Kamado Joe Classic II Review

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As a grilling enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of cooking on various types of grills, but the Kamado Joe Classic II has truly raised the bar in terms of performance and versatility. In this review, I’m going to share my experiences with the Kamado Joe Classic II, diving deep into its design, functionality, cooking performance, and overall value. If you’re in the market for a ceramic grill that can do it all, then this review should help guide you in your decision-making process.

Kamado Joe Classic II: First Impressions

When I first set eyes on the Kamado Joe Classic II, I was immediately impressed by its design. The grill is constructed from premium ceramic, which gives it a solid, hefty feel that promises durability and heat retention. The vibrant red color, coupled with its sleek, modern design, makes it a standout piece in any backyard. Right from the start, I could tell this was not your average grill – it was a well-crafted tool meant to provide superior performance.

Setting it up was a bit of work, but once everything was in place, the Kamado Joe Classic II was ready for action. The assembly process was straightforward, and the instruction manual was detailed enough to guide me through each step. Once assembled, the grill felt incredibly sturdy and well-built.

Kamado Joe Classic II Features: What Sets It Apart?

The Kamado Joe Classic II offers several features that make it stand out in the crowded market of ceramic grills. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it unique:

1. 18-inch Ceramic Cooking Surface

One of the key highlights of the Kamado Joe Classic II is its 18-inch ceramic cooking surface. The large cooking area provides ample space for grilling, smoking, and baking. Whether you’re grilling a steak, smoking a brisket, or baking a pizza, this grill can accommodate it all with ease. The ceramic material ensures even heat distribution, which results in perfectly cooked food every time.

2. The Divide & Conquer Cooking System

Kamado Joe has introduced the innovative Divide & Conquer cooking system in the Classic II, which allows for multi-level cooking. This system includes a half-moon shaped heat deflector and a flexible rack system, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures. It’s incredibly versatile and enables me to cook multiple dishes simultaneously without the hassle of adjusting the grill constantly. Whether I’m grilling burgers on one side while slow-smoking ribs on the other, the Divide & Conquer system gives me complete control.

3. Air Lift Hinge

One of the features I truly appreciate on the Kamado Joe Classic II is the Air Lift Hinge. This hinge makes opening and closing the grill’s heavy lid much easier. The lid can be quite heavy, especially when you’re dealing with high heat, but the Air Lift Hinge mechanism uses a counterbalance system that reduces the effort required to lift the lid. This is a huge bonus, especially when you’re cooking for hours and need to access the grill frequently.

4. Built-in Thermometer & Control

Another useful feature is the built-in thermometer, which provides an accurate reading of the grill’s internal temperature. This helps with precise temperature control, ensuring your food is cooked at the perfect heat. The top vent, combined with the bottom vent, allows for fine-tuned airflow control, which is crucial for both high-temperature grilling and low-and-slow smoking. The Kamado Joe Classic II gives me complete control over the cooking environment, making it ideal for any recipe.

Kamado Joe Classic II Performance: How Well Does It Cook?

Now that I’ve covered the features, it’s time to dive into the most important aspect of any grill: performance. The Kamado Joe Classic II doesn’t disappoint in this area. It’s one of the best grills I’ve ever used, offering outstanding heat retention, versatility, and ease of use.

1. Heat Retention and Consistency

The ceramic construction of the Kamado Joe Classic II is designed to lock in heat and moisture, which is ideal for cooking meat. Whether I’m grilling steaks, roasting chicken, or smoking a brisket, the Kamado Joe maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. The thick ceramic walls help maintain heat for hours, and I’ve noticed that I don’t need to constantly adjust the temperature like I would on other grills.

2. Low-and-Slow Cooking

For anyone who loves smoking, the Kamado Joe Classic II excels in low-and-slow cooking. Using the temperature control vents, I’ve been able to smoke large cuts of meat for hours, achieving a perfect smoky flavor without any issues. The design and insulation of the grill allow for steady, even heat distribution, and I haven’t experienced any drastic temperature fluctuations during long cooking sessions.

3. High-Heat Grilling

On the flip side, the Kamado Joe Classic II can also handle high-heat grilling with ease. I’ve used it to sear steaks, cook pizza, and even bake bread, and the results have been outstanding. The grill reaches temperatures upwards of 700°F, which is ideal for achieving that perfect sear on meats. The versatility of the Kamado Joe Classic II is one of the things that makes it stand out from other grills.

Kamado Joe Classic II: Ease of Use

In addition to its excellent performance, the Kamado Joe Classic II is incredibly user-friendly. Once you get the hang of its temperature controls and cooking system, it’s a breeze to use. Here are some features that make this grill easy to operate:

1. Kamado Joe Kontrol Tower Top Vent

The Kamado Joe Classic II is equipped with a Kontrol Tower top vent, which allows for precise airflow control. This feature is great for maintaining the desired cooking temperature, whether I’m grilling at high heat or smoking low and slow. The top vent is easy to adjust and keeps the temperature steady throughout the cooking process.

2. Easy Cleanup

Cleaning the Kamado Joe Classic II is relatively easy, thanks to its ash drawer. After cooking, all I need to do is remove the ash drawer, dispose of the ash, and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. The ceramic material is also resistant to grease and residue, which makes it easier to maintain.

3. Mobility and Storage

Despite its size and weight, the Kamado Joe Classic II is designed with portability in mind. The grill sits on a sturdy cart with wheels, making it easy to move around the backyard. It’s also equipped with ample storage space for accessories, such as charcoal and tools, so everything I need is within reach.

Kamado Joe Classic II: A Versatile Grill for Every Occasion

One of the reasons I find myself returning to the Kamado Joe Classic II again and again is its versatility. Whether I’m cooking a casual meal for the family or preparing a large feast for friends, this grill can handle it all.

1. Perfect for All-Year Cooking

Living in a region where the weather can be unpredictable, I’ve found that the Kamado Joe Classic II holds up well in all conditions. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening, this grill’s ceramic body retains heat well and cooks evenly, no matter the season. I’ve used it year-round, and it’s proven reliable every time.

2. Ideal for Experimenting with Different Recipes

The Kamado Joe Classic II is also perfect for anyone who loves to experiment with new recipes. I’ve tried everything from baking pizzas and bread to grilling delicate fish fillets, and it always delivers excellent results. The temperature control and consistent heat allow me to explore new grilling techniques without worrying about inconsistent results.

3. The Grill for Slow-Cooking and Smoking

If you’re into BBQ and slow-cooked dishes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is ideal for smoking meats. It creates the perfect environment for low-and-slow cooking, and I’ve successfully smoked briskets, ribs, and even turkeys with fantastic results. The ability to adjust the temperature and maintain it for long periods without much effort is one of the features that I’ve really come to appreciate.

Kamado Joe Classic II Review Conclusion

After spending a considerable amount of time cooking on the Kamado Joe Classic II, I can confidently say that this is one of the best grills available. The combination of premium ceramic construction, innovative features, and excellent cooking performance make it a standout in the world of ceramic grills.

If you're looking for a versatile grill that can do it all—from high-heat grilling to low-and-slow smoking—the Kamado Joe Classic II is an excellent choice. Its ease of use, superior heat retention, and overall build quality make it a worthy investment for anyone serious about grilling.

The only potential downside is the price. The Kamado Joe Classic II is an investment, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. If you're willing to invest in a premium grill that will last for years and elevate your cooking, the Kamado Joe Classic II is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Kamado Joe Classic II

Q: What is the cooking surface size of the Kamado Joe Classic II?

A: The Kamado Joe Classic II has an 18-inch cooking surface, providing 256 square inches of cooking space. This allows you to grill, smoke, and bake a variety of foods comfortably, whether you're cooking for a small group or preparing a larger meal.

Q: How does the Divide & Conquer cooking system work?

A: The Divide & Conquer cooking system is a versatile, multi-level rack system that lets you cook different foods at different temperatures. It includes a half-moon heat deflector and adjustable racks, allowing you to maximize cooking space and control heat zones. This is especially useful for grilling multiple items at once, such as searing steaks while slow-smoking ribs.

Q: Can the Kamado Joe Classic II handle high-temperature grilling?

A: Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II can easily reach temperatures of up to 700°F, making it ideal for high-heat grilling. Whether you're searing steaks, grilling pizza, or cooking other high-temperature dishes, it can handle the heat.

Q: How easy is it to assemble the Kamado Joe Classic II?

A: The assembly process for the Kamado Joe Classic II is fairly straightforward. The grill comes with detailed instructions, and while it may take some time, it's not overly complicated. Most people can assemble it in a couple of hours with basic tools.

Q: What is the Kamado Joe Classic II made from?

A: The Kamado Joe Classic II is made from premium ceramic, which is designed to retain heat efficiently. The ceramic construction helps to maintain consistent temperatures for grilling, smoking, and baking, and also ensures excellent heat retention for long cooks.

Q: How does the Air Lift Hinge improve the grilling experience?

A: The Air Lift Hinge system on the Kamado Joe Classic II makes opening and closing the heavy lid much easier. The hinge uses a counterbalance mechanism to reduce the effort needed to lift the lid, which is particularly useful during long grilling sessions or when working with high temperatures.

Q: Can the Kamado Joe Classic II be used for smoking?

A: Absolutely! The Kamado Joe Classic II excels in low-and-slow cooking, making it perfect for smoking meats like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Its insulation and temperature control vents allow for steady, even heat distribution, which is essential for smoking.

Q: Does the Kamado Joe Classic II come with a cover?

A: The Kamado Joe Classic II does not include a cover in the standard package. However, you can purchase a separate cover designed specifically for this model to protect it from the elements when it's not in use.

Q: How do I control the temperature on the Kamado Joe Classic II?

A: Temperature control on the Kamado Joe Classic II is managed through the adjustable top vent and bottom air vent. By adjusting these vents, you can regulate the airflow and, in turn, control the cooking temperature. The built-in thermometer also helps you monitor the internal temperature for precise cooking.

Q: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II easy to clean?

A: Yes, cleaning the Kamado Joe Classic II is relatively easy. The ash drawer allows you to remove and dispose of the ash after cooking. The ceramic interior is also resistant to grease buildup, and a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes. For deeper cleans, the grill’s components, like the cooking grates, are removable for washing.