As an experienced outdoor cooking enthusiast, I understand the crucial role a grill plays in achieving culinary excellence. In this detailed comparison, we put the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe head-to-head. Discover the showdown between Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe and find out which one comes out on top.

A Bit About Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills have been the heart of many outdoor cookouts, revered for the rich, smoky aroma and flavor they add to your dishes. From sizzling steaks to smoky vegetables, they’ve been the go-to for backyard barbecues and professional culinary experiences alike.

The Contenders: Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe

The market of charcoal grills is dominated by these two titans. Big Green Egg, with its rich history, and Kamado Joe, the innovative newcomer. But in my opinion, Kamado Joe edges out its competition with superior design and unmatched value for money.

Quick Look at Big Green Egg

Since its establishment in the 70s, Big Green Egg has garnered a fanbase with its unique design that emulates ancient Japanese cooking ovens. But what was once a revolutionary design may not hold up to the modern enhancements of its competitors.

Quick Look at Kamado Joe

Kamado Joe, although newer to the scene, has quickly risen through the ranks, winning over grillers with its superior design and versatile cooking capabilities. Its innovative features provide a flexible and robust grilling experience that’s hard to match.

Deep Dive: Big Green Egg

Let’s not dismiss Big Green Egg just yet, though. It’s got a few tricks up its sleeve.

Design and Structure

Big Green Egg’s distinctive green, egg-shaped design is more than just aesthetic—it’s designed to distribute heat evenly. However, it falls short when compared to the user-friendly features that Kamado Joe brings to the table. weight.

Size and Portability

The Big Green Egg comes in several sizes, from Mini to 2XL, catering to various needs. However, due to its relatively bulky design, it is cumbersome to move around due to it’s weight.

Material and Durability

Crafted with high-quality ceramics, Big Green Egg can withstand high temperatures and resist weathering for years. Yet, the lack of additional protection for the exterior may lead to potential damage.

Performance and Cooking Capabilities

Big Green Egg offers precise temperature control and allows for various cooking methods, including smoking, grilling, roasting, and baking. Despite this versatility, it might take a while to learn the ropes due to the lack of guiding features.

Accessories

While Big Green Egg does offer a broad range of accessories, most are not included in the initial purchase of the grill. Additionally, few, if any, exhibit the inventive spirit seen in the Kamado Joe accessory range.

Community and Support

Both Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe are renowned for their reliable customer service based in the U.S. With a longer tenure in the industry, Big Green Egg has cultivated an active and dedicated fan base, affectionately known as ‘Egg Heads’.

This vibrant community thrives in their Egg Head forum, a reservoir of beneficial insights, cooking tips, and maintenance guidelines. This forum serves as a valuable resource for Big Green Egg owners, filled with practical advice and supervised by Big Green Egg’s customer support staff. It’s an interactive and supportive hub for BGE enthusiasts to share their grilling experiences and knowledge.

Deep Dive: Kamado Joe

Now, let’s discover why Kamado Joe deserves the crown.

Design and Structure

Firstly, Kamado Joe includes a heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart with locking wheels. This design feature significantly enhances its mobility, making it easy for users to maneuver the grill around their outdoor spaces.

Secondly, the Kamado Joe is equipped with an Air Lift Hinge, which reduces the weight of the grill dome, making it light enough to lift with a single finger. This makes it considerably easier for users to access their grill, enhancing the overall grilling experience. In contrast, the Big Green Egg does not have this feature, and its dome can be heavy to lift, which could potentially strain the user.

Finally, Big Green Egg lacks an equivalent to Kamado Joe’s patent pending SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber and 3-Tier Divide & Conquer system. These features respectively optimize the Kamado Joe for smoking by evenly distributing heat and smoke, and allow for cooking different foods at different temperatures at the same time. These features add a level of versatility and convenience to the grilling experience that the 1Big Green Egg simply cannot match.

 

Size and Portability

Kamado Joe also offers various sizes, from Joe Jr to Big Joe III, and adds in features like lockable wheels for easy movement, making it a more portable choice.

Material and Durability

Constructed with a heavy-duty ceramic body, Kamado Joe ensures longevity and excellent heat retention. Plus, it includes a robust stand with handles and built-in side shelves, adding functionality and durability.

Performance and Cooking Capabilities

The true superiority of Kamado Joe lies in its excellent temperature control, courtesy of the adjustable top vent and built-in thermometer. It’s not just about smoking and grilling; Kamado Joe excels at searing, roasting, and even baking, making it the ultimate outdoor cooking partner.

Accessories

Kamado Joe clearly takes the lead in this department, offering a more inclusive and innovative accessory package.

Every Kamado Joe grill comes equipped with several thoughtful additions such as a sturdy cast iron stand with wheels for enhanced mobility, a grill gripper, an ash tool, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) side shelves and handles for added convenience, and the patented slide-out ash drawer for easy cleanup.

Moreover, the Kamado Joe Classic III ups the ante with the inclusion of the patented SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber and the three-tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System. These game-changing features, which we will explore in depth in the Standout Features sections, truly set Kamado Joe apart.

Further noteworthy accessories from Kamado Joe include the JoeTisserie, a robust cast aluminum rotisserie that fits neatly inside the grill body, and a cast-iron Dutch oven that effortlessly transforms your kamado into a chili cooking powerhouse.

Community and Support

Not to be outdone, Kamado Joe also has a robust community and provides exceptional customer support. The brand has successfully fostered a thriving online presence that spans across several platforms, including social media groups, BBQ events, and forums like the Komodo Kamado forum. This vast network comprises enthusiastic grill masters of all skill levels, who are eager to share advice, creative recipes, and grilling anecdotes. Kamado Joe’s customer support, always prompt and helpful, adds to the brand’s appeal, ensuring that each grilling experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Price Comparison: Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe

At first glance, the price tags of similarly sized Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe grills seem to be on par.

Yet, Kamado Joe takes the lead when you consider the extras included. Notable additions such as a stand, which is an essential yet separate purchase with the Big Green Egg, are part of the Kamado Joe package. Kamado Joe further steps up its game with the inclusion of a dual grilling rack system.

Assessing the overall value for money, Kamado Joe edges ahead, although the competition remains tight. The inclusion of key extras with Kamado Joe grills presents a compelling case for their superior value proposition.

The Winner: Kamado Joe

After a thorough examination, Kamado Joe comes out on top. It outperforms Big Green Egg with superior design elements, outstanding cooking capabilities, and better value for money. It’s a testament to the fact that newer does not necessarily mean less experienced.

Final Words

While Big Green Egg has its merits, Kamado Joe takes the trophy home in this head-to-head comparison. It’s a superior choice for grillers of all experience levels, promising to deliver a versatile and enjoyable grilling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I maintain my Kamado Joe grill?
2. Can I use my Kamado Joe grill in the winter?
3. How often should I replace the charcoal in my Kamado Joe grill?
4. Is it safe to leave my Kamado Joe grill unattended?
5. What accessories are included with Kamado Joe grills?

Whether you’re a novice griller or a seasoned pro, choosing the right grill makes all the difference. With Kamado Joe, you’re investing in a reliable, high-performing, and feature-packed grill that can take your outdoor cooking to new heights. So fire up your Kamado Joe and let the grilling begin!

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