Kamado Joe Jr
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First Published
The Kamado Joe Jr packs the full ceramic kamado experience into a 14-inch tabletop package. Same thick walls, same gasketed lid, same heat retention as the Classic III — just half the cooking surface and a third of the weight.
What We Love
- +Real ceramic construction (not painted steel)
- +Holds 225°F for 12+ hours on one load of lump
- +Sears at 700°F+ for crusty steaks
- +Tabletop or stand-mountable
- +Fuel sips: ~1 lb of lump per low-and-slow cook
- +Lifetime warranty on ceramic
Watch Out For
- −148 sq in cooking area limits you to 2-3 people
- −$399 is expensive for a 14-inch grill
- −Ceramic body weighs 68 lbs — not truly portable
- −Diffuser plate and stand sold separately
- −Lighting takes 15-20 minutes (kamado tax)
Specifications
Cooking Area
148 sq in
Diameter
13.5 in
Material
Glazed ceramic
Weight
68 lbs
Fuel
Lump charcoal
Warranty
Lifetime ceramic, 5-year metal
The Full Review
The Jr is the kamado for people who don't have space (or budget) for a Classic. I've used mine on a third-floor balcony, on a deck table, and strapped into the back of an SUV for camping. The ceramic walls hold heat so well that a single chimney of lump runs an 8-hour pork butt cook with charcoal to spare.
Searing is where it punches above its weight. Open both vents fully, give it 15 minutes, and the dome thermometer hits 700°F. I've put restaurant-quality crust on 1.5-inch ribeyes that wouldn't fit on most portable grills.
The small cooking surface is the honest limitation. 148 sq in fits four burgers, two steaks, or one pork butt. It's a couples grill or a sidekick to a bigger smoker — not a primary for entertaining.
The ceramic body weighs 68 lbs, so 'tabletop' is generous. Once it's on a table or stand, it stays there. The optional cast iron cart adds another $200 if you want it mobile.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest kamado grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamado Joe Jr (this) | 4.7 | $399 | The classic kamado experience shrunk to tabletop size — same ceramic walls, same fuel efficiency, perfect for couples or camping. |
| Char-Griller Akorn Jr. | 4.2 | $130 | A $130 kamado that actually works. |
Who Is It For?
Apartment and condo dwellers who want a real kamado. Couples or solo cooks who don't need huge capacity. Existing kamado owners who want a portable second grill for camping or tailgating.
Final Verdict
The Kamado Joe Jr is the best small ceramic kamado on the market. At $399 it's not cheap, but you get genuine ceramic construction and the full kamado cooking experience in a footprint that fits anywhere.
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