Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe (2026): Which Should You Actually Buy?

At a Glance

Design

Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado

The 13-inch ceramic kamado is built for compact convenience. Its 0.8-inch thick ceramic wall, dome shape, bamboo handles, and steel stand make it a strong pick for small spaces and on-the-go cooking.

It feels more like a portable ceramic cooker than a full backyard setup, which is exactly the point for buyers who want easy transport and quick setup.

Winner: Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado for portability and compact design.

Kamado Joe Classic II

The Kamado Joe Classic II is a much more complete outdoor cooking station. The included cart, locking wheels, and side shelves immediately make it feel more premium and easier to use every day.

Its design is clearly aimed at serious backyard grilling rather than travel or tabletop use.

Winner: Kamado Joe for a more refined, feature-rich overall design.

Performance

Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado

This compact cooker is impressively versatile for its size. It supports smoking, baking, grilling, and broiling from 180°F to 750°F, and the ceramic body helps lock in moisture and flavor.

For smaller meals, tailgates, or camping, it performs above expectations and heats efficiently with minimal fuel use.

Winner: Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado for portability-focused performance and fuel efficiency.

Kamado Joe Classic II

The Kamado Joe’s Divide & Conquer cooking system is the big advantage here. It lets you cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time, which is a major upgrade for real-world grilling flexibility.

The Kontrol Tower vent and Air Lift Hinge also make temperature management and lid lifting easier and more consistent.

Winner: Kamado Joe for better all-around cooking performance and control.

Value

Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado

At $227.99, this is the clear budget-friendly option. It gives you ceramic kamado cooking without the premium price tag, which makes it appealing for first-time buyers or anyone who wants a secondary grill.

If you want to test the kamado lifestyle without spending four figures, this one delivers strong value.

Winner: Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado for affordability.

Kamado Joe Classic II

The Kamado Joe costs far more at $1,299, but it includes a cart, side shelves, advanced firebox design, and multi-zone cooking flexibility. That added hardware helps justify the price for buyers who will use it often.

Still, this is a premium purchase, so value depends heavily on how serious you are about grilling.

Winner: Kamado Joe for premium value, but only if you’ll use its features.

Durability

Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado

The thick ceramic wall, cast iron vents, and steel stand suggest solid durability for the price. The waterproof top vent is also a nice touch for outdoor use in changing weather.

That said, the simpler build is not as robust or feature-engineered as the Kamado Joe.

Winner: Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado for solid basic durability at a lower cost.

Kamado Joe Classic II

The Classic II is built with long-term use in mind. The AMP FireBox is designed to reduce breakage, and the cast iron cart plus locking wheels make the whole setup feel more substantial.

For buyers who want a grill that feels engineered, not just assembled, Kamado Joe has the edge.

Winner: Kamado Joe for better long-term durability engineering.

Big Green Egg Is the Better Choice If…

• You want a more affordable ceramic kamado grill.
• You need something portable for camping, picnics, or a patio.
• You mostly cook for one to three people.
• You want simple setup and quick use right out of the box.
• You care most about fuel efficiency and compact storage.

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Kamado Joe Is the Better Choice If…

• You want the better overall grilling system.
• You cook for family gatherings or larger groups.
• You value accessories like side shelves, cart, and multi-zone cooking.
• You want easier lid lifting and more precise airflow control.
• You’re willing to pay more for a premium backyard cooker.

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Our Final Verdict

If you’re choosing between these two, Kamado Joe is the better buy for most people in 2026. It offers a more complete cooking platform, better flexibility, and a more premium user experience, especially if you grill often and want room to grow.

However, the Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado is the smarter purchase if your priority is portability, lower upfront cost, and simple ceramic kamado cooking without the premium price.

In short: buy the Kamado Joe if you want the best overall experience, and buy the Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado if you want the best budget-friendly compact option.

Check Price on Amazon →

Check Price on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kamado Joe better than Big Green Egg?

For most buyers, yes. Kamado Joe offers more included features, better cooking flexibility, and a more complete setup out of the box.

Which is cheaper: Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe?

The Big Green Egg-style 13-inch ceramic kamado is much cheaper at $227.99, while the Kamado Joe Classic II is $1,299.

Which grill is better for beginners?

If you want simple, affordable kamado cooking, the smaller ceramic grill is easier to start with. If you want premium features and don’t mind the price, Kamado Joe is better long term.

Can Kamado Joe smoke as well as Big Green Egg?

Yes. The Kamado Joe can smoke from 225°F up to 750°F, and its airflow system makes temperature control very precise.

Which is better for camping or portable use?

The compact 13-inch ceramic kamado is the better choice for camping, picnics, and portable grilling.