When my old gas grill finally gave up the ghost, I was honestly a bit lost. I’d spent years wrestling with uneven heat, flare-ups that charred everything, and food that just lacked that deep, smoky flavor charcoal provides. It was frustrating, making grilling feel more like a chore than a pleasure. I knew I needed something better, something that could deliver consistent, delicious results, or my backyard cooking days were numbered. Finding a solution to this wasn’t just about better food; it was about reclaiming the joy of cooking outdoors, which would have been severely limited if I couldn’t rely on my equipment.
Before diving into a specific model like the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I, it’s essential to understand what a ceramic charcoal grill, or kamado, is and why someone would want one. These grills solve the fundamental problem of achieving precise, stable temperatures for extended periods, which is crucial for smoking, roasting, and even high-temp searing. They offer incredible fuel efficiency and impart that distinct charcoal flavor that gas grills simply can’t replicate.
The ideal owner for a kamado is someone who prioritizes flavor and versatility, is willing to invest a little more initially, and doesn’t mind the process of lighting charcoal and managing a fire, albeit a much more stable fire than a traditional kettle grill. If you’re someone who wants to light a grill with the push of a button and start cooking in five minutes, or if you’re on a shoestring budget, a kamado might not be the right fit. A basic gas grill or a simpler charcoal kettle would likely serve you better in those cases.
When considering a ceramic grill, think about:
* Size: How much food do you typically cook? A standard 18-inch like the Classic Joe I is great for most families, but larger or smaller options exist.
* Price: Kamados are an investment. Look at what’s included in the base price, as accessories can add up quickly.
* Included Accessories: Does it come with heat deflectors, multi-level grates, a stand, or side shelves? These are often standard with some brands and extra with others.
* Build Quality & Materials: Look for thick ceramic, durable hinges, and quality gaskets for a good seal.
* Temperature Range: Can it hold low temps for smoking and reach high temps for searing?
* Ease of Cleaning: Features like ash drawers can make a big difference.
* Warranty: Ceramic parts often have lifetime warranties, which is a significant plus.
- Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System transforms the humble grill grate into the most powerful cooking tool in your arsenal. The revolutionary multi-level, half-moon design frees you to cook...
- Control Tower Top Vent lets you control air flow for precise temperature control. Perfect for smoking from 225F all the way to searing at 750F.
- With a slide-out drawer, cleanup is easy. Unlike other Kamado style grills, you no longer must remove the inside components from the grill to clean out the ashes. Simply remove the Patented Ash...
Introducing the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I KJ23RH
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I KJ23RH is an 18-inch ceramic charcoal grill and smoker that aims to provide incredible cooking versatility and flavor through its heat-retaining design. It promises precise temperature control and the ability to cook in multiple styles simultaneously. When you purchase the Classic Joe I package (Model KJ23RH), it typically includes the ceramic grill, a sturdy cart with locking wheels, folding side shelves, a grill gripper, and an ash tool. It also features their revolutionary Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System, stainless steel cooking grates, a built-in lid thermometer, and the unique Patented Ash Drawer.
Compared to the well-known market leader, the Big Green Egg, the Kamado Joe Classic I often provides comparable cooking performance but typically includes more standard accessories right out of the box, like the multi-level grates and the cart. While newer versions like the Classic II and Classic III have updated features like air-lift hinges or sloroller inserts, the Classic I remains a formidable and often more budget-friendly entry point into the Kamado Joe lineup, especially when on sale.
This particular ceramic grill is ideal for the serious home cook who wants to elevate their outdoor cooking, experiment with smoking and searing, and appreciates durable, quality equipment. It’s less suited for someone looking for maximum portability or the quickest setup time.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent heat retention and temperature stability
* Imparts incredible smoky flavor
* Highly versatile (grill, smoke, sear, bake)
* Divide and Conquer system adds huge cooking flexibility
* Patented Ash Drawer makes cleanup much easier
* Includes a sturdy cart and side shelves
* Durable ceramic construction with a good warranty
Cons:
* Very heavy and difficult to move without the cart
* Ceramic is fragile if dropped or hit hard
* Temperature control takes a cook or two to master
* Requires lump charcoal, which can be pricier than briquettes
* Optional accessories (like a charcoal basket) can enhance ease of use but are an extra cost
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker
- This Weber kettle grill has space to hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; The durable-plated steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel, offers a resilient surface that stands up...
- Main Smoking Area: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook large cuts of meat.
Examining Key Characteristics and Advantages
After using the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I for a significant amount of time, several features stand out, fundamentally changing how I approach outdoor cooking. The core of its performance lies in its construction and thoughtful design elements.
The Thick-Walled, Heat-Resistant Ceramic Shell
This is the heart of any kamado-style grill, and the Classic Joe I excels here. The thick ceramic walls lock in heat, smoke, and moisture like nothing else. When doing a long, low-and-slow smoke (like for a brisket or pulled pork), this shell maintains a stable temperature for hours on end with minimal fuss and surprisingly little charcoal. This consistent temperature means less monitoring and a much more even cook on the food. The benefit? Juicier, more flavorful results compared to thinner-walled grills that lose heat quickly, leading to fluctuating temperatures and dried-out food. It also makes it incredibly efficient, using less fuel for longer cooks.
The Revolutionary Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System
This system is a game-changer and a major reason to choose Kamado Joe. Unlike traditional grills with a single grate level, the Divide and Conquer system uses a multi-level, half-moon rack design. This allows you to place different cooking surfaces (like the standard grates, griddles, or soapstones – though some may be extra accessories) at various heights and incorporate heat deflectors on one side while grilling direct on the other. For example, I can sear steaks on one side of the grill directly over the coals at a higher temperature, while simultaneously cooking corn or vegetables indirectly on the other side at a lower temperature using a half-moon heat deflector. With 250 square inches of cooking surface, arranged vertically, you can actually cook a surprising amount of food for an 18-inch grill. This flexibility means I spend less time juggling food on and off the grill and can achieve perfectly cooked results on different items all at once. It truly transforms the grill into a versatile outdoor kitchen appliance.
The Control Tower Top Vent
Achieving precise temperature control is paramount, whether you’re smoking at 225°F or searing at 750°F. The Control Tower Top Vent, combined with the bottom vent, allows you to fine-tune the airflow needed to hit and maintain your desired temperature. It takes a cook or two to get the feel for it – small adjustments make a big difference with such an efficient grill – but once you understand how to “choke down” the airflow for low temps or open it up for high heat, this vent provides incredibly stable temperature management. The benefit is reliable results; whether you need a low, slow smoke for tender ribs or screaming high heat for a perfect steak crust, this grill delivers. The built-in thermometer in the lid helps monitor the temperature inside the dome, giving you a good reference point, though I always recommend a good digital probe thermometer for monitoring the actual cooking surface temp and meat temp.
The Patented Slide-Out Ash Drawer
Cleaning up ash used to be a dreaded chore with my old kettle grill, often requiring dismantling the interior. Kamado Joe’s Patented Ash Drawer is a simple yet brilliant innovation. After a cook, once everything is cool, you simply slide out the drawer from the bottom, dump the ash, and slide it back in. You don’t have to remove the firebox or any internal components. This saves a significant amount of time and effort, making cleanup quick and painless. It encourages me to use the grill more often, even for shorter cooks, knowing that the cleanup won’t be a hassle.
Included Cart and Side Shelves
While often an extra cost with other brands, the Kamado Joe Classic I KJ23RH package includes a sturdy rolling cart and foldable side shelves. The cart makes it relatively easy to move the heavy grill around my patio, and the locking wheels keep it secure once in place. The side shelves provide essential workspace for preparing food, holding tools, or resting plates. This complete package means you’re ready to start grilling right away without needing to source or build extra furniture. It’s a significant value inclusion.
Stainless Steel Cooking Grates
The standard cooking grates are made of stainless steel. These are durable, relatively easy to clean (especially with a good grill brush), and conduct heat well for grilling and searing. While some prefer cast iron for searing, the stainless steel grates are robust and reliable workhorses for everyday grilling.
The Flavor!
Ultimately, all these features combine to produce food that tastes phenomenal. The heat retention allows for incredibly moist meats during low-and-slow cooks, and the charcoal fire imparts that unmistakable smoky flavor that you just can’t get from gas. From perfectly reverse-seared steaks with a deep crust and juicy interior to fall-off-the-bone ribs and crispy-skinned chicken, everything I’ve cooked on this Kamado Joe has been a significant upgrade in taste. It’s the primary reason I would recommend a ceramic grill to anyone serious about delicious outdoor food. The ability to control temperature so precisely also means fewer burnt disasters and more perfectly cooked meals.
While there’s a slight learning curve to fire management compared to flipping a switch on a gas grill, the results are well worth the effort. The included tools like the grill gripper and ash tool are basic but functional for getting started. The overall build feels solid and durable, reflecting the investment. Although ceramic is tough, it can crack if subjected to sharp impacts or rapid temperature changes without proper care, so handling it carefully during assembly and use is important. Also, while the ash drawer is great, I did eventually add an aftermarket charcoal basket, which makes removing used lump charcoal and adding new much simpler, although it’s not strictly necessary.
Experiences Shared by Other Users
Having browsed various online forums and retail sites, it’s clear that my positive experience with the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is widely shared. Many users rave about the superior flavor achievable compared to cooking on gas grills. They frequently mention how effectively the grill holds temperature, making smoking and long cooks far easier and more consistent than on traditional charcoal kettles. The value proposition, particularly the inclusion of accessories like the cart and the Divide and Conquer system, is a recurring point of praise when comparing it to competitors like the Big Green Egg. Users often highlight the convenience of the slide-out ash tray for quick cleanup. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive regarding performance and value, a few users have noted challenges with shipping damage upon delivery or minor initial issues with parts like slightly bent shelf brackets or cracked firebox pieces (though these are usually addressed under warranty), underscoring the importance of inspecting the unit upon arrival. Despite these minor potential hurdles, the overall sentiment is that this ceramic grill delivers exceptional results that justify the investment for anyone passionate about quality barbecue.
Final Thoughts
Struggling with inconsistent temperatures and bland flavor from other grills can make outdoor cooking a frustrating experience, leading to disappointing meals and less time spent enjoying your backyard. A quality ceramic charcoal grill and smoker like the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is a fantastic solution. It solves these problems by providing unparalleled temperature stability for perfectly cooked food every time, infusing your meals with delicious smoky flavor, and offering immense cooking versatility through its innovative Divide and Conquer system. The easy ash cleanup is just the icing on the cake. If you’re ready to transform your grilling game and enjoy consistently amazing food, this Kamado Joe grill is an excellent choice. To learn more and check it out for yourself, Click here.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API