Kettle Joe Review - Kamado Joe Kettle Joe in depth review
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- čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
- I'm finally publishing my Kettle Joe review. I've been a Kamado Joe user for over 3 years now and decided to make a change from my Kamado Joe Big Joe and try out the Kamado Joe Kettle Joe. I think the Kettle Joe is a little over priced if there are still Kamado Joe Classic 1s on the market especially. I was able to get the Kettle Joe to produce an incredible Brisket.
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Good, honest review. You're more enthusiastic about this cooker than I am. I bought it as soon as the regular versions hit the market (as opposed to most reviews currently on YT which are gratis provided pre-production units). First your experience with the customer service folk was/is better. Mine came with two of the ceramic placards having stress cracks (not shipping damage), and the SloRoller ring having a two inch void in the finish. When I contacted CS the rep basically told me they weren't going to do anything about those deficiencies. After I complained to the dealer I bought from I got a second response from a different person at KJ that said they would keep my claim ticket open til a later date because they don't have parts available yet. Will I get replacements? No idea, but mixed messages aren't a positive. With that bad taste as a starter, the flimsy construction you mention is even more distasteful. That ash drawer is not just flimsy, it's FLIMSY!! And that lower vent door falling off is equally tacky. The top vent is not good at sealing at all, lots of daylight when "closed". So my unit confirms your experience with poor sealing. I too did the nomex gasket add to help seal it up, and still it is weak on air control. My last cook I shut it down to kill the fire when done. Three hours later it was still at 200 degrees, and the next day, 18 hours later there were still a couple charcoal nuggets that were too hot to touch in the ash bin. If you compare the materials (other than the cart) to, say a lower priced Weber, the Kettle Joe is further disappointing in it's unsubstantial feel. While it isn't as bad as some of the big box cheap junk, it's not on par with other products in it's price range. The SloRoller may have some convection benefits, but I'm not convinced it's enough to offset the poor build quality, and perhaps lack of customer support. In the hands of experience cooks like you and I it's performance could be satisfactory, but I wouldn't recommend it to less experienced cooks because of the poor build quality undermining value.
This is a great summary, Bob. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. I'll pin it at the top of the video so others see. I agree with you almost whole heartedly. I think you and I could likely have success on a $50 grill from walmart just due to our experience. Maybe I should've been a bit more negative. I hope i'm not steering anyone wrong. I tried to be as objective as I could be but may have let up a little too much.
Sounds like for the price a Weber 26 with a slow n sear might be a better buy?
@@GamerNxUSN it is a subjective thing. About a month ago I did get replacement placards after nagging them and resending copies of original email exchanges. No ring though.
They recently dropped the price $100, for how long I don't know, but for someone who values the SloRoller that might be a price to value formula that works in spite of the deficiencies. Perhaps word has gotten out enough about the low-ish quality that sales were very sluggish. Who knows? I made pretty much the same comments on the YT channel of a "KJ Ambassador" and after a few days my reply was edited off, and maybe others were as well. If that's their game it's a shame.
Love your objective, non rosy reviews. So many other people don't sat one negative thing, and it really makes me question the credibility of their review
Thanks so much for the feedback. I try my best to be object and also should've mentioned that I purchased this grill with my own money.
Honestly the best review on this grill. Typically, I don’t like reviews that are over five minutes but you did a really good job of keeping my attention and clearly defining all the issues. Well done, sir.
Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching! I'm glad you appreciate the kettle joe review. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your experience
Lowe’s in my area, 75070 had dropped the price on their Joe kettle to $249.99 1/2 off! Now that’s a deal👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏼
Nice Review. I was looking at the Joe Jr. and while researching came across the Kettle Joe. For me, the biggest thing was the size and the cart since I live in a townhouse and have to roll the grill a hundred feet every time i need to grill. I ordered the felt gasket from day one and have since gotten the Big Joe deflector plates and the classic half moon griddle and grill plates. I have been pleased with the results especially the multi zone cooking. I cooked on my in-laws Weber kettle this weekend, and it made me appreciate my kettle joe even more. I agree with most of your cons, I can see the ash tray giving out on me at some point. At the end of the day, it will come down to price and individual need i guess.
Absolutely! Glad to hear you’re having success. At the end of the day the best grill is the one that works for you. How are you using the big joe deflector plates?
@@BreakItYourself I put one right on top of the fire box and grill on the top level for in-direct cooking, then move over to the other side for searing or crisping up chicken skin etc. That way I don’t have to bother with removing the slow roller for reverse sears or flare ups roasting chicken.
Found these on sale for the Labor Day holiday for $199 & for that price I popped on it. Paid $14 for gasket material & put it on before I ever fired up the grill. Will also get a pizza pan as suggested. In regard to assembly, every piece was super correct & went together flawless (even putting it together by myself)....the fasteners that came with the kettle were all very good quality & fitment was all dead-on. For cheaper than a Weber Delux Kettle I think I have a more capable unit (not knocking just saying). I would never have spent $499 on this but then again I wasn't going to spend $274 for a Weber either.
I love the honesty of your reviews.
Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to watch!
This is the best review yet. Now you got me thinking about trying to score a KJ version 1, although I've got an 8-year-old 18" Vision Classic B kamado that does pretty darn well.
KJ version 1 is on sale at Lowes for $650 until June 2nd
@@BreakItYourself Don't tempt me. Great price too. My wife will kill me since the old one works just fine and it's pretty versatile. I do have a KJ Jr that rocks.
Great review, I think it's the best one i've seen for the kettle joe so far. Waiting on mine to arrive in a couple of days. The pizza pan for catching the drippings is a great recommendation.
I'm interested to see if you have any airflow issues or if that was isolated to my product. Let me know how it goes!
@@BreakItYourself will do.
Thank you for comprehensive review. Red looks old real fast.
Amazing review sir...I will start following you....I been looking to buy this product and you answer all my questions........Thanks again for your time...!!!
Thanks for taking the time to watch!
Any 22 inch rotisserie addition works just take the clamp past the last hole works fine
Now, a year later, I saw Kettle Joes at the home show for $200. If you want one, now is the time.
$200 is a good deal
Im gonna go with weber performer deluxe. I've heard of people gettin the kettle with ceramics slightly cracked and kj says it dont affect operating the kettle. If it cracks more then warranty will cover it.
Thanks for honest review.
Awesome review. I ended up grabbing a classic joe, which I didnt even realize was still available. Thanks again
Lowe's has the series 1 on sale for $650.00. I'm pretty sure they are still making the series 1 to keep the entry point low. My Lowe's was out of series 1 grills last fall, but have all you want now. Thanks for your review.
Good to know. $650 for the classic 1 seems like a steal! I'm even tempted to pick one up haha
When I bought mine today, Lowe's told me they had 111 in the Dallas/Fort Worth warehouse. Vets get 10% off and if you apply for a credit card, another 100 off. I walked out at 594 for what appears to be a great grill.
Got mine for $650 at Lowe’s. Love my Classic 1. I see no reason to pay more for the classic ii. Nice features no doubt, but not worth $500+ more.
Weber kettles hold their heat just fine for a lot less $. Maybe when it’s really cold and windy, there’s a disadvantage.
People have been smoking with Weber kettles for ages. I wonder if removing the ceramic tiles would give you longer cooks. Meaning the added volume for charcoal would outweigh the benefit of insulation offered by the ceramic. Thoughts?
Great review and vid; I have one and I concur with your pro's and con's. I went with the felt just to ensure a better seal; which does the trick. I'm sorta happy with it. If that KJ 1 goes back on sale at Lowes I might pick that up.
thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to comment. Definitely keep an eye on the classic 1.
Thanks for the great review! On balance I think I have enough experience to handle the highlighted issues and will be careful when using the ash grate.
Its a shame about the Joetisserie but thats expensive and only fits on teh more expensive models so was cost prohibitive for me in the first place.
QUESTION: Can anybody point me in the direction of an electric rotisserie that will fit the Kamodo Joe Kettle? I've been looking online and seen some 22" versions for the weber but Im really not sure how they will work with the KJ Kettle.
Thanks,
Because its a 22 inch only fire and weber rotisserie work fine and there are tons of accessories made for the Weber 22 inch which most of them will work. All the pizza accessories work as well.
I think its to expensive when you compare it to a weber 22 inch there is no reason to go for this bbq.
i got a large joe and 1 can get 12 hrs on lump coals i got mine in 2012 got alot wear on it too ,though about trying kettle joe next!!its hard get smoke taste to meet but its good
Good review, earned my like. Im glad i watched the whole thing. Im looking to break into ceramics and will be taking a look at the Joe Classic 1 as suggested. I didnt see if you reviewed that one?
Great review man thank you
Just checked the 18” classic is available at Lowe’s for $799 7/23/23
I'm looking to cook butgers, steaks and chicken. Is this overkill for me?
The classic is only 18 inches vs 22 on the Kettle.
You can get a Rotisserie for the Kettle Joe it's from the Webber range
Too much that was not great. Like the weak side tables and the air leak. Luckily there is also gravity fed alternatives for about the same price point. Good point about rather seeking out the true ceramic kamado joe gen 1.
Damn cuz, what a review. I think imma get
Great review. I have a Kettle joe ordered for my Cabin. I have a Big Joe 3 at home and I needed a lighter option for up there. In the video it shows your probe wires going up in the dome. Do they come out the temp control vent at the top? I have never seen that trick before.
I recently seen this KJ in person...Visually it was mouth watering...BUT as I dove deeper into it it just didn't seem to hold up to its hype. KJ if you are listening...#1 double the kettle thickness...#2 why not just have a matching ceramic drop out ashtray instead of a 4 inch box made of aluminum foil that you have to drag in and out to empty your ashes...#3 if you are going to have a "convertible" system why not just have 2 hinge settings like your side tables...#4 if you are going to have side tables why not have a bracing system that would hold 50lbs just to be safe...#5 if you are going to have a stand then why not make it the same hight as your other products, I mean 4 more inches on the legs and another 4 inches of spread between the feet and boom your there...#6 if you have attachments that come with his that are specific to holding in heat then why not add your gaskets to them alike all your other grills...#7 if you were to pay any attention to your consumers then you would know that everyone is using them probes, so why not have a dedicated probe port on the kettle for this?...just a crappy attempt at the kettle market...I love KJ and I used to own a Big Joe 2...BUT it just seems like they are just throwing out products for us to buy and then they rely on their customer service reps to handle all their problems...
They’ve disappeared from the KJ website. I wonder if it has been quietly discontinued.
Don’t need a do jo. Just prop the lid open a bit.
22 Weber rotisserie might fit.
Thanks! based on the comments and video I will not be getting one, unless they have updated the unit. Sad when you believe in a brand as 100% and this exists (& a couple of other things making it more 60%. May end up getting a 3rd ceramic instead. 😆
In regard to having a water pan. If one is using the slow roller couldn't you add in another set of grates under the slow roller that would hold a water pan? Cheap enough to buy another grate so you'd have 1 set above the diffuser & 1 set below the diffuser. Thoughts?
Thanks for this nice review. Greetings from Germany
Merci 👍
Kamado Joe wants you to buy the expensive ceramics.This gives you a taste of it at $499. They hope you’ll eventually upgrade. Great marketing.
Great video on the Kettle Joe,,. I hear that when you use SloRoller low slow inside condensation leaks out and drips on the floor did you find that to be true?
Great review. I was totally going to go Kettle Joe until your last two minutes. The Classic I is now on my radar... and Lowes now has it for 650 through June 2nd. Would you then have me get the slowroller as an accessory? And, is there an advantage to 22 inch rather than the Classic I 18"?
I've done a review of the slo roller here czcams.com/video/W6V_atNqIGc/video.html&ab_channel=BreakItYourself
long story short it makes a great smoke ring but don't think it changes taste much. Plus you can always upgrade to it if the classic 1 isn't cutting it with just heat deflectors, which I doubt. Now you bring up an interesting point in that the classic is only 18". Those 4" do make a difference but from everything I've seen the 18" can handle almost anything. With a massive brisket just get yourself a fire brick, cover it in foil, and do the first 4-6 hours using the brick while the meat shrinks then remove it. All in all I think the classic 1 is worth it even losing 4".
@@BreakItYourself After I asked the slowroller question, I watched your review video. Then went to Lowes. The Classic I is on sale till the 1st of June for 649. I applied for a Lowes credit card and got 20% off of that. Also, assembly and delivery is free right now. So, I am out the door for 594. About 55 more than the Kettle Joe. I am totally pumped and so thankful I was able to watch your video and realize the Classic I was doable. No question that it is much more substantial than the Kettle Joe. And... seeing it in person, and realizing the 18" measurement is measured from the side of the grate to the other, I think I will have no problem doing anything I want on this size grill. Thank you so much.
If the Kettle Joe and the Weber Kettle were the same price, which would you choose?
kettle joe for versatility
Great Review!! Have you tried using a half moon deflector from your Big Joe to get 2-Zone cooking? I've seen Eric Gephart use that setup and he stated the half moon deflector plate from the Big Joe fits perfectly on the Kettle Joe. I'm impressed with the Kettle Joe. I have both the KJ Classic II and the Big Joe II. I'm wondering about possibly selling my Classic II and getting the Kettle Joe. With the Kettle Joe and my Big Joe I think I could get by with those two items cooking everything I usually do. I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on that setup. Thanks again for a great review!!
Well done 👍
Can you get a rotisserie for this grill? Thanks
I found a kettle joe for $369 on Amazon made the leap. I am hoping Kamado Joe made modifications as you brought up. I believe your review was 2021
Great review!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Have you ever used an Akorn? I have one and I love it. I think it's a great versatile BBQ. Lightweight, way cheaper than a ceramic kamado, and almost as good. I have a BGE as well.
People sleep on the Akorn. I have owned a lot of grills/smokers and the akorn is up there.
The Akorn is versatile. The separately sold adjustable grate is excellent
This or the Weber Master Touch Premium with deflector plate?
That is my dilemma right now too. Despite the fact that Kettle Joe can get up to searing temps that would damage a Weber, I'm leaning towards the Weber. £150 cheaper, better build quality all round.
But I might just wait until the Autumn sales when all the Summer hype dies off.
What Weber were you using?
seems kind of low...was that a problem
on sale at my local hardware for $200 - would you pull the trigger even if i have the akorn?
Is your name, John? 🤔 idk much about the Akorn but $200 seems like a great deal for the kettle joe. I’d get it.
@@BreakItYourself Just need someone to agree with me! lol i also have a 200 dollar lowes gift card which makes it easy. Going to pick it up today probably
I got mine for 50 bucks! :)
That Ash tray sucks just from looks.
spoiler: spend 250 more and get a classic mki
The ashtray sucks ass😊
so much effort here and others wasted to try and make sense out of a gimmick
They are garbage. I wouldn’t give this thing to my enemy’s.
can you provide more detail on your opinion?