The Big Green Egg is the most well-known grill brand, and for good reason. Their kamado-style cookers are wildly popular among outdoor chefs who want to cook with charcoal and wood but in a more controlled environment than an open fire offers. These grills are also known as egg-shaped barbecue smokers, which explains why there’s so many different brands that all have a unique take on the same design. The Big Green Egg has been around for over 25 years now, but there’s still plenty of competition out there for smaller manufacturers making their own version of the kamado grill. One of those smaller companies is called Big Joe, which makes a compact version of the traditional kamado barbecue style. In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes it different from other brands and see if it measures up to the competition.
The Basics
This grill is made for charcoal cooking and can be used both indoors and outdoors thanks to its built-in ventilation system. One of the unique features of this model is the inclusion of a removable ceramic grate, which is used to distribute heat and help prevent food from burning or sticking to the grill. The base of this grill is made of cast iron and coated with porcelain enamel for a high-quality build that’s resistant to corrosion and rust. A built-in drip tray helps catch excess fat and grease from your food so it doesn’t burn and makes cleanup much easier. This grill has a cooking surface of 16” x 22” and a capacity of up to 40 pounds of food, which is enough for an entire family meal. It’s designed to heat up quickly, with a maximum temperature of 650 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also a built-in thermometer so you can easily track the temperature inside the grill.
What’s included?
The Big Joe comes in two different sizes, the 18-inch and the 24-inch. There are also two different color options, black or red. This version of the Big Joe also includes a charcoal grate, a wood/charcoal grate, a thermometer, a grill cover, and a set of instructions. Big kamado joe
How to use it
The first thing you’ll want to do with any grill is assemble it and make sure it’s clean. The Big Joe comes preassembled, but you should still wipe off all the surfaces, especially the lid handle, grate, and lid. You’ll also want to light some newspaper and put it below the charcoal grate to get your grill started. Leave the lid open while you’re doing this, and don’t forget to wear gloves since the grill will be extremely hot. Once your grill is hot enough, you can add a few chunks of charcoal to get it started. Leave the lid open for about 15 minutes to let it heat up, and then close it and let it sit for a couple of hours. Once it’s nice and hot, you can add your food.
Pros
– A wide cooking area can fit a whole chicken or even a rib roast. – The cast iron base is durable and very sturdy, so it’s unlikely to tip over. – The removable ceramic grate makes it easy to clean up after cooking. – The grill is versatile enough to be used both indoors and outdoors, which makes it great for family barbecues. – The large size is great for cooking for large groups of people.
Cons
– The porcelain coating on the metal is known to chip off easily, which can be a safety hazard. – The metal is not thicker than normal, so it may warp over time. – The grates are not removable, which makes cleaning more difficult. – The temperature control is not very accurate, so it’s hard to know how hot the grill is getting. – Some customers have reported the grill rusting after just a few uses.
Final Words
The Big Joe is a great option for an entry-level kamado-style grill. It’s big enough to cook for a family and is versatile enough to be used indoors and outdoors, but it’s not quite as high-end as a Big Green Egg or some of the other high-end brands. Although this grill is built well, keep in mind that it’s not made as well as some of the more expensive brands.
This article is provided by https://www.creativegardens.com/products/brand/kamado_joe
