Kamado Joe is famous for creating a range of heavy-duty kamado cookers that come with unique and innovative features. With its ceramic build and blaze red color, the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill really stands out. In fact, it is quickly becoming one of the company’s most popular models.
This charcoal grill is known for being particularly versatile and easy to use. It boasts a large capacity that is designed to precisely cook different types of food simultaneously. To find out more, simply read through our Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill review to get a better idea if this is the right charcoal grill for you.
So, let’s get started…
What’s in the Box?
One of the greatest things about this model is the full range of accessories provided. These include a rolling cart complete with locking wheels, twin side tables, and a grill gripper. There is also an ash tool, which makes cleaning up after cooking, exceptionally quick and easy.
The ceramic heat deflector is also a nice touch that helps to make cooking quicker, easier, and safer. In fact, you’re provided with everything you need to get started, apart from the fuel. All parts included in the kit are of high quality and match this model perfectly.
The ceramic heat deflector is also a nice touch that helps to make cooking quicker, easier, and safer. In fact, you’re provided with everything you need to get started, apart from the fuel. All parts included in the kit are of high quality and match this model perfectly.
The Design
The Kamado Joe Classic II is egg-shaped and comes with a thermometer embedded in the domed lid. The ceramic exterior has been painted blaze red, making it attractively eye-catching, and it’s set on a sturdy welded metal stand that comes with lockable back wheels.
The plastic side shelves can be locked into place or folded down when not in use. These shelves also come with hooks that can be used for hanging barbecue tools.
The Setup Process
You need to allow around thirty minutes to set up the Kamado Joe Grill fully. You are provided with a set of clear instructions to guide you through the process, and the only tool you need is a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the rolling cart.
The only real issue with the setup process is that this model is extremely heavy. In fact, it weighs in at 250 pounds! While this won’t be an issue during use, you may need help lifting it onto the supplied cart.
Performance
This model is famous for delivering impressive heat retention since it has been made entirely of heavy ceramic to help seal in the heat. You can easily control the temperature of the grill by adjusting the top and bottom vents.
The bottom vent provides heat regulation for optimum control. You can raise or lower it by 100-degree intervals. The top vent allows you to fine-tune the heat by 25-degree intervals.
This allows you to have impressive control over the exact temperature of the grill…
The enhanced heat retention means that you will also not have to burn as much charcoal. No matter what you are planning to cook, you are sure to be impressed with the results that this model delivers.
The Air Lift Hinge
The solid ceramic construction of this model means that the large dome lid is remarkably heavy. This means that you need to take extra care when closing the lid. If it slips and comes crashing down, the ceramic surface may crack.
Fortunately, the Kamado Joe Grill is set with a unique air lift hinge…
The air lift hinge feature is basically a suitably strong spring-loaded and counterbalanced hinge design, which reduces the weight of the dome lid by an impressive 96%.
As a result, you can lift the lid with a single finger…
The innovative hinge also allows you to set the lid at your desired angle. You can set the hinge so that the lid slowly lowers to eliminate the risk of damaging the grill.
Ease of Use
If you have never used a kamado grill before, you may find that this model comes with a learning curve. It can take time to learn and master the various features, and learning to control the temperature for long smokes and roasts can be especially tricky.
However, once you have mastered the technique, you are sure to appreciate the versatility this model offers. With a little patience, this charcoal grill actually makes life much easier in the long run.
Upper Air Exhaust Vent
This particular vent is designed to prevent water from getting into the grill. It also serves as a damper that spins from right to left to adjust air intake. For high-temperature cooking, you can remove the top entirely and utilize full air exhaust if you’d prefer.
AMP Firebox
The Kamado Joe Grill is set with an Advanced Multi-Panel Firebox that eliminates potential cracking. It features a segmented design that allows each piece to expand and contract independently. This ensures the ceramic build never cracks due to rapid heating or cooling.
Side Shelves
The side shelves provide you with the preparation space you need while cooking. There is enough space on each side table for a regular-sized dinner plate. This means that you can use one of the side shelves to receive cooked food.
The other side shelf can be used to hold condiments, rubs, and anything else you want to keep close at hand, meaning you will not have to venture too far from the grill during the cooking process.
Latching Lid
The lid provides a tight fit, which is ideal for low and slow cooking. With most grills, forgetting to shut the lid properly will result in a loss of smoke and heat. However, the rust-resistant latch on this lid ensures this will not be an issue.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning out ash is a dirty job that few people look forward to. However, it needs to be done regularly to keep the grill in full working order. Fortunately, this model comes with a slide-out ash drawer to make this process both swift and fuss-free.
The ash drawer is set at the bottom of the unit. All you need to do is slide out the drawer and dispose of the contents. You are also treated to a useful ash clean-out tool that is designed for hard to reach areas.
But, the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill also comes with a self-cleaning function…
For this to work, increase the grill temperature to 600°F for fifteen minutes. Close off the vents and allow the grill to cool down completely.
This process transforms any food that has burned onto the grate to ash. Once the grill is entirely cool, you simply need to brush the ash off the ceramics and grate.
The Warranty
Last but not least, let’s take a closer look at the warranty that is supplied with this model. You are treated to a limited lifetime warranty on all ceramic parts. The metal parts are guaranteed for five years, three years for the heat deflector, and one year on the gasket and thermometer.
Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill Review Conclusion
If you are looking for a charcoal grill with superior heat retention, this model is an excellent option. The Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill is especially easy to use. In fact, you can load up the grill, set the desired temperature, and let it do all the work with very little input from you.
The cooking area is more than sufficient for a family of four. Its excellent heat retention means that you can cook low and slow for several hours. This helps to provide the versatility you need to cook everything from steaks to pizza.
We think it’s an impressive option.
Happy grilling!
