Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in Red with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool. 250 Cooking Square Inches, 2 Tier Cooking System, Model KJ23RH
$999.00
Description
Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in Red with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool. 250 Cooking Square Inches, 2 Tier Cooking System, Model KJ23RH
In-Depth Review
Growing up, grilling was more than just cooking; it was a rite of passage. Fast forward to my mid-30s, and I knew I wanted something that could bring that nostalgia to life while also making me the grill master of the neighborhood. That’s when I came across the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I. After some careful research and a couple of enthusiastic recommendations, I decided to take the plunge. Here’s how my experience has been.
**First Impressions**
When I first unboxed the Kamado Joe Classic, I was struck by its vibrant Blaze Red color and hefty build. I mean, this isn’t just a grill; it feels like a centerpiece for my backyard. Setting it up was surprisingly straightforward. I was a bit intimidated by its weight—188 pounds!—but it comes with a sturdy cart that makes it easier to move around. The overall design feels rugged yet elegant, and I appreciate the side shelves for prep space.
**Build Quality & Design**
This grill stands out not just visually, but also in terms of quality. The ceramic construction doesn’t just make it look good; it’s durable and excellent at retaining heat. I’ve had no issues with chips or cracks even after several uses. The stainless steel components, including the grill grates and handles, feel solid. It has this classy lacquered finish that screams high-end, which adds instant curb appeal.
**Performance & Daily Use**
Now, let’s talk about performance. The temperature control of this grill is phenomenal thanks to the adjustable air vent. It took me a couple of tries to master the airflow, but once I did, it held steady temperatures, whether I was grilling burgers or smoking ribs. The multi-level cooking system is a game-changer, allowing me to prepare multiple items at different temperatures without hassle.
I’ve tried everything from steaks to slow-cooked pork and even pizzas. Each dish has come out beautifully cooked and flavorful, thanks to the ceramic heat retention and charcoal flavor. Clean-up isn’t as painful as I thought it would be either, thanks to the ash tool provided that makes it easy to handle the leftover ash. Just don’t forget to wear gloves—things can get a bit messy.
**Who This Is Best For**
If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor cooking—whether you’re a novice looking to learn or a seasoned griller wanting a step-up in performance—the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is perfect for you. It’s great for family gatherings or small BBQ parties with friends. However, I would say if you’re living in an apartment or don’t have a dedicated outdoor space, you might want to consider alternatives, as this grill is definitely for outdoor use.
**Pros and Cons**
While my experiences have been largely positive, it’s fair to point out some downsides. On the pros side, the grill’s heat retention and versatility stand out as significant advantages. The aesthetic design is truly a joy, and the included accessories like the grill gripper are thoughtful touches. However, it does require a learning curve, particularly for those starting with charcoal grilling. Also, its weight means you’ll want a dedicated spot for it, making it a bit less portable than gas grills. Lastly, it’s not the cheapest option on the market, so budget-conscious buyers should keep that in mind.
**Final Verdict**
Overall, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is a fantastic investment for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. It combines quality craftsmanship with impressive performance. While it may take some practice to get the hang of it, the results speak for themselves. Every meal I’ve cooked has felt like a special occasion, and that’s the kind of magic I was hoping to bring to my backyard. If you want a grill that will impress both you and your guests, this one’s definitely worth considering.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kamado Joe |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 18″D x 18.11″W x 48″H |
| Special Feature | Adjustable Air Vent |
| Color | Blaze Red |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Outdoor |
| Finish Type | Lacquered |
| Included Components | Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic Joe Grill, 18″ |
| Assembly Required | No |
| Material | Ceramic, Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 188 Pounds |
| Model Name | Classic Joe I |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Installation Type | Built-In |
| Main Burner Count | 1 |
| Cooking Surface Area | 250 Square Inches |
| Series Number | 1 |
| Number of Racks | 3 |
| Heating Elements | 1 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00811738020228 |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor |
| Grill Configuration | 2-tier |
| Cooking System | Multi-level |
| Manufacturer | Kamado Joe |
| Primary Cooking Method | Grilling |
| UPC | 811738020228 |
| Item Weight | 188 pounds |
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Language | English |
| ASIN | B00IIUO06Y |
| Item model number | KJ23RH |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank |
|
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Warranty & Support
Specification
Overview
| Brand |
Kamado Joe |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions |
18"D x 18.11"W x 48"H |
| Special Feature |
Adjustable Air Vent |
| Color |
Blaze Red |
| Fuel Type |
Charcoal |
| Recommended Uses For Product |
Outdoor |
| Finish Type |
Lacquered |
| Included Components |
Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic Joe Grill, 18" |
| Assembly Required |
No |
| Material |
Ceramic, Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material |
Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight |
188 pounds |
| Model Name |
Classic Joe I |
| Frame Material |
Stainless Steel |
| Installation Type |
Built-In |
| Main Burner Count |
1 |
| Cooking Surface Area |
250 Square Inches |
| Series Number |
1 |
| Number of Racks |
3 |
| Heating Elements |
1 |
| Global Trade Identification Number |
00811738020228 |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage |
Outdoor |
| Grill Configuration |
2-tier |
| Cooking System |
Multi-level |
| Manufacturer |
Kamado Joe |
| Primary Cooking Method |
Grilling |
| UPC |
811738020228 |
| Department |
Unisex-Adult |
| Language |
English |
| ASIN |
B00IIUO06Y |
| Item model number |
KJ23RH |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer |
No |
Customer Reviews
7 reviews for Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker in Red with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool. 250 Cooking Square Inches, 2 Tier Cooking System, Model KJ23RH
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Dude –
The Best and Last Grill You Will Own
This grill is a game changer! I have been a gas grill dude for a long time because of its convenience and affordability. The problem with a frequent griller is that these consumer metal grills die after a few years even with good cleaning practices and I really missed the smoke/charcoal flavor that you don’t get from a gas grill. Tired of buying replacement parts every year, for the next grill search, I wanted to look into a ceramic style grill because of all the great feedback heard for several years. These aren’t budget grills and are pricey but getting a grill every 5 years adds up and gets frustrating. This time I decided to stop the cycle and spend some money on a high quality unit; the Kamado Joe Classic was my choice.My first thought is wow, I can’t believe how great this grill cooks and it seems the more I cook on it, the more it cures. I’ve cooked brisket, burgers, chicken, sirloin tip roast, baked cornbread, and tons of vegetables. This thing just continues to amaze me and my family is super happy not no have to lie about the char from my past grills.I’m not saying that this grill automatically turned me into a award winning grill master, but the divide and conquer set up gives more options to perfect your cook as opposed to traditional grills where shoving the delicate stuff on the top rack and closing the lid is about your only option.The grill arrives in a crate and is extremely well packed.This is a heavy grill and is simple to set up, however, you need two to three people to lift this beast on to the base.Once on the base, the inside fire box parts and the rest of it goes in really easy.The construction is thick ceramic and has a beautiful red glaze. It’s essentially a giant pottery cooker.Owning charcoal grills back in the day, I assumed that clean up was going to be a fairly dirty affair, however I found that with using the recommended chunk charcoal, there is a lot less to clean up than with briquettes.The Kamado can use chunk charcoal and wood. While briquettes will work as well, I personally will not use them in this grill to avoid that fuel smell imbedding in the grill.There are several chunk coal brands on Amazon that will work great including the Kamado brand charcoal.Lighting this grill is easy as long as you have good charcoal and a good starter. I use the haystack looking starters and food chunk charcoal.The included divide and conquer system is an innovative way to maximize a cook, meaning that it allows for indirect and direct grilling simultaneously.There are other accessories available as well which extends the options of use.The top and bottom vent work together to provide consistent heat through your cook. Once you learn how to work the vents to control heat, you can walk away with confidence that nothing crazy is going to happen. This pottery marvel keeps the heat better than any grill I’ve used.I found the Kamado to keep a 300 degree temp with the vents closed after a cook for about 3 hours. I was blown away. Knowing this, a batch of cornbread followed my last cook.The thermometer works well, but was hard to see, so it was replaced with a more visible model.The ash drawer is a nice addition and helps with cleanup.The side shelves are solid metal and match the metal legs. I like that they fold down and are metal-wood always rots away.The wheels work well. Be sure to assemble the locks to the front the grill instead of the back in case you set up in a corner like I do.There are tons of videos available to help you on your way if needed.I am extremely happy with the quality and versatility of this grill and am confident that this grill will outlast me.I highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for a heavy duty ceramic style cooker!
Average Joe –
Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg
I love this grill. I previously owned a Big Green Egg, but gave it to my son when I was living in a high rise. Now I’m back on solid ground with a patio and needed a grill. After a lot of research, I decided to try the Kamado Joe. It’s not cheap, but given the fact that it comes with plate setters, ash tool, and grill grate tool, it is cheaper than a Big Green Egg which includes no accessories. I was amazed at how fast I got it. Free 2 day shipping with Amazon Prime. There is some assembly required, but that is also simple. You will need someone to help you get it out of the crate, but that’s more from bulkiness than weight.I loved my Big Green Egg, so I was a little worried that the Kamado Joe wouldn’t have the same quality and temperature control abilities. No need to have worried. This is a well built product that has actually made some improvements over the Green Egg design. I’ll compare the two since my dilemma was to buy this or The Big Green Egg:1. The temperature control is as easy, accurate, and consistent as my Big Green Egg. Once the charcoal is lit, you can adjust the dampers to achieve your desired temperature, and it stays right there even on windy days.2. The top has a felt ring around it that holds the cast iron damper cap in place even when opening and closing the grill. This is an improvement over the Big Green Egg which just had the cap sitting on the ceramic. I would have to remove the cap when opening the lid to keep it from falling off of the Egg.3. With the Big Green Egg, you needed a bucket and ash tool, that was not included, to clean out the ash after cooking. The Kamado Joe has a slide in drawer that catches the ashes. The drawer holds enough ash to burn down a full load of charcoal, then you just pull it out, empty it, and put it back in. It would be a good idea to occasionally remove the fire box, etc. and clean around it (also true of The Big Green Egg), but this tray makes it much easier to empty the ash out during every day use.4. You could only cook on the upper or lower level at one time on The Big Green Egg. The Kamado Joe comes with the Divide and Conquer system that allows you to cook all on one level or half the grill on the upper level and half on the lower level (closer to the coals). It also allows you to make half of the grill indirect heat while cooking with direct heat on the other half. This was great for reverse-searing steaks. I could cook them to medium rare with indirect heat then move them to the lower grate with direct heat to quickly sear them.5. The only thing I can think of that the Big Green Egg has over the Kamado Joe is the ceramic cap that you can put in place after using to shut off airflow and put out the coals. Closing the damper on top of the Kamado Joe has the same effect, but maybe a little less efficiently than the ceramic cap.I don’t want to take anything away from the Big Green Egg, because it is a quality product and mine is still in use performing like-new after 4 years. I have only had the Kamado Joe for a few months now, so while I can’t say how durable it is, I can say that it feels as solid as the Egg and I would expect it to also be performing like a champ in 5 years. Overall, I am very happy with my Kamado Joe, and keeping in mind that I have 5 years experience with the Big Green Egg and only 3 months with the Kamado Joe, so far I would recommend the Kamado Joe to anyone who is on the fence like I was between this and The Big Green Egg.
Libertad B. –
Lo estamos estrenando, de momento lo hemos usado una vez y genial. Robusto y la comida muy buena . Permite hacer varias funciones en una y evitas hacer obra para tener una barbacoa.
Michael Gerhardy –
Der Kamado Joe Classic II ist nicht einfach nur ein Grill – er ist eine Grill-Religion. Wer einmal mit einem Kamado-Grill gearbeitet hat, wird normale Kugelgrills nur noch müde belächeln. Aber ist der Classic II wirklich das Nonplusultra oder doch nur ein teures Outdoor-Deko-Objekt?Design & Verarbeitung – Ein roter HinguckerDer Kamado Joe Classic II kommt in knalligem Rot daher und macht auf der Terrasse ordentlich Eindruck. Die Keramik ist massiv, die Verarbeitung absolut hochwertig, und dank des Edelstahl-Grillrosts ist auch Rost kein Thema. Die Lüftungsschieber aus Aluminium sind präzise einstellbar, und das Scharnier mit Gegengewicht sorgt dafür, dass der schwere Deckel sich kinderleicht öffnen lässt.Funktion & Temperaturkontrolle – Grillen wie ein PitmasterOb low & slow bei 110°C oder scharfes Angrillen bei 400°C – mit dem Kamado Joe lässt sich die Temperatur auf den Punkt genau regeln. Das Air Lift Scharnier erleichtert das Handling enorm, und mit dem Divide & Conquer Grillsystem kann man auf mehreren Ebenen grillen oder verschiedene Temperaturzonen schaffen. Übersetzt heißt das: Man kann gleichzeitig ein Steak scharf angrillen und das Gemüse schonend garen. Grill-Nerds lieben sowas.Langlebigkeit – Ein Grill fürs LebenKeramik ist nicht nur hitzebeständig, sondern auch extrem langlebig. Während herkömmliche Grills nach ein paar Jahren durchrosten, kann ein Kamado Joe locker mehrere Jahrzehnte halten – vorausgesetzt, man geht pfleglich mit ihm um.Der Preis – Qualität hat ihren TarifHier kommt der Haken: Der Kamado Joe Classic II ist nicht gerade ein Schnäppchen. Wer ihn kauft, investiert in ein High-End-Gerät, das sich für passionierte Griller definitiv lohnt. Wer nur einmal im Jahr Würstchen grillt, könnte sich allerdings fragen, ob ein einfacher Kugelgrill nicht ausreicht.Fazit – Ein Grill für echte EnthusiastenDer Kamado Joe Classic II ist eine Investition in exzellentes Grillen. Perfekte Temperaturkontrolle, erstklassige Verarbeitung und extrem vielseitige Einsatzmöglichkeiten machen ihn zu einem der besten Kamado-Grills auf dem Markt. Der Preis ist hoch, aber für echte BBQ-Fans definitiv gerechtfertigt. Für mich passt das aber und vergebe gerne hier 5 Sterne.
Mark –
The leaves for the charcoal don’t fit properly after 10 tries
Greg Naylor –
Excellent BBQ, got it at a good price and can’t fault the delivery company.I’ve seen some reviews saying arrow was poor but for me they turned up when they said, phoned an hour before and were friendly and professional.
Ann Soucy –
Super bbq ont l’adore bon rapport qualité prix