Kamado Joe disrupted the kamado category by genuinely innovating where Big Green Egg coasted. Divide & Conquer multi-level cooking, SloRoller insert for radiant indirect heat, air-lift hinge that opens with one finger — every KJ has thoughtful features the BGE doesn't. This hub covers every Kamado Joe we've reviewed, plus the head-to-heads and recipes that get the most out of one.
What makes Kamado Joe different
Three things: Divide & Conquer (cast iron and stainless half-grates that let you cook at multiple heights and zones), SloRoller (a heat diffuser that produces extraordinarily even radiant heat for low-and-slow), and air-lift hinge (counterweighted lid that opens with a fingertip and closes silently). All three are genuinely better than Big Green Egg's equivalents.
The lineup
Classic III is the default — 18" diameter, fits a full brisket, perfect for families. Big Joe III adds 6" of diameter for serious entertainers. Junior is the portable/small-patio option. Series I, II, and III differ in features (SloRoller, side shelves, control tower) — Series III is current and worth the upgrade.
Where KJ falls short vs BGE
Resale value (BGEs hold value better) and accessory ecosystem (BGE has decades more aftermarket products). KJ replacement parts are also more brand-locked. For most buyers these aren't dealbreakers — the cooking advantages outweigh the resale tradeoff.
Every Kamado Joe review
2 models tested
Kamado Joe head-to-head comparisons
- Big Green Egg vs. Kamado Joe
- Kamado Joe vs. Pit Boss Kamado
- Weber Kettle vs. Kamado Joe Jr.
- Kamado Joe Big Joe III vs. Big Green Egg XL
- Weber Summit Charcoal vs. Kamado Joe Classic III
- Primo Oval XL vs. Kamado Joe Classic III
- Weber Summit Kamado E6 vs. Kamado Joe Classic III
- Kamado Joe Jr vs. Weber Smokey Joe
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