As a born and raised Texan, I’ve spent plenty of time surrounded by barbecue pits, smoked meats, and backyard get-togethers. And while I was accustomed to a certain type of grill for most of my life, it wasn’t until I discovered the game-changing kamado grill that I understood there was a whole new cooking experience and depth of flavor waiting to be tapped. With its unique blend of ancient design and modern innovation, the kamado grill has taken my savory proteins and outdoor gatherings to new heights. 

Kamado grills may seem like a relatively new craze thanks to best-selling, trendy brands like Big Green Egg, but these cooking vessels have actually been around in traditional Chinese and Japanese cooking methods for thousands of years. Today’s kamado grills utilize thick, egg-shaped shells made from ceramic or aluminum that command and brilliantly retain scorching-hot temperatures. They make grilling and smoking your favorite foods, like steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs, a sensory-evoking, chef-driven experience that’s worth the time and effort it takes to master the shapely grill. 

If you’re interested in getting a kamado grill, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you’re shopping with a budget in mind. After all, many kamado grills are in the $1,000 range and only go up from there. That’s why we decided to test the waters with an affordable option from a trusted brand, Kamado Joe. Read more to see how the Joe Jr. exceeded our expectations and discover if this affordable kamado grill is the missing piece in your culinary arsenal.

_{Prices are accurate as of September 18, 2025. Subject to change.}

Kamado Joe Joe Jr.

Kamado Joe is one of the top-performing kamado grill brands, offering a wide range of sizes and capabilities. One of their best-selling products happens to be the small-but-mighty Joe Jr. A compact, portable version of the Classic Joe, the Joe Jr. is for those who want to prepare stellar proteins and provisions for smaller crowds. I initially wasn’t sure this small grill would be sufficient for our substantial meals for a family of five, so I tested its limits and explored its capabilities. 

But before we jump into a performance review, let’s talk about the grill’s setup. The Joe Jr. is made with a thick-walled ceramic shell held up by a sturdy cast iron stand. It features a built-in temperature gauge, cast-iron air vent for temperature control, mesh lid gasket, and hinged stainless steel cooking grate that allows for easy charcoal addition. The 13.5-inch diameter grill has 150 square inches of cooking space, or for visual sake, can easily handle about two whole chickens, a large pork shoulder, or three large strip steaks at a time.  

One of the main sells of the Joe Jr. is its portability. I wouldn’t say this 77-pound grill is something one person can easily transport all by themselves, even with the included handles. However, with assistance, it is a great grill for those who want something for small gatherings, tailgates, camping trips, and other on-the-go entertainment. 

The Testing

Over the course of a few weeks, I used the grill regularly, putting its temperature control and overall performance to the test with a variety of meats. You can also use the grill for baking, but I didn’t give sweets a try this go-round. I used the Joe Jr. over low-and-slow, hours-long cooking for things like ribs and pulled pork, as well as done-in-a-flash items like burgers and chicken breast. Each time, the results were consistently impressive, with the grill mastering a steady temperature, distributing heat evenly, and imparting a rich, smoky flavor to every dish it cooked. 

Heating up the kamado grill, as expected, does take some time. It’s suggested that you give it about 30 minutes, depending on the temperature you’re trying to achieve, which is more than reasonable for any grill. You can keep an eye on the heat with the temperature gauge on the front, so it’s rather seamless to know when it’s time to start cooking. 

I started with easy spinach and cheese-stuffed chicken breasts to test the waters, and right from the get-go, I was amazed by how little babysitting I had to do throughout the process. Once I had the temperature dialed in and the air flow managed, I was able to let the grill do its thing with hardly any adjustments along the way. Even time-intensive items like pulled pork were super easy to manage once I reached the desired temperature. Kamado grills tend to have a reputation for having a small learning curve. However, the Joe Jr. is great even for beginners because of its ease of use, whether you’re new to grilling and smoking altogether or are just looking to switch from a traditional grill to a top-performing kamado.

Aside from precise temperature control and ease of use, the flavor results you get from a variety of meats, whether that’s quickly seared steak or long-smoked ribs, are rather incredible. Low-and-slow meats get that fall-off-the-bone tenderness and intense depth of flavor that’s typically associated with professional-grade barbecue. The quicker-cooked meats retain a juicy, smoky flavor and perfect char that will convert non-believers into kamado grill enthusiasts. 

In terms of value, I would argue that the Joe Jr. is great for small families and intimate get-togethers but not necessarily a piece you would use for large-scale entertaining, given its compact size and smaller cooking capacity. Still, I could cook more than enough meat for a weeknight meal on this grill for my family, with some leftovers to boot. For its intended purpose, the Joe Jr. delivers exceptional value, especially considering its affordable price point compared to the larger, more expensive kamado grills you’ll find everywhere else. 

The Verdict

Overall, the Kamado Joe Joe Jr. is an easy-to-use, cost-reasonable choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of kamado grills or even for seasoned enthusiasts seeking a reliable, high-performance grill for less. Whether you want to grill, sear, smoke, bake, or roast, this grill can handle the heat and deliver smoky results.

Featured Image Credit: Courtesy of Kamado Joe