Kamado joe 1 Year Later Review (is this my favorite grill?)

[@brandonstephens1447]

Damn dude must be loaded by the look of that outdoor kitchen/grilling set up 💰 💰. Well done sir!

[@embersliving]

Haha thank you! Took a ton of hard work! thanks for the support !

[@detroyt232323]

Loaded?? That's a small home here in Miami.

[@smokedya420]

Im really impressed by the versatility of the kamado joe.

[@embersliving]

So are we!

[@melboucher5117]

Just been out to look at gas BBQs and ended up finding Kamado Joes’. Came back home to do some research and thanks to your video have just bought one. Classic 3 as there’s just the two of us. Unfortunately I couldn’t order from you as the shipping charge to London would have been a lot! But thank you so much for a great watch!

[@embersliving]

Wow thats awesome! Glad to help! Great choice.

[@johnreinhardt5331]

Good review. I am 8 months in on my Classic 3 and love it for the same reasons and more. No issues so far. I do love the Joetisserie. Whole chickens on it are amazing. I also love the cast iron grates for steaks.

[@embersliving]

Great to hear

[@philipjanes]

Good info. A few years ago I went from gas to pellet. What a huge difference. But now I'm considering going to a kamado for the ultimate flavor. But my wife grills also and she loves the pellet grill simplicity while still getting a great flavor. But I think one of the Joe's will be what I get if anything.

[@embersliving]

You should have both! In Trevor's most up to date video on his outdoor kitchen he has a Primo charcoal smoker. Here is a top 5 video of kamado smokers! Top 5 Kamado Charcoal Grills - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmqsmmicmN96prc

[@Skans-Gustav]

Very good review. Thanks from Sweden. Thinking of buying one Classic. If too small one could have one more. Big Joe seems heavy.

[@embersliving]

Yeah you could work two

[@NicoloEugelmi001]

I had the same problem with the latch after the first year. I was happy to learn that it is easily adjustable. What blew my mind was calibrating my thermometer and finding that it was reading a whopping 110 degrees low. I was searing steaks at 380F and wondering why. Anyway, everything is adjusted and running fine now. If I could do it all over again, I would get the Primo for its oval shape.

[@embersliving]

The Primo XL is what Trevor replaced his Joe with. Really awesome Smoker! Have fun grilling.

[@NicoloEugelmi001]

@@embersliving Your videos with Trevor are very helpful. Even though I live in Canada, it was his comparison videos that helped me decide on my recent purchase of a Napoleon Pro 500. It just goes to show that barbecue is a helpful community with no borders. Thanks to all of you!

[@Lemiwinks55]

Ran into that same problem! I host a lot of parties and there's not enough grillestate. Just have to wait until September for the big joe.

[@embersliving]

You and me both!

[@wakeywarrior]

Buy a Weber Summit Kamado, half the price of a Big Joe and they beat ceramic.

[@Ashley-700]

Got mine about 6 weeks ago which sits alongside my Weber Genesis. The versatility it provides is brilliant and has produced the best steaks I’ve tasted 👍

[@embersliving]

Hard to argue that!

[@pedroflores7478]

This grill moves your BBQ to the next level. It is the best. All of my warrantee i items were replaced. 3 years in I had The smoke stick creak off. They sent me the entire new bowl. By the way you need to adjust the lock. Nothing to worry about.

[@embersliving]

nice

[@zackroberts3988]

If the seal was compressed it should be easier to close correct?

[@embersliving]

I think so

[@andrewapostol4554]

Great review.. I’m so thankful for all your information I will definitely buy next week

[@thomasadams6860]

Can't wait to get one! Also close by and might stop by the store.

[@embersliving]

We are currently sold out but have more coming

[@ElJonorino]

Thanks from Australia - awesome tips

[@embersliving]

Glad you liked the video!

[@detroyt232323]

FYI, the closing match is adjustable very easily. Also they recommend not latching the dome when not in use to preserve the gasket. All from the manual.

[@embersliving]

Very nice Thanks!

[@benjidz]

Good feedback. Your advice was some that I took when also considering to buy a KJ classic 3 earlier this year. Glad to see you’re enjoying your grill a year on

[@embersliving]

Thank you! Glad we could help with the decision making process!! thanks so much for watching!

[@eastonvonschist2283]

After using mine for almost a year I suddenly have had a problem with the food tasting like charcoal. I use kamado Joe charcoal and charcoal starters and have not changed anything in the way I cook or use the unit. Have not used it since for fear of ruining a good chunk of meat. Not sure what to do with it at this point?

[@embersliving]

hmm that is super bizarre

[@eastonvonschist2283]

@@embersliving I know right? I guess I should try again before I sell it.

[@charleswilson4042]

Have you done a deep clean on the grill yet?????

[@eastonvonschist2283]

@@charleswilson4042 Actually, I found out that I had not let the charcoal get hot enough or long enough before I added the meat. I have not had that problem sense. I was a newbie so that was part of the problem.

[@velvetjones1856]

I bought a Green Egg and was unable to master the air regulation. It would either get too hot or the coals would die if I tried doing a long term cook. The blower accessory would have been the solution but I have decided it may be time to return to a gas grill or try the new Weber pellet.

[@embersliving]

Yeah the pellet grill may be the way to go.

[@velvetjones1856]

@@embersliving Newest Weber seems the best

[@waynesimpkins7310]

Very helpful information! Think I am going to get the Big Joe.

[@embersliving]

Glad we could help! Do it, you won't regret it.

[@DiceRunner20032001]

You like your Evo? I'm thinking about doing an outdoor kitchen with a Kamado and griddle set up.

[@embersliving]

I do like it. I thinks it’s more well suited being round if you can access all the way around it, not around a railing. We carry several brands and can help you out

[@veryfine4]

I looking at that Evo also however looking for something that I can do hibachi style cooking would you Recomend anything else. I have the Napolian prestige pro I Purchased from you it is holding up ok here in Florida. Something heavy duty and long lasting that you wold anyone recommend.

[@GallaghersGrub]

We have very cold winters. Do you think the ceramic will hold up if the kamado is left outside for the winter?

[@embersliving]

Yes definitely

[@xklevin1]

Whered you get those tongs to move the grill grates?

[@dallassoccerkidd]

Does this fit any size brisket?

[@embersliving]

yeah

[@RicanInk67]

Love the review. Is it possible to leave outside the whole year despite the weather changes with a cover? Is it ok to use during the winter and not crack when you try to use it in winter?

[@embersliving]

Hello! I do believe trevor left it out during the winter. Please give us a call at [phone] and salesman will help you.

[@bernardsbbq]

Great video and perfect timing for me as I fired up my Kamado Joe for the first time today!

[@embersliving]

Thank you so much! Sounds like you're having an amazing day! Thanks for watching!!

[@bernardsbbq]

@@embersliving As it looks it might become amazing years 👍

[@joecamel8182]

Really informative video. Thanks

[@embersliving]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@M4ttNet]

Awesome. Always great to get first hand long term feedback in how you actually use it given the options. It really seems like people love their Kamados. I've been slowly planning my future house's outdoor grilling/kitchen setup, which will likely be through iterations. I've been eying the Coyote Pellet grill as my potential first option. Since it can quickly get up to temp (at least have one data point from one user who said takes about 10 min or less to get over 600 degrees) so seems like it can fill the gas grill convenient grilling option, also offer super easy smoking (which combined means reverse searing + smoking etc) and being all stainless it looks great and super durable. Though I've also been debating a Kamado since it can do all those things too, albeit less convenient. I do want a charcoal grill, but of course there are plenty of options to just fill that role, even the classic weber kettle for dirt cheap (though I've been eying eventually getting a big Santa Maria grill too), but this would fill that role also. It seems like the one grill you don't mention using much anymore is the pellet grill? Do you think a kamado + a gas grill (really excited for your feedback on your incoming Hestan too) replaces the pellet grill?

[@embersliving]

Hey Matthew! Thanks for the comment! If you're local come check out the shop and we can definitely help you build the ideal setup for the outdoor kitchen! We do love the Coyote Pellet grill. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYbCgHh8q52Yabc that is a link where we compare three pellet grills including the Coyote. We think you will find that quite helpful. Now as far as Pellet vs Charcoal we always say charcoal. That is because we get a nice richer taste from it. Pellet gives you a similar taste just less intense. As far as functionality and ease of use, we recommend the pellet grill. Easy to load and you set your tempt and you're ready to go. Like you said time from initial high to cooking time is much less with pellet. I think you've got great options set out for you as far as cheap and reliable charcoal grills. Hope this helps a little bit! Take care and thanks so much for watching! If you have any questions visit our website or call the shop! We'd love to help you more!

[@rxonmymind8362]

Have a Kamado grill (Not a Joe) and got the grilling down. What REALLY impressed me was once you shut down the grill the next day I went to clean it out there was hard charcoal left over enough for the next cook. Efficient to say the least. Now like you I need a bigger one. But for now it's doable.

[@embersliving]

cool

[@czwest7845]

Family of 2 Big joe and Joe JR !!

[@embersliving]

Awesome!

[@mikesavicky503]

Great video. I went with the big joe 3 for the same reasons you mentioned. I love it! Fun to cook on. 🤙

[@embersliving]

Awesome!

[@jakemcclosky3818]

in the market for a Classic 3 or BJ 2. It's mostly just my gf and I. Have friends over once in awhile. Would Classic be big enough you think?

[@amiramkrasner]

which one did you buy?

[@sharmatime]

Dude. Fantastic review. I need to get one of these and dont see myself spending 1500 on the big green egg.

[@embersliving]

Yeah the Joe is awesome.

[@rodpinfold8824]

Thanks for the video, whilst explaining your favourite steak I think I was dribbling on my shoes 😂😂😂

[@embersliving]

haha glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@Strawberry_ZA]

as soon as he said that the wife hates it, i knew it was good

[@embersliving]

lol🤣

[@serhiiudod3604]

Can I use it on the balcony?

[@embersliving]

Hmm im sure you could, Its heavy though and you would have to manage the smoke. Also some HOA dont allow it.

[@paclay58]

There is a hex screw that will adjust the latch. If the gasket has compressed then the latch would be easier to close. I think some user error on latch adjustments.

[@embersliving]

thanks for the tip!

[@MrRatFinkster]

What is that cylindrical Stainless Steel machine on your counter?

[@embersliving]

That is a Evo Affinity 30G!

[@wakeywarrior]

Summit charcoal is the ultimate in Kamado having owned both. Also solves your size issues. Good review.

[@embersliving]

Awesome! Thank you for watching

[@JustinHollandFitness]

Is the slow roller and the diffusers the same thing?

[@embersliving]

not really

[@Vusace777]

Do you think this is better than the Primo XL?

[@embersliving]

no

[@rickcormier9160]

The SNS Kamado would look great on your deck!

[@embersliving]

Good to know

[@Crashtian]

I’m also going from classic 3 to big Joe 3. Didn’t have to twist my own arm to make that decision.

[@embersliving]

Haha nice

[@ChefEricGephart]

That classic is a beast. A quick adjustment to your latch will sort out the dome closure🤙🏾

[@embersliving]

awesome!

[@RobBeaglesRock]

Wish I could get mine to latch when closing the lid. Needs 2 hand, one to open the latch the other to close the lid otherwise it does not close. No directions from KJ how to resolve. They referred me to a video some guy put on line but it didn’t work. Not terribly satisfied after 6 months. Very sad to have spend so much ok a Big Joe3 and to be not totally happy. Oh, and did I mention the control tower doesn’t stay on?

[@embersliving]

Oh man so sorry to hear that! Have you contacted the dealer you bought from? Sometimes they can help get things pushed through

[@RobBeaglesRock]

Great suggestion. Thanks.

[@desdinovvilla-lobos]

Do you think that if you used the cover that the gasket would have lasted longer?

[@embersliving]

I think a bit yes

[@michaeln1683]

I bought the slow roller and see zero difference in ribs or anything else... What are your thoughts?

[@embersliving]

how hot were you cooking

[@soumynonareverse7807]

Maybe this is a bridge to far but what is your reason not to choose for a Komodo 42 if you need a bigger grill?

[@embersliving]

what do you mean?

[@soumynonareverse7807]

@@embersliving you said this is an awesome grill only you would rather choose the big joe because of it's size. That's why I wondered: what is your reason to choose the big joe rather than the Komodo Kamado 42?

[@link_7164]

The latch has an adjuster that I believe will fix that issue. Probably a moot point for you, but perhaps useful for others and you in future.

[@embersliving]

Nice!

[@chrisa8203]

What a view…what state are you in?

[@embersliving]

Colorado

[@TheRobTuber]

Go you keep it covered? Still feel the same way now?

[@embersliving]

what do you mean

[@TheNecronacht]

Let's go... Love my Big Joe!

[@embersliving]

Heck yeah! Glad you do!

[@pastra2435]

Adjust the screw of the lock and your dome closes perfect again

[@embersliving]

Good to know!

[@benjamincain6922]

Are you basically saying pellet grills aren’t your jam anymore? I love my ironwood and going to add a Kamado Joe probably next spring. In your opinion what is the ranking of grills. (Pellet, gas etc) best to worst

[@embersliving]

Yeah I have changed. I’ll have a new video on this, but 1-charcoal 2- gas 3- pellet

[@HOBrian2003]

Great video, how do you like that meat thermometer you had in the NY strip?

[@embersliving]

Thanks so much! Yes we love it. Comes from a company called Meater!

[@HOBrian2003]

@@embersliving Thank you!

[@BimmerDudeXi]

Have tried adjusting the latch to help with closing? Not going to lie, I cringed when you slammed the lid. I adjusted my latch when my big joe leaked a little smoke, that did the trick.

[@embersliving]

No I haven’t tried that yet

[@Anteater23]

Nice backyard dude

[@embersliving]

Thanks 👍

[@thomaswipf7986]

What thermometer do you recommend?

[@embersliving]

We recommend using Meater wireless meat probes.

[@thomaswipf7986]

@@embersliving Meater is a total piece of crap. Thermoworks all day.

[@pastra2435]

Love kamado joe! If you want the real smoky flavor....the traeger stays cold the joe runs. I got both...traeger ribs and very long jobs YES the joe for the real thing! PS Yes the big joe my wife has to deal with soon too😎 PPS I got allowence for 1 new grill this year (got 7 yet)....choice between phantom and big joe....big joe comes in august😍

[@embersliving]

Wow that’s a tough choice! Only thing is phantom is a one off grill

[@Professor5180]

Do you think the Kamado Joe can cook up a pizza like an Ooni Oven with either gas, pellets, or wood? Just seeing what my dream cooking equipment is.

[@embersliving]

They have a pizza attachment you can buy that is pretty cool. We have a video wehre we cook a pizza on the Kamado Joe. I would say the gas pizza ovens are pretty convenient and heat up quickly.

[@TheBarbecutioner]

Kamado Joe’s customer service and warranty support is UNMATCHED anywhere.

[@embersliving]

We agree! Thanks for watching!

[@RMS521]

If you like the divide and conquer setup on the KJ, try the Primo XL out. The oval shape really shines when doing 2-zone, and your wife won't have to look at the red cooker! 😂

[@embersliving]

Ohh man yeah you aren't wrong about the oval primo! That's the exact reason we love Primo! Haha and you're right no eye sore on the deck!

[@halpwr]

This is a classic 3, right?

[@embersliving]

yes that is correct

[@SplashFPV]

Yes, big joe it will be 🤟

[@embersliving]

sounds good

[@vanq884]

KJ GOOD COOKER. Stick to my WSG. Good vid

[@embersliving]

Yes it is! Thank you.

[@fbjones7364]

Several other colors to choose from.

[@fbjones7364]

Also, there is now a hybrid version or a converter to add to go from charcoal to gas.

[@embersliving]

@@fbjones7364 Nice! Wewill be doing a review on the smart one soon

[@gosman949]

I notice you have a wood deck like mine. Mine being redwood (expensive and rare now), I am concerned about grease spilling onto the deck. Has this happened to you?

[@embersliving]

mine is composite

[@gosman949]

@@embersliving so has grease spilled on it?

[@thefirstcuber]

For steaks, can't you just add the second grill grate on the highest level? Grill 8 steaks low and slow and then sear them in batches on the preheated cast iron? I have the classic and I think it is sufficient for a family :) Great video besides that :)

[@embersliving]

Great idea

[@JWFX4]

I was going to comment the same thing. I’ve seen others do a rack that stands off of the upper rack when doing steaks and then rotate them through from upper to lower and then sear them. From my understanding though, there isn’t much difference between the two levels of grates though. I haven’t done this though, just what I’ve seen.

[@bokettom]

Y’all should do a pro joe review

[@embersliving]

They discontinued unfortunately

[@JAROOOX]

I hear is not to easy to set up right temperature qnd all cleaning is annoying what you think

[@embersliving]

if cleaning is too much there are replaceable parts.

[@chrisah1]

The ability to so easily control temperature from the start of the session is a big one. I'm loving my 40USD drum bbq, but it's so hard to stop the temp from running away. At least with the kamado you can keep at a low temp then ramp up, then bring it back down etc, or vice versa. And also the clear smoke path is great. However, I'm still having fun with my 40USD bbq which if i can learn to use properly then I may just reward myself with a kamado.

[@embersliving]

Okay that's a pretty amazing to cook! Super inexpensive! Thanks so much for the feedback. We do agree that it is much easier to control temp with the Kamado. Thanks for watching

[@davidvalens3337]

Do you have Amazon link to your 40 dollar grill

[@jamesm.8392]

DoJoe is insanely expensive to just cook a pizza plus the out-of-control temps it encourages is beyond the Komado warning of 500F or less. Use a pizza stone take a few extra minutes and save a lot of money and your Kamado. Roti$$eri with its 4watt chinese motor is not necessary or a strong performer.

[@embersliving]

I agree

[@iliketurtles536]

bring back the stache

[@embersliving]

Haha okay on it

[@brianchen1163]

Big Joe 2 or big Joe 3? 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@embersliving]

3 all day

[@BenelliMr]

?? Fish: Does anybody have experience with fish grilling? We live at the coast and we grill fresh fish (caught over night, bought on the fish market at 10 and on the grill at noon) about 3 to 4 times a week. Max once a week a steak. Our kids love pizza, but only once every two months. Our health has significantly improved. We use a Weber Genesis gas grill.

[@embersliving]

you can use it just like a gas grill for fish

[@aLittlePal]

love to see you having good fun with the grill. this kamado style grill is really good. I'm in the process of getting one, and also, setting up a roasthouse/steakhouse business solely using kamado style equipment.

[@embersliving]

thats awesome!

[@MichaelWesthoff-f9s]

It seems they DC'd the iKamand and left us all holding the bag! I tried to use it for my July 4th cook and found they have removed the app and now it's rendered useless and removed my account. I went round and round with their customer service over emails(Becauser they don't have a phone number to call), that should tell you something! So my last email was it was, this is from them: We would like to assist you with your iKamand issue however, we have recently discontinued technical support for this product and it will no longer function. We apologize that the iKamand has not lived up to standards and is not allowing you to have a successful grilling experience. Thanks again for your continued support of Kamado Joe. We look forward to delivering new ways for you to Serve Up Adventure with future products. Enough said. $250.00 down the drain. My grill is awesome but after spending $3000.00 on a grill and accessories, is this the the kind of customer service you want?? I am not sure about the Green Egg, but i would buy that instead of dealing with these people, the service can't be worse. Steer clear!

[@QueIncorporated]

If you leave it on a cart you have the option to move it, to use that space. Gotta have the Evo. Pellet grills are just easy, same as gas

[@embersliving]

Yeah I prefer gas over pellet though

[@QueIncorporated]

@@embersliving you certainly have some great options in gas, Blaze, Napoleon...etc. I'm a stick burner (Shirley Fab) and Kamado Joe combo guy. Evo or Pizza Oven is the next dream toy

[@markrottjakob2670]

The Red Corvette does not fit with the aesthetics of the garage

[@embersliving]

It stands out nice though I think. Trevor ended up switching to Primo grill which is black

[@Repsol000]

I feel like this is a city boy smoker

[@embersliving]

Kamado Joe is awesome!

[@JohnChaplin]

Astetically or Aesthetically? Good video though..

[@embersliving]

You will have to educate me on the difference of the definitions… I’m not smart enough to know?

[@JohnChaplin]

@@embersliving . Was just being a smart arse. Just pulled the trigger on a Classic II.

[@jyfjgtyuh]

I can understand your wife, the red color doesn't match your outdoor kitchen colors. I wish that kamado joe will offer a black color option.

[@kevinjohnson5210]

What kind of warranty is it if Kamado Joe cannot, or will not replace items that fall apart (under warranty) for weeks or months? You cannot even use the grill, and it's under warranty? Buy an Egg or cook in your kitchen; this is an internet company with NO meaningful service.

[@embersliving]

Thanks for watching!

[@shawnlewis1918]

You just can't beat that smoky charcoal taste.....yes gas/propane grill is more convenient and easy but the sacrifice in flavor is NOT worth the convenience. I went several years on a gas grill not realizing what I was missing then the grill burned out and I didn't want to spend several hundred buying another one so I went with a cheap walmart charcoal grill and the first time I grilled on it my first bite was flavor overload....I had forgotten how much flavor is added with the charcoal....I never went back to gas/propane....I even used a chip box to help supply a little smoke but it's not the same....it barely makes a differenct. Charcoal is the way to GO and worth the extra work!

[@embersliving]

I agree!

[@FFL-vg9ro]

It’s red. Buy a gray cover that matches the house. You’re welcome.

[@embersliving]

nice

[@brentbeacham9691]

He must have a lot of money.

[@embersliving]

Thanks for watching!

[@bacchanalbrew6799]

Look at Komodo Kamado, bigger and your wife can pick the tile.

[@Pimpin101mn]

The American egg is a rip off

[@Paul-lv4kd]

But it's made in China. Let's all do our best to support non-communist countries.

[@embersliving]

Thanks for the feedbakc

[@eastonvonschist2283]

So is everything else! LOL

[@bobbybrady7872]

Yea, and if it was made here in US it would cost $3,000 to make and consumers would have to pay $6,500. So I’m cool with it

[@Content4Intent]

Paul thank you, I was considering the Kamado Joe but with rising tensions I am being as adamant as possible for us to be a household that does not give any money to China. Will be opting for something American made even if it means I gotta save up for longer. Glad to see there's people out there who still give a shit.

[@peterpotatoes]

So is your phone/computer you used to post this.

[@ldballoon4]

made in China

[@embersliving]

haha

[@billydiazbilly2212]

Jjgeorge table is amazing need to check very nice video 🤓

[@embersliving]

It really is!

[@davidstewart5039]

Great video. How about that EVOO Flat Top? Is it worth the high cost? @SamTheCookingGuy seems to love it, but he's one of the few I've seen use it a lot on KZbin.

[@embersliving]

I do love it, and it’s a fantastic piece. My only complaint. Is I have a railing up against the back, and being the evo is circular. I think it lends itself to more of an island setting where you can access it all the way around. Makes it much more functional

[@jonsays3762]

Stairmaster, my bro. Less steak. Fewer thighs.