Kamado Joe Classic 1 vs 2: Which Grill Will Rule Your Backyard?

If you’re thinking about buying a Kamado Joe grill, you might be wondering if you should get the Classic 1 or the Classic 2. They can both cook great food, but they cost different amounts. This guide will help you understand what you get with each one so you can decide which is best for your backyard cooking.

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Key Takeaways

What you need to know about the Kamado Joe Classic 1 and 2:

• The Classic 2 has some better parts, like an easy-to-lift lid and a better top vent. The Classic 1 costs less but cooks about the same.
• Both grills are made of good ceramic and can get very hot (225°F to 750°F). This means they hold heat well for different kinds of cooking.
• The Classic 2 has a stronger seal around the lid and parts that handle weather better, so it might last longer.
• The Classic 1 is cheaper, but the Classic 2 is easier to use, which might be worth the extra money if you grill a lot.
• Both have a cool system that lets you cook food at two different temperatures at the same time.

About Kamado Joe Grills

Kamado grills are like egg-shaped ovens made of ceramic. They’ve been around for a long time and are great at holding heat and cooking many different kinds of food. Kamado Joe has made these old-style cookers even better with new features, but they still use the good ceramic that makes them work so well. You can easily spot their bright red grills.

The Classic 1 actually came out after the Classic 2. It was made to be a cheaper way to get a Kamado Joe grill without all the fancy extras. Even though they have different features, both the Classic 1 and 2 let you cook the same way. You can smoke, grill, bake, and roast with steady heat.

Kamado Joe Classic 1: What It Has

The Kamado Joe Classic 1 is the basic model, but it’s still a really good cooker. It has:

• About the same size as the Classic 2.
• Can get as hot as 225°F to 750°F.
• An 18-inch cooking area.
• A cast iron vent on top to control the airflow.
• A system that lets you cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
• A slide-out drawer to easily empty the ashes.

The Classic 1 is made with the same good ceramic as the more expensive models, so it holds heat really well. The special cooking system means you can cook a lot of different things at once.

Kamado Joe Classic 2: What It Has

The Classic 2 is like the Classic 1, but with some upgrades:

Made with even better ceramic.

• Same heat range and cooking area as the Classic 1.
• A special hinge that makes the heavy lid easy to lift.
• A top vent that handles weather better and lets you control the temperature more precisely.
• A really good seal around the lid to keep air in.
• A lifetime warranty on the ceramic parts and a 5-year warranty on the metal parts.

The Classic 2’s upgrades make it easier to use and might make it last longer. The easy-to-lift lid is a big plus because the ceramic lid is heavy. The better seal and top vent help you keep the temperature exactly where you want it, which is important for some cooking.

My Experience with Both Models

I’ve used both the Kamado Joe Classic 1 and 2 a lot, and they cook food about the same. Both keep the heat really well, so your food comes out great whether you’re smoking it slowly or cooking it hot and fast.

The Classic 2 is easier to use. The lid is much lighter to open and close, which is nice when you’re grilling for a long time and checking on your food a lot. The top vent on the Classic 2 also stays in place better when it’s windy.

But the Classic 1 is still a great grill. If you’re just starting out with kamado cooking or you don’t grill all the time, the Classic 1 gives you everything you need for a lower price. The food you cook on it will taste just as good as on the Classic 2 if you know how to use it.

How to Use Kamado Joe Grills

Using both grills is pretty much the same:

• Put good charcoal in the bottom.
• Light it with a starter.
• Open the vents all the way until the grill gets close to the temperature you want.
• Adjust the vents to get the exact temperature.
• Wait about 15–20 minutes for the temperature to even out before you put the food on.
• Use the special cooking system to cook different things at different temperatures if you want.

You control the heat by opening and closing the vents. Less air means lower heat, and more air means higher heat. The Classic 2’s top vent makes it a little easier to make small temperature changes, but you can keep a steady temperature on both grills if you set them up right.

Which One is the Better Deal?

The Classic 1 costs less, so it’s the obvious choice if you’re watching your budget. You still get a really good grill that cooks great food.

But if you grill a lot or plan to keep your kamado for many years, the Classic 2 might be worth the extra money. The easier-to-use lid and better top vent make grilling more enjoyable and might help the grill last longer.

Troubleshooting Guide

How to fix some common Kamado Joe problems and some helpful tips:

Fixing Problems:

• Temperature Spikes: If your grill gets too hot suddenly, you probably opened the vents too much. Close them a little and wait for the heat to settle down.

• Hard to Keep Low Heat: Make sure the seal around the lid is tight. The better seal on the Classic 2 usually works better for low-and-slow cooking.

• Cracked Inside: Kamado grills can sometimes crack inside. Both Kamado Joes have a special design inside that helps prevent this.

• Lid Doesn’t Line Up: The easy-to-lift hinge on the Classic 2 helps keep the lid straight, so you have fewer air leaks.

Grilling Tips:

Use the special two-level cooking system to cook different things at different heats at the same time. For example, cook meat on the bottom and veggies on top.

Always “burp” your grill by opening the lid just a little bit before you open it all the way, especially when it’s very hot. This stops flames from shooting out.

Use chunks of wood for smoky flavor instead of wood chips. Chunks burn longer and give better smoke.

Clean out the ash drawer regularly so air can flow well.

Keep your grill covered when you’re not using it, especially if it’s outside.

The Final Choice: Which Kamado Joe is for You?

When you’re trying to pick between the Kamado Joe Classic 1 and 2, it really comes down to how much you want to spend and how often you’ll be grilling. Both grills cook amazing food and have the same basic design and heat range.

Pick the Classic 1 if:

• You don’t want to spend as much money.
• You’re new to kamado grilling.
• It still does all the important things really well.

Pick the Classic 2 if:

• You grill a lot.
• You want the extra features that make grilling easier.
• You want the grill that will probably last the longest and has the best warranty.

Even though it costs more, it might be worth it if you’re serious about outdoor cooking.

No matter which one you choose, both the Kamado Joe Classic 1 and 2 are great grills that will make your backyard cooking awesome for many years. Happy grilling!