In the realm of grilling and smoking aficionados, the debate between the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe is one that has raged on for years. Both brands offer high-quality ceramic grills that promise exceptional cooking experiences, but which one is truly the best? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of Kamado grills, comparing the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe across various factors to help you make an informed decision.

Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a moment to understand what sets Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg apart. Both are leading brands in the world of ceramic grills, known for their durability, versatility, and ability to deliver mouthwatering results. Kamado Joe, founded by Bobby Brennan and Kerry Coker, has gained a strong following for its innovative features and commitment to quality. On the other hand, Big Green Egg, pioneered by Ed Fisher, has been a staple in the grilling community for decades, revered for its iconic design and exceptional performance.

Charcoal Grill: The Heart of Kamado Cooking

At the core of both the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe grills is the use of charcoal as the primary fuel source. Unlike traditional gas grills, which rely on propane or natural gas, these ceramic grills harness the power of charcoal to impart a rich, smoky flavor to your food. Charcoal grilling enthusiasts swear by the unmatched taste and aroma that can only be achieved with charcoal, making it a fundamental aspect of the Kamado cooking experience.

Cooking Surfaces: Versatility Showdown

Big Green Egg:

1. Stainless Steel Grates: Big Green Egg offers stainless steel grates as a standard cooking surface option. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and provides excellent heat retention for even cooking.
2. Cast Iron Griddles: For those seeking the perfect sear on meats or looking to cook delicate items like vegetables, Big Green Egg provides cast iron griddles. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, allowing for consistent cooking and creating beautiful grill marks.
3. Pizza Stones: Pizza stones are a popular accessory for Big Green Egg grills, allowing users to achieve crispy, evenly baked pizzas with a wood-fired taste. The porous surface of the pizza stone absorbs moisture from the dough, resulting in a perfectly crisp crust.

Kamado Joe:

1. Divide & Conquer Cooking System: Kamado Joe’s standout feature is its Divide & Conquer cooking system, which divides the grill into multiple cooking zones. This system enables users to adjust the height and configuration of the cooking grates, providing unmatched versatility for grilling, smoking, and baking simultaneously.
2. Soapstone Surface: Kamado Joe offers a soapstone surface accessory, ideal for those looking to cook delicate foods like fish or seafood. Soapstone distributes heat evenly and retains it for extended periods, making it perfect for achieving a consistent, gentle cook.
3. Half Moon Grate: The Half Moon Grate accessory allows users to customize their cooking surfaces further. By using only one half of the grill, cooks can create indirect heat zones for low-and-slow barbecue or searing zones for high-temperature grilling. This versatility enhances the Kamado Joe cooking experience.

Differences in Cooking Surfaces:

1. Versatility: While Big Green Egg provides a range of cooking surface options, Kamado Joe’s Divide & Conquer system offers unparalleled versatility. The ability to adjust the height and configuration of the grates allows for precise control over cooking temperatures and zones, making it easier to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
2. Efficiency: Kamado Joe’s cooking surface accessories, such as the Soapstone Surface and Half Moon Grate, enhance efficiency by offering specialized surfaces for specific cooking needs. Whether searing steaks, baking pizzas, or smoking ribs, Kamado Joe provides the tools to achieve optimal results with minimal effort.
3. Customization: The Divide & Conquer system and additional accessories give Kamado Joe users greater customization options for their cooking surfaces. By tailoring the grill setup to their specific requirements, users can maximize space, efficiency, and flavor, resulting in a more enjoyable cooking experience.

Which Came First: The Kamado or the Egg?

Big Green Egg:

The story of the Big Green Egg begins in 1974 when Ed Fisher, an American entrepreneur, discovered a unique cooking vessel while visiting Asia. Inspired by the traditional Japanese kamado, Fisher saw the potential for this ceramic cooker to revolutionize outdoor cooking in the United States. He founded the Big Green Egg Company and began importing and selling these kamado-style grills under the brand name Big Green Egg.

Kamado Joe:

In 2008, Bobby Brennan and Kerry Coker, two friends with a passion for grilling, set out to revolutionize the kamado grill industry. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese cooking methods and their own innovative ideas, they founded Kamado Joe and set out to create a grill that combined cutting-edge technology with exceptional performance.

Final Consideration

Choosing between the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe is no easy feat, as both brands offer exceptional grilling experiences steeped in rich histories and innovative features. As you weigh your options, consider the following factors to make an informed decision:

1. Tradition vs. Innovation: The Big Green Egg embodies tradition with its iconic design and unwavering reliability. For those who appreciate simplicity and time-tested performance, the Big Green Egg is a timeless classic. On the other hand, Kamado Joe pushes the boundaries of innovation with features like the Divide & Conquer cooking system and Kontrol Tower top vent, appealing to grill enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge technology and versatility.
2. Versatility and Customization: When it comes to cooking surfaces and customization options, Kamado Joe has a slight edge with its Divide & Conquer cooking system and extensive range of accessories. The ability to adjust grate height and configuration allows for precise control over cooking temperatures and zones, making it easier to cook multiple dishes simultaneously and tailor the grill setup to specific culinary needs.
3. Quality and Performance: Both the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe are renowned for their superior build quality, durability, and exceptional cooking performance. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, baking, or roasting, both grills deliver consistent results with unparalleled flavor and moisture retention.

Ultimately, the choice between the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe comes down to personal preference, cooking style, and budget. Consider your priorities, whether it’s tradition, innovation, versatility, or performance, and choose the grill that best aligns with your needs and preferences. Whichever you choose, rest assured that both the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe will elevate your outdoor cooking experience to new heights.