Kamado Joe Classic II Review

The Kamado Joe Classic II is a high-performance ceramic grill renowned for its superior heat retention, durability, and versatility. Whether you're grilling, smoking, baking, or roasting, this grill is designed to deliver exceptional results, making it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts. In this review, I’ll explore the specifications, share my personal experience with the Kamado Joe Classic II, and discuss its benefits and use cases.

Specifications

• Material: High-quality ceramic construction with a porcelain glaze that resists chipping and cracking.
• Cooking Area: 18 inches of cooking space with a 304 stainless steel grill grate for longevity and easy maintenance.
• Heat Range: Reaches up to 750°F for searing, while maintaining low temperatures around 225°F for smoking.
• Divide & Conquer® Cooking System: Allows for cooking different foods at different temperatures simultaneously with multiple cooking surfaces.
• Air Lift Hinge: Reduces the weight of the lid, making it easy to open and close with one hand.
• Kontrol Tower Top Vent: Offers precise airflow management for controlling temperature, even in windy conditions.
• AMP (Advanced Multi-Panel) Firebox: Designed for durability and crack resistance, enhancing heat management and longevity.
• Included Accessories: Comes with a built-in thermometer, ash tool, and grill gripper, making it a complete outdoor cooking package.

Review and Personal Perspective

After using the Kamado Joe Classic II for several months, I can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation as one of the best ceramic grills on the market. Its combination of versatility, durability, and ease of use makes it a fantastic addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

The first thing that impressed me was the build quality. The ceramic construction feels incredibly sturdy, and the porcelain glaze gives it a sleek, polished look. Even after months of regular use, the grill maintains its appearance and functionality, showing no signs of wear.

The grilling experience with the Classic II is exceptional. Its superior heat retention allows it to heat up quickly and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process. Whether searing steaks at high heat or smoking a brisket low and slow, the Kamado Joe consistently delivers excellent results.

One of the standout features of the Classic II is the Divide & Conquer® Cooking System. This system revolutionizes the cooking process by allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. For example, you can grill vegetables on one side while smoking meat on the other, all within the same cooking session.

Self Experience

Using the Kamado Joe Classic II has significantly enhanced my outdoor cooking experience. From the moment I set up the grill, I was impressed by its user-friendly design and attention to detail. The assembly process was straightforward, and I appreciated the high-quality components, such as the stainless steel cooking grates and the heavy-duty firebox.

One of my most memorable cooking experiences with the Kamado Joe Classic II was preparing a smoked pork shoulder for a family gathering. I used the Divide & Conquer® Cooking System to smoke the pork at a low temperature on one side while roasting vegetables on the other. The ceramic body’s heat retention ensured a steady temperature throughout the entire 10-hour smoking process. The result was a tender, flavorful pork shoulder with a beautiful bark, complemented by perfectly roasted vegetables.

The Air Lift Hinge is another feature I’ve come to appreciate. Unlike other kamado grills I’ve used, the Classic II’s lid is easy to lift, thanks to this innovative hinge. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference during long cooking sessions when I need to check on the food frequently.

Cleaning the Kamado Joe Classic II is also relatively easy. The built-in ash drawer allows for quick and hassle-free ash removal, and the ceramic surface wipes clean with minimal effort. Regular maintenance is simple, and the grill continues to perform at a high level, even after repeated use.

Benefits and Use Cases

• Versatility: Excels at grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting, making it a versatile tool for outdoor cooking.
• Superior Heat Retention: The ceramic construction ensures excellent heat retention, crucial for consistent cooking temperatures over long periods.
• Multi-Level Cooking: The Divide & Conquer® Cooking System allows for cooking multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, perfect for large meals with various components.
• Durability: High-quality ceramic and stainless steel construction ensure long-term durability, even with frequent use.
• User-Friendly Design: Features like the Air Lift Hinge, Kontrol Tower Top Vent, and AMP Firebox make the Kamado Joe Classic II easy to use, even for those new to kamado grilling.

5 Pros and 2 Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional Versatility: The Kamado Joe Classic II can handle a wide variety of cooking methods, making it highly versatile.
• Durable Construction: The ceramic body and stainless steel components are built to last, ensuring long-term performance.
• Superior Heat Retention: Maintains consistent temperatures, ideal for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking.
• Innovative Cooking System: The Divide & Conquer® Cooking System adds flexibility to your grilling options by allowing multi-level cooking.
• Easy to Use and Maintain: User-friendly design features, such as the Air Lift Hinge and Kontrol Tower Top Vent, make the grill easy to operate and clean.

Cons:

• Heavy Weight: The Kamado Joe Classic II is quite heavy, making it less portable and more challenging to move around compared to lighter grills.
• Higher Price Point: The Classic II is a premium grill, and its price reflects that, which may be a consideration for those on a budget.

Conclusion

The Kamado Joe Classic 2 Review is an outstanding choice for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. Its combination of versatility, durability, and high performance makes it one of the best ceramic grills on the market. Whether you're a seasoned griller or just starting out, the Classic II offers a range of features that can elevate your cooking to the next level. While it comes with a higher price tag, the quality and functionality you get in return make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves to grill, smoke, bake, or roast outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can the Kamado Joe Classic II be used in all weather conditions?
Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is designed to be used in various weather conditions, thanks to its high-quality ceramic construction and durable components. However, using a grill cover is recommended to protect it from the elements when not in use.

Q2: How do you clean the Kamado Joe Classic II?
Cleaning the Kamado Joe Classic II is straightforward. The built-in ash drawer allows for easy ash removal, and the ceramic surface can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Regular maintenance of the cooking grates and firebox will keep the grill in top condition.

Q3: What accessories come with the Kamado Joe Classic II?
The Kamado Joe Classic II comes with a built-in thermometer, an ash tool, a grill gripper, and the Divide & Conquer® Cooking System, which includes multiple cooking surfaces.

Q4: How long does it take to assemble the Kamado Joe Classic II?
Assembly time can vary, but it typically takes about 1-2 hours to assemble the Kamado Joe Classic II, depending on your experience with similar products. The grill comes with clear instructions to guide you through the process.

Q5: Can the Kamado Joe Classic II be used for smoking?
Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is excellent for smoking. Its superior heat retention and precise temperature control make it ideal for low-and-slow cooking, which is essential for smoking meats.

Q6: What is the cooking temperature range of the Kamado Joe Classic II?
The Kamado Joe Classic II can reach temperatures as high as 750°F, making it perfect for searing. It can also maintain low temperatures around 225°F for smoking.

Q7: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II portable?
The Kamado Joe Classic II is quite heavy, weighing around 250 pounds, which makes it less portable than lighter grills. It is designed to be a stationary unit for your outdoor cooking space.

Q8: Does the Kamado Joe Classic II come with a warranty?
Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II typically comes with a limited lifetime warranty on ceramic parts and a 5-year warranty on metal components. It’s advisable to check with the retailer or manufacturer for specific warranty details.

Q9: Can the cooking grates be replaced if they wear out?
Yes, replacement cooking grates are available for the Kamado Joe Classic II, ensuring that you can maintain the grill’s performance over time.

Q10: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is suitable for both beginners and experienced grillers. Its user-friendly design features, such as the Air Lift Hinge and Kontrol Tower Top Vent, make it easy to use, even for those new to kamado grilling.