Having reviewed the Kamado Joe, Big Joe in the past – we were excited for the opportunity to review KJs newest offering, the Konnected Joe.
Does it stand up to the hype? Here’s a deep dive into the grill after several months of using it.
Setting Up The Konnected Joe
One person can set this grill up, but having an extra set of hands would be beneficial. Set up only took about 45 minutes total, and this grill comes packaged extremely well.
The hardware is clearly marked and the directions are straightforward. Aside from the weight of the grill, it was one o fthe easier ones we’ve ever assembled.
What Makes the Konnected Joe Different?
The big selling point of the Konnected Joe is its smart technology. Unlike traditional kamado grills, this one includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Using the Kamado Joe app, you can monitor and adjust cooking temperatures, track food doneness, and get notifications on your phone without standing over the grill. It’s like having a sous chef on-site, which certainly frees up some time.
This grill also features an automated draft fan. The fan controls airflow to maintain steady heat, which is crucial for those long, low and slow cooks.
There’s also an integrated temperature probe to monitor your food’s internal temperature without lifting the lid, or buying a separate leave-in temperature probe.
Finally, they maintained their multipiece firebox which all but eliminates the dreaded cracked firebox so common on most kamado grills.
How Easy Is It to Use The Konnect Joe?
For a kamado grill, the Konnected Joe is surprisingly beginner-friendly. The app makes it simple to manage temperature and cook times, which can be intimidating on standard kamado grills.
If you’re new to grilling or smoking, the guided recipes on the KJ website, and the built-in tech takes a lot of the guesswork out.
That said, experienced grillers might find the tech a little unnecessary if they’re used to managing temps manually. But, if you’re juggling multiple tasks or hosting, having remote control over the grill is a huge convenience.
What Are the Key Features and Specs?
Here’s a rundown of the main features from the KJ Website:
How Does It Perform?
In terms of performance, the Konnected Joe delivers. The ceramic body ensures even heat distribution, and the draft fan keeps the temperature stable without constant adjustments.
Whether you’re slow-cooking brisket for 15 hours or firing up pizza at 700°F, the grill handles it well. It is, obviously a very versatile cooker.
The smart features, like the temperature probe and app controls, worked reliably during testing. In fact, we never once encountered a connection issue.
The app interface is user-friendly, though it’s worth noting that you’ll need a decent Wi-Fi signal near your grilling area for the best results.
One minor downside: the added tech does mean more parts to maintain or troubleshoot. If you’re the type who likes to keep things simple, this might feel like overkill.
Who Is This Grill For?
The Konnected Joe is ideal for even mildly tech-savvy grillers who want the flavor and versatility of a kamado grill without the learning curve.
If you’re a weekend warrior looking for convenience or someone who enjoys experimenting with recipes and cooking techniques, this grill’s smart features will appeal to you.
It’s also a great option for a busy host who wants to keep an eye on the grill while entertaining or having a relaxing beverage.
However, if you’re a purist who enjoys the hands-on aspect of managing a fire, the tech might feel unnecessary.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smart features simplify temperature control and monitoring.
- Durable ceramic construction retains heat and lasts for years.
- Wide temperature range for versatile cooking styles.
- Excellent app interface with guided recipes and alerts.
- Tons of accessories available.
- Slide-out ash drawer makes cleanout super easy.
Cons:
- Higher price point than standard kamado grills.
- Tech features add complexity, and potential maintenance.
- Weighing in at 216lbs, it’s not easily portable.
Final Thoughts on The Konnected Joe
The Kamado Joe Konnected Joe is a very solid choice if you’re looking for a high-quality kamado grill with modern conveniences.
The tech features work well and make it more accessible for beginners or multitasking experienced grillers.
While the hefty price might scare some away, the combination of performance, durability, and smart controls makes it a worthwhile investment for the right griller.
If you’re tech-averse or enjoy the challenge of traditional kamado grilling, you might prefer a less complex model.
But, for those who want the best of both worlds—classic charcoal flavor with modern ease—the Konnected Joe delivers and is highly recommended.