Kamado Joe · Premium
Kamado Joe Big Joe II review
24-inch grate for whole briskets, multiple pork shoulders, and party-size cooks.
How we sourced this review: This review is based on manufacturer specs and synthesized owner feedback (we have not cooked on this specific unit). See our review process.
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Kamado Joe Big Joe II
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The short version
The Big Joe II is the Classic II scaled up to 24 inches. It's the model you buy when "feed the whole party" or "two whole briskets at once" is a real recurring need, not a once-a-year fantasy. The cooking experience is the same — patient, forgiving, and remarkably stable — with roughly 75% more surface area to work with.
What you actually gain at 24"
Two whole pork shoulders side by side without crowding. A full 14-pound packer brisket laid flat instead of folded. Six racks of ribs with airflow between them. If you cook for crowds, the difference vs the 18-inch Classic is enormous.
Build & daily use
Same ceramic recipe as the Classic II, same Air Lift hinge, same cast-iron top vent. The cart is wider with the same locking-wheel story. Charcoal usage scales with the cooking chamber — plan on noticeably more lump per cook, though efficiency per pound of food stays excellent.
Pros
- Truly party-sized cooking surface.
- Inherits every Classic II strength.
- Divide & Conquer rack scales beautifully at this size.
Cons
- Big, heavy, hard to move once installed — plan the spot first.
- Overkill for a household of four.
- Lump charcoal cost per cook is noticeably higher.
Who should buy it
Anyone who regularly cooks for 8+ people, runs a catering side hustle, or just hates running two cooks back-to-back. If that's not you, the Classic II is the smarter purchase.
FAQ
Big Joe II or Big Joe III? Same logic as Classic II vs III — the III gets the SlōRoller. Worth it only if low-and-slow dominates your cooking.
Ready to check it out?
The Amazon listing has current pricing, shipping estimates and recent owner reviews.
Kamado Joe Big Joe II — frequently asked questions
Is the Kamado Joe Big Joe II worth the money?
For buyers who want a serious 24"-class kamado from Kamado Joe, yes. It will outlast a typical gas grill by a decade and replaces a smoker, a grill, and a pizza oven in one footprint. Whether it's the best value at its tier depends on what you're comparing it to — see our head-to-head comparisons for the matchup that applies to you.
What size is the Kamado Joe Big Joe II?
The Kamado Joe Big Joe II is a 24"-class kamado. Cooking-grate diameter is the spec that matters: it dictates how many racks of ribs or how large a brisket fits at one time. The dome and overall footprint are larger than the grate, so always shop by grate inches rather than the manufacturer's published outer dimensions.
Is the Kamado Joe Big Joe II available on Amazon?
Availability changes constantly — use the Amazon button on this page to see today's listing, current shipping estimate, and recent owner reviews. Kamado Joe ceramics are sometimes restocked weekly and sometimes back-ordered; the live listing is the only reliable source.
What's the warranty on the Kamado Joe Big Joe II?
Kamado Joe backs the ceramic shell on its flagship kamados with a long-term warranty (often lifetime on ceramics, with shorter coverage on metal parts and gaskets). Warranty terms only apply when you buy through an authorized seller — verify the seller's status on the brand's website before ordering, especially from third-party Amazon listings.
What accessories should I buy with the Kamado Joe Big Joe II?
Start with three: a wireless probe thermometer, a fitted cover for this specific model, and a chimney starter for fast, clean lighting. Add a Nomex replacement gasket around year two. Brand-specific accessories like deflectors and racks are usually included on premium ceramics — check the spec sheet on the Amazon listing before buying duplicates.
How does the Kamado Joe Big Joe II compare to a Big Green Egg?
Both are premium ceramic kamados that will last 15+ years. The practical differences come down to what ships in the box, accessory ecosystems, and dealer networks rather than cooking performance — food tastes the same. See our comparisons section for the side-by-side that matches your shortlist.