If you’re in the market for a real ceramic Kamado grill, the Kamado Joe brand is one of the best options out there.
Kamado Joe develops premium grills for the home market, focusing on quality and reliability rather than extravagant features that the average griller wouldn’t need.
Kamado Joe has built a strong reputation in recent years.
The company is also known for having some of the pricier grills on the market.
Is Kamado Joe worth the money, and should you choose this brand for your next charcoal grill?
Let’s see what makes the brand special and answer the question.
A Relatively New Company Focused on Tradition
The Kamado Joe brand has only been around for a little over ten years, but the Kamado cooking style is thousands of years old.
It originates from clay ovens from China that were later perfected in Japan.
Kamado cooking is all about temperature control and consistency.
With charcoal at the bottom of an enclosed chamber, the grill can heat up quickly and reach soaring temperatures when necessary.
The best Kamado Joe models can reach temperatures as high as 750°F.
Kamado grills also have another advantage.
The cylindrical shape allows for the natural convection of heat.
So, with the top down, temperatures are kept consistent and food cooks thoroughly.
This is ideal whether you set the grill at searing temperatures or low and slow for BBQ-style results.
Because Kamado Joe grills trap the hot gases inside, they’re also ideal for smoking.
You can sear and add wood chips for additional flavor, or you can take things down to a low temperature to smoke your ingredients over several hours.
Whatever you’re looking to do, a Kamado Joe will be one of the most versatile charcoal grills that you’ve ever used.
Why do Kamado Joe Grills Cost More Than Other Charcoal Grills?
Kamado Joe grills are a type of ceramic charcoal grill that typically cost more than traditional charcoal grills.
There are several reasons for this higher price point.
- Material Quality. Kamado Joe grills are made from high-quality ceramic material that is designed to be durable and long-lasting. The ceramics used in Kamado Joe grills are specially formulated to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for use in grilling and smoking.
- Versatility. Kamado Joe grills are known for their versatility, allowing you to smoke, grill, roast, and bake all in one unit. They also have features like a heat deflector, which allows you to cook indirectly, and an adjustable vent system, which gives you precise temperature control.
- Accessories. Kamado Joe grills come with a range of accessories, such as grilling racks, pizza stones, and cooking tools. These accessories are designed to help you get the most out of your grill and expand your cooking possibilities.
- Brand Reputation. Kamado Joe is a premium brand in the grilling industry, known for its quality, innovation, and customer service. This reputation comes with a higher price tag, but many customers are willing to pay more for the assurance of quality and reliability.
Overall, Kamado Joe grills are a premium product that offers a unique combination of durability, versatility, and quality.
While they may cost more than other charcoal grills, many customers find that the extra investment is well worth it for the superior performance and cooking experience.
Why is Ceramic Used?
Ceramic is used in Kamado Joe grills because it is an excellent material for retaining and distributing heat.
Ceramic is a non-metallic, non-reactive material that is known for its ability to hold heat for long periods of time.
When heated, the ceramic material in a Kamado Joe grill absorbs and radiates heat evenly, creating a consistent and controlled cooking environment.
Additionally, ceramic has a high thermal mass, meaning it can absorb and hold a significant amount of heat.
This helps to stabilize the temperature inside the grill, making it easier to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
The ceramic material also acts as an insulator, which helps to reduce airflow and prevent heat loss, resulting in more efficient cooking.
Ceramic is also a durable and long-lasting material that is resistant to rust and corrosion.
It can withstand high temperatures without cracking or breaking, making it ideal for use in outdoor cooking appliances like Kamado Joe grills.
Overall, the use of ceramic in Kamado Joe grills is a key factor in their performance and versatility, allowing for precise temperature control and efficient cooking.
You Can Get a Kamado Joe for a Reasonable Price
Some Kamado Joe grills are priced to compete with premium gas grills.
But this doesn’t mean that the entire brand is out of reach for the average home cook.
You can get a Kamado Joe for a reasonable price.
The Big Joe III is what most people think of when they assume that all Kamado Joe grills are expensive. While this grill is costly, it is also a large 24” grill with a revolutionary hyperbolic smoke chamber, so you can get amazing results when slow cooking and smoking your ingredients.
The Kamado Joe Kettle Joe 22” grill is a more affordable alternative. It has a ceramic firebox for the real Kamado experience, but it’s more accessible to the average buyer. It’s comparable in price to a mainstream Weber or Napoleon grill.
Is Kamado Joe Worth the Money? The Bottom Line
Deciding if a Kamado Joe grill is worth the money will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
One of the main advantages of a Kamado Joe grill is its high-quality construction, which is made from durable ceramic material that can withstand high temperatures.
This material is designed to last, which can make it a good investment if you plan to use your grill frequently or for years to come.
Another factor to consider is the versatility of a Kamado Joe grill.
These grills are known for their ability to smoke, grill, roast, and bake, and they come with features like a heat deflector and adjustable vent system that allow for precise temperature control.
This can be particularly appealing if you enjoy a variety of outdoor cooking methods or want to experiment with new recipes.
In addition to its high-quality construction and versatility, Kamado Joe grills often come with a range of accessories, such as grilling racks and cooking tools.
While these accessories can add to the overall cost, they can also enhance your cooking experience and allow you to get the most out of your grill.
Overall, while Kamado Joe grills may be more expensive than other charcoal grills, many customers find that the investment is worth it for the superior performance, durability, and versatility that they offer.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific needs and budget when deciding if a Kamado Joe grill is the right choice for you.
