Kamado Joe Classic II Review

The Kamado Joe Classic II is a versatile, high-performance ceramic grill that has gained a strong reputation among barbecue enthusiasts. Known for its superior heat retention, durability, and versatility, this grill is designed to deliver exceptional results whether you're grilling, smoking, baking, or roasting. In this review, I’ll delve into the specifications, share my personal experience with the Kamado Joe Classic II, and discuss its benefits and use cases.

Specifications

The Kamado Joe Classic II comes equipped with a range of features that make it stand out in the world of ceramic grills:

• Material: The Classic II is constructed from high-quality ceramic, which offers excellent heat retention and durability. The exterior is coated with a porcelain glaze that resists chipping and cracking.
• Cooking Area: The grill offers 18 inches of cooking space, providing ample room for various cooking tasks. The grill grate is made of 304 stainless steel, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance.
• Heat Range: The Kamado Joe Classic II can reach temperatures as high as 750°F, making it perfect for searing, while also maintaining low temperatures for smoking at around 225°F.
• Divide & Conquer® Cooking System: This unique system allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously by utilizing multiple cooking surfaces.
• Air Lift Hinge: The grill lid is equipped with an Air Lift Hinge, which significantly reduces the weight of the lid, making it easy to open and close with one hand.
• Kontrol Tower Top Vent: This vent allows for precise airflow management, helping you control the temperature with ease, even during windy conditions.
• AMP (Advanced Multi-Panel) Firebox: The firebox is designed to be more durable and crack-resistant, providing enhanced heat management and longevity.
• Included Accessories: The Kamado Joe Classic II comes with a built-in thermometer, an ash tool, and a grill gripper, making it a complete package for outdoor cooking.

Review and Personal Perspective

After using the Kamado Joe Classic II for several months, I can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation as one of the best ceramic grills on the market. Its combination of versatility, durability, and ease of use makes it a fantastic addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

One of the first things I noticed about the Kamado Joe Classic II is its build quality. The ceramic construction feels incredibly sturdy, and the porcelain glaze gives it a sleek, polished look. This grill is clearly built to last, and even after months of regular use, it still looks as good as new.

The grilling experience with the Classic II is exceptional. Thanks to its superior heat retention, the grill heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. Whether I'm searing steaks at high heat or smoking a brisket low and slow, the Kamado Joe delivers consistent results every time.

One of the standout features of the Classic II is the Divide & Conquer® Cooking System. This system has truly revolutionized the way I cook on a kamado grill. By allowing me to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously, it has opened up a world of possibilities. For example, I can grill vegetables on one side while smoking meat on the other, all within the same cooking session.

Self Experience

Using the Kamado Joe Classic II has been a game-changer for my outdoor cooking. From the moment I set up the grill, I was impressed by its user-friendly design and attention to detail. The assembly process was straightforward, and I appreciated the high-quality components that came with the grill, such as the stainless steel cooking grates and the heavy-duty firebox.

One of my most memorable cooking experiences with the Kamado Joe Classic II was preparing a smoked pork shoulder for a family gathering. I used the Divide & Conquer® Cooking System to smoke the pork at a low temperature on one side while roasting vegetables on the other. The heat retention of the ceramic body ensured that the temperature remained steady throughout the entire 10-hour smoking process. The result was a tender, flavorful pork shoulder with a beautiful bark, complemented by perfectly roasted vegetables.

The Air Lift Hinge is another feature I’ve come to appreciate. Unlike other kamado grills I’ve used in the past, the Classic II’s lid is easy to lift, thanks to this innovative hinge. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference during long cooking sessions when I need to check on the food frequently.

Cleaning the Kamado Joe Classic II is also relatively easy. The built-in ash drawer allows for quick and hassle-free ash removal, and the ceramic surface wipes clean with minimal effort. I’ve found that regular maintenance is simple, and the grill continues to perform at a high level, even after repeated use.

Benefits and Use Cases

The Kamado Joe Classic II is designed for grillers who value versatility, durability, and high performance. Here are some of the key benefits and use cases:

• Versatility: The Classic II excels at a wide range of cooking methods, including grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting. Whether you're searing a steak, smoking a brisket, or baking pizza, this grill can handle it all.
• Superior Heat Retention: The ceramic construction of the Kamado Joe Classic II ensures excellent heat retention, which is crucial for maintaining consistent cooking temperatures over long periods.
• Multi-Level Cooking: The Divide & Conquer® Cooking System allows you to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, making it ideal for preparing large meals with various components.
• Durability: The high-quality ceramic and stainless steel construction of the Classic II ensures that it will stand the test of time, even with frequent use.
• User-Friendly Design: Features like the Air Lift Hinge, Kontrol Tower Top Vent, and AMP Firebox make the Kamado Joe Classic II easy to use, even for those who are new to kamado grilling.

5 Pros and 2 Cons

Pros:

1. Exceptional Versatility: The Kamado Joe Classic II can handle a wide variety of cooking methods, making it a highly versatile grill.
2. Durable Construction: The ceramic body and stainless steel components are built to last, ensuring long-term performance.
3. Superior Heat Retention: The grill maintains consistent temperatures, making it ideal for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking.
4. Innovative Cooking System: The Divide & Conquer® Cooking System allows for multi-level cooking, adding flexibility to your grilling options.
5. Easy to Use and Maintain: The user-friendly design features, such as the Air Lift Hinge and Kontrol Tower Top Vent, make the grill easy to operate and clean.

Cons:

1. Heavy Weight: The Kamado Joe Classic II is quite heavy, making it less portable and more challenging to move around compared to lighter grills.
2. Higher Price Point: The Classic II is a premium grill, and its price reflects that, which may be a consideration for those on a budget.

Conclusion

The Kamado Joe Classic II is an outstanding choice for anyone serious about outdoor cooking. Its combination of versatility, durability, and high performance makes it one of the best ceramic grills on the market. Whether you're a seasoned griller or just starting out, the Classic II offers a range of features that can elevate your cooking to the next level. While it comes with a higher price tag, the quality and functionality you get in return make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves to grill, smoke, bake, or roast outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can the Kamado Joe Classic II be used in all weather conditions?
Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is designed to be used in various weather conditions, thanks to its high-quality ceramic construction and durable components. However, using a grill cover is recommended to protect it from the elements when not in use.

Q2: How do you clean the Kamado Joe Classic II?
Cleaning the Kamado Joe Classic II is straightforward. The built-in ash drawer allows for easy ash removal, and the ceramic surface can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Regular maintenance of the cooking grates and firebox will keep the grill in top condition.

Q3: What accessories come with the Kamado Joe Classic II?
The Kamado Joe Classic II comes with a built-in thermometer, an ash tool, a grill gripper, and the Divide & Conquer® Cooking System, which includes multiple cooking surfaces.

Q4: How long does it take to assemble the Kamado Joe Classic II?
Assembly time can vary, but it typically takes about 1-2 hours to assemble the Kamado Joe Classic II, depending on your experience with similar products. The grill comes with clear instructions to guide you through the process.

Q5: Can the Kamado Joe Classic II be used for smoking?
Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is excellent for smoking. Its superior heat retention and precise temperature control make it ideal for low-and-slow cooking, which is essential for smoking meats.

Q6: What is the cooking temperature range of the Kamado Joe Classic II?
The Kamado Joe Classic II can reach temperatures as high as 750°F, making it perfect for searing. It can also maintain low temperatures around 225°F for smoking.

Q7: Is the Kamado Joe Classic II portable?
The Kamado Joe Classic II is quite heavy, weighing around 250 pounds, which makes it less portable than lighter grills. It is designed to be a stationary unit for your outdoor cooking space.

Q8: Does the Kamado Joe Classic II come with a warranty?
Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II typically comes with a limited lifetime warranty on ceramic parts and a 5-year warranty on metal components. It’s advisable to check