Home - Large Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe Classic II in 2023

Large Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe Classic II in 2023

by Alexander Wong

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:

Large Big Green Egg

View at BGE

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.

View at BGE

Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill Review:

Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic II Charcoal Grill, 18 inch, Blaze Red

View at Amazon

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.

View at Amazon

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.

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