Common questions about Kamado Big Joe™ BBQ Grill (BJ24RHC) - Series II
How much room do I actually need to set this up at home?
Plan on a spot you will not move it from. At 147.3 cm wide and 168.7 kg on its cart, shifting it needs a mate on the other side and flat ground. The manual asks for 3 m of clear air above and around, so verandah roofs and tight fence lines rule out plenty of spots.
Is the Big Joe overkill if I mostly cook for the family?
Probably. The 61 cm grate and 4.5 kg charcoal load are sized for whole briskets and a crowd, and you light a fair bit of fuel whether the grate is full or not. If most weekends are a family feed, the Classic size does the same work for less charcoal.
What is the learning curve like coming off a gas barbecue?
Steeper than you think, and worth it. Ceramic holds heat so well that overshooting is the beginner's mistake: creep the vents open in small moves, because pulling a runaway fire back down is slow work. Give yourself a few practice cooks before you put a brisket on for guests.