Getting Started with the Kamado Joe Jr and My Opinion on Using One

I've learned a lot about the Kamado Joe Jr over the past few years of using it. I just want to share some of my experiences with it.
The stand is 22 1/2 inches long/wide, and 19 inches tall.

[@coffeeguy2000]

I love how authenticly this video was produced. Thx for the great team work.

[@rajnarulatrombone]

Waiting for my Joe Jr to be delivered. Your video is FANTASTIC! Thanks for doing it. What I liked most was that you were not fake, you did this video as if you were just talking to friends. Well done and thank you!

[@andrewgarven1137]

The stone you used for cleaning the grate is called a pumice stone.

[@darrenhughes8106]

I know this is an older video, but you have sold me on the Joe Jr. thanks.

[@md-peace4326]

Lots of good information in language I could easily follow. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. 👍👍

[@nodidog]

Thanks for doing this, it's the best information I've been able to find on the Joe Jr. I've just bought one today, so looking forward to getting started 🍖

[@paulinematuro543]

Thank you Tyler, very informative. I was trying to decide what model to buy, I'll go with the Junior. You gave tips that will be useful when I get it. I would have put the wood flavor right on top and been discouraged about my results. I think I'll have to revisit your video as I progress in grill skills. Most informative video on this Kamato Joe Junior on You Tube.- good job Chef !!

[@Lognar93]

Great video, man! Thank you for this. Very informative, appreciate all the little tips and tricks, and it's made my decision to go with a Kamado Joe Jr an easy one.

[@QJai]

I really appreciate this video. I was listening to your tips while I was carefully unboxing our new KJ Jr. 😄👍🏾

[@OKOK-hm2is]

Great content! I've been into grilling for a year now and I found some new interesting stuff in your videos that I didn't know about. Like how to setup smoking wood and about clear smoke. Thanks, a lot!

[@backyardkamado2546]

Excellent! Glad you found it helpful.

[@andyloftube]

Really great, hands-on real user tips - highly appreciated! Thanks!

[@S.Michaelis]

Appreciate this detailed video for KJ Jr. novices like myself and what you’ve learned. Haven’t found another video that explains starting on the KJ Jr. so thoroughly. 👍

[@richardgendron2869]

Ordered a Junior this morning. Tonight was looking for tips on using it and found your channel... Thank You very much for your thoughtful information and looking forward now to viewing the other videos you have made.

[@backyardkamado2546]

Thanks. Glad you got one!

[@williambell2188]

Thanks for the video, just got a jr and this gave me a good starting point.

[@TacoMechanic]

Very honest opinions, I just got one of these grills and I appreciate your info so much!

[@georgewhite1646]

Very good...........Well done video Tyler.

[@spudster4002]

Great review, great info. I have a large bge but looking for a small kamado. As I have the bge, the Minimax seems the obvious choice, but the Joe jr with the larger clearance underneath will work better for me. This video confirmed my choice. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@Macmathews1]

seems cheaper than the minimax as well

[@Adogsmate4267]

The whole secret is to start a proper fire. Start your fire in the grill, drop the chimney. I have one and started using it, but there is no need for it. It's just something American you don't need. Make sure your coals are touching well for slow transfer as you cook on for a long time. There is a sequence you should use. Start the fire in the grill with no stone or grill in it and the lid open, when you establish fire right across the bottom, put in your stone and grill, shut the lid, leave the top damper wide open until you see 125degrees C, close wide open to the holes wide open, wait till you see 150C. Close the bottom damper to 12mm open, close the top damper to a 1/4 🌒 moon, put your food in now. You will see the temp fall back to 125C. You will now have a stable fire that will last for hrs with very little adjustment. If the sun comes across your grill, be careful. If you are cooking in the sun, dial back the start temps 10C. That's it.

[@backyardkamado2546]

Good suggestions! I am going to release a new edition of this video from some stuff I've learned. I have since dropped the chimney as well.

[@MountainMan104]

Nice informative video. Well done and thank you!

[@mychaelp]

Thank you for the most useful review I've found. I think you convinced me to buy the Jr and not the full size model. I was having a hard time spending $300 anyway. Thanks for this!

[@backyardkamado2546]

Glad to help!

[@backyardkamado2546]

How are you liking the Jr?

[@GaeRBaeR92]

I have been looking into getting a Kamado Joe grill and was thinking about getting the Jr. As a "try it and see how it goes" sort experiment for myself before buying a bigger more expensive model. It's nice to know you use yours more regularly than the big version and that you can smoke a whole pork shoulder. Thanks for the info, keep the content coming!

[@backyardkamado2546]

Glad I was helpful!

[@p6x2]

Great "straight from the heart" video! I really enjoyed it, as I am trying to decide which BBQ size is better for me. A couple of constructive points you could maybe take into consideration if you want to do more of these videos. 1) script your video before your start, so you have a narrative and stay on topic. 2) if you are going to recommend utensils, get them upfront and go through them one by one; e.g. here's the accessories I recommend, and you go through everything miscellaneous, combustible, gloves, table, cover, tools, what not. 3) make sure the sound is perfect either protect your mike from the wind, or do it when it is a calmer day. Now what you should do is BBQ something, and show us all the steps.

[@backyardkamado2546]

Thank you for all the input. I agree with all of it! I think I'm going to do a simple partially smoked/grilled burger video next time.

[@p6x2]

@@backyardkamado2546 I watched all your other videos since, I will write up some comments under each on what more the audience may look for in terms of details. I am a complete beginner in everything BBQ, I live in Texas... in my former life, I was a "subject matter expert" for an international company. I have experience in mentoring, tutoring, creating content and teaching.

[@elmorro650525]

I just got the Jr. I am actually in the same situation. I have a big metal egg but it too big for small family. Jr kamado is perfect for fast small portoins grilling. Thanks for all the tips.

[@schick5646]

Enjoyed your presentation, have made up my mind to go with Jnr, we are a retired couple and I'm now sure it will do perfectly, I originally had the first Kamado from Japan which was a clay base 50, yes 50 years ago, and I've never had a BarBQ that tasted better, and I've had all the fancy ones, once again good video been a great help.

[@backyardkamado2546]

Excellent! Glad I could help.

[@kellbenlewis5270]

Thanks for the video.

[@johncourneya2606]

Thank you, bought the jr and this was helpful.

[@jornreimerdes8438]

Hi, thanks for sharing. I am thinking about a Kamado and searching for information like this. I watched couple of videos and none used a chimney on the Kamado. Most of them used a single fire started and let the chimney effect of the kamado do the rest. Maybe you could give it a shot. Thanks again for going through your handling. It gave some helpful insight on the joe jr

[@backyardkamado2546]

Thanks for looking out! I like the idea of letting the grill do its own thing, but I do not want to buy those little cubes. I'm very cheap! I tried rolling up the paper i use and stuffing it down in the charcoal once and it worked out pretty well that way. May try that again soon. I just melted my handle a little more on my last cook.

[@Lmgoodell]

Love this!

[@Mike_Genisys]

Nice video. I just recently did a similar setup with the classic iii for smoker and the jr for daily or high temps

[@zo4712]

Nice vid. informative. Like you, I have a KJ Classic and Jr., still getting used to the Jr. For temp regulation, I have an iKamand and absolutely love it. I've read many negative reviews of the iKamand, but no...it works just fine, and no need to make any mods to the vent. I'm trying to hold off on buying one for the Jr. (kinda defeats the less expensive pricing) and learn to manage the cook with the vents. Regardless another couple of recommended accessories: cowhide gloves to handle coal, hot utensils etc; and a bluetooth compartment and meat temperature monitor. So far, I'm a fan of the KJ products...not hating, but a more affordable option vs. the BGE. Nonetheless, each are excellent at what they do.

[@benjidz]

Good job. I have added a junior to my classic and this helped sanity check some of my approach. Not sure I see the need for the chimney personally but I appreciate your experience. Not enough videos on this topic. Thanks.

[@backyardkamado2546]

The chimney is probably not needed, even with the setup that it comes with. I'm planning to release an updated approach to cooking with the KJ Jr, including everything I've learned in the past few years since I put this original video out.

[@Macmathews1]

@@backyardkamado2546 looking forward to it

[@gregorbiegel6023]

Hi, thanks for the explained differences in smoke. Learned something again. The stone is a pumice stone, which arises from gas-rich volcanic eruptions. I also use smaller fragments of the stones to clean tiles and joints.

[@danasuechilds]

Good video, I think it helped to make my decision on whether going with this smaller more convenient size (for small family) vs the larger ones. Especially since Kamado is pricey!!! Suggestion: redo your video on a non-windy day. :)

[@backyardkamado2546]

I agree. Sorry for the noise! Glad you found some useful info, though.

[@commanderjoy4927]

Thanks for the detailed walk-through for the KJ Jr. There isn't much on the Jr. so your advice is very welcome. I just unboxed mine and am going through videos and info to be sure I know what I'm doing before I actually do it! One question- the drip pan you showed - exactly where do you place it in the Jr? That would have been a welcome visual detail. I guess since I haven't even used mine yet, I'm not sure where to place it. I have a whole duck I'd like to smoke on one of those vertical roasting racks and obviously there will be a lot of dripping fat.

[@backyardkamado2546]

Beneath the grilling grate and on top of the ceramic deflector.

[@justis4men211]

Nice Job Airman.

[@juliaalmoslino7407]

Thank you. I just got a Joe JR. I realize now my mistakes.

[@jay_phil341]

Great video Tyler, Finally a video that takes the time and does all the basics. Can you Do a quick video using the Boss On the Joe..

[@backyardkamado2546]

Hey Phillip, glad you enjoyed! I actually just uploaded one last night. I show how I use the flame boss on the reverse seared steak video.

[@jay_phil341]

@@backyardkamado2546 Nice one, I'll check that out.. 👍

[@markwebb6728]

Hi, great video. I’m over in the uk and have been looking at the classic 2 which retails over here for £1400 compared to £450 for the junior. Bit more expensive in the uk. So struggling to justify at the moment with the uncertainty over the virus etc but I’m almost thinking that I can get away with the junior. 2 kids as well , bit older but they don’t eat too much meat. I’m seriously weighing up the option of the junior now so thanks very much for your video. Enough space to roast a chicken ? Any more advice that would be great.

[@backyardkamado2546]

I have a couple other videos of me using the KJ Jr. Yes, there's enough for chicken. In fact, i did a chicken video.

[@neo1795]

Definitely advise you to get the Kick Ass basket..makes it so much easier to clean. I got mine this week and it is a game changer. Really useful product!

[@backyardkamado2546]

I've considered it. What advantage does it have other than saving me a little stirring with my hands/gloves?

[@neo1795]

@@backyardkamado2546 I can take the basket out and shake it to completely clean the ash and remove what little is left in the bottom of the Jr. It is cleaner, faster and just makes it a whole lot easier to work with. It provides better airflow..you don’t need to use the grate which can become clogged and restrict airflow and it creates a gap between the airflow holes around the Joe which also have a tendency to block with small pieces of charcoal. To be honest it was one of those accessories that I didn’t really know I needed until I had it. It was a lot more expensive in Europe than the US, but I think it was the single most noticeably useful accessory I have purchased.

[@backyardkamado2546]

@@neo1795 Excellent! I'll take another look at them. Thank you. Do you have a link to one that you like?

[@backyardkamado2546]

@@neo1795 Thank you! It's on my list of things to get :)

[@zo4712]

@@neo1795 Definitely agree with the Kick Ash, if for no other reason than airflow. The design of the KJ Jr. can make airflow a challenge if the grate becomes clogged with ash or blocked by coals.

[@cafecoho8033]

would it be suitable to add some logs? Firepit beach styleee?

[@backyardkamado2546]

I have gotten my grill pretty hot in the past, but I've never used "logs", per se. The grill itself can withstand temps up to like 900 degrees or more, so I'd just keep an eye on the fire that you're building and make sure it doesn't get too big. Another concern is the type of wood you burn in it. Make sure you never use treated wood, even if you're not cooking over it. The treatment may get into the pores on the inside of the KJ. I probably wouldn't use it like a fire pit, but that's just me. You could send KJ a message though to get an official response. Let me know what they say if you do.

[@debiheaton6812]

It is pumice stone.

[@harrybarker1408]

good vid dood!!

[@eamonnwalsh4355]

Great video and really helpful. Keep posting stuff.

[@edgarshorcan4062]

I love your video!!! Kind of sad that you stopped making them :( can you come back please?

[@backyardkamado2546]

Yeah, I've been out of it for a bit. Honestly, I didn't expect so many people to want more videos. I think I'll do one this weekend. Thanks for asking!

[@justindabreu976]

Just got this today well I happy, bigger than I thought , couldn’t get my head around spending 2k on a big one

[@backyardkamado2546]

FYI, the standard is only about 750 at Home Depot or Lowe's. No frills model.

[@suzannecarbrey343]

Great video but how do you cool or stop it when you are done cooking we just bought the jr one so your video was great for showing us we are going to try it soon.

[@backyardkamado2546]

That part is the easiest of all. Just close the top damper and bottom vents. The fire will snuff itself out.

[@suzannecarbrey343]

Thank you

[@spawn2qc217]

Very informative, good job! Do you think it's too small for a family of 5? Classic is expensive and it's my first coal bbq so I hesitate...

[@backyardkamado2546]

Short answer: If you're talking 5 adults, yes it's too small. I'd say you could feed 3 adults on it no problem. Long answer below. I am a family of 4 most nights, but cook for 5 other nights. Only 2/5 are big adults. All others are small children, under 5 years old. KJ Jr is my go-to. If I do steaks, the Jr is still great. But if you were to do steaks for 5 adults, you would run out of room I think. That being said, you could always cook a few steaks at a time and do a rotation or something. On the other hand, if you want to smoke a chicken/pulled pork/ or flat/point of brisket for the 5, then the Jr is still a great option. You'll just run out of room when you want to do something quick and small like steaks, burgers, chicken breasts, etc. I'd probably just get the KJ Classic. There's a lot more space available and it's a great product.

[@markvail7166]

Would you please provide the name, model, and manufacturer of your canopy; and where you purchased it? Your canopy appears to be exactly what I am looking for. Thank you for your help!

[@backyardkamado2546]

Sunjoy Brown Steel Rectangle Grill Gazebo, bought from Lowe's. www.lowes.com/pd/Sunjoy-Brown-Steel-Rectangle-Grill-Gazebo-Exterior-4-99-ft-x-8-ft-Foundation-5-ft-x-8-ft/1002670260

[@dmar6770]

Thank you! So awesome! Do you think you can you use the Jr. under a patio since it’s so low to the ground?

[@backyardkamado2546]

Not too sure what you mean by "under a patio". Do you mean under a normal-height roof, say 8 feet high? I use mine under this canopy and have never had a problem, but I'm not too sure what KJ recommends. As long as you're outside and the ceiling/roof is 8ft or so, I don't see why not. I'd keep an eye on it when you're doing really hot sears, but otherwise I think it'd be fine. Again, no expert but that's my opinion.

[@markvail7166]

Would you please provide the name, model, and manufacturer of your canopy; and where you purchased it? Your canopy appears to be exactly what I am looking for. Thank you for your help!

[@backyardkamado2546]

@@markvail7166 I know I'm a year late, but if you're still looking I bought it at Lowe's. Can't remember much more about it but they had it on display last year.

[@mckeon1960]

Thank you. I got a picnic to begging you dog show. Pop in the Jeep. Can I ask you how you get your gazebo not blow away. I got one of these for over the grill. Live in Ireland it's wet and windy a lot of the time. Nice grill station

[@backyardkamado2546]

Sorry for such a late reply, but I used some big patio bricks and some concrete anchors. I sunk the gazebo feet into the bricks.

[@czwest7845]

Extra Heavy Aluminum foil crushed into a ball to clean grill grate!!

[@backyardkamado2546]

Cool idea! will try.

[@alitor99]

Great first video. Please do more. I just bought a Joe Jr and for my first grill I burnt the ribs :( The melting fat dripped on the charcoal and created soaring flames. How do I prevent this? is that what your drip tray does? I didn't fully understand the first part of that segment

[@backyardkamado2546]

Yes, that's what a drip pan is for. You have to use the heat deflector plate for ribs. I'll do a rib video tomorrow, just for you.

[@backyardkamado2546]

I uploaded a ribs video, if you're interested.

[@Jax3060]

I’m thinking about selling my green egg mini for a JR to go with my joe classic. Thanks!

[@backyardkamado2546]

Cool! You can find the junior on sale sometimes for 400 if you look.

[@Jax3060]

Paid 285 brand new local Craigslist pick up. Kamado cooking or nothing.

[@backyardkamado2546]

@@Jax3060 Wow! That's a great deal.

[@gabrielglouw3589]

Nice video. The fact that you’re obviously just a dude who’s trying to help makes me lend credence to your video. Tired of the overproduced sponsored guys who’s always trying to shill something.

[@3DPrintingFreak]

Tnx for the Vid, im in decision to buy a Jr, trying to get all the info i can!

[@shaunzucker593]

Thank you so much for this video! Exactly what I was searching for. I’m new to the world of KJ, and took delivery of a KJ Jnr yesterday so this is invaluable. Qq... I am looking to build an almost identical stand to the one you have; would you mind sharing the dimensions of the stand please - height & width/depth please? Thank you again so much! And look forward to seeing more Joe Jnr videos in due course 🔥👍🏼

[@MrCallenl]

Just a link to give a new idea? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpynmGmmg9aqfZI

[@backyardkamado2546]

​@@MrCallenl I would not recommend building a box like that video has displayed. There are 2 concerns I have with it. 1. Grills need air to work efficiently. Stifling the air flow or snuffing out the wind like that may not be effective in running the grill at high temps. 2. The second and more important concern is fire. Putting the grill inside of a wooden box where heat has a difficult time escaping seems like a very bad idea. This is why I chose to leave the KJ Jr on it's own stand and set it up above a table instead of inside of something. I am getting a granite top soon (leftover from another project) so that I don't have to worry about the table top catching fire.

[@backyardkamado2546]

It is 22.5 inches wide/long, and 19 inches tall.

[@justindabreu976]

How about smoke tubes

[@backyardkamado2546]

Not sure what that even is. Like a metal tube with holes in it that you put wood chips in? If that's what you mean, it's not needed. Using wood chunks works great.

[@michaelkane8994]

I thought the video might be for a person new to Kamado cooking somewhat helpful but in the future maybe sketch out the topics and stick to them. I have both of those grills and would use the classic more for smoking but that's just me as it's easier to control temp.

[@cindyb8856]

I bought a Jr. about 2 weeks ago and have just looked at the box, I didn't know where to start. Thanks to you, I have unpacked it and am now looking forward to many uses. Thank you a million times over.

[@devinmacdonald1]

pumice stone

[@joshpope2141]

Dude… make some more videos

[@backyardkamado2546]

Yeah, I've been out of it for a bit. Honestly, I didn't expect so many people to want more videos. I think I'll do one this weekend. Thanks for asking!

[@Anthony_DP]

Center your grill grate.

[@guitar911rock]

absolutely overloaded the jr.

[@backyardkamado2546]

I agree. I'm going to do another video soon talking about different loading heights and stuff. I've learned a lot in the past year!

[@guitar911rock]

@@backyardkamado2546 get the kick ash charcoal basket!

[@backyardkamado2546]

@@guitar911rock I ended up getting it. I'm planning talk on that in the next video I do as well.

[@jcortizenterprises]

Chimney; never. Use a natural lighting cube. Gloves; not necessary. Gripers to move grate and ash tool to shake down coal and clean out ash from bottom. Your stand is backwards, that metal leg should be at the back so you can access the vent properly. WiFi air control; unnecessary and expensive. Bottom vent for main temp control and top for fine tune. Also you’re using too much charcoal for that size grill. White smoke is humidity from the wood, not enough air. Cleaning; the grill should have been seasoned before first use and you can apply cooking oil to the grates before every use to maintain the seasoning and keep them clean. And then do one or two deep cleanings each season by loading charcoal to brim, light it up, add grate and damper, close lid and leave vents wide open for max heat. Everything burns down and then just sweep all ash out. Write your bullet points about what you want to say and have your camera person hold them up. iMovie on your iPhone does a good job for editing videos. Cheers.

[@backyardkamado2546]

I don't like to buy cubes or rely on extra stuff. Paper is everywhere, or I could use other fuel, so chimney is reliable and always available. Gripers won't move the grill grate stand thing that holds the ceramic heat deflector. Ash tool does not work well for stirring the charcoal. Stand being backwards is probably true. Will test that out. WiFi air control is unnecessary and expensive, I agree. It's a luxery because I don't like checking my grill every 45 minutes and the KJ Jr is more prone to temp swings than the bigger versions. Probably am using a little too much charcoal, but I don't have much trouble with a low temp normally so I don't mind to have extra in there. I snuff the fire at the end, and have a mostly full box for next time. Did not know that about white smoke. Never heard that about seasoning the grill. I thought that's what cooking on it was for. :) Cooking oil makes sense. I never use it and rarely have issues with the quality of my grates, but i can see where cooking oil would help out. Probably going to give that a try. I have heard of people doing a max heat thing like that and some have said that it is not good to do on the kamados because the temperature gets so hot. I'm not sure I believe that, though. There is a warranty on these so if it breaks it can always be warrantied. Great idea about bullet points! I will use that next time. Thanks for such a well thought-out response. I'm always looking to learn new things and share them.

[@jcortizenterprises]

@@backyardkamado2546 you can use paper if you like but using the chimney is what damaged your handle. and the burnout method to clean your Kamado is actually on the KJ instruction manual that came with the grill. Im surprised that having lighting cubes is having to "rely on extra stuff" when you already have a bunch of extra stuff... but anyway you're already doing more than most by making a video to try to help others, so cheers mate!

[@danashcraft5201]

couldnt watch your video, the wind noise was ridiculous, cover your mic with some foam

[@backyardkamado2546]

Yeah, it was pretty awful at points. This was the first video I did and have since gotten better equipment. Sorry for the noise.

[@MrMcgooOG]

Everything you tried ended up being a failure. Just get a Traeger Grill.

[@bobplacie4173]

pumice stone