Introduction

The Kamado Joe Cooking Kettle is a multifunctional and high-performance grill intended for outdoor cooks. This kettle grill, known for its outstanding heat retention and uniform cooking, allows you to cook in a variety of ways, including grilling, smoking, baking, and roasting. The Kamado Joe Cooking Kettle, with its durable build, creative design elements, and user-friendly controls, is ideal for individuals who want both flavor and ease in their outdoor cooking excursions.

Quick Start Guide

STARTING IT UP

1. Add charcoal to firebox and light using one or two fire starters. 
2. Leave lid open for 10 minutes with the bottom vent fully open.
3. Close the lid. 
4. Begin closing the top vent and bottom vent when the lid temperature is within 50°F (10°C) of your target. 

MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE
To lower the temperature, decrease the airflow through the grill by closing the vents. Conversely, raise the temperature by opening the vents. Adjustments to the vents are not immediate—allow 10–15 minutes for a vent change to take effect. Because your Kettle Joe retains heat so well, it can take some time to fully heat. Give your grill 20–40 minutes to an hour to stabilize the temp before you start cooking.
COOLING IT DOWN

1. When finished cooking, close the bottom vent completely. 
2. Once the temperature falls below 400°F (205°C), close the top vent almost completely, but leave a small crack. 
3. Do not cover the grill until the lid is cool to the touch.

QUICK TEMPERATURE GUIDE
Approximate temperatures for cooking techniques.

• GRILLING  
  400–600˚F (205–315°C)
• SEARING
  500–750˚F (260–400°C)
• BAKING
  300–750˚F (150–400°C)
• ROASTING
  300–450˚F (150–230°C)
• SMOKING
  225–275˚F (105–135°C)

CAUTION

1. LIQUIDS
   Do not spill liquids inside or on the grill while it is hot.
2. SIDE SHELVES
   Do not set hot items on the side shelves.
3. SPARKS
   Be aware of sparks and embers when using the grill on a wooden deck.
4. DURING OPERATION
   Do not leave your grill unattended with the grill lid open.

Detailed Specifications

The Kamado Joe Cooking Kettle boasts several key features, including: a 2-tier divided cooking surface that provides 506 square inches of cooking space, an easy-open latch for simple access, a thick-walled, heat-resistant shell for efficient heat retention, a slide-out ash drawer for easy cleaning, and a patented, airtight rain-proof vent system for precise temperature control. Additionally, the grill comes with a built-in thermometer, a folding aluminum side shelf, and a heavy-duty galvanized iron cart for easy transportation and storage.

Parts List and Hardware

1. SIDE SHELF SLAT ASSEMBLY (2)
2. LEFT REAR SHELF BRACKET (1)
3. LEFT FRONT SHELF BRACKET (1)
4. RIGHT REAR SHELF BRACKET (1)
5. RIGHT FRONT SHELF BRACKET (1)
6. GRILL SUPPORT BAND (2)
7. CROSS BAR (4)
8. LEFT LEGS (2)
9. RIGHT LEGS (2)
10. BOTTOM SHELF (1)
11. LOCKING SWIVEL CASTERS (2)
12. AXLE (1)
13. WHEEL CAPS (2)
14. WHEELS (2)
15. HANDLE (1)
16. VENT CAP (1)
17. VENT (1)
18. HEAT INDICATOR (1)
19. GRILL LID (1)
20. LID HOOK (1)
21. COOKING GRATES (2)
22. SLoROLLER HYPERBOLIC SMOKE CHAMBER (1)
23. HEAT DEFLECTOR (1)
24. CHARCOAL GRATE (1)
25. ASH SWEEPER/VENT (1)
26. GRILL BOTTOM (1)
27. I-KAMAND PLUG (1)
28. I-KAMAND ADAPTER (1)
29. ASH SWEEPER/VENT AXLE (1)
30. ASH SWEEPER/VENT ARM (1)
31. ASH SWEEPER/VENT KNOB (1)
32. ASH BOWL HANDLE (1)
33. ASH BOWL (1)

1. M6x45 SCREW (16)
2. M6x12 SCREW (8)
3. M6x12 STEP SCREW (4)
4. M6x20 SCREW (3)
5. M6 CROWN NUT (31)
6. M6x15 SCREW (8)
7. COTTER CLIP (2)
8. M5 LOCK WASHER (1)
9. Ø20 FLAT WASHER (7)
10. M5x40 SCREW (1)
11. M5 NUT (1)
12. M5 FLAT WASHER (1)
13. M4 CROWN NUT (2)
14. M4x10 SCREW (2)
15. M6 FLAT WASHER (8)
16. 42.5x18 MICA SHEET (1)

Description

The Kamado Joe Cooking Kettle is a premium ceramic grill that is designed to provide even, consistent heat for all your outdoor cooking needs. Its unique, dome-shaped design allows for superior temperature control, while the 2-tier divided cooking surface provides ample space for smoking, searing, and roasting a variety of foods. The thick-walled, heat-resistant shell ensures efficient heat retention, while the slide-out ash drawer makes cleaning a breeze. The built-in thermometer, folding aluminum side shelf, and heavy-duty galvanized iron cart add to the convenience and functionality of this top-of-the-line grill.

Assembly Instructions

Setup Guide

Setting up the Kamado Joe Cooking Kettle is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few easy steps. 

1. First, assemble the cart and attach the grill to the cart. 
2. Next, install the heat deflector and grill grates. 
3. Then, fill the grill with charcoal and light it. Once the grill has reached the desired temperature, adjust the vents to maintain a consistent temperature. 
4. Finally, place your food on the grill and cook to perfection.

Cleaning & Care

Your Kettle Joe grill is made of quality materials, so general care and maintenance is minimal. The best way to protect your Kettle Joe from the elements is with a grill cover.
SELF-CLEANING

1. Add charcoal and light it.
2. Install the heat deflector, SlōRoller hyperbolic smoke chamber and both grates.
3. Open the top and bottom air vents fully and let the temperature inside the grill rise to 600°F (315°C) with the lid closed.
4. Hold the temperature at around 600°F (315°C) for 15-20 minutes. 5   Close the bottom vent fully and wait another 15-20 minutes to close the top vent.

This process will burn off any unwanted residue from the inside of your grill. Before cooking again, brush the cooking grates  with a standard grill brush. Your heat deflector plate should  also be free of burned on residue after this process. Brush it down with a soft bristle brush after cleaning. When your heat deflector gets dirty during normal use, flip it over with the dirty side down for the next cook and the heat from the fire will self-clean that side of the deflector plate.

Once or twice a year, you should do a more thorough cleaning  of the inside of the grill. Remove the internal components and remove any residual ash or debris that has collected between the grill body and the internal components. Use a plastic bristle brush to clean the inside surface and remove debris from the bottom of the grill before replacing the internal components.

WARNINGS AND IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

• WARNING! This grill will become very hot. Do not move it during operation.
• WARNING! Do not use indoors!
• WARNING! Do not use alcohol, gasoline or other similar liquids to light or relight the grill.

• WARNING! Keep children and pets away from grill at all times. Do NOT allow children to use grill. Close supervision is necessary when children or pets are in the area where grill is being used.

  

• Do not use the grill in a confined and/or habitable space e.g. houses, tents, caravans, motor homes, boats. Death may result from carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Always use grill in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal fire codes
• Before each use check all nuts, screws and bolts to make sure they are tight and secure.
• Never operate grill under overhead construction such as roof coverings, carports, awnings or overhangs.
• Grill is for OUTDOOR USE ONLY.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 10 ft. (3m) from overhead construction, walls, rails or other structures.
• Keep a minimum 10 ft. (3m) clearance of all combustible materials such as wood, dry plants, grass, brush, paper or canvas.
• Never use grill for anything other than its intended use. This grill is NOT for commercial use.
• Accessory attachments not supplied by Kamado Joe are NOT recommended and may cause injury.
• Use of alcohol, prescription or non-prescription drugs may impair user’s ability to assemble or safely operate grill.
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible at all times while operating grill.
• When cooking with oil or grease, have a type BC or ABC fire extinguisher readily available.
• In the event of an oil or grease fire do not attempt to extinguish with water. Immediately call the fire department. A type BC or ABC fire extinguisher may, in some circumstances, contain the fire.
• Use grill on a level, non-combustible, stable surface such as dirt, concrete, brick or rock. An asphalt surface (blacktop) may not be acceptable for this purpose.
• Grill MUST be on the ground. Do not place grill on tables or counters. Do NOT move grill across uneven surfaces.
• Do not use grill on wooden or flammable surfaces.
• Keep grill clear and free from combustible materials such as gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids.
• Do not leave grill unattended.
• Do NOT allow anyone to conduct activities around grill during or following its use until it has cooled.
• Never use glass, plastic or ceramic cookware in grill. Never place empty cookware in grill while in use.
• Never move grill while in use. Allow grill to cool completely (below 115°F (45°C)) before moving or storing.
• Do not store grill with hot ashes or charcoal inside grill. Store only when fire is completely out and all surfaces are cold.
• Never use grill as a heater. READ CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD.
• The grill is HOT while in use and will remain HOT for a period of time afterwards and during cooling process. Use CAUTION. Wear protective gloves/mitts.
• DO NOT bump or impact the grill to prevent personal harm, damage to grill or spillage/splashing of hot cooking liquid.

Troubleshooting

1. Common issues with the Kamado Joe Cooking Kettle include difficulty maintaining consistent temperatures, uneven cooking, and difficulty lighting the grill. 
2. To troubleshoot temperature control issues, check the vents to ensure they are fully open and adjusted properly. 
3. For uneven cooking, try rearranging the food on the grill or adjusting the heat deflector. 
4. To light the grill, use a charcoal chimney starter or follow the instructions in the owner's manual. 
5. Always follow safety guidelines when operating the grill and be aware of any potential fire hazards.

Built to Last a Lifetime

Kamado Joe warrants that all metal parts used in this Kamado Joe grill are free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of five years.
3-Year Warranty on Heat Deflector
Kamado Joe warrants that the heat deflector used for the Kamado Joe grill is free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years.
1-Year Warranty on Thermometer
Kamado Joe warrants that the thermometer used in this Kamado Joe grill is free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year.
When Does the Warranty Coverage Begin?
Warranty coverage commences on the original date of purchase and covers only the original purchaser. For the warranty to apply, you must register your grill. If a defect in material or workmanship is discovered during the applicable warranty period under normal use and maintenance, Kamado Joe will, at our sole discretion, replace or repair the defective component at no cost to you for the component itself. This warranty does not apply to labor, or any other cost associated with the service, repair or operation of the grill. Kamado Joe will pay all shipping charges on warranty parts.

Kamado Joe Cooking Kettle Pros & Cons

Pros

• Superior temperature control
• Durable, heat-resistant ceramic construction
• Spacious cooking surface
• Easy cleaning with slide-out ash drawer
• Convenient, heavy-duty cart for easy transportation and storage

Cons

• The price point may be high for some consumers
• May be heavy and difficult to move for some users
• Requires careful maintenance and cleaning

Customer Reviews

Customers rave about the Kamado Joe Cooking Kettle superior temperature control, durable construction, and spacious cooking surface. Many note that the grill is easy to clean and maintain, and the heavy-duty cart makes it easy to transport and store. Some common complaints include the high price point and the weight of the grill, but overall, customers agree that the Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill is a top-of-the-line grill that is worth the investment.