Big Green Egg Vs Kamado Joe: Which Kamado Grill Wins?

The world of ceramic grills is exciting, but choosing the right one can be confusing. Two names stand out: Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe. These grills have built loyal fans and sparked debates about which is better. If you’re thinking of buying a kamado grill, or just want to understand the differences, this article will help. We’ll dive deep into features, performance, durability, value, and even share some insights that many beginners miss. Let’s get started and see which grill fits your needs best.

The Story Behind Big Green Egg And Kamado Joe

Both brands have roots in the ancient Japanese kamado cooking style. The word “kamado” means “stove” or “cooking range” in Japanese. This style uses thick ceramic walls to retain heat, making the grill efficient for smoking, roasting, baking, and grilling.

Big Green Egg started in the US in 1974 and quickly became famous for its unique green color and egg shape. Over time, it gained a reputation for quality and reliability. The company focuses on simplicity, durability, and steady performance.

Kamado Joe appeared later, in 2009, but has made a big impact. It’s known for innovation and modern features. Kamado Joe grills often include gadgets and improvements that make cooking easier and more flexible.

Both brands have passionate communities, recipe books, and online forums. But their approach and style differ, which affects the grilling experience.

Design And Construction

Materials And Build Quality

Ceramic is the heart of any kamado grill. It keeps heat inside, protects food from wind, and reduces fuel use. Both brands use high-fired ceramics that are strong and resist cracking.

Big Green Egg uses thick ceramic with a simple, classic design. The outside is covered with a shiny green glaze that protects against weather. The hinges and bands are made from powder-coated steel. These parts resist rust but are simple in style.

Kamado Joe also uses high-quality ceramics, but their grills are usually heavier. The exterior is bright red with a glossy finish. Kamado Joe pays extra attention to metal parts, using stainless steel for hinges, bands, and vent caps. This means better rust resistance and a modern look.

A non-obvious detail: Kamado Joe’s lid is thicker and has a double-layered design for extra insulation. This helps keep heat steady during cold or windy days.

Shape And Size Choices

Both brands offer several sizes, from small tabletop models to large backyard versions. The most popular sizes are:

• Big Green Egg Large: 18.25-inch diameter, 262 sq. Inches cooking area
• Kamado Joe Classic II: 18-inch diameter, 254 sq. Inches cooking area

Even though the sizes are similar, Kamado Joe’s shape is a bit taller and wider, giving more space for stacking food and using accessories.

Craftsmanship Insights

Many beginners think all kamado grills are the same. In reality, the ceramic quality and glaze finish affect how the grill survives weather and cooking stress. Big Green Egg’s glaze is thicker, making it less likely to chip. Kamado Joe’s ceramics are fired at higher temperatures for extra strength. Both brands make their grills in China, but quality control is strict.

Features And Innovations

Cooking Versatility

Kamado grills can do more than just grill. They smoke, roast, bake, and sear. Both brands offer this versatility, but Kamado Joe adds several unique features:

• Divide & Conquer System: Kamado Joe uses a multi-level rack system. You can cook different foods at different heights, temperatures, or use half-moon plates for direct and indirect heat.
• Kontrol Tower Top Vent: This vent is rain-proof and stays cool. It lets you adjust airflow easily without burning your fingers.
• Air Lift Hinge: Kamado Joe’s lid is heavy, but this hinge makes opening effortless. It reduces weight by 96%, so you won’t strain your wrist.

Big Green Egg sticks to a simpler approach. The standard grill comes with one cooking grate and basic vents. You can buy extra racks and plates, but they cost more and must be installed separately.

Accessories And Add-ons

Both brands sell plenty of accessories:

• Pizza stones
• Cast iron griddles
• Rotisserie kits
• Wireless thermometers
• Shelves and tables

Kamado Joe often includes accessories with the grill. For example, the Classic II comes with a multi-level rack and two ceramic heat deflectors. Big Green Egg sells these as extras. This matters for buyers who want value.

A beginner mistake: Not all accessories are compatible across brands. Kamado Joe’s racks won’t fit a Big Green Egg and vice versa. Always check before buying.

Cleaning And Maintenance

Kamado Joe grills have a pull-out ash drawer. You slide it out, dump the ashes, and keep cooking. Big Green Egg uses a small door at the bottom. You must scrape ashes out with a tool. This makes cleaning slower.

Kamado Joe’s stainless steel parts resist rust better. Big Green Egg’s powder-coated metal is strong but may show wear over years.

A hidden insight: Kamado Joe’s top vent stays in place when you open the lid. Big Green Egg’s vent sometimes falls off, which can be annoying.

Cooking Performance

Heat Control And Stability

Both grills are famous for temperature control. You adjust vents to raise or lower heat. Ceramic walls keep the heat steady, so you can smoke for hours or sear steaks at 700°F.

Kamado Joe’s double-thick lid helps keep temperature stable, even in cold weather. The Kontrol Tower vent lets you fine-tune airflow. Big Green Egg’s vent is simpler but works well.

A data point: In tests, Kamado Joe held a steady 225°F for 16 hours with one load of charcoal. Big Green Egg managed 14 hours. For slow smoking, both are excellent, but Kamado Joe’s insulation gives it a slight edge.

Heat Range And Fuel Efficiency

The grills can reach over 700°F for pizza or steak. Ceramic walls use less charcoal than metal grills. Kamado Joe burns about 1 pound of charcoal per hour at high heat. Big Green Egg is similar, but the thicker ceramic sometimes uses a bit less fuel for slow cooking.

A practical tip: Use lump charcoal, not briquettes. Lump charcoal burns cleaner and hotter, and both brands recommend it.

Grilling, Smoking, Baking

Kamado Joe’s Divide & Conquer lets you grill burgers on one side and smoke ribs on the other, in the same cook. Big Green Egg can do this, but needs extra racks.

Both brands bake pizza, bread, and desserts. The thick ceramics act like a wood-fired oven. Kamado Joe’s heat deflectors are easier to set up for baking.

A hidden insight: Kamado Joe’s air lift hinge makes opening the lid easy during long cooks. Big Green Egg’s lid is heavier, which can be tiring if you check food often.

Durability And Warranty

Longevity

Ceramic grills last for decades if cared for. Big Green Egg is famous for its durability. Some users report grills still working after 20 years. Kamado Joe is newer, but the ceramics are just as strong.

Both brands resist rust, cracks, and fading. Kamado Joe’s stainless steel parts last longer in salty air (like near the ocean). Big Green Egg’s powder-coated parts can chip if dropped.

Warranty Differences

Big Green Egg offers a limited lifetime warranty on ceramics and a 5-year warranty on metal parts. Kamado Joe gives a lifetime warranty on ceramics, a 5-year warranty on metal, and a 3-year warranty on other parts.

An important tip: Warranty terms change if you use your grill for commercial purposes. Always register your grill to activate the warranty.

Common Maintenance Mistakes

Beginners sometimes wash the grill with water or harsh chemicals. This can damage the ceramic. Use a soft brush and mild soap. Never use oven cleaner. Also, avoid dropping the lid—it’s heavy and can crack.

Price And Value

Comparing Prices

Big Green Egg is often priced higher than Kamado Joe for similar sizes. For example:

• Big Green Egg Large: $999 (without accessories)
• Kamado Joe Classic II: $1,299 (includes accessories)

But Kamado Joe includes more extras, like heat deflectors and multi-level racks. Big Green Egg sells these separately.

What You Get For Your Money

Kamado Joe offers more features for the price. You get extra racks, deflectors, and a cleaner system. Big Green Egg gives you a simple, reliable grill. You pay more for the brand and community.

A smart tip: If you plan to buy many accessories, Kamado Joe is a better deal. If you want just the basics, Big Green Egg is solid.

Value Over Time

Both grills keep value well. Used Big Green Eggs sell for 70–80% of new price. Kamado Joe is newer, but resale values are rising. If you move or upgrade, you can sell your grill without losing much money.

Community And Support

Big Green Egg Community

Big Green Egg has a huge following. There are cookbooks, festivals, and online forums. Users share recipes, tips, and photos. The company hosts Eggfests, where fans cook and compete.

Kamado Joe Community

Kamado Joe’s community is growing fast. The company offers detailed videos, recipes, and online support. They listen to feedback and add new features each year.

A non-obvious insight: Kamado Joe’s official YouTube channel is filled with tutorials and troubleshooting tips. This helps beginners learn faster.

Customer Service

Both brands have good customer support. Big Green Egg is famous for fast responses and easy warranty claims. Kamado Joe is newer but offers live chat, phone, and email support.

A tip for buyers: Always buy from an authorized dealer. This makes warranty and support easier.

Accessories, Upgrades, And Customization

Essential Accessories

Some accessories are almost required for kamado grilling:

• ConvEGGtor (Big Green Egg’s heat deflector)
• Divide & Conquer rack (Kamado Joe)
• Pizza stone
• Cast iron sear grates
• Wireless meat thermometer

Kamado Joe includes heat deflectors and multi-level racks in the box. Big Green Egg sells the ConvEGGtor separately.

Optional Upgrades

You can add shelves, tables, wheels, and covers. Kamado Joe’s shelves are wider and made of aluminum. Big Green Egg’s are narrow and plastic.

Rotisserie kits, rib racks, and charcoal baskets are popular upgrades. Kamado Joe’s accessories are easier to install.

A hidden insight: Kamado Joe’s accessories are often redesigned each year, so new models may not fit old grills. Big Green Egg accessories fit all models.

Customization

Both brands let you build outdoor kitchens around the grill. You can add side tables, counters, and storage. Kamado Joe’s larger models are easier to fit in custom setups.

Comparison Tables

To make things clear, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most important features.

Feature	Big Green Egg Large	Kamado Joe Classic II
Cooking Area	262 sq. in.	254 sq. in.
Material	Thick ceramic, powder-coated steel	Thick ceramic, stainless steel
Top Vent	Basic metal cap	Kontrol Tower, rain-proof
Ash Removal	Manual scrape	Pull-out drawer
Hinge	Standard	Air Lift
Warranty	Lifetime (ceramics), 5 years (metal)	Lifetime (ceramics), 5 years (metal)
Price (approx.)	$999	$1,299

A second comparison helps with accessories and included items.

Accessory	Big Green Egg (Included)	Kamado Joe (Included)
Heat Deflector	No (sold separately)	Yes
Multi-Level Rack	No	Yes
Grill Grate	Yes	Yes
Ash Tool	Yes	No
Pizza Stone	No	No
Side Shelves	No	Yes

Finally, let’s compare cleaning and maintenance.

Maintenance Task	Big Green Egg	Kamado Joe
Ash Removal	Scrape with tool	Pull-out drawer
Vent Cleaning	Manual	Quick, stays attached
Rust Resistance	Powder-coated steel	Stainless steel
Glaze Quality	Thick, chip-resistant	Glossy, high-temp fired

Cooking Experience: Real-life Examples

Smoking Brisket

Both grills can smoke brisket for 12–16 hours. Kamado Joe’s insulation helps keep steady temperature during wind or rain. Big Green Egg is reliable but needs vent adjustments every few hours.

A tip: Use a wireless thermometer to avoid opening the lid often.

Baking Pizza

Kamado Joe’s heat deflector and air lift hinge make it easy to bake pizza. You can cook at 600°F and lift the lid smoothly. Big Green Egg bakes pizza just as well, but setup takes longer.

A hidden insight: Kamado Joe’s rack lets you bake pizza and roast vegetables at the same time.

Grilling Steak

Both grills sear steak at high temperatures. Kamado Joe’s multi-level rack lets you move steaks up and down to control doneness. Big Green Egg’s grate is simple but sturdy.

A tip: Use cast iron grates for better sear marks.

What Matters Most When Choosing

Choosing between Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe depends on your style and budget. Here are key factors:

• Features: If you want modern gadgets and easy cleaning, Kamado Joe is better.
• Simplicity: If you prefer classic grilling and fewer parts, Big Green Egg is ideal.
• Accessories: Kamado Joe includes more extras; Big Green Egg sells them separately.
• Community: Big Green Egg has a bigger following and events.
• Warranty: Both offer strong warranties, but read the fine print.
• Price: Kamado Joe gives more for the money, but Big Green Egg has higher resale value.

A common mistake: Buyers focus only on grill size. Also consider accessories, cleaning, and warranty.

Pros And Cons Of Each Brand

Big Green Egg

Pros:

• Reliable and simple design
• Strong community and support
• Thick, chip-resistant glaze
• High resale value

Cons:

• Fewer included accessories
• Cleaning takes longer
• Heavier lid, basic hinge
• Higher price for basic model

Kamado Joe

Pros:

• Innovative features (air lift hinge, vent, Divide & Conquer)
• More accessories included
• Easy ash removal
• Stainless steel parts resist rust

Cons:

• Accessories may not fit old models
• Slightly smaller cooking area in Classic II
• Newer brand, smaller community

Credit: www.seriouseats.com

Beginner Insights: What Most People Miss

• Ceramic quality matters: Not all ceramics are equal. Check the glaze and firing details.
• Accessory compatibility: Don’t assume you can use racks or plates from one brand in another.
• Cleaning time: Kamado Joe is faster to clean, which saves effort.
• Lid weight: Kamado Joe’s air lift hinge is very helpful if you cook often.
• Vent safety: Kamado Joe’s top vent stays attached, avoiding burns.

Kamado Joe’s Innovations Explained

Kamado Joe’s Divide & Conquer system is unique. You can cook at multiple levels and use half-moon plates for direct and indirect heat. This lets you smoke ribs while grilling vegetables. Beginners often miss this flexibility.

The Kontrol Tower vent is rain-proof and stays cool. You can adjust airflow without burning your hand. The air lift hinge makes opening the heavy lid easy. These features matter if you cook often or want to try new recipes.

Credit: www.youtube.com

Big Green Egg’s Strengths

Big Green Egg’s main strength is simplicity. The grill is easy to use, reliable, and lasts for decades. Its community is large, so you can find recipes, tips, and support easily. The thick glaze resists chips and weather damage.

The basic vent and hinge design works well, but lacks modern features. Some buyers prefer the classic look and feel.

Outdoor Kitchen Compatibility

Both grills fit in outdoor kitchens. Kamado Joe’s larger models are easier to build into custom setups. Big Green Egg offers more sizes for small spaces. If you want to add counters or storage, check grill dimensions first.

Credit: www.smokedbbqsource.com

Customer Support And Warranty: What You Need To Know

Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe offer lifetime warranties on ceramics. Metal parts are covered for 5 years. Kamado Joe also covers other parts for 3 years.

Always register your grill and keep the receipt. If you need repairs, contact customer service. Kamado Joe’s support is improving, but Big Green Egg is famous for fast responses.

A tip: Warranty may not cover accidental drops or misuse. Read the policy before buying.

Environmental Impact

Ceramic grills are eco-friendly. They use less charcoal than metal grills and last longer. Both brands recommend lump charcoal, which burns cleaner.

Kamado Joe’s stainless steel parts are recyclable. Big Green Egg’s powder-coated steel is durable but harder to recycle.

A hidden insight: Lump charcoal produces less ash and smoke, making backyard cooking safer for neighbors.

Safety Considerations

Kamado grills get very hot. Always use heat-resistant gloves when opening the lid. Kamado Joe’s air lift hinge and cool vent reduce risk of burns. Big Green Egg’s lid is heavier, so use caution.

Never use lighter fluid. Both brands recommend chimney starters for safe lighting.

A tip: Keep the grill on a flat surface and away from flammable materials.

Which Grill Is Right For You?

If you want modern features, fast cleaning, and included accessories, Kamado Joe is the best choice. If you prefer classic design, strong community, and simplicity, Big Green Egg is ideal.

Consider your cooking style, budget, and space. Both grills are excellent, but their strengths suit different users.

A non-obvious tip: Check for local dealers and events. Sometimes you can try the grills before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kamado Joe Easier To Clean Than Big Green Egg?

Yes, Kamado Joe has a pull-out ash drawer that makes cleaning simple. Big Green Egg requires you to scrape ashes out manually, which takes longer. Kamado Joe’s stainless steel parts also resist rust better, making maintenance easier.

Can I Use Big Green Egg Accessories On Kamado Joe?

No, accessories like racks and heat deflectors are designed for specific brands. Kamado Joe’s Divide & Conquer system won’t fit in a Big Green Egg. Always check compatibility before buying extra parts.

Which Grill Lasts Longer?

Both Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg use high-fired ceramics that can last for decades. Big Green Egg has been around longer, with some grills working after 20 years. Kamado Joe’s ceramics are just as strong, and stainless steel parts offer extra durability.

Is Kamado Joe Worth The Higher Price?

Kamado Joe costs more up front, but includes accessories like heat deflectors, multi-level racks, and easy cleaning tools. If you want modern features and value, Kamado Joe is worth it. Big Green Egg is more basic, but reliable and holds resale value well.

Where Can I Learn More About Kamado Grills?

You can find detailed guides, reviews, and recipes on the official Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg websites. For general info, check Wikipedia for the history and science behind kamado grills.

Choosing the right grill is personal. Both Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe offer quality, durability, and great food. Think about your needs and style, and you’ll find the perfect kamado grill for your backyard.