I was overdue for a new grill, but Kamado grills were not on my radar. I used to cook on a cheap Weber kettle grill, but tossed it when I moved in favor of a cheap hand-me-down gas grill. I found that I didn't do a lot of grilling on gas. It didn't offer half of the flavor of charcoal, and even after replacing burners I had terrible hot and cold spots that prevented any consistency. "Buy a new grill" went on the to do list.

Meanwhile, a close friend and colleague got a Big Green Egg. I had some pulled pork that he cooked on it, and I don't remember ever having better barbeque. He told me about cooking steaks, pizza, and chicken on it. It sounded great, but I still couldn't imagine spending $1,200 or $1,300 on a charcoal grill. The same guy notified me when this version of the KJ Classic went in sale because the new generation was released. It was a "Deal of the Day" for $699, and I went for it. I'm so glad I did, and now I definitely get it. At that price there is NO good reason to buy the Classic II. Most of the differences will be a draw, or a slight improvement for most users. Right now it looks like the old version is only $100 less than the new one. For less than 10% of the total price, I might be inclined to get the Classic II.

There are dozens of comparisons that should convince you that the most important things about BGE and KJ (build quality, customer service, and the end result: food) are essentially indistinguishable. Some perceive BGE ceramic as being slightly better finished. KJ has an indisputable advantage when it comes to included accessories. You absolutely can't go wrong with either one. If I were to point out one objective advantage of KJ that I've found really convenient, it's the split, two-piece ceramic heat shield (platesetter in BGE vernacular). Since it's split, you can cook indirect and then direct without pulling hot racks out of the grill- which is what you have to do to remove the one-piece platesetter on the BGE. You can also put some char on something, and easily move it back to indirect if the internal temp isn't quite where it needs to be. This is included with the KJ, while the one-piece platesetter is an add on with BGE. This KJ package included a stand and shelves. I ended up repurposing an old outdoor grilling area, and putting it on wooden decking with firebrick, and fabricating a range hood out of a wheelbarrow and an attic fan. I modified the shelf brackets and hung the KJ shelves on the wall.

The food is amazing, and I'm eager to get outside and grill. I've done steaks, burgers, chicken, quail, and the best gluten free pizza I've had to date. The only accessory for the grill that I'd recommend is a Kick Ash Basket for maximum convenience. This allows you to lift out your remaining charcoal and just shake the ash off before topping off with new charcoal. If you're unfamiliar with lump charcoal you just keep re-using what's left after a cook, instead of throwing it away like briquettes.There are knock off ash baskets for less, but many come with stories about warping and welds breaking. It's also helpful to have welding gloves for handling hot parts when you need to. I bought my basket and welding gloves at ceramicgrillstire.com. Other than the grill itself, grilling accessories and charcoal seem overpriced on Amazon. For the best food results I'd also recommend a high quality instant read thermometer. I've tried several Sub $15 thermometers on Amazon and at Wal Mart, and they all sucked. Spend $30 on a Thermoworks Thermopop. You'll thank me. I bought mine from a local BBQ supply store. An "Expert Grill" 30" heavy duty kettle grill cover on sale for $6 at Walmart fit perfectly.

When you see 200lbs of ceramic, watch a charcoal grill sit at EXACTLY the temp you want, for as long as you want (this takes a cook or two to dial in, but isn't hard), raise the temp from 350 to 750 in two minutes for your reverse sear, and taste the food that comes off of a full ceramic Kamado, you can appreciate where your money goes. Knowing what I know now, I would absolutely pay the asking price for a quality Kamado.

Wow!! Thanks Amazon for the Awesome Christmas pricing. I can't believe I got it so low. My husband has been wanting it for years. It arrived yesterday in perfect condition and a shout out to Kamado Joe for the innovative packaging. The steaks are defrosting for dinner tonight and I can't wait for the completed product. I know this is going to be totally worth the price and many years of usage to come.

I am in love with this grill. I already own a Big Green Egg mini-max and wanted a larger one so I decided to comparison shop. I found the Kamado Joe to have more features, better reviews and a slightly lower price. They pack a lot of innovation and standard features into this very durable unit. Other brands charge extra for accessories that come standard with the Kamado Joe classic.

I feel stupid for not owning this grill sooner. Stop wasting your time with whatever you're currently grilling with. Extremely versatile - I've smoked briskets for 10 hours without adding coal, seared steaks at 750 degrees and cooked pizza's with indirect heat. Comes with everything you need to become a BBQ Wizard

Give away your charcoal grill and get one of these! It uses lump charcoal exclusively to achieve high temps when needed fopr searing meat or baking a pizza. It has a thick ceramic interior that radiates infrared heat from all directions when the lid is closed.

At the high heat levels (700 F +) the flame is "blue" and there is no charcoal smell, good when you bake pizza (7 minutes). At the lower temps the charcoal smell is evident. The heat is easily controlled by adjusting the exhaust and air intake.

The grill is very well made and is mechanically stronger than the "Green Egg" grill. We have had all kinds of grills before but this one is our favorite. It does everything well.