February 8, 2022

Product test: Kettle Joe – The hybrid charcoal grill

Ceramic grill or kettle grill, the Kettle Joe from KamadoJoe has adopted the characteristics of both grill systems. The SloRoller makes it particularly striking in its appearance. We at FIRE&FOOD naturally wanted to know whether the ideas that the manufacturer put into the Kettle Joe also work in practice.

Assembly
The assembly went quickly. The individual parts were well protected and all the screws worked well. The coated base frame on four wheels, two of which are lockable, gives the grill good stability. Additional stability is provided by the screwed shelf. The ceramic discs can be easily inserted into the charcoal basket. The assembly of the height-adjustable lid is a little more complicated, but the side tables only need to be hung in place. What was immediately noticeable during assembly was the good quality of the porcelain enamel.

Operation
We were particularly excited about the SloRoller when it was in use. In the test run, it ensured even heat distribution in the cooking chamber, as promised by the manufacturer. The heat plate appears somewhat thin, but is sufficient to conduct the heat through the slots on the edge. The small distance between the heat plate and the grill grate is a little irritating. A bowl barely fits underneath, but according to the manufacturer this is not necessary, as dripping, evaporating fat ensures a good grill aroma. The grill is very frugal in terms of charcoal consumption, which is also helped by the ceramic inserts. Grilling without the SloRoller is also very convenient, as it is only attached and the lid can be easily lowered using the spring hinge. The two-part stainless steel grill grate is also practical, as it makes it possible to grill on two additional levels.

Conclusion
The Kettle Joe is a very good all-rounder. The 57 radius also fits accessories from other grill brands with a 57 radius, which can be very easy on the wallet if you already have the accessories. The low charcoal consumption is also impressive. This shows the relationship to the ceramic grill. Where the Kettle Joe cannot keep up in comparison, however, is the precise control of the temperature. It is difficult to set a temperature lower than 100 °C. The ventilation valves do not close tightly enough for this.
With the Kettle Joe you get a high-quality, stable charcoal grill with some of the valuable features of a ceramic grill at a good price-performance ratio.

Price from approx. 599,- Euro
www.kamadojoe.com