In recent years, kamado grills have grown in popularity, especially in the United States. They’re a type of barbecue grill that requires some assembly, and the specific parts needed depend on your model.
But even the best kamado grills are not like a regular grill.
Owners need to be aware of some additional parts that are required. These accessories will extend the functionalities and extend the longevity of your outdoor kitchen.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Kamado Joe KJ-TISSERIENA JoeTisserie Classic | Best Overall |  |
| Hot Coals: A User's Guide to Mastering Your Kamado Grill | Budget Pick |  |
| Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Kamado Joe KJ-TISSERIENA JoeTisserie Classic
Pros:
- Powder-coat finished steel material construction
- Standard package includes 1 chimney, 1 cooking grate, 1 cooking grate lifter, 1 charcoal grate, 1 charcoal grate lifter, 1 ash tool, 1 damper assembly, 1 cover support bracket, 1 ash removal tool, 1 spring
- Its large cooking area makes it perfect for any size family
- Constructed from high-quality materials with complete-care instructions
- The heavy-duty shelves can hold a lot of weight
- You can cook a variety of different items in this kamado
Cons:
- Reports of rusting
- Most units don’t arrive pre-seasoned
The Kamado Joe products are fantastic for anyone looking for an alternative to an outdoor gas grill. It is a well-made grill which encompasses the build of a high-quality ceramic grill with a few unique features that set it apart from other makes and models as well as outdoor gas grills.
This kamado is a ceramic grill which means it will retain the heat much better than a normal metal grill. This translates to longer cook times, more juicy meats, better flavor, and better tasting food. The Kamado Joe also has a few air vents you can adjust to control the temperature.
2. Kamado Joe KJ-GC23BWFS Classic Joe Charcoal Grill Cover
Pros:
- Protects your grill from the elements
- Mold resistant
- Easy to install
- Fits the classic Joe and Big Joe perfectly
Cons:
- Available only in two colors (black/brown)
- Nylon is a little cheap looking
The Kamado Joe KJ-GC23BWFS is a high-quality, canvas grill cover made by the well-known Joe Grill. The company has been manufacturing premium quality grills for over 20 years, and this gem of a cover is no exception. It’s designed compatibly with the Classic Joe and Big Joe charcoal grills.
It’s made from sturdy, mold-proof canvass that ensures your grill will be protected against the harshest conditions. And with the included elastic cord, it also keeps the cover in place, even under the most extreme situations. If you want to get a great cover for your Kamado Joe, then the KJ-GC23BWFS should be at the top of your list.
This black/brown model comes with charcoal covered material on the inside which protects it from burns and splatters. It comes with wheels and a handle to help you carry it around and roll it when you need to.
3. Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller
Pros:
- Provides you with an electronic feed-and-forget cooking experience
- Makes smoking meat very easy
- Inexpensive compared to other smoker controllers
- Works with almost any grill, including kamado
- Cloud app allows you to view cooking data on your smartphone
The Flame Boss 500-WIFI Smoker Controller is the best selling accessory for this model of BBQ grill. It is inexpensive and offers incredible value for the price.
The Flame Boss connects to your smartphone via an app which allows you to control your BBQ grill from anywhere. You are able to monitor the temperature inside your grill and the ambient temperature. It allows you to control the exact temperature inside the grill at the single digit level.
The Flame Boss doesn’t just let you remotely monitor and control the temperature inside your grill; it also lets you feed your meat automatically. This is a convenient feature since you can go to work while the automatic feeder feeds your meats for you.
4. Kamado Joe Classic Joe Half Moon Cast Iron Reversible Griddle
Pros:
- Large surface area
- Versatile
- Can be used on the grill or the stovetop as well as in the oven
- Made of cast iron, which means it can resist heat extremely well
- Non-stick
- It can be used up to 450ºF
- Can be used for frying, grilling, searing, baking, broiling, etc.
Cons:
- It is heavy
- Can get a bit expensive
- Requires careful cleaning
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Half Moon Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle is an absolute must-have for anyone who owns a Kamado Joe grill. It is made of top quality cast iron, which allows it to withstand high temperatures and even heat.
The griddle is reversible so it can be used in different positions, and it has a dome-shaped lid so that the heat stays inside the pan. It's simple design but incredibly useful as well.
To sear some meat, all you have to do is put it over the grill, get it nice and hot and then flip it over and cook it that way. You don't have to put it on a griddle or in the oven. This is great for a quick snack in case you are camping, or if you are simply craving some meat!
5. SMOKEWARE Vented Chimney Cap
Pros:
- Adjusts to fit a wide range of vent widths
- High quality material
- Simple to install
This smokeware chimney cap fits the standard Classic and Big Joe charcoal grills from Kamado Joe. The stainless steel piece measures 13.5″ x 12.5″ and includes 4 holes for proper ventilation. It’s vented design allows oxygen to flow through and burn off any moisture that may be in your charcoal or wood.
The cap is held onto the vent with three screwable metal clamps. It comes in a black finish that will look amazing on your charcoal or wood grill.
6. Hot Coals: A User's Guide to Mastering Your Kamado Grill
Pros:
- Sage-infused paper
- Printed in the United States on recycled paper
- Approximately 100 pages
- Author: Bill West
- Dimensions: 8" x 5"
- Easy to use and fire starter
- Charcoal Starter
- Natural Lump Charcoal
- Easy to use fast lighting
One of the things that Kamado Joe (KJ) is known for is their top class customer service and support. Which is why we love their book Hot Coals: A User's Guide to Mastering Your Kamado Grill even more. This book offers in-depth advice about understanding, selecting, maintaining, and using your Kamado Joe.
It also includes recipes and cooking tips from renowned chefs and Kamado Joe users. It also explains the Kamado Joe difference from other smokers, which will show you how to get the optimal flavor from your Kamado Joe grill.
7. KamadoJoe KJ-ES Electric Starter
Pros:
- Simple and speedy operation
- No charcoal lighter fluid or starter fluid needed
- Fits all Kamado Joe models
The charcoal starter for the Kamado Joe does not require charcoal lighter fluid or starter fluid. It’s convenient and safer as well as a more efficient way to start the coals to keep evenly cooking your meat.
Once you plug in the electric starter into the socket, it provides you with all of the heat that you need to get to cooking in no time. Keep in mind that it only works with Kamado Joe models.
The electric starter will heat the charcoal up to 700 degrees between 15-20 minutes or less.
8. Kamado Joe All Natural Big Block Argentinian XL Premium Charcoal
Pros:
- Specially blended charcoal
- Noticeably better heat distribution
- Produces fewer ashes and leftovers
- Affordable
This charcoal is made to work best with the Kamado Joe Big Joe Platinum II, Big Joe II, Joe Jr, ceramic Big Green Egg, and other kamado style smokers. It is a premium all natural hardwood briquettes with no fillers or chemicals.
They’re hardwood so they burn hotter and longer than lump charcoals which makes them perfect for these type of smokers. They produce a lot less ashes because most of the gases and elements that cause the ashes and unburned coals burn away.
It’s noticeably more efficient compared to the traditional charcoal, because the wood burns faster and lasts longer. Four briquettes burn just as long as seven of the traditional charcoal.
9. Kamado Joe KJ-DJ DōJoe Classic
Pros:
- Available in different sizes
- Easy to assemble
- Innovative design
- Huge cooking area
Cons:
- Lid handle will be too close to the edge for certain cookers
- The lid can be a little challenging to remove
This ceramic char-griller is a large and easy to use outdoor roaster and grill. The Kamado Pro Joe Classic is constructed from thick-wall steel for extreme durability in most weather conditions.
The Kamado Joe features insulation in the lid and walls to keep heat inside at a constant temperature for amazing grill and smoker results. It also features a high-temp powder coating to prevent rusting.
The Kamado Joe is surprisingly large and offers a huge cooking area. You can easily fit up to 16 whole chickens on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a cover for my Kamado Joe?
You can enjoy your Kamado Joe without a cover, but it’d be irresponsible not to have a cover for it. This is because it not only shields your smoker from the elements, it helps you to regulate temperature and retain heat a lot better.
Now, there are basically two types of covers for Kamado Joe, the hard top and the soft top. A Kamado Joe hard top is a cover made of hard materials, typically ceramic. These can withstand temperatures up to 900”F. A hard top will keep the temperature inside your Kamado Joe at a stable level of about 250”F on the lower side, or 550”F on the upper side.
Is Kamado Joe Worth the money?
Kamado Joe is the best charcoal smoker you can find in the marketplace. Naturally, with such a great product, a lot of people wonder if it’s worth the price. However, when you consider the amount of money you’ll spend on fuel, if you need to keep your smoker going all day, it’s easy to see how Kamado Joe is a great value.
The Kamado Joe is also built to last. You can use it for years to come. You can use it to preserve the taste of meat, and make it possible to cook just about anything using indirect heat, and it will still last years to come. Yes, it is a take on Japanese outdoor cooking and smoking. However, it is solidly built, and provides even heat distribution because it is made out of ceramic.
Is Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg better?
Green Egg features fewer options. In fact, Green Egg has two grills while Kamado Joe has two grills plus a grill adapter. Kamado Joe’s attachment is larger and a bit more pricey.
Both Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg are portable but Kamado Joe is more compact and better protected. Kamado Joe is carried in a sturdy case while the Green Egg is placed in a backpack which can break easily.
But if you will consider the price, Kamado Joe is more affordable.
Can I use wood in my Kamado Joe?
Wood definitely works in your Kamado Joe! You can use it in the firebox by just rolling the wood chips and putting them all under the grill. If you want to use wood chunks, you can place them directly on the grate. Remember, this is not going to heat your cooker faster so you’re better off with charcoal or lump if you’re short for time.
Make sure you keep the fire rolling, at least until the cooker reaches 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You can keep the firebox grid in place as long as you’re using wood to cook. However, you’ll need to use wood chunks or chips the whole time!
Conclusion
When it comes to grilling and cooking, there is not much that can beat using a kamado grill. It’s an incredibly versatile device and is incredibly safe to use. They even come with an insulated lid so that you can slow cook tougher meats for many hours without needing any additional fuel. You can see that the keepers are a great additional accessory for the kamado outdoors, but you need to understand the four other items that you will need to make your outdoor living space more comfortable. These are the accessories that we believe you need to add to your summer lifestyle.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Kamado Joe KJ-TISSERIENA JoeTisserie Classic | Best Overall | |
| Hot Coals: A User's Guide to Mastering Your Kamado Grill | Budget Pick | |
| Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller | Upgrade Pick | |