Kamado Joe's new grill is designed for pitmasters who need plenty of room to cook up a feast, and also appreciate the convenience of high-tech features in their barbecue gear.
The Kamado Joe Big Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker – yeah, that's really what it's called – packs plenty of firepower, a 24-inch (61 cm) diameter cooking surface, and mobile app control into a massive ember red ceramic grill. And it can grace your backyard for just US$3,000.
This isn't Kamado Joe's first foray into smart grilling. In 2023, the company launched an 18-inch (45.7 cm) Konnected Joe model with a host of modern features at $1,700. The new one revealed today (let's just call it the BJKJ from here on out) is on par in terms of functionality, but is significantly roomier.
While you can certainly grill proteins over charcoal the traditional way with the new BJKJ, it's designed to allow you to precisely control the cooking process, and make it easier to boot.
First off, there's an Automatic Fire Starter that can light your coals on fire with just the push of a button – no lighter fluid required. An electronically controlled fan helps maintain your preferred temperature for grilling or smoking.
Next, there's a digital control panel that can continually graph the grill's internal temperatures, manage cooking time, and use Automatic Cook Modes for when you don't want to get your hands all that dirty.
These functions can all be controlled from anywhere over Wi-Fi using a mobile app; it'll also help you monitor temperatures from multiple meat probes simultaneously.
The BJKJ can do temperatures from 225 °F (107 °C) to 700 °F (371 °C), and offers 450 sq in (2,903 sq cm) of cooking space – 200 sq in more than the original Konnected Joe. The company reckons that's enough for 22 burger patties or eight whole chickens.
There are a few more niceties to look forward to:
- Two-tier grill configuration to cook ingredients at different temperatures.
- Thoughtfully designed top vent precisely maintains airflow for consistent temperatures.
- 'Air Lift' hinge makes it easy to raise the lid with one finger.
- Powder-coated steel cart with locking wheels.
- Folding shelves fitted on either side.
- Support for accessories like heat deflector, racks, rotisseries, and cooking surfaces.
- Slide-out ash drawer for easy cleanup.
The BJKJ is currently listed on Kamado Joe's site at $2,999, as well as at retailers like Home Depot.
Product page: Kamado Joe