Is newer ACTUALLY better? Classic 3 vs. Big Joe 1, which is the better buy?

[@seannapier955]

I just wanted to thank you. I've been agonizing over this decision. Classic 3 v Big Joe 1. Very, very helpful.

[@tedkarnitz7021]

In an earlier video picking your favorite Kamado Joe You made a comment that "nobody says they wish they would of gone smaller" (classic vs. Big Joe). That convinced me to go "Big". Never regretted the decision!!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Right on

[@gilleslafreniere]

I got the Big Joe 1 a couple of weeks ago and I will be finally treating my whole familly with a cooking experiment this weekend!

[@RichLasVegas]

I just pulled the trigger and purchased my 1st Kamado Big Joe I. Walmart had it on sale for $719. I have been using my Vision kamado and can’t wait to start on the big Joe. I love the channel. Thx

[@20jcontra]

I just got a big joe 1 from Lowes last week. Caught it on sale and paid $999 US for it. It is absolutely the best cooking gadget I've ever purchased. I looked into BGE and Primo, but for the cost and the amount of starting accessories, it was a no brainer for me. I have only had the opportunity to cook some burgers, dogs, and steaks so far, but I am hoping to smoke a brisket this weekend. It anyone needs help deciding, I would go with the cheaper option. There are a lot of Cadillac features on the series 3, but I can promise you won't be let down with the series 1 and you can purchase some of the series 3 accessories if you want to upgrade a bit and still come out cheaper. Great video and happy grilling!

[@hyunh.2507]

Hey just one quick question. I am about to buy Big Joe 1 very soon but am concerned if the dome is too heavy to lift it. How was your experience?

[@20jcontra]

@@hyunh.2507 comparatively, the series 1 is harder to lift. While it does take some effort, I do not find it to be so difficult I would choose the series 2 or 3 with the airlift hinge based just on that factor alone. I would say as long as you don't have any issues medically that would prevent from lifting 15-20 lbs, I would think you wouldn't have much issue lifting the series one lid. The only other factor would be height. My wife is 5 feet tall and lifting the lid is difficult just because of her size. I am 5'10" and I don't have any issues. Hope this helps.

[@hyunh.2507]

@@20jcontra Thank you very much for the quick response! I really appreciate it. :)

[@andygeiman2472]

Also have a BJ 1. Lid is probably 10lbs for first few inches then springs pick up and it's very light. Just have to be careful not letting it slam down which hasn't been an issue for me in the 2 years I have had.

[@peterchalach5662]

Hi I have a question for you too. I was set on the BJ1 ($1,499 CAD) vs the CJIII ($1,869 CAD) but not sure if that $480 is worth it, especially when you factor in all of the accessories and stuff to “modernize” the BJ1 into more of a III? Also, it won’t be an everyday thing for me to smoke a brisket, rack of ribs, whole turkey, etc. Is it still worth the BJ1 from a fuel standpoint?

[@bprchillandrelax2120]

You can actually upgrade the series 1 to the new oven gasket, fire box, new control tower and also the ash basket with divider. However I would get the smokeware tower instead of the kontrol tower. For the ash basket you can go with Kamado Joes or Kick Ash Baskets.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

100%

[@TheLawnStripes]

was just getting ready to ask this. I just got a classic I at bass pro for 599 on clearance, hard to pass up the deal. I figured I could upgrade the gasket and control tower and still come out way ahead.

[@snoboredca]

@@SmokingDadBBQ maybe tack on the video a mention regarding the gasket and tower -- they seem to be two of the big differences, and mentioning you can upgrade the Classic 1 with them is a big piece of info. You allude to it at the end but would help to be really clear about it. Maybe in the 3rd or 4th segment where you talk about things you can control or change and things you can't.

[@Suriprofz]

@@TheLawnStripes maybe show upgrade series 1

[@mariaslasovicz6185]

Thank you very much for all the effort you put into your videos. Never too short, never too long. Because of your channel, I just bought my second Kamado, a Joe Junior here in Germany. I would be very thankful for more videos for this little guy. ;) Keep up the brilliant work! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Tomorrow will have a new Joe Jr video hacked with the SloRoller

[@mariaslasovicz6185]

@@SmokingDadBBQ Oh wow! Looking forward to it! I thought the slow roller didn’t fit the Joe Jr. I am all the more exited! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@neilhudswell816]

Thanks - really helpful! Helped me to decide and I’ve gone ahead and bought my first Joe - a big Joe v1

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Good choice!

[@mantzbrinkman4780]

I ordered new felt for my series one Classic Joe. By mistake, they sent me the newer oven type gasket. I let them know. They did not want it back and they sent me a felt one. I watched your video about how to replace the oven gasket. I thought I would give it a try. That was more than a year ago. So, putting the better gasket on the series one can work out great.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

thats good to know, thanks

[@109rfan1]

well said. i got a regular classic 1 and upgraded the charcoal basket and control tower top. so far i love it. mine came with metal shelves and the modular fire box

[@gamatoutsikos]

Same here. Why did you get the charcoal basket? What are the benefits? I would like a different chimney top since the daisy wheel is not the best, and opens every time I lift the lid

[@109rfan1]

@@gamatoutsikos i liked the idea i could pull the basket with charcoal out to clean the ash this is my first foray into charcoal grills and i usually am one to get the all out models but for 750 it was a no brainer. i like the way the command tower works better and protects from rain really it’s like splitting hairs neither are necessary

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Right on, congrats... i just got a basket for mine this week

[@reggieburris]

I bought a Big Joe 3 from Amazon for $2289 US ($2999 everywhere else). This replaced my Weber E-325S which I stopped using when I purchased a Char Griller Classic charcoal grill. I love the Big Joe so much, I just purchased a Classic 1 to replace my Char Griller. I got the Classic 1 for $499.99 (sale ended yesterday) US at Lowe’s which was $799.99 at other stores. So I purchased 4 grills and gave one away and donated the other. I’ll be a Kamado Joe only owner when my Classic 1 arrives Monday. I love these extended Black Friday sales. I saved a $1000 bucks! Thanks for the Kamado Joe videos, they greatly influenced my purchases.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Great info, James. Thanks for taking the time to share so much detail!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

My pleasure!

[@HunterMikeWI]

Love my Classic I. I added the Smokeware cap for rain protection and it’s great. Picked it years ago on clearance for $600 US. Customer service was great at Joe as they replaced my cracked 1-piece firebox with the multi piece under warranty. Based on your reviews I removed the ash guide and I just ordered the coal basket and slo-roller so I get to learn how to cook again!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Good stuff!

[@MinnesotaFats]

Bought a big joe 1 and I love it. I was using a chargriller akorn (great grill btw), and it convinced me Kamado cooking was for me. This video clinched the decision for me. Thanks!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Congrats on your new joe

[@Frankcouturier]

Waiting for my Classic 3 as my neighboor just got the BJ 1. I wanted the Sloroller and the extras. My neighboor wanted the extra space but will upgrade the gasket, the ash basket and the Kontrol Tower Top in the future. I think both of them are great cookers!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Very nice!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

We're brand new to the Kamado way of cooking, but we're certainly not new to barbecue and smoking. The Kamado Joe is a problem solver fo us. We sought it out because we just can't cook outside year round due to our winds and winter temps. I held off for years on a ceramic cooker. It seemed like it wasn't big enough, etc. Kamado Joe is doing a great job of marketing their grills and the series 3 comes with everything in one package. That was a big seller for us. And now that our boys have left home and started their own families, the Classic is perfect for 2 people. We built a patio extension and a lean-to to block the wind. We should be able to cook outside this winter, with the exception of big snow storms of course.

[@mustang9549]

I can’t do it. I’m just gonna get a Weber master touch. Burgers, brats and chicken is all I need but I’m still here for your videos 👍🏾

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

I appreciate that

[@wayneroland8220]

My fire box cracked on my series 1. Took pictures sent to KJ. Within a week had a new one. Like new ones. Customer service great. Thanks. My side selves cracked too same thing sent new ones. Thanks

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Sorry to hear that but they are pretty awesome with service

[@timeout9851]

This guy should have more subs.. Informative and engaging. Subbed

[@crashcopter6000]

Outstanding video, super informative! Thanks so much for taking the time to make it!!

[@AnimaNip]

Just put my order in at Lowes on the Big Joe 1, and the 13 year old large BGE will shift to the cottage. Your recent videos re: Big Joe 1 couldn't have come at a better time, thanks so much!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Congrats

[@SmokeKingBBQExperience]

Thanks a lot James for listening mine and others questions. Appreciate all time and effort you make for these contents.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

My pleasure!

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Nice job man. I always enjoy and learn when watching you!!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@oneGINGANINJA]

Thanks for breaking down all of the intricacies amongst kamados! I currently have an akorn jr that I love but my family is growing & it’s time to upgrade. My brother has a large BGE & parents have a primo oval XL. I’m really not a fan of the primo, the firebox is too close to the cooking area & we often find it hard to stay on target temperature while getting clean smoke. I really think I’m going to spring for the KJ classic 3 based on this but idk if I can justify it being more than double the cost of a KJ classic 1

[@missinbrain]

I think this video convinced me to get one, and right now Kamado Joe is giving away a few extras with the purchase of a Big Joe Series I. One thing I'm having a hard time telling though from their site--does the Series I comes with some kind of heat deflection plate? I plan to buy the Sloroller down the road, but in the short term it would be nice to be able to still do some indirect cooking while I save up.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Yes it comes with two half moon deflectors

[@missinbrain]

@@SmokingDadBBQ Okay. I just bought one. It was only $1200 and they have a promo right now for a soapstone, cover, 2 bags of charcoal, and some starters, all included. Thank you for all the help. I'm excited to move over from my frustrating Oklahoma Joe Highland to the KJ!

[@ajkirk11]

I really enjoy SMD BBQ videos. Practical, honest and a little bit of humor. Because of these videos I bought a Jr. which I’ve had for over a year and now am set to buy a Big Joe.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad you like them!

[@biertodd5357]

Thanks for all you do to support KJ nerdery! I’ve had my KJBJ series one for 7+ years and have been coveting the improvements on the II and III grills for a while now. I had recently been pondering a series III purchase, but you may have helped me feel better about what I have, thanks! Instead I’ll go after the slo-roller and other accessories, and save a bundle. One thing I’m frustrated by is my standalone purchase left me without a cart. Any suggestions on a good series I aftermarket cart for a Big Joe? KJ says the new cart won’t fit, though the measurements look so close…more importantly, did you feel the Big Joe moved well on the KJ cart? I haven’t been able to find anyone trying a cart fitting hack, but thought I’d ask you since it looks like you’ve tried just about everything else! Thanks again!

[@RumandCook]

Great comparison. I've always said, buy bigger than you think you will need. You can't make it bigger, but you can always cook less :) Good stuff!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Very true!

[@michaelh5722]

Really great video and clearly explained the differences of each option. Just what I was looking for.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelh5722]

@@SmokingDadBBQ just picked up a Joe classic 1 for 50% off here in New Zealand. Look forward to doing my first 5 cooks. Thanks for doing the channel, it’s a big help.

[@paulthomas3782]

Thanks James some great information there. The Grill Blazer never gets old ha ha. Cheers.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

hahaha thanks

[@henrykrinkle5353]

My KJ Classic 3 seems to do everything quite well. New toys are nice, for sure, but I can't justify that Big Joe monster at this stage. Great video, James!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks Henry

[@deaffatalbruno]

I just bought a series 2 and it came with metal shelves. So maybe they changed them out for all of them now.???

[@andrewwiggin]

This was a great video! I have a big joe 1 and I love it. I can do entire meals with the grill at the same time...meat, veg and potatoes. I am very new to grilling and your videos are incredibly helpful.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

That is awesome!

[@tank5944]

@@SmokingDadBBQ what is the difference on the new segmented firebox and a crack in the old one? The both seem to have space for heat to get through. Thanks

[@brettm5419]

Regarding the daisy wheel, if you turn it 90 degrees it doesn't close when you open the lid. Also, it does have a black coating that's peeling off on me, so I don't know if I'd put it in the grill to clean. They sent me a new one, but it didn't fit right so I'm just sticking with the original.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

its not cast iron any more? the old daisy wheels were

[@Keith80027]

Good things to think about if I was just starting out, but I have to be happy with my good old GE. Keep the cooks coming.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Right on

[@canadian_coffe_guy4690]

Great video James! Agreed with the value of the big joe 1. Hard to comprehend the 1000$ price difference between the classic 3 and BJ 1

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

100%

[@FOGOcharcoal]

Lots of great info here James. Great to see info from a true pro.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks Captain

[@robdickson3640]

Big Joe Series 1 owner from Australia. Sat on the fence for ages between a BJ or Classic. So happy I went with the BJ over the Classic for my style of cooking. Even more happy I picked up the Series 1 for less then half the price for the Series 3 BJ. Series 3 are nice but not $2000 AUD nicer and food comes out the same at the end of the day. Keep up the good work with Kamado Cooking 👍

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Congrats on your grill

[@cknight4281]

Great review. The options to start off with a classic 1 big joe or joe from lowes right now is too good of a deal to pass up. Thanks for the detailed review

[@BennyBestt]

Thankyou, a very good review. I ordered a big Joe 1 yesterday. Can't wait till it arrives. Was $1695 AUD, big joe S3 is $4299 AUD. Huge difference in cost

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

wow what a difference in $$

[@darrenjlabas]

$1695 is a great price. Where did you get it from if you don’t mind me asking?

[@BennyBestt]

@@darrenjlabas hi mate, I got it from Bunnings around tax time here in Aus, they are $1999 now, but its still worth it to buy one. It comes with the full divide and conquer cooking system, heat deflectors etc, all stainless steel grill etc. I seen the price at $1695 and just got it, its massive, if you go on bunnings website and look up big joe series 1 you can see my review, theres a photo of a chicken breast cut in half, I cooked a spatchcock chicken first cook as per James SDB advice and it was the best chicken I've ever eaten. Kamados do everything, and if you watch this channel, you will master it in no time, all the best mate, Ben

[@darrenjlabas]

@@BennyBestt thanks for taking the time to reply. Appreciate the advice 👍

[@BennyBestt]

@@darrenjlabas no worrys at all mate, they really do everything. And 25 year warranty. If you get one, watch this channels previous videos, so much great info about learning the craft. Cheers fella,🍺👍

[@jamessanchez6749]

Does the series 1 classic and series 3 have the same depth in the lid. I see they make slow rollers or 1 and 3. I wanted to make sure the room is the same. For brisket and pulled pork. Appreciate your input

[@rlv3180]

I first bought the KJ Classic 3 and quickly became a fan. Only issue was limited space so I bought a KJ Big Joe 3. Wasn't sure if I would want to keep both, but the space worked out well and I really like the flexibility of having both. If I could only have 1 and had more budget constraints, that Big Joe 1 seems like a no-brainer.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

100%

[@derv39]

I’m here in Canada as well Amazon has the classic 1 for $999 just came home from Costco they have the 2 for $1299 is it worth the extra money

[@jhippl]

1:35 are how baby kamados are made ... its rare to see one give birth.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

hahaha exactly ...was there at the right moment ... a thing of beauty

[@emmgeevideo]

One of your first comments was that you were attracted to the KJ because of the SloRoller. $230 for that... I respect the fact that people have a budget and maybe they just can't afford the additional cost. But for something that's going to last for years, the difference in cost vs. the difference in versatility and the better hinge, gasket, control top, etc. I think its a no-brainer. Thanks for another KJ video BTW. That's what brings me to Smoking Dad BBQ.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Cheers

[@robertham3746]

The airlift hinge does look to be available on KamadoJoe's website. Is that a direct swap from the spring hinge? And since the air lift eliminates the weight, that would explain why there is also a latch on series 2 and 3 - right? So it might not be smart to replace the hinge, right? I'm still shopping, so haven't purchased yet. I haven't looked at the latch yet - maybe that is easy to add

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Yes the latch is there to get a good seal. The springs are pretty good on series 1 it’s not that difficult to open without it. If you really want it I would get a series 2 or 3 where it’s standard. There are holes under the band with tabs to hold things in place. Not sure if a retro fit series 1 would have this

[@robertham3746]

​@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks so much for the reply. I actually have a Primo oval from about 20 years ago and am planning on getting both of our kids a Big Joe that they can have for the next 20 years. I'm just now having issues with my Primo hinge, and it is just a spring. Maybe some day I'll a "mishap" due to the hinge and then all 3 of us will have a Big Joe! Thanks for your outstanding videos! Great work on them.

[@derekgarcia5293]

My big Joe 1 came with metal side shelves. I paid 1000 USD. Great video.

[@MartinThmpsn]

My classic 1 also came with metal side shelves. I paid $670. I think that was a really killer deal.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Smoking deal

[@Moselli56]

Absolutely fantastic video James! Thanks so much!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Cheers

[@mlurkers]

Didn't get it, can you use sloroller in big joe 1?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Yes you can

[@MikeDelic-k3t]

Hello Can you still cook a good Brisket in a Big Joe series 2 without the double heat shield

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

yes for sure, i just prefer doubling up even with my pizza stone for the same benefit but by all means you don't need to at all. its just little steps i like for the best result

[@F08OWP]

Can you still do double indirect sloroller in a classic size? or is it too small?

[@beemersboomersandbrews8206]

I am new to this Kamado grilling and am thinking about jumping in and your videos have helped me decide to go with the Kamado Joe. However, while I am going with a Big Joe, I still don't know whether to get the series II or series III? As a new user, I am not sure if I am going to be able to fully use all the new functions of the III? Do you have any videos on this? I also liked your video on the 4 different automatic blowers.

[@Skans-Gustav]

Little tip: tape a 1, 2 or 3 on those geills while comparing to simplify following your fine videos.

[@muddyfunker3014]

I really like the idea of pairing big and little. I've recently bought the jnr which I'm absolutely loving. But in time and if funds allow I'd love a BJ1 to pair with it. Great video, love the channel 👍🏻

[@rlv3180]

I'd like to hear more about these. What do you find yourself using it for?

[@muddyfunker3014]

@@rlv3180 Hi mate, I bought a cheapo hot smoker and found I really enjoyed the food from it. Started looking at a better version the Weber smokey mountain, these aren't cheap though and all they do is smoke. I've always been aware of kamados and having spent a day watching this channel I was sold. I've got a 4 burner gas BBQ for a quick easy option. But the thing with the kamado is it's versatility, want to fire it up hot for a steak, no problem. Want to close it down and run it for 12 hours low and slow, no problem. They do everything. I bought the junior as prices here in the UK are pretty high £2500 for the BJ3. I thought start small and maybe in years to come get a bigger version to compliment the Jnr. You can do plenty on the Jnr though as covered in one of the videos on this channel 👍🏻 Best wishes.

[@rlv3180]

@@muddyfunker3014 Sounds good. I thought you meant you already had a bigger KJ and added the junior. Glad you're enjoying it.

[@muddyfunker3014]

@@rlv3180 Haha yes I can see now how it looked like that. No just the Jnr for now. If I win the lottery I'll pick up a big joe 😂👍🏻

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thats a great combo for smaller week day cooks and larger meals ... plus the JR you can take places

[@SouthernsBBQ]

Sadly, we don’t have the physical space on our balcony in our 2nd story condo for the Big Joe. Wish we’d done the series 3 so we could do the SloRoller, though.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

i have some taste tests coming up to see if you can taste the difference

[@SouthernsBBQ]

@@SmokingDadBBQ oh, for the double indirect with ceramic plates vs the sloroller?

[@buddymitchell6216]

I have a big Joe series 2. I’m adding the Slow roller. It’s only $213 from Kamado Joe directly. If you can get the same results from the slow roller add on to a series one or a series two. why would you spend the extra money when the slow roller only cost $250 with shipping and tax. I bought the series 2 the year before the series 3 came out :-(

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Some nice things with the extra height but the food between them is practically identical for less money

[@RandoQuestion]

I am about to buy the Big Joe series 1. Will the new smokes stack on op fit on the original?

[@zkoziejdudytraba]

My classic II came with metal side shelves.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

lucky you, awesome

[@K1300Rch]

And now James give us what we want, what we need, what we deserve to know: is the slow roller a lie? (great title for your video btw 😉) Head to head meat, double indirect KJ1 and KJ3 with slow roller, testing blind folded. Looking forward to that video...

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

its recorded and edited... first is chicken (not blind) next is pulled pork blind

[@BOZ172]

Great comparison, James. Thanks for sharing your expertise. What would you choose if the choices were a Big Joe 3 vs. Big Joe 1 (with and without adding accessories)?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

i am doing a sloroller (3) vs. deflectors (1) taste test and next a pulled pork blind taste test using double indirect (3 as normal) and (1 with pizza stone) to see if you can even tell a difference to help answer that over the next week and a half

[@Kv82281]

The black paint on my control tower top (classic3 bought last summer) is already coming off on the inside… with risk of dropping on your food during a cook. anyone who recognizes this issue? Any tips welcome! I’ve properly taken care of my grill and have it under a roof

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

thats my biggest pet peeve.... i scrub off the inside so that there isnt stuff to fall on food

[@jimtucker8183]

Love your content. Because of it I bought a Kamado Joe Classic 1 at a crazy, crazy, low price. I also bought a Kamado Joe charcoal basket. The Kamado Joe Classic came standard with a cast iron charcoal plate. Would you recommend that I place the charcoal basket on top of this or just remove it? Thank you!

[@MG956_]

The big Joe 1 doesn't have a lid lock , does that cause smoke leak?

[@MartinThmpsn]

No, because the lid weight holds it closed. None of the kamado joes leak.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Martin beat me too it, exactly. the weight holds it

[@TheDarienJim]

Great review. Thank you.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewquan5117]

If you have a big joe series 1 and leave the jotisserie installed would that additional clearance allow for the triple level divide and conquer rack to be used?

[@kevincrouch54]

I'd like to see if you are able to pull off the "Double Indirect" method on your BJ1. I have a CJ2 and I've been using the slow roller, deflector plates, a small drip pan, and a small wire rack standing on the deflectors. It's tight but I've been able to do beef ribs pretty well this way. I do wonder if it would be better to get some of the obstructions out of the way and let the slow roller do its job of circulating the smoke.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

i just recorded this on pulled pork

[@bricegraham6635]

Hi James….i just purchased the Big Joe 1 from Lowe’s and also got the Jotisserie…. Will the DoJoe work on series 1?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Yes I prefer it as the gasket holds up better on series 1

[@terry3296]

I have a Big Joe 1 and I can’t get it to high heat for steaks or pizza. I would love to get your thoughts. I had the smaller version and had no trouble at all.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

is your firebox equally spaced looking straight down for good air flow? is the vent lined up with the draft door properly? too little or too much charcoal?

[@BradleyFitzhenry]

James, I picked up stand alone versions of both the Classic and BJ and would do it again. Regarding the felt gasket, I have actually upgraded to the latest mesh gasket but only placed it on the bottom and it works great. Doing both the top and bottom the dome would not sit level due to the lack of a latch.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

you dont think the weight will cause it to sit flat? i was looking at the rutland gasket for replacing this

[@BradleyFitzhenry]

@@SmokingDadBBQ Maybe but I don't think it'll be level or might just look weird due to the thickness. I'll see if I have a pic to show you.

[@Matt_Carter_54]

Is it at all possible to configure a double indirect setup with a slow roller on the big joe 1?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Yes here is the video on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/roCbcp2sir-pecU

[@carylee8981]

Great comparison video...thanks. Can the SLOROLLer work in a BJ-2?

[@bartek3605]

Like your video! A question, a Big Joe III for 2600$ or a Big Joe II for 2000$ (Swedish prices). Is the extra height, slo-roller and better stand worth it? Can’t decide!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

this is my thought process on that - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4PWnX-Ena6FaaM

[@bartek3605]

@@SmokingDadBBQ yeah, saw that one as well, think it was the vid I commented. But that was classic 3 compared to Big Joe 1. My question was about big Joe 3 or Big Joe 2 was worth 600$ more for the 3. Thanks anyway for answering! 👍

[@__-ul7cc]

Is the Kamado Joe heavy-duty cover enough to protect the Big Joe from hailstorm? I'd like to buy a Big Joe but I would leave it in the yard with no roof so I'm a little bit afraid that hail would damage it.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

its pretty heavy duty, if the ice balls were baseball size i am not sure it will help much

[@cpense01]

Hey @SmokingdadBBQ, could you upgrade the BJ1 to the BJII, gasket and Kontrol tower? Is that cheaper than buying a BJII?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

yes, you can add a gasket, top, basket, sloroller and still have enough savings vs. series 3 to buy a kettle joe and joe jr. and have a few hundred $$ left over

[@cpense01]

@@SmokingDadBBQ do you know if the Series 3 Big Joe cart can be used with the big Joe II?

[@GDom69]

Hi James, looking to get my first KJ this year as I am brand new to Kamados. In your opinion, between the classic 3, and BJ 1,2,3, which do you think is the best bang for your buck? Is it worth getting a BJ3 for the extra $1000 or will a BJ 1, 2, or classic 3 be a better option? Thanks

[@jimbob6290]

My UK bought classic 2 came with metal side shelfs so i guess there was an upgrade at some point

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

that would be the stand alone version (no cart or shelves).. if you got a cart and your joe has bolts for the brackets than somebody didn't pack your box right as all cart models for all series come with the shelves

[@amitpatel-gy3tu]

Thanks for your videos James , in the Uk the KJ bigjoe 1 costs 2k! The same as a classic 3. I’m so confused that the classic 2 has a 3 tier divide and conquer but has the same grillspace as the classic 2? 🤔

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

they are both 18" (classic) and big are both 24"... the series 3" is 4" taller and gets a D&C rack with three levels vs. two levels.... but the only way to get more grill space is to add more racks that are not included.... the extra level just gives you more distance from the fire

[@amitpatel-gy3tu]

@@SmokingDadBBQ Aw you made my day dude with your reply! Awesome thanks so much - I just snapped up a classic 3 at discount - thanks to your advice and channel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤩 ( no biggie buying an extra few racks it’s nice to have the expandability if needed)

[@josephmoreno9590]

Awesome video!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks

[@seanwhite5269]

Can slo roller, pizza oven and rotisserie fit big joe 1?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

yes. just ordered them

[@TheRssr1979]

Great video thanks Lowes also has the classic 1 at 999$

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

smoking deal lol

[@ChrisWilliams-up9pl]

James, will a Slow Roller fit in my Classic II and still have room for the 2-level cooking grid?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

no, but i am experimenting with plates on the charcoal basket and the sloroller above it

[@getore100]

Hi James, I have learned SO MUCH from your videos. Thank you. I do have a question: when would you want to put the heat deflector on the lower rack...closer to the fire as opposed to the higher... further away from the heat source? What is the pros/cons?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Depends what we’re cooking. Pizza is higher to promote good airflow. Low for more distance for brisket

[@getore100]

@@SmokingDadBBQ James, thanks so much.

[@wujumpa]

I think i saw this in a video before but can't find it, but have you compared big joe 1 vs 3? I've got a jr that I'm in love with and I want to add a big joe soon.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

This one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqiUgYqVgrKepbs

[@Hydra70964]

Big Joe 1 is on Amazon right now for $665 US

[@arontreharne7985]

The big question is….where can I get that jacket?! Thanks for the videos 👌

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Haha I think it’s Eddie Bauer

[@aaronjohnson8165]

Is it possible to replace the daisy wheel top with the control top on the series 1?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

yes, that or the smoke ware or the Egg regulator fit

[@aaronjohnson8165]

@@SmokingDadBBQ thank you. The newer top seems so much easier to control. I hate how the daisy wheel slides or changes every time I open the top. Thanks for the help and keep up the great videos!

[@liuzhen2008]

Maybe should mention how many people you usually cook for… for family of 2-4 classic is enough imo.

[@quesadamark]

Can you put the newer better gasket on the KJ Big Joe 1?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

yes, check out the rutland gasket ... like the KJ one but less $$

[@MKB2305]

Hi, can you put the control tower from 3 on 1?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

yes

[@Bigfish1day]

Got a Big Joe 1 two years ago, never even had a use for all those other accessories. The size of Big Joe is definitely a must. The Classic is way too small for my uses.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

its my favourite

[@Bigfish1day]

@@SmokingDadBBQ I wish they made a pill shaped one so I can get more stuff on it🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@donhgr]

I have a jr for steaks, brats and dogs a classic 2 for pizza and a Stumps baby for all smoking. You just can’t beat a Stumps in my opinion.

[@jeraldsikes6186]

Thank you.

[@BE-zu6ov]

Thank you.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

You're welcome!

[@justy234]

Great video! I went with a big joe series 1 last year and my only regret is not having an air lift hinge. I'd love to know if there was a way to add one at some point. I've read conflicting information on this and it seems hard to get a replacement air lift hinge unless it is a warranty claim

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

i will look into it, i think you can

[@snoboredca]

@@SmokingDadBBQ checking in on whether you ever got an answer

[@DavidC-fk2wg]

Hey, will you ever get your hands on a monolith kamado?

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

They dont seem to be for sale in Canada

[@lazydog274]

Great breakdown of differences........ does the classic come with the ash catcher?

[@MartinThmpsn]

Yea it does. I have a classic 1 that came with ash catcher, multi-piece firebox, and metal shelves.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

yes, Martin beat me to it

[@ldballoon4]

Your still wearing long sleeve shirts? Minnesota? Alaska?

[@ldballoon4]

Possibly Canadian.. waiting for the accent...

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

haha canada

[@geezer2tech154]

Of course, your situation is quite different than most since you have more than one large grill. Sharing components will not be applicable to most consumers. Have you found a way to do your double indirect method on the Big Joe 1 like you did on the Joe Jr.? If so, was the final product as good as it was on the 3 series grills? I suspect this may be an upcoming episode!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

its recorded and edited... two tests coming soon. first is fast (chicken and sloroller), second is double indirect pork blind taste test

[@errolneal9789]

I have to say I'm having a very difficult time determining which product you are referring (visually) because it seems that in all cases, you are casually pointing pointing to your left when talking about features differences. I have no idea which product is which. Perhaps you can add a graphic to the video for additional clarity next time you do one of these comparisons.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

will do. the big joe is the big one. the classic 3 is the smaller one in the cart

[@JesusistheonetrueGod]

Got a weber grill for much cheaper and it does the same thing