Looking to level up your BBQ game? The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is a premium ceramic charcoal grill and smoker that offers unmatched heat retention, flavor control, and versatility for serious pitmasters.
A Grill That Doesn’t Mess Around
If you’re ready to step into elite-level grilling and smoking, the Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is where it all begins. This isn’t just a grill—it’s an all-in-one cooking experience. Whether you’re smoking ribs low and slow, baking a pizza with wood-fired flair, or searing steaks at steakhouse temps, this beast can handle it all.
It’s built like a tank, cooks like a dream, and gives you more control over your fire than almost anything else on the market.
Key Specs and Standout Features
- Grill Type: Ceramic charcoal grill & smoker
- Cooking Surface: 450 sq. in. (expandable to 1,050 sq. in. with racks)
- Material: Premium ceramic body with stainless steel components
- Temperature Range: 225°F to 750°F+
- Heat Retention: Exceptional thanks to the thick ceramic build
- Extras: Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System, Kontrol Tower Top Vent, Air Lift Hinge, SloRoller Hyperbolic Insert, ash drawer
Why This Grill Is Worth the Investment
1. Built for Flavor Mastery
Kamado-style grills are legendary for their heat retention and smoky flavor, and the Big Joe takes that to the next level. Its thick ceramic walls insulate like a champ, locking in moisture and smoke for unbeatable flavor.
And with a temp range that covers everything from low-and-slow brisket (225°F) to blazing-hot seared steaks (750°F+), it’s like having a smoker, grill, pizza oven, and roaster all in one.
2. Game-Changing Design Features
The Big Joe Series II isn’t just powerful—it’s smart. It comes equipped with the Divide & Conquer Cooking System, which allows you to cook different foods at different temps and heights at the same time. Think ribs on one side and veggies on another. Genius.
Then there’s the Air Lift Hinge, which makes lifting the heavy ceramic lid feel nearly weightless. Add the Kontrol Tower Top Vent for precise airflow control and a SloRoller Insert for even smoke distribution, and you’ve got a setup designed for BBQ greatness.
3. SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber
Here’s where things get serious for smoking fans. The SloRoller Insert, developed with Harvard science, channels smoke and heat in a rolling motion that evenly bathes food in flavor. It increases smoke absorption while reducing hot spots, which means juicier meat and better bark.
If you love ribs, pork shoulder, or smoked fish, this feature alone is worth the price tag.
4. Exceptional Build Quality
Kamado Joe doesn’t cut corners. The thick ceramic body holds temps like a dream, while the stainless steel components, heavy-duty cart, side shelves, and gasket seal are built to last. It’s not uncommon for these grills to last decades with proper care.
Even the ash cleanup is easy thanks to a patented slide-out drawer.
What Real Owners Are Saying
🔸 “This grill is next level. I’ve done briskets, pizzas, even Thanksgiving turkey, and it’s handled everything like a champ.” – Verified Buyer
🔸 “The SloRoller insert blew me away. It makes my ribs more tender and smoky than anything I’ve done on my offset smoker.” – Backyard Pitmaster
🔸 “Expensive, yes. But it’s worth every penny. I find myself grilling more often just because it’s so enjoyable to use.” – Kamado Fan for Life
Best For
- Grillmasters who want versatility and control
- People ready to graduate from basic smokers
- Backyard chefs who host large gatherings
- BBQ fanatics chasing the perfect smoke ring
- Anyone replacing multiple cookers with one premium setup
Pro Tips for Using the Big Joe
- Use natural lump charcoal for the best burn and flavor—no briquettes needed.
- Learn to control temps with the bottom vent and Kontrol Tower. It takes practice, but it pays off.
- Preheat fully for pizza nights. You’ll get that perfect crust with temps over 600°F.
- Pair it with a Bluetooth or WiFi temp probe so you can track long cooks without lifting the lid.
What Makes It Better Than the Competition?
While brands like Big Green Egg have long dominated the kamado space, Kamado Joe consistently earns praise for its smart design improvements and included extras.
With other ceramic grills, you’ll often pay extra for things like grates, multi-level cooking systems, and ash drawers. Kamado Joe builds them in from the start—no nickel-and-diming.
You’re getting more grill for your money, plain and simple.
Final Thoughts
The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series II is the grill you buy when you’re serious about BBQ. It’s not just about grilling—it’s about mastering every element of cooking with fire. From the design to the performance, this grill hits every mark with confidence.
If you’re ready to go all in on your grilling and smoking passion, this is the tool to take you there. It’s big. It’s bold. And it just might be the last grill you ever need to buy.
