms of flavor is outstanding. The use of natural lump charcoal imparts a rich, smoky taste to every dish, elevating the overall cooking experience. Whether I’m grilling or smoking, the results have consistently been flavorful and satisfying.

Conclusion

The Kamado Joe Classic II is more than just a grill—it’s a complete outdoor cooking system that delivers exceptional performance, versatility, and durability. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, roasting, or baking, this grill can do it all with ease. Its ceramic construction, excellent heat retention, and innovative features like the Air Lift Hinge and Divide & Conquer cooking system make it stand out from the competition.

While the price might seem steep at first, the long-term value and the endless possibilities it offers make the Kamado Joe Classic II worth the investment. It has completely transformed my outdoor cooking experience, allowing me to explore new techniques and flavors I couldn’t achieve with a standard grill. If you’re in the market for a top-tier grill that can handle everything from searing to smoking, the Kamado Joe Classic II should be at the top of your list.

FAQ

Q: What is the Kamado Joe Classic II made of?
A: The Kamado Joe Classic II is made of high-quality, thick-walled ceramic, designed for superior heat retention. It includes stainless steel components, heat-resistant fiberglass gaskets, and cast iron elements for added 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 easy temperature monitoring.

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

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

Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: Typically, it heats up in 10-15 minutes using lump charcoal, depending on the desired temperature and weather conditions.

Q: What kind of fuel does the Kamado Joe Classic II use?
A: It uses lump charcoal, which burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes, enhancing the flavor of the food.

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 safer and easier to use during long cooking sessions.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II suitable for smoking?
A: Yes, it excels at smoking due to its excellent heat retention and precise airflow control, making it perfect for low-and-slow cooking.

Q: How do you clean the Kamado Joe Classic II?
A: Cleaning is easy with the Slide-Out Ash Drawer and occasional high-temperature burns to remove residue, making maintenance straightforward.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II weather-resistant?
A: Yes, its ceramic body and durable materials make it weather-resistant, although using a cover is recommended for added protection.