9 Best Kamado Joe Grills (November 2026)
The best Kamado Joe grills include the Smoker Chef Wire Mesh Gasket Kit Fit for replacing a worn seal, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series 18-inch Ceramic for protecting a Classic Joe, and the Kamado Joe Pure Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax for simple charcoal starts.
On this page (5 sections)
The best Kamado Joe grill for most backyard cooks is the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch. Its 250 square inches, multi-level cooking system and 225 F to 750 F range cover smoking, roasting and searing in one outdoor setup.
Joe Jr. is easier to move for smaller cooks and trips. Big Joe offers a larger 24-inch format when cooking space matters more than footprint.
We compared Kamado Joe models and related parts by cooking size, cooking system, setup needs and the jobs each one helps you handle. Scores below reflect how each item fits a real cooking routine, not just how it looks on paper.
For most backyard cooks, the Classic Joe Series II hits the middle ground. The 18-inch size gives room for several foods at once, and the multi-level system lets you separate hotter and gentler cooking zones without a second grill.
The 225 F low end suits long, slow smoking. The 750 F high end suits direct searing over charcoal, so you can get both bark on brisket and crust on steaks.
Setup still matters with a ceramic charcoal grill. At 232 lb, the Classic Joe II needs a stable outdoor spot, room to open the dome and a plan for moving it on its cart with locking wheels.
Joe Jr. tells a different story for cooks who move around. With 150 square inches and a 75.6 lb weight, it still needs care, but it fits smaller batches and outdoor trips better.
Big Joe-size equipment moves in the opposite direction. A 24-inch format and matching covers take more space, so measure the patio or deck before choosing that scale.
Accessories can change what a grill does day to day. A gasket helps with sealing, a cover helps with storage, and cooking surfaces help with searing, griddling or raised indirect cooking.
If you are new to ceramic charcoal cooking, start with What Is a Kamado Grill? before choosing a size. For a wider comparison, see our Best Kamado Grill 2026 guide.
The rest of this post walks through each pick in order. We note who it suits, what the specs mean in daily use and where the honest trade-offs sit.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for replacing a worn sealSmoker Chef Wire Mesh Gasket Kit Fit
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for protecting a Classic JoeKamado Joe Classic Joe Series 18-inch Ceramic
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for simple charcoal startsKamado Joe Pure Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itKamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch
Best for most backyard cooks - 5
Check itKamado Joe Half-Moon Cast Iron Reversible Flat-Top
Best for griddle cooking - 6
Check itKamado Joe Stainless Steel Grill Grate Expander
Best for adding an upper cooking level - 7
Check itKamado Joe Durable Half-Moon Cast Iron Cooking
Best for half-moon searing - 8
Check itKamado Joe Big Joe Series 24-inch Ceramic
Best for covering a Big Joe - 9
Check itKamado Joe Joe Jr 13.5-inch Portable Ceramic
Best for portable kamado cooking
Which Kamado Joe grill is best for your cooking style?
The Classic Joe Series II is the strongest all-purpose choice, while Joe Jr. fits smaller cooks and Big Joe-size equipment fits buyers who need a 24-inch cover. The other picks solve maintenance, fire-starting and cooking-surface problems around a kamado.
Smoker Chef Wire Mesh Gasket Kit Fit: Best for replacing a worn seal
- 150 in fiberglass gasket
- Internal steel wire mesh
- Gray Nomex outer material
- Fits Kamado Joe Classic and Big Green Egg models
This aftermarket gasket helps address smoke leaks around a Kamado Joe Classic lid. Its 150 in fiberglass design includes internal steel wire mesh for a replacement seal.
Pros
- 150 in length
- Wire mesh inside
- Fits Kamado Joe Classic
Cons
- Aftermarket part
- Fit should be checked before installation
The Smoker Chef Wire Mesh Gasket Kit Fit solves a maintenance problem rather than adding a new cooking feature. It has 150 in of fiberglass gasket with internal steel wire mesh and a gray Nomex outer material.
This aftermarket replacement is listed for Kamado Joe Classic, Big Green Egg models and other ceramic grills. Smoker Chef notes that the product is aftermarket and is not endorsed or produced by Kamado Joe.
Check the shape and length of your existing gasket path before installation. Clean the old adhesive from the lid and base so the new seal can sit evenly and close without gaps.
The internal steel wire mesh is meant to improve durability and heat control in daily use. The fiberglass design is aimed at helping the lid seal better for temperature control and smoke retention.
The kit weighs 4 ounces and contains 1 count. That light weight makes it simple to store in a drawer until the next time smoke starts escaping around the lid.
It suits a Classic owner who is dealing with smoke leaks and wants a replacement part rather than a new grill. It also suits a cook who notices the grill struggling to hold a steady temperature during a long cook.
The trade-off is fit before anything else. Compatibility is stated for Kamado Joe Classic, but other ceramic grill models can differ in lid shape and gasket path.
Measure and compare carefully, since a poorly seated seal will not do the job. This is a small part, but its fit affects how the whole grill behaves.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series 18-inch Ceramic: Best for protecting a Classic Joe
- Full-length cover
- Waterproof black polyester
- Adjustable buckle
- Fits round 18-inch charcoal grills
This full-length waterproof cover suits a Kamado Joe Classic Joe series grill. The adjustable buckle helps keep the cover in place during outdoor storage.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Full-length coverage
- Fits Classic Joe series
Cons
- For 18-inch grills
- Cover is not a grill
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series 18-inch Ceramic cover protects a Classic Joe series grill during outdoor storage. It has a full-length, waterproof design with black polyester construction and an adjustable buckle.
Its stated cover size is 33.5 x 33.5 x 48.5 in. That sizing suits Kamado Joe Classic Joe series grills, Large Big Green Egg models and other round 18-inch charcoal grills.
Use a cover only after the grill has cooled. Pull it down evenly and keep the buckle secure around the grill so wind does not lift an edge.
A cover can reduce exposure to rain, dirt and debris between cooks. It does not replace checking the ceramic body, vents and cart before you light charcoal for the next meal.
This pick suits a cook who stores the grill outside and wants full-length coverage. It is less useful if your grill already lives in a covered garage or shed.
The adjustable buckle helps the cover stay in place, but the size still has to match the grill. A smaller grill will leave excess fabric, and a larger grill will strain the closure.
Treat this as a grill-protection purchase, not a cooking surface or performance upgrade. Choose it when you already have an 18-inch round charcoal grill and need outdoor storage coverage.
Kamado Joe Pure Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax: Best for simple charcoal starts
- 24 paraffin wax cubes
- Odorless and smokeless
- Burns up to 1300 F
- Works with Kamado Joe and other charcoal grills
These paraffin cubes give charcoal users an alternative to lighter fluid. The 24-count pack is made for Kamado Joe grills and compatible with other charcoal grills and fireplaces.
Pros
- 24-count pack
- Odorless
- Lights when wet
Cons
- For charcoal fires
- Requires safe fire-starting practice
Kamado Joe Pure Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax cubes are the best fire-starting choice here for charcoal cooks who want a 24-count pack. Each cube is made from paraffin and is designed for Kamado Joe grills, other charcoal grills and fireplaces.
The cubes are described as odorless and smokeless, with a burn temperature up to 1300 F. They are also made to light when wet, which can help when outdoor conditions make small fire-starting materials harder to use.
Place a fire starter where it can ignite the charcoal safely, then keep the lid and vents managed as the fire develops. Never use more starter than needed, and wait for the charcoal to reach the cooking stage before adding food.
The product data names diesel as the power source type, but this is a paraffin fire cube for charcoal use. Follow the grill and fire-starter safety directions for your setup.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch: Best for most backyard cooks
- 18-inch ceramic grill
- 250 square inches
- 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system
- 225 F to 750 F cooking range
The Classic Joe II balances a useful 18-inch cooking size with multi-level cooking, a cart and locking wheels. It suits cooks who smoke and sear on the same charcoal grill.
Pros
- 250 square inches
- Multi-level cooking
- Cart with locking wheels
Cons
- 232 lb
- Needs a stable outdoor location
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch is the best full grill for most backyard cooks. Its 250 square inches give you a useful middle ground, and the 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system lets you cook at different levels and temperatures.
The ceramic grill includes a cart with locking wheels and side shelves. Its Kontrol Tower top vent supports airflow management, and the stated range runs from smoking at 225 F to searing at 750 F.
The air lift hinge reduces the effort needed to raise the dome. The six-piece AMP FireBox is designed to reduce breakage and improve grill efficiency, according to the product information.
At 232 lb, this is a substantial outdoor appliance. Plan the location before delivery, including a stable surface and room to open the dome fully.
For a different insulated kamado format, compare this with our Weber Summit Kamado E6 Review. If you are starting from zero, our Best Kamado Grill For Beginners guide focuses on simpler buying decisions.
Kamado Joe Half-Moon Cast Iron Reversible Flat-Top: Best for griddle cooking
- Smooth and ribbed surfaces
- 162 square inches
- Cast iron construction
- Works with Divide & Conquer
This half-moon griddle adds smooth and ribbed cooking surfaces to a Classic Joe setup. Use the surface that matches the food and leave the rest of the grill available for another cooking zone.
Pros
- Two cooking surfaces
- Cast iron heat retention
- Classic Joe compatibility
Cons
- 7 lb
- Designed for compatible round 18-inch grills
The Kamado Joe Half-Moon Cast Iron Reversible Flat-Top adds griddle-style cooking to a Classic Joe setup. One side is smooth and the other is ribbed, with 162 square inches of cooking area.
The 7 lb cast iron surface works with the Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System. Its half-moon shape lets you pair the griddle with another surface rather than covering the full round grill.
Use the smooth side for foods that need a flatter cooking area. Use the ribbed side when you want texture and grill marks from the cast iron surface.
Preheat gradually before cooking, since cast iron in a charcoal grill can heat unevenly if it is rushed. Care for the surface according to the instructions for cast iron after each use.
Compatibility is stated for Kamado Joe Classic Joe series, Large Big Green Egg and other round 18-inch charcoal grills. Confirm your cooking system before ordering, because a half-moon accessory depends on the layout inside the grill.
This suits cooks who want breakfast foods, flatbreads or seared items alongside direct grilling. It is less suited to someone who only wants a full round grate for every cook.
The weight is worth planning for at 7 lb. Use a suitable lifter and gloves when moving it while the grill is hot.
Kamado Joe Stainless Steel Grill Grate Expander: Best for adding an upper cooking level
- 4 in clearance
- Stainless steel
- Up to 60 percent more cooking surface
- Fits Classic Joe I, II and III
The grate expander creates a raised level for vegetables and delicate meats. Its 4 in clearance also separates food from the fire for indirect charcoal cooking.
Pros
- Adds a raised level
- Stainless steel
- Fits Classic Joe I, II and III
Cons
- For compatible round grills
- Adds a separate cooking accessory to manage
The Kamado Joe Stainless Steel Grill Grate Expander is the best choice when one cooking level is not enough. It sits directly on the grill grate and gives food 4 in of clearance from the lower level.
The stainless steel expander is made for charcoal indirect cooking and can add up to 60 percent more cooking surface. It suits vegetables and delicate meats that benefit from being raised away from the fire.
The dimensions are 15.5 x 13 x 4 in, and it weighs 1.54 kg. Compatibility includes Kamado Joe Classic I, II and III, plus round 18-inch or 24-inch charcoal grills.
Use the added height to separate foods by heat zone. Keep higher-value items up top and items that need stronger direct heat lower down, or reverse the plan depending on the cook.
Leave enough room for the lid to close without pressing into the food. A raised level changes how food sits under the dome, so arrange items before the fire is fully hot.
The accessory expands a cooking setup, so it does not replace planning for airflow and charcoal placement. Stainless steel also needs care suited to that material, rather than the care used for cast iron.
This suits cooks who run out of room during a single meal. It is a simple way to add capacity without changing grills.
Kamado Joe Durable Half-Moon Cast Iron Cooking: Best for half-moon searing
- Half-moon cast iron grate
- Grate lifter included
- Heat-retaining material
- Fits Classic Joe series and other round 18-inch grills
This half-moon cast iron grate suits cooks who want a heat-retaining searing surface in a Classic Joe. The included lifter helps install or remove the grate when hot.
Pros
- Heat-retaining cast iron
- Lifter included
- Half-moon shape
Cons
- 7 lb
- For compatible 18-inch grills
The Kamado Joe Durable Half-Moon Cast Iron Cooking Grate is a focused searing surface for a Classic Joe. Cast iron retains heat, and the 18 x 9 x 1 in grate fits a half-moon cooking layout.
A grate lifter tool is included for installation and for lifting the grate when hot. The 7 lb grate is made for Kamado Joe Classic Joe series, Large Big Green Egg and other round 18-inch charcoal grills.
Use it when you want a cast iron cooking zone instead of a full round grate. Heat the surface gradually and clean it after cooking so grease and residue do not remain on the grate.
The half-moon shape leaves room for a second surface in the same grill. That makes it useful when you want direct searing on one side and gentler cooking on the other.
This is a cooking grate, not a complete grill. It makes the most sense for someone who already has a compatible 18-inch setup and wants another surface for direct charcoal cooking.
Cast iron care matters with this kind of grate. Follow the care instructions for the material, and use the included lifter rather than handling it by hand when it is hot.
Weight and shape both affect daily use. At 7 lb, it is portable between storage and the grill, but it still needs gloves and a stable hand when the grate is hot.
Kamado Joe Big Joe Series 24-inch Ceramic: Best for covering a Big Joe
- Full-length waterproof cover
- Black polyester
- Adjustable buckle
- Fits Big Joe and round 24-inch charcoal grills
This full-length cover is sized for a Kamado Joe Big Joe series grill. The waterproof polyester outer layer helps shield the grill during outdoor storage.
Pros
- Sized for 24-inch grills
- Waterproof
- Full-length design
Cons
- For Big Joe-size grills
- Cover is 2.8 lb
The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series 24-inch Ceramic cover is the protection pick for a larger Big Joe setup. It has full-length black polyester coverage, a waterproof design and an adjustable buckle.
The cover measures 37.8 x 37.8 x 55.1 in and weighs 2.8 lb. It fits Kamado Joe Big Joe series grills, XL Big Green Egg models and other round 24-inch charcoal grills.
Use the correct size so the cover reaches over the grill without forcing the buckle. Let the grill cool before covering it, and check the vents and ceramic surfaces when you remove the cover.
A 24-inch cover is too large for an 18-inch Classic Joe. Excess fabric can collect water or flap in wind, and it will not secure the same way around a smaller grill.
If your grill sits in a tight area, measure the full footprint and lid height before choosing a Big Joe-size cover. The cart, shelves and handle can affect how the cover drapes.
This suits a cook who already owns a 24-inch round charcoal grill and stores it outside. It is a storage accessory, not a way to make a smaller grill cook better.
Store the cover dry when it is not in use. That helps the polyester last longer between seasons.
Kamado Joe Joe Jr 13.5-inch Portable Ceramic: Best for portable kamado cooking
- 13.5-inch ceramic grill
- 150 square inches
- Cast iron stand
- Stainless steel grate and heat deflectors
Joe Jr. gives you a smaller ceramic kamado with a 150-square-inch cooking area. The cast iron stand, stainless steel cooking grate and heat deflectors support outdoor cooking away from a full-size setup.
Pros
- Portable design
- 150 square inches
- Built-in temperature gauge
Cons
- 75.6 lb
- Less cooking area than Classic Joe
The Kamado Joe Joe Jr 13.5-inch Portable Ceramic is the best Kamado Joe here for smaller outdoor cooks and trips. It provides 150 square inches of cooking area in a ceramic body with a cast iron stand.
The setup includes a stainless steel cooking grate, heat deflectors and an ash tool. A cast iron air vent supports temperature control, while the built-in temperature gauge helps you monitor the grill.
Joe Jr. measures 19.75 x 20.75 x 27 in and weighs 75.6 lb. That is far lighter than the 232 lb Classic Joe II, but it still needs a stable outdoor surface and safe handling.
The smaller cooking area suits a few portions better than a large gathering. Choose it when portability and a compact cooking zone matter more than multi-level capacity.
The cast iron stand gives it a more grounded base than a small grill on a table alone. Still, plan how you will lift and move it before you leave home.
Heat deflectors support indirect cooking, which matters when you want slower foods without direct charcoal heat underneath. The ash tool helps with cleanup after the cook.
This suits tailgating, lake houses and small patios where a full Classic Joe would be too much. It suits fewer cooks than the 18-inch models, so check your usual batch size first.
How do you choose a Kamado Joe size?
Choose an 18-inch Classic Joe for flexible backyard cooking, a 13.5-inch Joe Jr. for smaller portable cooks, and a 24-inch Big Joe setup when you need more room. Cooking area, storage space and the grill's weight matter as much as the diameter.
An 18-inch model gives you room for several cooking tasks while staying smaller than a 24-inch grill. The Classic Joe II also has a cart and locking wheels, which helps with placement but does not make the 232 lb grill easy to relocate.
Joe Jr. has 150 square inches, so it works best when you cook smaller batches. Its ceramic body and 75.6 lb weight still call for care when moving it.
A Big Joe-size cover measures 37.8 x 37.8 x 55.1 in. Use that larger format only when the cooking area and outdoor space justify the extra footprint.
For tight patios and compact outdoor areas, see Best Kamado Grill For Small Spaces. Commercial cooks can compare Best Kamado Grill For Small Business before choosing a larger setup.
What cooking surfaces help a Kamado Joe do more?
The best cooking surface depends on the food you cook most often. Use a cast iron grate for heat retention, a reversible griddle for smooth or ribbed cooking, and a grate expander for extra height and indirect cooking.
The half-moon cast iron grate creates a focused searing area and includes a lifter. The reversible griddle gives you 162 square inches with two surface textures, while the stainless steel expander raises food 4 in above the lower grate.
Half-moon accessories work well when you want two cooking zones at once. One side can handle direct charcoal heat while the other side holds food at a gentler pace.
Match the accessory to the grill size and cooking system before heating the grill. Compatibility matters more than the general shape, since a half-moon piece is built around a specific layout.
Cast iron and stainless steel need different care in daily use. Cast iron benefits from gradual heating and material-specific cleaning, while stainless steel can be handled as a lighter raised surface.
Keep lid clearance in mind when stacking surfaces. A raised grate can change how food sits under the dome, so arrange the food before the fire is fully hot.
Think about weeknight cooking, not just special meals. If you mostly sear steaks, a cast iron grate earns its storage space.
If you mostly cook vegetables and delicate meats, the expander may help more.
Do not buy every surface at once. Start with the one that matches your most common cook, then add another when a clear gap shows up.
How should you start and care for a Kamado Joe?
Start charcoal with a suitable fire starter, control airflow through the vents, and let the grill cool before covering or cleaning it. A sound gasket also helps the ceramic body hold a stable cooking environment.
The Kamado Joe paraffin cubes are made for charcoal grills and can light when wet. Place the cube safely under the charcoal, then manage airflow in small changes instead of leaving vents wide open throughout the cook.
Do not use more starter than needed for the size of fire you want. Wait for the charcoal to reach the cooking stage before adding food, and keep the lid and vent routine consistent as the fire develops.
Keep cooking surfaces clean with methods suitable for cast iron or stainless steel. Cast iron grates and griddles need different care from stainless steel expanders, so follow the care instructions for the material.
Check the gasket when smoke escapes around the lid. The Smoker Chef replacement is 150 in of fiberglass with internal wire mesh and is intended for compatible Kamado Joe Classic models.
Clean the old adhesive before fitting a new seal so it can sit evenly. A gasket that is not seated well can make temperature control harder during a long cook.
Cover the grill only after it has cooled. Use the 18-inch cover for Classic Joe models and the 24-inch cover for Big Joe models so the buckle and full-length coverage match the grill.
Store covers dry when they are not on the grill. That simple habit helps outdoor storage gear last longer through wet seasons.
Which Kamado Joe should you choose?
Choose the Classic Joe Series II 18-inch if you want one Kamado Joe for smoking, roasting and searing. Its 250 square inches and multi-level system make it the most balanced full grill in this group.
Choose Joe Jr. if 150 square inches is enough and you need a smaller ceramic grill with a stand, heat deflectors and a stainless steel grate. Choose Big Joe-size protection only when you already have a 24-inch grill.
For an existing Classic Joe, pick the gasket when smoke leaks around the lid. Pick the griddle for smooth or ribbed cooking, the cast iron grate for searing, and the expander for raised indirect cooking.
Start with the problem you actually have, not the accessory that looks most useful. A worn seal, a crowded grate and a need for griddle cooking each point to a different purchase.
Measure your outdoor space before choosing a full grill. The Classic Joe II weighs 232 lb, so placement and cart access matter as much as cooking area.
Joe Jr. still weighs 75.6 lb, so portability is relative rather than effortless. It is the better pick when a smaller batch and a movable setup matter more than capacity.
If you want a smaller charcoal option, our Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Review is a useful next comparison. The right choice comes down to batch size, storage space and cooking style.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for replacing a worn seal
Smoker Chef Wire Mesh Gasket Kit Fit
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for protecting a Classic Joe
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series 18-inch Ceramic
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for simple charcoal starts
Kamado Joe Pure Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Which Kamado Joe is best for most people?
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch is the best fit for most backyard cooks because it combines 250 square inches with a cart, locking wheels and multi-level cooking. It also supports smoking at 225 F and searing up to 750 F.
Choose Joe Jr. when portability matters more than cooking area.
What is the difference between Kamado Joe Classic Joe and Big Joe?
Classic Joe models use an 18-inch cooking format, while Big Joe models use a 24-inch format. The larger size gives you more room for bigger cooks, but it also needs more outdoor space and a cover sized for a 24-inch grill.
Measure the planned location before choosing.
Is Joe Jr. portable?
Joe Jr. is the most portable Kamado Joe in this group, with a 13.5-inch ceramic body, cast iron stand and 75.6 lb weight. Its 150 square inches suit smaller cooks and outdoor trips.
It is portable compared with the larger models, but you still need a safe, stable surface.
What does a kamado gasket do?
A gasket seals the meeting point between the grill body and lid. A replacement such as the Smoker Chef wire mesh gasket is intended to help reduce smoke leaks and support temperature control on compatible ceramic grills.
Check the fit before removing the old gasket.
