Introduction to Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg: A Comprehensive Comparison
As a grill enthusiast, it's natural to have questions about the different options available on the market. Two popular choices that often come up in conversations are Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg. In this article, we'll delve into the similarities and differences between these two ceramic grills, helping you make an informed decision when choosing your next grill.
Ceramic Kamados: A Timeless Tradition
Ceramic kamados have been popular in Japan for centuries, and their distinctive egg shape can be identified by their unique design. These grills are perfect for those who want a charcoal grill that offers versatility and can smoke, bake, grill, barbecue, and cook wood-fired pizzas. The high-fire ceramic and glaze used in these grills provides excellent heat retention and distribution, making them ideal for cooking.
Similarities Between Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg
When it comes to comparing Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg, there are some definite similarities. Both grills are made from high-quality materials, such as high-fire ceramics and glaze, which come backed by a lifetime warranty. This ceramic design makes them excellent charcoal grills, offering heat retention and distribution that is hard to match.
Both grills also offer stainless steel cooking grids and a one-level cookings system. However, Kamado Joe takes it a step further with its versatile divide and conquer cookingsystem. The stainless steel cooking grids on Kamado Joe are in two half-moon sections, allowing you to cook with two different temperature zones at the same time. This feature was put to the test during our video review, where we were able to sear steak on one side and roast bell peppers on the other side simultaneously.
The divide and conquer system also comes standard with an accessory rack and two half-moon heat deflectors. The included accessory rack is perfect for setting a water pan when using an indirect heat setup for cooking something like ribs or slow-cooked meats. Additionally, Kamado Joe's stainless steel cooking grids allow for extra space to throw in charcoal or wood chips throughout the cooking process.
Accessories and Additional Features
Big Green Egg has many great accessories available, but they all have to be purchased separately. On the other hand, Kamado Joe comes with a grid lifter tool and fire poker accessory that make it easy to add charcoal while cooking with the grids set in place. This is a thoughtful touch that sets Kamado Joe apart from its competitors.
When looking at the lower portion of both grills, it's clear that they have some key differences. The Big Green Egg features a ceramic fire ring sitting on top of the ceramic fire box, while Kamado Joe uses a multipanel firebox retained with a stainless steel ring. This design provides added protection against cracks and chipping in the firebox ceramics.
Both grills feature a cast-iron fire grate that is perforated for charcoal airflow and can be removed for cleaning. However, Big Green Egg has a mesh air screen with a sliding door on top of it, while Kamado Joe's draft door can be set in various positions and features a secondary air screen built into a removable ash pan for easy cleaning.
Secondary Airflow Control
Big Green Egg offers a cast-iron chimney cap that features a daisy wheel design for setting your ideal airflow. This wheel can also be pivoted out of the way for high heat cooking, making it perfect for those who want to achieve precise temperature control. Additionally, Big Green Egg includes a ceramic chimney cap for times when you want to completely block airflow or keep rain out of the kamado when not in use.
Kamado Joe takes a different approach with its cast aluminum control tower top, which provides maximum durability and is designed to withstand high temperatures. The design of their chimney cap allows you to set your temperature with this tab while still having protection from rain. Furthermore, the top section of the cap can be pivoted out of the way for maximum airflow, making it easy to adjust the grill's performance on the fly.
Temperature Retention and Seal
Big Green Egg is sealed by a felt gasket where the lid meets the lower body of the grill, providing excellent temperature retention. Kamado Joe uses an oven-grade wire mesh gasket there and also features a latch that keeps the lid sealed tight. This ensures that heat is retained and cooked evenly throughout the grill.
When it comes to lifting the lid, Big Green Egg has a spring-assisted hinge that helps disperse some of the weight of the grill lid. However, Kamado Joe takes it a step further with an innovative air-lifting system that reduces 96% of the lid weight, allowing you to lift the lid with the touch of a finger if you want.
Temperature Accuracy
Both Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe include a hood-mounted thermometer, ensuring accurate temperature readings. This is especially important for those who are serious about grilling and need precise control over their cooking temperatures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg offer high-quality ceramic grills that provide excellent heat retention and distribution. While they share some similarities, there are also key differences between the two models. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision when choosing your next grill and ensure that you find the perfect fit for your cooking needs.