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If you’ve ever wondered which is the best grill to buy, this is worth reading. We’ve narrowed the list down to the top two kamado grills and compared the Green Egg vs Kamado Joe.
A technology that dates back thousands of years ago, when civilizations of the Far East used clay pots, heat retention, and radiation is key to this type of grilling. So, rest assured that the method is tried and true.
The thick ceramic of these grills enables efficiency, using less charcoal and oxygen. As a result, there’s less airflow, and the meat remains juicy.
While there are various factors out there, don’t worry because we did the research and are certain that the Big Green Egg (BGE) and Kamado Joe Charcoal Grill are the industry’s very best.
So, read on and find out why.
Large Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe Classic II Comparison:
Large Big Green Egg Review:
A popular egg-style grill, the BGE is definitely a favorite amongst customers. And although the BGE comes in a variety of sizes, the large is the most popular size.
As for customer satisfaction, the company has quite the following. In fact, there are regional events called EGGfests where devotees or EGGheads share what the company considers the “Ultimate Cooking Experience.”
So many Similarities:
In reality, however, the two grills have more similarities than differences. For instance, the ceramic parts of both are covered with a lifetime warranty. And if taken good care of, the grill will certainly last a lifetime.
Air vents
Both grills also have top-air vents to control their temperature.
While the Big Green Egg has a vent that’s prone to sliding around when the lid is shut, the Kamado Joe’s air vent remains in place well.
Additionally, the Kamado Joe’s vent is marked with lines to better gauge and control the grill temperature.
And, of course, the two share their similarities beyond the advantages of being ceramic and durable.
Ash
For instance, using lump charcoal—not briquettes—means they burn cleaner, meaning easier cleanup. In fact, cleaning either kamado is relatively simple. As grillers know, burning coal creates ashes, so cleanup consists of ash removal.
Cleaning
That said, Kamado Joe’s cleanup is easier than that of the Big Green Egg. Near the bottom air vent of the Kamado Joe, there’s an ash drawer to remove and empty. Empty it and put it back, and you’re finished.
Found in a similar location to the Big Green Egg, the ash must be removed with an ash rake. To avoid a mess, a metal ash container is utilized. Clearly, Kamado Joe’s cleanup solution is preferable.
Conclusion
While some will prefer the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II, the EGGheads and their enthusiasm over the grill speak volumes. And let’s face it, that’s more of a testament to the quality and value of the product than any review or analysis.
In fact, its efficiency coupled with customer satisfaction makes it an appealing grill. Despite that, the Kamado Joe just has so many more advantages than we prefer it.
Features
- Grid Diameter: 18.25 in
- Cooking Area: 262 sq in
- Weight: 162 lbs
- The Large EGG can cook 20-pound turkeys. 12 burgers. and 6 chickens vertically. 8 steaks. 7 racks of ribs vertically
- The EGGcessories that the BGE accommodates include BGE Mini Slider Basket, BGE Drip Pan, BGE All-Natural Charcoal Starters, and BGE Natural Lump Charcoal
- And, of course, there are other EGGcessories to choose from, optimizing your grilling experience.
Benefits Compared to the Others
- Capable of cooking up to twelve burgers or up to eight steaks, it’s not difficult to see why.
- Plus, with stainless steel cooking grids, the BGE is durable. Moreover, porcelain glazed ceramic enables moisture and heat retention.
- As the Envisioning Green blog puts it, “The ceramic helps keep the moisture in the food for succulent meats and food. This construction also makes for a product that lasts and lasts.”
- In short, ceramic kamado grills enable more heat retention, durability, and versatility than other grills.
Reservations Compared to the Others
- However, there are some drawbacks. For instance, the top air vent on the Big Green Egg is manufactured out of cast iron and thus prone to rust. It also slides around when you close the grill.
- Meanwhile, the air vent of the Kamado Joe is manufactured out of rust-resistant aluminum. It also conveniently remains in place when closing the kamado’s lid.
- Plus, the vent of the Kamado Joe has lines on it to gauge and control the temperature.
- On the one hand, the price tag of the Kamado Joe is higher. However, this is because it comes with a few crucial accessories.
- For instance, the Kamado Joe comes with a portable cart, side shelves, and a ceramic plate, whereas the Big Green Egg only includes the kamado grill itself.
- Another disadvantage of the BGE is that when you let go of the handle, the lid comes crashing down, whereas the lid of the Kamado Joe stays up, ideally counterbalanced. While this may not be a problem for some, those with lifting limitations may consider it a problem.
Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill Review:
Another ceramic grill, the Kamado Joe provides heat retention, durability, and versatility as well. Another similarity is that both grills feature stainless steel cooking grids, lending them further durability. Additionally, the Kamado Joe is compatible with accessories of its own.
Clearly, the Kamado Joe has a lot going for it. Ranging from its integrated thermometer to its Divide and Conquer cooking system, the Kamado Joe is sure to please.
Features
- Premium 18″ Ceramic Grill with Cast Iron Cart & Locking Wheels
- The revolutionary multi-level, half-moon design frees you to cook different foods in different styles at different temperatures—all at the same time
- Kontrol Tower Top Vent – Maintains consistent air setting for precise airflow management during dome opening and closing.
- Reduce dome weight by 96% with the Patented Air Lift Hinge.
- AMP FireBox – The patent-pending six-piece design eliminates breakage and increases grill efficiency.
- The accessories that the Kamado Joe accommodates include: Kamado Joe Grill Covers, Kamado Joe Carts, Kamado Joe Tools & Racks, Kamado Joe iKamand, Kamado Joe Divide and Conquer
Benefits Compared to the Others
- The 2-Tier Divide and Conquer Cooking System alone enable you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
- An interesting difference between Green Egg vs Kamado Joe is found in the hinge. The Kamado Joe’s hinge support mechanism is innovative indeed. It’s counterbalanced so that when you let go of the handle, the lid remains up.
- In contrast, the Green Egg’s handle slams down hard and is more difficult to lift open.
- While this won’t be an issue for everyone, those with lifting limitations might prefer the Kamado Joe in this regard.
- Plus, both grills have top-air vents to control their temperature. While the Big Green Egg has a vent that’s prone to sliding around when the lid is shut, the Kamado Joe’s air vent remains in place well. Additionally, the Kamado Joe’s vent is marked with lines to better gauge and control the grill’s temperature.
- In addition, the Kamado Joe is packaged more thoroughly. While the Big Green Egg comes in an easily ripped standard cardboard box, the Kamado Joe is much more thoroughly packaged, including a wooden top and bottom and a sturdier box.
Amazon Availability vs. Inconvenience
For some reason, the Big Green Egg is not available through Amazon. You need to go to their website and locate a dealer. With Amazon’s popularity being what it is, it’s a bit peculiar that you can’t buy the Big Green Egg there. Yet another advantage of the Kamado Joe.
A Bit of History
Kamado is a style of cooking that originated in the Far East. Said to date back some three thousand years, the technology is tried and true.
For instance, in the Far East, they cooked food in clay pots to optimize heat and moisture retention.
It’s amazing to think of how we are using a cooking system based on what archeologists have excavated from these ancient cultures.
While they’ve been greatly enhanced with modern materials, the heat-retaining property of the ceramic used in the construction of your Kamado is just an improved version of the clay pots that archaeologists have found dating back to ancient Chinese and Indian civilizations.
Utilized by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, they brought it back to the United States. And obviously, it was destined to rise in popularity, leading to some of the finest grills being manufactured.
Buy the Best
In the final analysis, whether you decide upon the Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe, you are buying a great grill. Being ceramic grills, they’re both versatile and durable. On the one hand, they’re expensive.
However, they’re well worth the investment, providing you with years of fine grilling.
The bottom line though is that the enclosed design is what distinguishes the kamado from other grill types. It encloses smoke and moisture. Plus, it takes less time to get the grill up and running.
As we’ve noted, the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II certainly has its advantages, whereas the Big Green Egg has pleased countless consumers, some devoted enough to consider themselves EGGheads.
However, if you can afford the Kamado Joe, it’s well worth the investment. It’s the best grill available. As we’ve explored, it has innovative features unmatched by other grills.
We realize there are a lot of factors to consider, but we hope you found this kamado ceramic grill vs green egg guide helpful. So, whether you buy the Kamado Joe or join the ranks of the other EGGheads, good luck in your search to find the best ceramic kamado grill.
And remember: Whichever of the two you get, you’re sure to enjoy a lifetime of delicious meals.