Kamado Joe Classic II Grill Review – Best Kamado for BBQ
Introduction
Tired of grills that can’t handle both a low-and-slow brisket and a quick-searing steak? Do uneven heat, frustrating temperature fluctuations, and a lack of true smoking capability hold you back from achieving BBQ perfection? The Kamado Joe Classic II 18-inch ceramic grill and smoker is engineered to solve those problems, combining the heat retention and versatility of a traditional kamado with modern conveniences and innovative design.
Overview
The Kamado Joe Classic II isn’s just a grill; it’s a culinary platform. This 18-inch ceramic beauty is built around a thick-walled, heat-resistant shell, allowing for exceptional heat retention and precise temperature control – from a smoky 225°F to a searing 750°F. The revolutionary Divide & Conquer cooking system unlocks a world of possibilities, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. Ideal for both seasoned BBQ enthusiasts and those looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game, the Classic II delivers premium results every time, handling everything from ribs and pork shoulders to pizzas and grilled vegetables.
Features
Effortless Lid Lifting with Air Lift Hinge: Lifting a ceramic lid can be a workout! The Classic II’s Air Lift Hinge significantly reduces the weight, allowing you to open and close the lid with ease – even when it’s full of delicious smoke.
Enhanced Firebox with AMP Technology: The Advanced Multi-Panel (AMP) Firebox design eliminates common ceramic grill breakage issues and improves overall grill efficiency, providing enhanced durability and performance.
Kontrol Tower Top Vent: Forget frustrating air leaks and temperature swings. The patent-pending Kontrol Tower is rain-resistant and allows for incredibly precise airflow management, ensuring consistent temperatures throughout the entire cooking process. Adjusting the airflow has never been easier.
Revolutionary Ceramic Construction: The Classic II’s thick ceramic shell isn’t just about heat; it’s about flavor. The ceramic material locks in moisture and smoke, creating a humid environment that results in incredibly tender, flavorful results. This superior heat retention allows for consistent temperatures and significantly reduces fuel consumption, meaning fewer charcoal refills and more time enjoying your BBQ.
Divide & Conquer Cooking System: This game-changing feature allows for unparalleled cooking flexibility. The tiered grilling surface allows you to dedicate one half for low-and-slow smoking and the other for high-heat searing, or create multiple cooking zones for a diverse menu. This means perfectly smoked brisket and perfectly seared steak, all on the same grill.
Benefits
Precise Temperature Control: Say goodbye to frustrating temperature fluctuations. The Kontrol Tower top vent provides unprecedented control over airflow, resulting in consistently perfect results.
Increased Fuel Efficiency: The ceramic construction retains heat remarkably well, reducing charcoal consumption and saving you money.
Unmatched Flavor and Tenderness: The ceramic construction and humid cooking environment produce unbelievably tender and flavorful results, rivaling those of professional smokers.
Effortless Operation: The Air Lift Hinge and intuitive design make the Classic II a joy to use, even for beginners.
Maximum Cooking Flexibility: The Divide & Conquer system gives you the ability to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, streamlining your BBQ routine and saving time.
Usages
Low-and-Slow Brisket Mastery: The Classic II excels at low-and-slow smoking, consistently producing juicy, tender, and perfectly smoked brisket. Its precise temperature control ensures consistent results every time.
Hosting Family BBQ Gatherings: Cook a feast for family and friends with the spacious cooking surface and versatile cooking zones. The Classic II makes entertaining effortless.
Smoking Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs: Achieve perfectly smoked, fall-off-the-bone ribs with the Classic II’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures for extended smoking times.
Searing Steaks to Perfection: Utilize the high-heat capabilities to sear steaks with a beautiful crust and juicy interior.
Weeknight Grilled Meals: Quickly grill burgers, chicken, or vegetables for a weeknight meal with the Classic II’s ability to reach high temperatures.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional heat retention and temperature control
- Unparalleled cooking versatility with the Divide & Conquer system
- Durable ceramic construction for long-lasting performance
- Easy-to-use features and intuitive design
- Backed by a comprehensive warranty
Cons
- Higher price point compared to standard grills
- Ceramic can be fragile if mishandled
- Steeper learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with kamado-style grilling
FAQs
What is the cooking capacity of the Classic II?: The Classic II offers 250 square inches of cooking surface, providing ample space for cooking for a large group.
How easy is the Kamado Joe Classic II to clean?: The ceramic surfaces are relatively easy to clean. Regular brushing and occasional soap and water cleaning will keep it in top condition. The stainless steel grates are also easy to clean.
What type of fuel does the Kamado Joe Classic II use?: The Classic II utilizes charcoal, specifically lump charcoal or charcoal briquettes. Using high-quality lump charcoal is recommended for the best flavor.
Does the Classic II come with a warranty?: Yes, the Kamado Joe Classic II is backed by a 10-year warranty on the ceramic shell and various other components.
How long does the Classic II retain heat?: With proper airflow management, the Classic II can retain heat for several hours, allowing for extended smoking sessions with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Product Specifications
| Grate Material | Stainless Steel |
| Warranty | 10-year ceramic shell warranty |
| Assembly Required | Yes, partial assembly required |
| Dimensions | 18″D x 18.11″W x 36″H |
| Material Type | Ceramic, Stainless Steel |
| Temperature Range | 225°F – 750°F |
| Cooking Area | 250 sq. in. |
| Weight | 232 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
| Ignition System | Manual |
Ratings
| Overall | 4.7 |
| Temperature Control | 4.8 |
| Durability | 4.8 |
| Heat Retention | 4.9 |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Versatility | 4.7 |
Recommendation
The Kamado Joe Classic II is ideal for serious BBQ enthusiasts who demand precise temperature control, exceptional heat retention, and the ability to cook a wide range of dishes with consistent results. It’s also a great choice for those looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game beyond standard grills and smokers.
Conclusion
The Kamado Joe Classic II isn’t just a grill; it’s an investment in your outdoor cooking passion. Its innovative features, exceptional performance, and long-lasting durability make it a standout in the kamado grill market. While the price point may be higher than some alternatives, the quality, versatility, and flavor it delivers are well worth the investment. Prepare to unlock a new level of BBQ mastery with the Classic II.
