Grill Smarter: Why Kamado Joe Is Worth Every Penny
A friend messaged me the other day trying to decide between a Kamado Joe and a Traeger. She’d spent hours reading Reddit threads and watching YouTube reviews, but she was still stuck. “Which one actually makes better food?”
I get that question a lot—so I figured it’s time I lay it all out in one place. Here’s what I’d tell any friend, neighbor, or customer wondering if a Kamado Joe is really worth it. (Spoiler: it is.)
Why Kamado Joe Is the Grill You Upgrade To
This is not your average gas grill. It’s not trying to be. Kamado Joe is for people who want real control over temperature, real wood-fired flavor, and real versatility. You can sear a steak at 700°F, smoke a pork shoulder at 225°F, bake bread, or grill bacon and eggs all on the same unit.
- Air Lift Hinge: Open the lid with one finger. No slamming. No fighting the dome.
- Divide & Conquer Cooking System: Multi-zone cooking lets you do more at once.
- Slide-Out Ash Drawer: Makes cleanup stupid easy.
- Lifetime Warranty: Built to last for decades, not a few seasons.
Kamado Joe vs. Traeger: What’s the Real Difference?
Both brands are popular—but they serve very different kinds of grillers. Here’s how they stack up side by side:
| Feature | Kamado Joe | Traeger |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Lump Charcoal | Wood Pellets (electric) |
| Heat Range | 225°F – 750°F+ | 180°F – ~500°F |
| Versatility | Grill, smoke, bake, sear, pizza | Mostly smoking and low-temp grilling |
| Flavor | Rich, wood-fired flavor from real charcoal | Mild smoke; less intensity |
| Electricity Required? | Nope | Yes |
Traegers are great for set-it-and-forget-it smoking, but if you want high-heat grilling, true searing, and more versatility, the Kamado Joe wins every time. You’re cooking with real fire, not just waiting on a hopper and an auger. And when there’s no power? The Kamado still works. Your Traeger doesn’t.
Yes, You Can Bake Pizza—Better Than a Gozney
Here’s the part most people don’t expect: the Kamado Joe makes phenomenal pizza. As in blistered crust, smoky edge, melted mozzarella perfection. All without needing to buy a separate $1,000+ pizza oven like Gozney or Ooni.
I’ve seen people make everything from Neapolitan pies to Detroit-style deep dish and flatbreads on these grills. All you need is a pizza stone and some decent dough. Crank the temp to 600°F or higher, and you’ll never look at delivery the same way again. When we need dinner in a hurry, I just grab grocery store dough and let the kids make their own—mini pizzas for everyone. It’s quick, fun, and done in no time.
It’s not just “good for a grill” pizza. It’s better than what most pizza ovens can do—and it’s only one of a dozen things Kamado Joe nails.
Breakfast to Brisket — It Does It All
We’ve cooked bacon, eggs, and sausage on this thing in the morning—and then fired it up again for pork ribs that evening. The Kamado Joe isn’t just a grill. It’s a full outdoor kitchen that lives on your patio.
This isn’t just a summer grill. Michael does most of the grilling at our house, and thanks to the Infratech heaters we installed on our covered deck, we use the Kamado Joe year-round—even when it’s well below freezing. He’ll be out there in January, standing in the warmth with a beer in hand, slow-cooking something rich and comforting while the rest of the world is ordering takeout. The ceramic shell holds heat effortlessly, making it perfect for those long winter cooks when all you want is something smoky and satisfying.
Which Kamado Joe Should You Buy?
We carry both the Classic and Big Joe models—specifically the Classic II, Classic III, Big Joe II, and Big Joe III. All of them offer that signature Kamado performance, but there are some key differences depending on how (and how much) you like to cook.
| Feature | Classic Joe II | Classic Joe III | Big Joe II | Big Joe III |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Diameter | 18" | 18" | 24" | 24" |
| Best For | Smaller families, everyday grilling | Same size with upgraded cart + features | Large families, entertaining groups | The ultimate upgrade—massive cooking space + premium build |
| Grill System | 2-tier Divide & Conquer | 3-tier Divide & Conquer | 2-tier Divide & Conquer | 3-tier Divide & Conquer |
| Cart + Build | Powder-coated steel cart | Heavy-duty aluminum cart with shelves | Powder-coated steel cart | Heavy-duty aluminum cart with shelves |
The Classic Joe II is perfect for smaller households or casual weekend cooks. The Classic III gives you all the same functionality but with upgraded construction, shelving, and a third cooking tier if you want to run multiple zones at once.
If you entertain, cook large cuts, or just want as much real estate as possible, the Big Joe III is phenomenal. It’s what we use at home—and yes, it’s huge—but the space, flexibility, and build quality are next level.
Still not sure? Get in touch and we’ll help you pick the one that fits your cooking style best.
But Isn’t Charcoal a Hassle?
Honestly? No, it’s not a hassle. Lump charcoal lights quickly, burns clean, and gives your food that rich, wood-fired flavor gas grills just can’t match. The Kamado Joe is so efficient, you’ll use less fuel than you think—and it only takes about 20 minutes to go from cold to burger-ready. That’s about the same time you'd spend preheating a gas grill, but with way better results.
Cleanup takes 30 seconds. Just slide out the ash drawer. That’s it. No digging. No mess. No excuses.
In Stock & Ready to Ship
We’ve got all the Kamado Joe models in stock right now—complete with cart, side shelves, heat deflector, and accessories. No backorders. No waitlist.
→ Click here to shop Kamado Joe grills now
Why Buy From Us?
We’re not a faceless drop shipper. We’re a family-owned company that’s been in the hearth business since 2009. We know these grills inside and out. If you call, a real person answers. If something goes wrong, we fix it.
We also stock Kamado Joe replacement parts and accessories—because stuff breaks and wear happens. You shouldn’t have to start from scratch.
Kamado Joe FAQs
Can I use it in winter?
Yes. The ceramic body holds heat like crazy. Cold weather doesn’t faze it.
How long does charcoal last?
You’ll get multiple cooks out of one load. And leftover lump can be reused if you close the vents properly.
Does it come with everything I need?
Yes—our units include the cart, shelves, tools, and deflectors. You're ready to grill on Day One.
What kind of food can I make?
Literally everything: pizza, ribs, steak, veggies, desserts. You name it.
Can I use it if the power’s out?
Absolutely. It doesn’t need electricity—just fire. No augers, no wires, no problems.
? Final Thoughts
If you're trying to decide between a Kamado Joe and a Traeger, here's my take: Traegers are great if you just want to smoke meats with minimal effort. But if you want the flexibility to grill, sear, smoke, and bake—on a grill that lasts decades—get the Kamado Joe. You won't regret it.