Kamado Joe · Mid-range
Kamado Joe Junior review
Tabletop 13.5-inch kamado built for travel and small-batch 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 Junior
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The short version
A 13.5-inch tabletop kamado that delivers the full Kamado Joe ceramic experience in something you can throw in a truck. Tailgates, balconies, camping — this is the kamado that goes places.
Cooking experience
Same thick ceramic walls as the bigger Joes, scaled down. Owners report it holds 225°F as steadily as its big siblings and, per the manufacturer's smaller thermal mass, reaches pizza temperatures faster than a Classic. Surface area is the obvious limit — two ribeyes or one small pork shoulder is the practical ceiling cited by most owners.
Pros
- Genuinely portable — built-in carry handles and a footprint that fits a card table.
- Same ceramic and vent quality as the full-size Joes.
- Lump efficiency is excellent at this size.
Cons
- 13.5 inches goes fast — not a family-meal cooker.
- Heavy for "tabletop"; "portable" is relative.
Who should buy it
Apartment dwellers, tailgaters, campers, and anyone who already owns a full-size kamado and wants a smaller cooker for two-person nights.
FAQ
How does it compare to the Akorn Jr? See our comparison.
Ready to check it out?
The Amazon listing has current pricing, shipping estimates and recent owner reviews.
Kamado Joe Junior — frequently asked questions
Is the Kamado Joe Junior worth the money?
For buyers who want a serious 13.5"-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 Junior?
The Kamado Joe Junior is a 13.5"-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 Junior 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 Junior?
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 Junior?
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 Junior 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.