Kamado Joe launches the Big Joe Konnected Joe, a larger smart charcoal grill.
The Konnected Joe is back, but this time it's bigger and more expensive.
Middleby Outdoor has integrated smart features into its ceramic Kamado Joe grills in 2023 with the Konnected Joe model. Recently, the company introduced a larger model that offers more cooking space. The Big Joe Konnected Joe not only incorporates all the features of the Konnected Joe but also provides an additional 200 square inches of cooking area. As a kamado-style grill, it benefits from a ceramic construction that ensures fuel efficiency and excellent heat retention.
This new model is an evolution of the Big Joe line, which matches the size of the Big Joe II but with a 60-pound weight advantage. Like its predecessor, it maintains a temperature range of 225 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, but the Big Joe Konnected Joe is equipped with a digital controller and a fan that help maintain the desired heat level. The cooking surface is similar to that of other Big Joe models, reaching 450 square inches.
The company has also developed an app for Kamado Joe that allows remote control and monitoring of temperatures thanks to the grill's Wi-Fi connectivity. This app provides information on food probe temperatures, progress graphs, cooking notifications, and a varied selection of recipes. Additionally, it includes different cooking modes, such as Automatic Mode for a more relaxed experience or Classic Mode for those who prefer to manage the temperature more traditionally. It also features specific modes for Kamado Joe accessories, such as the JoeTisserie.
The Big Joe Konnected Joe features a control panel known as the Kontrol Board at the front; this includes a digital display that shows temperatures, graphs, alerts, and cooking modes. It allows the simultaneous use of up to three wired food probes and has a dedicated button for its Automatic Charcoal Ignition (AFS) function, a feature that makes it easier to light the charcoal without the need for flammable liquids or starters.
As is typical of Kamado Joe products, this model includes distinctive brand features. Its Kontrol Tower ventilation adjusts airflow according to the guidance provided by the display and the app, while the Air Lift hinge facilitates opening the lid. Inside, it features a two-level cooking system, allowing for cooking food at different temperatures simultaneously. Additionally, it has a removable ash drawer, simplifying cleanup, and is mounted on a sturdy powder-coated steel cart with four locking wheels, as well as foldable side shelves.
The price of the Big Joe Konnected Joe is $2,999, a cost equivalent to that of the Big Joe III and $1,300 more than the smaller model, the Konnected Joe.