Kamado Joe Joe Jr. vs Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado
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Quick take: The Kamado Joe Joe Jr. costs $19 less; the Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado offers more cooking space (445 vs 148 sq in); the Kamado Joe Joe Jr. reaches a higher max temp (750 vs 700°F).
| Spec | Kamado Joe Joe Jr. | Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$430 | ~$449 |
| Rating | 5★ (985) | — |
| Type | Kamado | Kamado |
| Cooking Area | 148 sq in | 445 sq in |
| Max Temp | 750°F | 700°F |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Charcoal |
| Build Material | Ceramic | Triple-Walled Insulated Steel |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | No | Yes |
| App control | No | Yes |
| Meat probe | No | No |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 20 x 21 x 27 in | 20-inch kamado body on cart |
| Weight | 68 lbs | 97 lbs |
| Warranty | Lifetime (ceramic) | 5 years |
Pros & cons
Kamado Joe Joe Jr.
- ✓It packs full kamado versatility - searing, smoking, baking - into a portable 68 lb package you can take camping or tailgating
- ✓The thick ceramic body delivers the same excellent heat retention and fuel efficiency as full-size kamados
- ✓At ~$499 it's an affordable entry into the ceramic kamado world and the Kamado Joe ecosystem
- ✓It includes the heat deflector plate, so you can do indirect cooking and low-and-slow right out of the box
- ✓It hits high searing temps and holds steady low temps just like its big siblings, with great flavor and moisture
- ✓The compact 148 sq in is perfect for couples, small families, or cooking a few steaks without firing up a big grill
- ✓The cast-iron vent and hinged grate give precise air control and let you add charcoal mid-cook
- ✓Lifetime ceramic warranty and the wide Kamado Joe accessory ecosystem back it
- ✗148 sq in is small - it's really a 2-4 person cooker and can't handle a full brisket or a crowd
- ✗The narrow opening makes maneuvering racks of ribs or large roasts awkward
- ✗It's portable but still 68 lbs of ceramic, so it's heavier and more fragile to transport than it sounds
- ✗Charcoal capacity is limited, so very long overnight smokes require refueling more often than a big kamado
- ✗Temperature recovery after opening the small dome can be touchy given the limited thermal mass
- ✗No built-in lid thermometer accuracy you'd fully trust, so a separate probe is recommended
- ✗The included basic stand is low and minimal - many buyers add a higher cart or table for comfort
- ✗The same kamado learning curve, ash cleanup, and slow cooldown all apply in miniature
Char-Griller AKORN Auto-Kamado
- ✓Automatic fan control holds a set temperature overnight — the Konnected Joe is the nearest equivalent at over four times the price
- ✓Wi-Fi and phone control at $449, which no ceramic kamado approaches
- ✓Insulated steel body weighs about 97 lbs against 228 for a ceramic Classic Joe, so one person can move it
- ✓EasyDump ash pan empties without dismantling the firebox, unlike most ceramic kamados
- ✓445 sq in total cooking area, more than a Big Green Egg Large's 262
- ✗Steel does not hold heat like ceramic — it recovers faster but swings more and is less efficient on a long cook
- ✗The controller and fan are electronics on an outdoor grill, and are the parts most likely to fail first
- ✗Needs a power outlet, so it cannot be used where a plain kamado can
- ✗5-year warranty against the lifetime ceramic warranties from Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe and Primo
- ✗Painted steel exterior chips and rusts in a way glazed ceramic does not