Kamado Joe Classic for $749 - too good to pass up??

[smokewithmeman]

i have been debating on whether or not to pick up a Kamado Joe classic for the new, and what seems to be a fantastic deal at $749. I’ve been smoking for about five years now, and have began with an MES 30, that is mostly used just for large parties as an overflow smoker. I graduated to a WSM, which is near and dear to my heart, but is being rehomed to our camp this year. My main smoker is my Traeger, which gets used multiple times a week, even by the wife while I’m working. I love it, the ease and consistency is unmatched. I get a beautiful smoke ring. I love being able to set it, go fishing, and come to some perfectly smoked meat. I also have a Weber Genesis that is used to grill hot dogs, hamburgers, and everything else under the sun. It’s hooked up to a natural gas line, and provides easy grilling year round in south western PA. I can peg it out at 700+ degrees.

Now that you know my collection of outdoor cooking devices, I have always wanted a Kamado grill. When I bought my WSM, I could not afford a ceramic grill. I have turned out some great food on it, but like I said, it’s going to camp. Will I be able to do more with the Kamado Joe than I can with what I have? At $749, I think it’s a steal. There is little doubt that I will use it a lot, but will I gain much over with what I have now? I would use it to grill and smoke.

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[greatfx1959]

follow your heart, if momma is good with, we damn sure are......you wont know till you try. I have spent more on dumber things........if it doesnt put you in a bind, then what the hell? again spoil yourself. ............just my 2 cents

 

[smokenharley]

i have been debating on whether or not to pick up a Kamado Joe classic for the new, and what seems to be a fantastic deal at $749. I’ve been smoking for about five years now, and have began with an MES 30, that is mostly used just for large parties as an overflow smoker. I graduated to a WSM, which is near and dear to my heart, but is being rehomed to our camp this year. My main smoker is my Traeger, which gets used multiple times a week, even by the wife while I’m working. I love it, the ease and consistency is unmatched. I get a beautiful smoke ring. I love being able to set it, go fishing, and come to some perfectly smoked njomeat. I also have a Weber Genesis that is used to grill hot dogs, hamburgers, and everything else under the sun. It’s hooked up to a natural gas line, and provides easy grilling year round in south western PA. I can peg it out at 700+ degrees.

Now that you know my collection of outdoor cooking devices, I have always wanted a Kamado grill. When I bought my WSM, I could not afford a ceramic grill. I have turned out some great food on it, but like I said, it’s going to camp. Will I be able to do more with the Kamado Joe than I can with what I have? At $749, I think it’s a steal. There is little doubt that I will use it a lot, but will I gain much over with what I have now? I would use it to grill and smoke.

Thanks for the input everyone!

I'm not sure that you can have enough smokers. Unless the deck collapses with the weight of a ceramic grill. On a more serious note; I do not have a Kamodo or similar grill/smoker but I do have a good friend who swears by his Kamodo. He has made some really good stuff that I could not duplicate with any of my smokers in time/temp. At the same time, I did not not feel his meat was smoked. His turkey was fall-apart-delicious but had very little smoke flavor. So, I guess it really depends on your taste and what you are looking for in a final product.

 

[hardcookin]

I would go for the Kamado they are pretty versatile smoker. Not to mention with your cold climate in the winter you should be set.
There's a slight learning curve with a Kamado because they are so insulated. But nothing you shouldn't have mastered after a few smokes.

 

[Daz]

Get a temp controller and it'll make your WSM more stable than your kitchen oven. I know I make one but a good controller will change your game.
Kamado Joe's price will keep going down, they're over producing it to counter the possible 25% import tax. Materbuilt bought KJ and they'll be popping up at all big box stores. I wouldn't be surprised to see them on sale at $500 later this year. I just spent a week in Wuxi region where all the kamados are produced. KJ's OEM factories were loading containers day and night.

 

[dr k]

I have a Mes 40 Gen 1 with an Auber plug and play PID for my go to smoker being able to cover one item or many, costing $3.00 per 24 hour smoke and have the Char Griller Big Red Kamado Kooker Akorn. The wood flavor profile in insulated electric smokers and Kamados are similar since little fuel is needed and smoldering wood without burning wood at 650-750* ie in a stick burner for heat and flavor is how these smoke food. The Akorn was $248.00 five years ago and I really like the large removable ash pan so your not stuck with burning only lump charcoal and accomodates the ash from briquettes. I prefer briquettes over lump because a lot of the lump small pieces fall through the grate. The Akorn is light weight, easy to move and no spring assisted lid opening needed. A Kamado is nice to have with your collection no matter who makes it. If you have the $ for the KJ go for it or get the Akorn and a years supply of meat for the $. Right now my Kamado is in stand by for pizzas and extra grilling if needed. I have a 600 sq. inch charcoal brinkmann go to grill. I haven't been giving equal cooking time to my grills/pits.

 

[smokewithmeman]

Thanks guys for the advice. I’ll let you know what I decide.

 

[dernektambura]

I have Vision grill egg and it is the best investment I ever had.. its been 10 years and it still runs as champion...

 

[Inscrutable]

I have been thrilled with my main squeeze BGE for several years, though I’ve also cheated on it with a Bradley electric and a gasser. You won’t regret it.

 

[retfr8flyr]

That's a great deal on the Kamado Joe, I would jump on that. I think a Kamado Joe and a pellet grill are the perfect combination to cook anything.

 

[smokewithmeman]

Welp, after probably too much of an internal struggle, I’m picking up my new Kamado Joe Classic tomorrow after a nice half day at work! I can’t wait to fire that puppy up! Now the question is what do I cook this weekend? Thanks guys for all of the advice, I appreciate it greatly!

 

[unclejhim]

I picked up one at lowes . They had the classic at $749.00 then said if I opened a credit acct. with them they would take a $100.00 off the price. They also assembled it and delivered it at no charge. Love that thing. I have the metal Broil King kamado but The ceramic is better IMO. Hope you enjoy yours