Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill vs Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
The short answer

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Large gatherings and serious multi-tasking cooks — read the strengths below before deciding.

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Kamado Grills
Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill
1 sourceall derived$63.77as of Jul 31

The Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker cooks a lot of ways, helped by the 2-tier Divide & Conquer system and a patented ash drawer that makes cleanup quick. Reviewers pointed to the Cast Iron Top Vent for precise temperature control and the built-in thermometer for accuracy. Some found the 450 square-inch cooking surface too small for large gatherings, and at 358.9 pounds it's cumbersome to move even with the locking wheels. Serious home cooks who value functionality over portability are the buyers.

Strengths
  • 2-Tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System allows cooking multiple foods at various temperatures simultaneously
  • Patented Slide-Out Ash Drawer simplifies cleanup
  • Cast Iron Top Vent enables precise temperature control with adjustable airflow
Watch-outs
  • Limited cooking space of 450 square inches may not suit large gatherings
  • Heavy weight at 358.9 lbs makes mobility difficult despite locking wheels
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Ranked #4 in Best Kamado Grills
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
4 sourcesall derived$2,000as of Aug 1

The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe puts digital controls on a traditional kamado, holding temperature steadily and lighting the charcoal for you. Reviewers praised how fast it heats, how consistently it cooks, and how much it can do, particularly for beginners and anyone who likes the tech angle. Some found the 18-inch size restrictive, and the app is basic. It suits people who want charcoal cooking with the fiddly parts automated, less so those needing larger cooking capacity or advanced smart features.

Strengths
  • Automatic Fire Starter (AFS) system eliminates need for third-party fire starters
  • Fan-assisted system rapidly reaches set temperature
  • Computer-controlled temperature regulation provides incredibly stable internal temperature
Watch-outs
  • Size limited to 18-inch diameter which feels limiting for larger cooks
  • Basic app functionality with limited advanced features

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Kamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill

The Big Joe Series I offers the largest cooking surface of all models, surpassing the Konnected Joe and Classic Joe in capacity. Unlike the Brand-Man Rodeo, it features the 2-tier Divide & Conquer system and Slide-Out Ash Drawer. While it's more robust than the Outvita and London Sunshine, it's significantly heavier and less portable than the other 13-inch models.

Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker

The Konnected Joe's automatic fire starter and fan-assisted temperature control set it apart from the Classic Joe and Big Joe models, which rely on manual controls. While it offers digital convenience, it lacks the larger cooking capacity of the Brand-Man Rodeo and the 2-tier system of the Classic Joe. It's more tech-oriented than the traditional London Sunshine or Outvita models.

Specs side-by-side

SpecKamado Joe Big Joe Series I 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal GrillKamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Dimensions58.3 inWidth 46.9 in inches
Weight359 lb216 lb
Cooking Surface Area450 in²450 sq in
Temperature Range225 - to 750°FUp to 700°F
Materialceramicceramic
Cooking MethodsSmoked, Grilled, Seared, Roasted, Bakedrotisserie, low and slow cooks, and grilling
Fuel TypeCharcoalLump charcoal
← See the full ranking of best kamado grills