"The Big Joe II: Because Your Backyard Deserves a Statement Piece That Cooks Meat"
We fired up the Big Joe II for a backyard get-together and instantly noticed how much room it offered compared to other grills. Cooking for a crowd didn’t feel cramped—even with a full batch of burgers and a couple pizzas going at once.
The heavy lid opened and closed easily, and the air control let us keep the temperature steady. Cleanup was easier than we expected, mostly thanks to the ash drawer.
The size does take up a significant amount of space, and yes, it’s pricey. But if you’re serious about grilling or hosting big groups, it really does the job.
Ready for your next cookout? 
Overview of Kamado Joe Big Joe II Grill
The first thing we noticed when firing up the Big Joe II was how sturdy the ceramic build felt. Those thick walls held heat steady, making it easy for slow smoking and high-temp cooks.
The large cooking area fit enough food for a group, which is a big plus if you like hosting. The double-layer cooking system let us grill burgers and smoke ribs at the same time—pretty handy.
The ash drawer sped up cleanup. The grill’s size and weight made it tough to move, but the heavy lid lifted easier than we thought, even if it still needs space.
- Retains heat and moisture well
- Flexible for different cooking methods
- Cleanup is simpler than most charcoal grills
Some parts, like the gasket seal, felt high-quality. It’s versatile but not really for tiny backyards.
Key Features
24-Inch Premium Ceramic Grill
Using the Big Joe II, we immediately felt the solidity and weight of the ceramic build. The 24-inch size provides ample space, perfect for family cookouts or meal prep for the week.
It retains heat well, allowing for even cooking of both slow-smoked meats and quick sears. The thick ceramic walls trap heat and smoke, though it takes a while to cool down after cooking.
Moving it isn’t easy due to its weight, but it’s sturdy.
Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System
This system let us cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time. For example, we grilled chicken on a higher level while slow-cooking veggies below.
Having two tiers was great, but arranging the grates can be a little tricky if you’re new to the setup. It made multitasking on the grill much easier, though.
Pros:
- Grill different foods at once
- Flexible arrangement
Cons:
- Setup can take practice
Kontrol Tower Top Vent
The top vent made it easy to maintain a steady temperature. Adjusting the vent was smooth, and it remained in place even when we opened the lid.
This was especially helpful for longer cooks, as the airflow remained consistent. We liked not having to readjust every time we checked our food.
Air Lift Hinge
Opening and closing the lid was much easier thanks to the hinge. Even though the grill is heavy, the Air Lift hinge made lifting the lid feel pretty light.
After a few uses, we realized you still need to be careful when closing—it can slam if you let go too fast. It’s a big help, but not foolproof.
Patented Slide-Out Ash Drawer
Clean-up was simple with the slide-out ash drawer. We just slid it out and dumped the ash—no digging inside the grill.
Some ash can sneak underneath the drawer if you’re burning a lot of charcoal, but for the most part, cleanup stayed quick and mess-free.
Summary Table:
| Feature | What We Liked | What Could Be Better |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Inch Ceramic Grill | Heat retention, large cooking area | Heavy, slow to cool down |
| Divide & Conquer System | Flexible, multitasking | Setup takes practice |
| Kontrol Tower Vent | Easy temp control | None major |
| Air Lift Hinge | Easy lid lift | Can slam if not careful |
| Slide-Out Ash Drawer | Simple cleanup | Some ash may escape |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The Big Joe II feels sturdy and well-built. The ceramic body keeps heat steady for long cooks, which gives us tender, juicy meat.
- There’s a lot of cooking room. With 450 square inches, grilling for a big group was no problem.
- The 2-Tier divide system made it easy to cook different foods at the same time and different temps.
- Controlling airflow was straightforward with the top vent. It remained in place even when we opened and closed the lid.
- The dome is heavy, but the Air Lift hinge made it much easier to lift than we expected.
- Cleanup wasn’t much work. The ash drawer pulled out smoothly and kept things tidy.
- The thick gasket and strong latches gave us confidence that we weren’t losing heat or smoke.
Cons
- Size might be an issue. The Big Joe II is bigger than most backyard grills, so it can feel bulky and needs plenty of space.
- The price is high compared to standard charcoal grills. If you’re not using the extra space or features, it might be more than you need.
- There’s a learning curve with the vents and temperature control, especially if you’re new to ceramic grills.
- It takes longer to heat up than smaller or thinner grills.
Customer Reviews
After trying out the Big Joe, we noticed a lot of users really appreciate its large grilling space. It’s easy to cook for big groups, which is perfect for gatherings.
Reviews often mention it’s bigger than expected, so make sure you have enough space in your yard or patio. The higher price comes up, but people who want a bigger grill seem to feel it’s worth it.
Some first-time users liked how juicy their food came out, even if they were new to smoking. A few people felt it might be too large for their needs, so consider how much grilling you plan to do.
Most customers are happy with the cooking results and enjoy using this grill.
Ideal Uses for Entertaining
When friends or family come over, we find this grill fits well for gatherings of different sizes. With its wide cooking surface, we can prepare multiple dishes at once—burgers on one side, veggies on the other.
The double-layer setup makes it easier to cook for a group. Grilling with the Big Joe II helps us keep conversations going outdoors, as it retains heat and doesn’t require constant attention.
The top vent allows us to manage smoke and temperature, ensuring that food comes out as planned. Cleanup is relatively simple, but the heavy lid may not be convenient for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grilling with the Big Joe II brought up a bunch of questions for us, so here’s what we found after spending some real time with it.
How does the Kamado Joe Big Joe II Stand Alone Charcoal Grill perform compared to the Big Joe III?
The Big Joe III features some newer enhancements, including a three-tier cooking rack and a sturdier cart. With the Big Joe II, we have a two-tier system and a stand-alone design, eliminating the need for extra shelving.
Both handled temperature control well, and we didn’t notice a huge difference in how food turned out. The Big Joe III might feel a bit more refined, but in everyday use, the Big Joe II held its own unless you specifically need more cooking levels.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Kamado Joe Big Joe II Stand Alone?
The grill is big and heavy. It measures about 28.25 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 36.25 inches tall.
It weighs approximately 359 pounds, making it difficult to move. We had to call for help when setting it up. Its size makes it best for a permanent spot in an outdoor kitchen or patio.
| Width | Depth | Height | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Joe II | 28.25 in | 36 in | 36.25 in | 359 lbs |
Can you highlight the key differences between the Kamado Joe Big Joe II and the original Big Joe model?
Going from the original Big Joe to the Big Joe II, we saw improvements like the Air Lift hinge, which made lifting the heavy dome much easier. There’s also a better top vent design and the ash drawer makes cleanup simpler compared to the original.
The newer gasket on the Big Joe II feels tighter and more durable, helping with heat retention.
Quick differences we noticed:
- Easier dome lifting mechanism
- Upgraded gasket for better sealing
- Improved vent and easier ash removal
Is there a significant price difference when choosing the Stand Alone option over the bundled version?
We checked out both options. The Stand Alone comes without the wheeled cart or extra shelves that usually come with the bundled set, which lowers the price, sometimes by several hundred dollars, depending on sales and store offers.
If you already have an outdoor kitchen frame or don’t need a rolling cart, the Stand Alone is a cost-effective option. For individuals requiring mobility assistance, the bundled package may be worth considering.
What improvements have been made in the Kamado Joe Big Joe II regarding temperature control and stability?
Temperature control on the Big Joe II impressed us. The top vent adjusts much more easily now, and it doesn't get stuck like before.
We could fine-tune the airflow with better precision. The fiberglass gasket seals the lid tight, so we didn't notice any major heat or smoke leaks.
Temperature stayed steady for long cooks. That meant we didn't have to fuss with it as much during a barbecue.
- Easier vent adjustments
- Tighter lid seal
- Steady heat during smoking and grilling
Are there any exclusive accessories or features with the Kamado Joe Big Joe II Stand Alone that justify its investment?
A few features made grilling easier for us. The slide-out ash drawer took the hassle out of dumping ashes.
The heat-resistant shell and double-thick gasket gave us more confidence about heat retention. That peace of mind is hard to put a price on, honestly.
The two-tier cooking grates allow us to cook different foods simultaneously. We also appreciated the included tools, like the grill gripper and ash tool—we ended up reaching for them every time.
These features aren’t only found on this model, but they also come with the Big Joe II Stand Alone, right in the box. No hunting around for extras.
Final Verdict: A Grilling Titan Worthy of Its Name
After extensive testing, it’s clear the Kamado Joe Big Joe II isn’t just a grill—it’s a game-changer. From its rock-solid ceramic construction to its precision temperature control and versatile Divide & Conquer cooking system, this kamado-style cooker delivers on every front. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or searing steaks at blazing heat, the Big Joe II performs like a true backyard champion.
Sure, it comes with a premium price tag and a hefty weight, but for serious grillers who demand performance, durability, and versatility, the investment pays off in spades. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game and grill like a legend, the Kamado Joe Big Joe II is more than up to the challenge.
