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Two completely different approaches to portable charcoal. The Kamado Joe Jr is a ceramic kamado that does everything its big brothers do, just smaller. The Weber Smokey Joe is the classic 14-inch kettle that's been around forever. One is premium, one is cheap. Both are excellent at what they do.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Kamado Joe Jr ($349) if you want serious low-and-slow capability and pizza in a portable package. Buy the Weber Smokey Joe ($59) if you want the cheapest competent portable grill that actually works.
The Contenders
Kamado Joe Jr
$349
Serious cooks who want low-and-slow, pizza, and high heat in a portable ceramic kamado
Check PriceWeber Smokey Joe
$59
Anyone who wants the cheapest competent portable charcoal grill for tailgates and camping
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Cooking Versatility
Winner: Kamado JoeKamado Joe wins decisively. Low-and-slow at 225°F for hours, pizza at 700°F, sears at 800°F+. The Smokey Joe is a hot-and-fast direct cooker only.
Heat Retention
Winner: Kamado JoeKamado Joe wins decisively. Ceramic construction holds heat for 6+ hours on a single charcoal load. The Smokey Joe is good for one cook session.
True Portability
Winner: Smokey JoeSmokey Joe wins decisively. 10 lbs vs the Kamado Joe's 68 lbs. Smokey Joe fits in a backpack. Kamado Joe needs a car.
Build Quality
Winner: Kamado JoeKamado Joe wins. Ceramic body, cast iron components, premium hardware. The Smokey Joe is good but basic enameled steel.
Value
Winner: Smokey JoeSmokey Joe wins decisively. $59 vs $349. Six Smokey Joes equals one Kamado Joe Jr. For pure dollar-for-dollar grilling, Smokey Joe is unbeatable.
Final Verdict
Buy the Kamado Joe Jr if you want serious low-and-slow and pizza capability in a portable form. Buy the Weber Smokey Joe if you want the cheapest, lightest, most truly-portable charcoal grill ever made.
Buying Advice
These solve different problems. The Kamado Joe Jr is a serious cooker that happens to be portable-ish. The Smokey Joe is genuine throw-it-in-the-trunk portability. Pick based on use case, not price.
