Kamado Joe outdoor-kitchen buying guide
Which Standalone Kamado Joe Belongs in Your Outdoor Kitchen?
Compare 18-inch and 24-inch standalone Kamado Joe grills, then choose between Series II value and the expanded Series III cooking system.
Shop Kamado JoeBy The Forge · Smokeforges, authorized Kamado Joe retailer
If you are searching for a built-in Kamado Joe, you have probably moved beyond asking whether you want a ceramic grill. The real decision is narrower: Classic Joe or Big Joe, and Series II or Series III?
The standalone models remove the rolling cart and side shelves so the ceramic cooker can become part of a permanent outdoor-kitchen layout. The right choice depends on the opening you are planning, how much food you cook at once, and whether you want the Series III rack, SloRoller and charcoal basket included.
Quick comparison: all four active standalone models
| Model | Cooking surface | Cooking space | System | Current price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Joe II Standalone | 18 in. | 250 sq. in. | 2-tier Divide & Conquer | $1,399.99 |
| Classic Joe III Standalone | 18 in. | 250 sq. in. | 3-tier rack, SloRoller, charcoal basket | $1,899.99 |
| Big Joe II Standalone | 24 in. | 450 sq. in. | 2-tier Divide & Conquer | $2,199.99 |
| Big Joe III Standalone | 24 in. | 450 sq. in. | 3-tier rack, SloRoller, charcoal basket | $2,799.99 |
Prices were verified in the Smokeforges catalog when this guide was published. Product pages show the current price before checkout.
Start with size: Classic Joe or Big Joe?
Choose an 18-inch Classic Joe when the island footprint is tighter and most cooks are for a household or a small group. Its 250-square-inch cooking surface keeps the familiar kamado size without requiring the space or weight of a 24-inch body.
Choose a 24-inch Big Joe when you regularly cook large cuts, multiple dishes, or food for a crowd. Its 450-square-inch cooking surface provides materially more uninterrupted room, but the grill is also wider, taller and substantially heavier. That affects both the kitchen plan and how the grill is placed during installation.
Classic Joe II Standalone
The practical entry point for an 18-inch built-in kamado. It includes the 2-tier Divide & Conquer system, Air Lift hinge, Kontrol Tower top vent, stainless steel grates and slide-out ash drawer.
Best for: Buyers who want the core Series II hardware and plan to add only the cooking surfaces they will actually use.
$1,399.99
View Classic Joe II Standalone
Classic Joe III Standalone
The same 18-inch cooking footprint with the more complete Series III package: a 3-tier Divide & Conquer rack, included SloRoller and stainless steel charcoal basket.
Best for: Buyers who want more rack-height flexibility and expect low-and-slow smoking to be a regular part of the routine.
$1,899.99 $1,999.99
Series II or Series III: what are you paying for?
Series II is the cleaner value choice. You still get the ceramic chamber, Air Lift hinge, Kontrol Tower and a 2-tier split-rack system. It is the better buy when you prefer a simpler setup or already know which compatible accessories you want.
Series III adds a third rack height, an included SloRoller smoking insert and a charcoal basket. The value is not a different fuel or a different basic cooking method. It is a more complete system in the box, especially for cooks who switch frequently between smoking, two-zone grilling and multi-level cooking.
Big Joe II Standalone
This is the high-capacity Series II choice: a 24-inch ceramic chamber, 450 square inches of cooking space and a 2-tier Divide & Conquer system without a rolling cart.
Best for: Outdoor kitchens built for entertaining, larger cuts and multi-dish cooks where capacity matters more than having the Series III accessories included.
$2,199.99
View Big Joe II Standalone
Big Joe III Standalone
The largest standalone Kamado Joe in this comparison pairs the 24-inch chamber with the 3-tier rack, included SloRoller and charcoal basket.
Best for: Frequent hosts who want both Big Joe capacity and the full Series III system from the start.
$2,799.99 $2,999.99
The shortest honest recommendation
- Choose Classic Joe II Standalone for the lowest current price and a compact Series II built-in setup.
- Choose Classic Joe III Standalone when you want the 18-inch footprint with the Series III smoking and rack package included.
- Choose Big Joe II Standalone when 24-inch capacity is the priority and Series II equipment is enough.
- Choose Big Joe III Standalone when you want the largest capacity and the full Series III system together.
Outdoor-kitchen questions to answer before ordering
Is a standalone Kamado Joe the same as a conventional built-in gas grill?
No. A standalone kamado is supplied without a cart for integration into a suitable outdoor-kitchen structure, but its ceramic body, weight, airflow and heat-clearance requirements are different from a rectangular built-in gas grill. Plan around the exact Kamado Joe model and installation instructions.
Should I choose the grill before the countertop is cut?
Yes. Confirm the exact model, finished grill dimensions, required support and clearances before fabrication. Do not assume every 18-inch or 24-inch kamado uses the same opening or support arrangement.
Does Series III cook hotter than Series II?
Both standalone generations in this guide list a 225–750°F operating range. Series III primarily changes the included rack and smoking system rather than simply raising the maximum listed temperature.
What warranty applies?
Kamado Joe provides a manufacturer limited warranty with coverage periods that vary by component. Review the current warranty terms and retain proof of purchase. Smokeforges can assist customers with order verification and manufacturer support guidance.
Do these models include free shipping?
Smokeforges offers free standard shipping in the contiguous United States. Large ceramic grills generally ship by freight with curbside delivery; review the product page and freight-delivery information before ordering.
Still deciding between 18 and 24 inches?
Compare the live product pages before your island is finalized, or call 833-777-2962 for help narrowing the choice.
Compare Kamado Joe Models
