This Kamado Joe Jr review answers one question: is a 13.5 inch ceramic grill enough for you? The Joe Jr is the smallest grill Kamado Joe makes, with 150 square inches of cooking space, a 225 to 750°F heat range and a listed weight of 82.5 lb on its cast iron stand. Below we cover its size, what comes in the box, where the manual says you can use it, how it compares with the Classic, Jr-specific accessories and first cook steps. This guide is based on Kamado Joe’s published specs, FAQ and instruction manual, not on our own cook tests.
Kamado Joe Jr review: the specs
Figures from the Joe Jr with Cast Iron Stand page on kamadojoe.com (model KJ13RH):
| Spec | Joe Jr (KJ13RH) |
|---|---|
| Cooking surface diameter | 13.5 in |
| Cooking space | 150 sq in |
| Width x height | 19.9 x 27.2 in |
| Grill weight | 82.5 lb |
| Heat range | 225 to 750°F |
The Joe Jr instruction manual (PDF) lists what is in the box: stand, top vent, dome, base, hinged stainless cooking grate, accessory rack, deflector plate, cast iron fire grate, firebox ring, firebox, ash tool and handle. A built-in temperature gauge is on the dome. Charcoal is not included. Assembly takes about 30 minutes with an 8 mm wrench, and lifting the grill onto its stand or cart takes two or more people.
Kamado Joe Jr size: who it suits
Kamado Joe calls the Jr its “most portable ceramic charcoal grill” and pitches it for tailgates, camping and the beach. It suits:
- One or two people cooking steaks, chicken pieces, fish or vegetables, where 150 sq in is enough grate.
- A second grill next to a larger kamado or gas grill.
- Trips where you have help lifting. “Portable” means side handles and a car-sized footprint, not light. At 82.5 lb it is a two person carry.
Two manual rules matter for portable use: never move the grill while in use (let it cool below 115°F first), and never use it inside tents, vehicles, RVs, boats, garages or any enclosed area, because burning charcoal gives off carbon monoxide.
Can you use a Kamado Joe Jr on a balcony?
Most balconies will not meet the manual’s rules. It says to keep at least 10 ft (3 m) from overhead construction, walls, rails and combustible materials, never to operate under roofs or awnings, and not to use it on wooden or flammable surfaces such as decks. The warnings also say the grill must be on the ground, on a level, non-combustible surface like concrete or brick, not on tables or counters. Check your building rules and local fire code too.
Kamado Joe Jr vs Classic
| Spec (Kamado Joe figures) | Joe Jr | Classic Joe II Standalone |
|---|---|---|
| Grate diameter | 13.5 in | 18 in |
| Cooking space | 150 sq in | 250 sq in |
| Weight | 82.5 lb | 214.5 lb |
| Heat range | 225 to 750°F | 225 to 750°F |
| Price (ours and kamadojoe.com) | $499.99 | $1,399.99 |
By our math, the Jr has 60% of the Classic’s cooking space at about 38% of its weight. The Classic Joe II comes with the Kontrol Tower top vent and Air Lift hinge, and Classic models take Divide and Conquer cooking surfaces, which Kamado Joe does not list for the Jr. If this will be your only grill for a family, the Classic Joe Grill Series II Standalone is the more practical size. For the full size and series breakdown, see our Kamado Joe Classic vs Big Joe guide.
Joe Jr configurations and prices
We are an authorized Kamado Joe dealer. We checked each price below against kamadojoe.com when we wrote this, and each was the same.
| Option | Our price | Kamado Joe price |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Jr with Cast Iron Stand | $499.99 | $499.99 |
| Joe Jr Grill and Cover Bundle | $548.99 | $548.99 |
| Joe Jr with Cast Iron Stand and Cart Bundle | $725.99 | $725.99 |
By our math, the cover bundle is $10.99 less than the grill plus the $59.99 cover bought separately, and the cart bundle is $53.99 less than the grill plus the $279.99 cart. Kamado Joe’s FAQ says the cart raises the cooking height to 31 inches, with two folding side shelves and a bottom shelf for Jr accessories, which makes it the simple way to keep the grill off the ground at home.
Shipping changes the total. We ship free on orders of $999 or more and charge a flat $200 below that. Kamado Joe’s FAQ says orders of $200 or more ship free within the contiguous U.S. Every Joe Jr option above is under $999, so on its own, each costs less bought direct from Kamado Joe. Buying from us only makes sense when the Jr is part of a larger order of $999 or more.
Kamado Joe Jr accessories
The Jr takes its own sized parts. Kamado Joe’s FAQ lists the Jr cart, Jr cooking grate, Jr cast iron fire grate, Sear Plate and Jr cover as compatible. Jr items we list, all priced the same as kamadojoe.com:
- Joe Jr Grill Cover ($59.99). Kamado Joe says it still fits with the grill in the cart.
- Joe Jr Heat Deflector ($59.99). One comes with the grill, so this is a spare or replacement (rack not included).
- Stainless Steel Cooking Grate for Joe Jr ($49.99), a replacement grate.
- Sear Plate for Joe Jr, Classic Joe and Konnected Joe ($99.99), cast iron for searing.
- Joe Jr Soapstone ($119.99), which Kamado Joe pitches for fish and vegetables.
On their own, these small orders cost less direct from Kamado Joe once our $200 shipping is added. For which accessories are worth it across all sizes, see our Kamado Joe accessories guide, or browse our Kamado Joe brand page.
First cook: what the manual says
Pre-seasoning is not required, but for the first heat Kamado Joe recommends:
- Check that the bands and hinge hardware are tight.
- Wash the cooking grate with mild dish detergent and let it dry.
- Build a small to medium fire with no more than 1.5 lb of charcoal.
- Keep the grill under 400°F for one hour, then shut it down.
Afterwards the bands may need retightening, and light cracking in the glaze (crazing) is normal. For every cook, light the charcoal with one or two fire starters, never lighter fluid or gasoline, with the dome and bottom vent open for 10 minutes. Start closing the vents within 50°F of your target, and allow 20 to 60 minutes for the temperature to settle. Never load more than 3 lb of charcoal, and above 350°F open the dome 2 to 3 inches for about 5 seconds (“burp” it) before lifting it fully. To shut down, close the bottom vent, then the top vent once below 400°F.
Warranty
Per Kamado Joe’s warranty page: key ceramic parts have a limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser, key metal and cast iron parts five years, heat deflectors three years, and items like the thermometer and gaskets two years. You must register the grill. For our terms, see our return and refund policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kamado Joe Jr worth it?
For one or two people, or as a second grill, it is a full ceramic kamado with the same heat range as the Classic for $499.99. To feed a family regularly, the Classic’s 250 sq in is the better buy.
How big is the Kamado Joe Jr?
A 13.5 inch cooking surface, 150 sq in of cooking space, 19.9 in wide, 27.2 in tall and 82.5 lb on the cast iron stand.
Can I take the Joe Jr camping?
Kamado Joe markets it for camping. The manual says never use it in tents, vehicles or enclosed areas, keep 10 ft from combustibles, and let it cool below 115°F before moving it.
Do Classic Joe accessories fit the Joe Jr?
Mostly no. The Jr uses its own grate, fire grate, deflector and cover. The Sear Plate is listed for both.
Questions about a Kamado Joe order? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST.
