Verdict
All guidesResearchMethodologyAboutContact
Head-to-head · Best Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker vs Outvita 13-inch Round Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill

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 Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker and Outvita 13-inch Round Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill score essentially the same (4.4 vs 4.4). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Ranked #3 in Best Kamado Grills
Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker
2 sources1 derived$999as of Jul 31

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I 18-inch grill is premium ceramic cooking with some clever engineering, including the 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system and a Slide-Out Ash Drawer. Reviewers praised the solid build quality, the temperature control, and how well it grills, smokes, sears, and roasts. Thick ceramic walls and stainless steel grates keep it going for years, though the weight and the fragility of ceramic are real drawbacks. Serious outdoor cooks who want a long-lasting, high-performance kamado should buy; anyone needing portability or a very large cooking capacity shouldn't.

Strengths
  • — 2-Tier Divide & Conquer Cooking System allows cooking different foods at various temperatures simultaneously
  • — Patented Slide-Out Ash Drawer simplifies cleanup
  • — Cast Iron Top Vent enables precise temperature control
Watch-outs
  • — Grill is heavy at 227.7 lbs with included cart
  • — Ceramic construction can be fragile and requires careful handling
$999 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Outvita 13-inch Round Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill
Ranked #2 in Best Kamado Grills
Outvita 13-inch Round Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill
4 sourcesall derived$118.74as of Jul 31

The Outvita Ceramic Grill gives you authentic charcoal flavor in something small enough to carry. Reviewers noted the durable ceramic construction and the built-in thermometer for precise heat control. The 13-inch round kamado handles grilling, smoking, roasting, and slow cooking. The cooking surface is small, which will frustrate anyone feeding a group. Outdoor cooks who want a dependable multi-functional kamado they can transport easily are the fit.

Strengths
  • — Durable ceramic construction with strong heat preservation capabilities
  • — Built-in thermometer for precise heat control during cooking
  • — Compact, portable design suitable for various outdoor cooking locations
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to 13-inch cooking surface
  • — Refurbished model may have reduced longevity compared to new
$118.74 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

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 Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I stands out with its 2-Tier Divide & Conquer system and Slide-Out Ash Drawer, features not found in the Big Green Egg MiniMax or London Sunshine models. While it shares ceramic construction with the London Sunshine and Outvita, its heavier weight and more robust build make it less portable than the latter. Unlike the Konnected Joe, it lacks digital controls but offers more traditional kamado functionality.

Outvita 13-inch Round Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill

The Outvita offers a more portable design than the Big Joe Series I and London Sunshine, but it lacks the 5-in-1 functionality and larger cooking area of the Brand-Man Rodeo. While it's more compact than the Konnected Joe, it doesn't feature automatic ignition or app control. It's less durable than the London Sunshine but more portable than the Big Green Egg MiniMax.

Specs side-by-side

SpecKamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and SmokerOutvita 13-inch Round Kamado Ceramic Charcoal Grill
Dimensions46.2 in15.7"D x 12.6"W x 21.7"H
Weight228 lb—
Cooking Surface Area250 square inches—
Temperature Range225 - 750°F—
MaterialceramicCeramic
Fuel TypecharcoalCharcoal
Cooking MethodsSmoked, Grilled, Seared, Roasted, BakedGrilling, smoking, roasting, slow cooking
← See the full ranking of best kamado grills