Looking for a grill that takes outdoor cooking to the next level? The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is exactly that. This 24-inch ceramic charcoal grill isn’t just for the weekend barbecuer—it’s for anyone who takes grilling, smoking, and searing seriously. Whether you’re slow-cooking ribs, searing steaks, or even baking pizza, the Kamado Joe Series II offers incredible versatility. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down feature by feature and find out.
Key Features
Ceramic Build & Insulation
At the heart of the Kamado Joe Big Joe II is its thick ceramic construction. Ceramic is famous for retaining heat, and the Big Joe II doesn’t disappoint. The walls are built to trap heat, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures, even when it’s windy or cold outside. This grill is a bit like your favorite winter jacket—it holds in the warmth, letting you cook with less fuel and more precision. It’s also highly durable, ready to withstand years of outdoor use without losing its edge.
2-Tier Divide & Conquer® Cooking System
One of the Big Joe’s most talked-about features is its 2-Tier Divide & Conquer® Flexible Cooking System. This system allows for multiple cooking zones on different levels of the grill. You can roast on one side while searing steaks on the other. It’s perfect for those who like to juggle multiple dishes without worrying about temperature inconsistencies. The half-moon-shaped grates can be swapped out for different surfaces, like a cast-iron griddle or ceramic pizza stone. The possibilities are endless, and the grill adapts to whatever style of cooking you’re in the mood for.
Kontrol Tower® Top Vent
Precise temperature control is essential for grilling, and Kamado Joe delivers with the Kontrol Tower® Top Vent. This cast-aluminum vent controls airflow, allowing you to adjust temperatures anywhere from 225°F for low-and-slow smoking to 750°F for high-heat searing. The beauty of this vent system is that once you set it, you can leave it. It stays in place, even when you open and close the dome, so you don’t have to keep readjusting throughout the cooking process.
Air Lift™ Hinge
Let’s be real—lifting a heavy ceramic dome can be a workout. Thankfully, the Kamado Joe Big Joe II comes equipped with an Air Lift™ Hinge that makes opening the lid effortless. You can literally lift it with one finger. The hinge also prevents the lid from slamming shut, which is great for safety and for protecting the grill from damage over time. This feature alone sets it apart from many competitors, making the grilling experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Other Noteworthy Features
A few other features make the Kamado Joe Big Joe II shine. First, the stainless steel latches and fiberglass mesh gasket provide an airtight seal, locking in heat and smoke. There’s also the patented ash drawer, which simplifies cleanup—just slide it out, dump the ash, and you’re ready for the next cook. These small details contribute to an overall well-rounded grill that’s as functional as it is impressive.
Cooking Performance
Wide Temperature Range
With the Kamado Joe Big Joe II, you’re not just getting a grill—you’re getting a smoker, an oven, and a pizza stone all in one. The temperature range from 225°F to 750°F means you can handle anything from slow-smoked ribs to Neapolitan-style pizza. Need to sear a steak with perfect grill marks? This grill does it effortlessly at high heat. Planning on smoking a brisket for 10 hours? The Big Joe holds low temperatures steady without needing constant babysitting. It’s the ultimate multi-tasker.
Versatility
One of the things that makes the Big Joe II stand out is its versatility. Thanks to the 2-Tier Divide & Conquer® system, you can cook several dishes at once, each at its own ideal temperature. Want to smoke a brisket low and slow while roasting vegetables? No problem. Grilling isn’t just limited to meats either—bake bread, roast a whole chicken, or even try your hand at wood-fired pizza. Whatever your culinary imagination can come up with, this grill is ready to handle.
Heat Distribution & Stability
Even heat distribution is key when grilling, and the Big Joe II’s ceramic construction excels at this. The thick walls retain heat evenly, preventing hot or cold spots inside the grill. This is particularly important for longer cooks, like smoking brisket or pork shoulder, where temperature fluctuations can ruin the final product. Once the Big Joe II is up to temperature, it stays there with minimal effort on your part. As long as you’ve got your vents dialed in, you’re good to go.
Ease of Use
Though the Kamado Joe Series II is packed with features, it’s surprisingly user-friendly. The Air Lift™ Hinge makes opening and closing the dome effortless, even though the grill weighs over 300 pounds. The Kontrol Tower® Top Vent is easy to adjust, and it holds its position even when the dome is opened and closed. For those new to kamado-style grilling, it might feel like a steep learning curve at first, but once you get the hang of controlling the airflow, it’s smooth sailing.
Learning Curve
That said, it’s worth noting that learning to control the airflow and manage the charcoal fire might take a bit of practice. Unlike gas grills where you simply turn a knob, charcoal grilling requires a bit more finesse. But once you master the vents and airflow, you’ll have full control over your temperatures, whether you’re slow-smoking at 225°F or searing at 750°F. It’s a small price to pay for the flexibility you get with this grill.
Maintenance
Maintenance is simple with the patented ash drawer and charcoal basket. After each cook, just pull out the ash drawer, empty it, and you’re ready for the next round. The grill’s materials, including the stainless steel grates and ceramic surfaces, are easy to clean and maintain. Sure, cleaning a charcoal grill requires a bit more effort than a gas grill, but the results are worth it. Plus, the Kamado Joe is designed to be durable, so it’ll last for years with just a bit of regular care.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?
So, is the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II worth the price tag? Absolutely. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, you’re paying for quality, durability, and versatility. This grill excels at holding steady temperatures, giving you the freedom to experiment with everything from smoking to searing. Its 2-Tier Divide & Conquer® system and Kontrol Tower® Top Vent make it one of the most flexible kamado grills on the market.
If you’re serious about grilling and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, the Big Joe Series II is a solid investment that will take your outdoor cooking game to new heights. Whether you’re grilling burgers or slow-cooking a brisket, this grill delivers consistently excellent results. Plus, with its lifetime ceramic warranty, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered for the long haul.
Dustin Barnard is the editor-in-cheif at Urban Heavenly, a platform dedicated to making homes more beautiful and functional. With a passion for design and a keen eye for detail, Dustin shares practical advice, innovative ideas, and DIY tips to help homeowners transform their spaces into personal sanctuaries.