Just want to say thank you...I purchased a home in LA... spent 5 years saving for it....and all I wanted to do once I made all the home major repairs..was to get a great pit...you have consistently given me information and inspiration...for my 40th I finally made the purchase for a big joe 3...put it together thanks to you...and did my break in burn..thanks to you....I am super excited and can't wait to conquer the flame with a komato joe
My Big Joe Classic III was delivered last week. Watching your amazing videos, made setting it up and my first cook a breeze. Will definitely be watching all your old and new vids for recipes and ideas. Keep up the awesome work!
I saw this video went you first posted it... Very proud for you. Just so you realize HOW fortunate you are... I purchased my Big Joe 3 on June 6th. I'm still waiting for it.
I have only recently discovered your channel. Your videos are very informative and super entertaining. You are a natural and I love listening to you talk, it's very calming! (haha!). In my quest to find my first kamado, you have pulled me over to the Kamado Joe team. So Kamado Joe has made a great investment with sending you that Big Joe 3 as i'm sure i'm not the only one! Thanks a lot for your videos, looking forward to the ones that are coming. Greetings from the Netherlands!
After 7 months of waiting I finally got the call I’ve been waiting for! My Big Joe 3 is ready to be picked up. I think I’ve watched this video 10 times now in anticipation of assembling my own. Congratulations on your 50k and growing followers!
Thanks for the fantastic video on setting up the big Joe. I finished mine about 2 hours ago, nearly a 400degs… and about to shut it up for the night! And thanks to your advice I went for the Big Joe straight off! Thanks for all your dedication to helping the Kamado Joe community!
@@SmokingDadBBQ Has it’s rain coat in at the moment and needs a clean out! The best bbq I’ve ever had, huge difference from propane and briquettes… still can’t convince the wife to install it in the kitchen 🤣
Nice one James. Well deserved. Your videos got me into a Kamado Classic 3 as I’m sure many others did - so the reality is you have been selling grills for Kamado. In other words - well deserved mate - a free Big Joe is smart of them to give you. First cook????? Hmmmm. Slow cooked Cuban style pork shoulder???
Same here, these videos pushed me over the edge on getting the Classic 3 which I am still patiently waiting for. Originally thought end of this month but wondering if it might be August now...
Been watching your channel for awhile and finally picked up a Big Joe III this past Friday. Used all your recommendations from this video to assembled, went flawlessly!! Love your content, thanks James!!
I've probably watched this video 3 or 4 times by now since I don't have mine yet to unbox lol. I'm going to be doing the same dance when it finally arrives 😁 I've been waiting 4 months now for my Big Joe 3 to come in stock. It's finally in and has been picked up by the trucking company for the long 7 day cross country journey to BC. Oh wait, now the truck is stuck in Toronto because of the convoy of freedom 🤦♂lol. Well I guess it's still better than May which is the original date I was told it would arrive. So close now, will have to re watch this again when it finally arrives 😊
Just got a steal on a Classic Joe 2 at Costco. So now I'm in the club! Wish I had watched your video and learned the toilet paper trick before spending 20 minutes messing with the ceramic liners. Thanks for the video
Just want to say thank you for showing us the toilet tissue method for installing the ceramic firebox. I was so frustrated with this part! OMG the pain of those plates crushing my fingers!! Just can’t thank you enough!
Thanks for showing the unboxing James. I just got a classic 2 last week and your review on Kamodo Joe vs The Big Green Egg made the decision easy to buy a Joe. Hope you enjoy the first meal off the Big Joe!
Got mine a couple of months ago and have been loving it ever since! Between you, pitmasterx, and kamado joe’s own videos, I have taken my backyard bbq to new heights. My family loves it. Thank you for you channel, recipes, & how-tos. I appreciate it!!. Oh, I like mine just stock, so I can roll it around at will, so instead of a grill station, I built an 11 foot long bar, on casters that seats 12 easily and has huge open storage inside, easily storing the dojo and all other grilling and outdoor accessories. It has been awesome! Cheers!
Thanks for this video, you deserve that big Joe! Im in the UK and love watching your videos. Its made me go out and buy a classic 3. Its getting delivered on Thursday and i can't wait!
Firstly, I love your videos -- thanks for all your great advice. I pick up my Big Joe this week & the main thing I wanted to see was how you & friends lifted the Big Joe shell into the cart, via the 2 recommended lift points. This is the one thing you didn't show, although I really needed to watch that -- why?? At least you said you had 3 of you, so that will have to do this time. Thanks again!
Congrats on your new toy. Got mine about 4 months ago from Ceramic Grill Store in Texas. I live in California. Free shipping, NO sales tax and free BJ Expander (Retail $89.00) which almost doubles the grilling area. Had 2 buddies help me assemble/move it and I was still scared Shi@$&less. First cook was Tri tip which came out excellent. Then on to shrimp & chicken stir fry, ribs, smash burgers, London broil, wings and now pizza which I still need practice on. Not quite there yet. Keep up the good work, love your channel.
I think you should do a couple BIG briskets and invite all of your viewers to taste test them! I mean, after all, if it wasn't for us, you wouldn't have a free Big Joe III ! ; ) EDIT: I forgot to mention that watching your videos is what convinced me to get a Kamado Joe! When I saw what was included with the KJs vs. BGE it was a no-brainer. AND, Kamado Joe seems to be more innovative and always seeking improvements. I really like and appreciate that. Congratulations on your Big Joe. I think it was well deserved.
Thank you very much for the detailed description! I was able to do the install with my dad in less than an hour. The tissue trick made alignment of the petals really easy. I now also have an Ash collector left over :)
Hi James I followed all your tips especially putting the paper behind the ceramic plates to help with the ring, will the paper burn away after a super high heat cook?
Nice one, I get my joe classic II on Monday and glad I watched this for those few extra tips. After first burn i think i will take it easy and go for breakfast for the family.
Congrats James! Well deserving of the Big Joe, welcome to the BJ family! Thanks to Kamado for hooking you up. It only makes sense to pull out the probes and do a low and slow brisket, or multiple racks of ribs for the maiden voyage. Question: Did you have any top alignment issues on the BJ? In my BJ the left of the top is aligned pretty well, the right side is off by 1/8-1/4 inch. Wondering if you had to adjust and how you did it. I also need to tweak the gas shock, it is not supporting the top weight in all situations. Interested to hear your feedback. Congrats again, keep up the great work!
Thanks so much, I did have some new issues out of the box that I have not had before (the lid being really hard to latch). My bands were very lose and needed to be tightened, and the dome latch wasn't aligned. There is a small allan wrench in the latch that moves the latch up and down, and there are nuts on the left and right that allow you to move the latch side to side. I adjusted all of these so that they were straight and removed some of the tension on the rear spring which was over tight and it works as it should now
@@SmokingDadBBQ I just discovered your channel during my research on whether to buy any kind of KJ and I really love how well you explain things. Also great job with filming and production quality! I would love to see a see where you show what are the different parts that can be adjusted and how exactly to make these kind of adjustments so you have the perfect alignment. I think I will be purchasing a new BJ3 soon and would love to have a video showing exactly how you did this. PS. I love how you added the chapter timestamps to the description however it did not activate the new TH-cam chapters feature because YT is stupid and requires you to add the first timestamp to be 00:00. If you can edit this video description and future ones to have the silly initial 00:00 that would be really nice. support.google.com/youtube/answer/9884579?hl=en
Thaniks, I just received the Big Joe III today and set it up. I'm1 tired and we did need Three guys to lift that Bad Boy into the stand. Now to fire it UP. Yea!
At first I was 100%sure go for the classic 3. But now it hit me... A big joe 3 is coming too ur garden verry soon. Can't wait to start with it 🤤🤤🤤🤤. Subscription is done for you channel . greetings from Belgium
Looking good! The assembly looks straightforward and easy. That thing is huge. Really can’t tell how big it is until you see it side by side with the Jr. I’ll let you pick what you cook first on it.
New to Big Joe, Vision kamado was awesome!! For the price BJ has let me down on the cheap venting system which cuts its efficiency greatly! Hope they make improvements! Love the large area of cooking space.
Thanks for the video, just got my big Joe III, got to say not sure my bricks are right. Three of them seemed warped and three seemed to sit in nicely. Pulled them out and put them back several times. Finally just decided it wasn’t going to be perfect. :/ can’t wait to use it. Got the first fire going now! 🎉
I had the same experience. My Big Joe III landed today (in NO small part to your videos, James!) and I had a bit more trouble with the firebox since the the bricks do not seem to be as well produced as those in this video. I'd like to say I don't understand why, but Kamado Joe knows what they are doing. I am sure I will love it just the same, but folks should be aware that the Joe seen in this video is likely the 'pick of the litter'. Keep 'em coming , James!
Another great Big Joe III set-up video, thanks for posting this. Mine is being delivered today and I'm getting prepared. Very much appreciate your leaning toward the technical aspects in your explanation, and agree 100% with your reasoning for the break-in procedure, great idea. Excellent video. can't wait for my first ceramic bbq-smoker
Smoking Dad BBQ When I installed my vent cap, they didn’t put enough of that silver wrapping around the vent to ensure a snug grip on the cap. The first time I raised the lid, the cap fell off and broke! 😢. Had to contact the dealer about getting a replacement cap and more of that silver wrapping material.
I just ordered mine today. So excited to joint the Kamado Joe Mafia :D I have been obsessing over what grill to buy. I bought a Oklahoma Joe smoker about 18 months ago and it has fallen apart. I had a BGE several years ago but wasn't completely sold. Your videos convinced me this was the one for me
Hi James. My Big Joe III was delivered yesterday (glad it happened yesterday because it's snowing right now.) I just wanted to mention what appears to be a change to the way KJ ships the BJIII over your experience. I bought local, with delivery and installation included. I planned to install all the internals myself, so figured the installers would just have to screw the wheels on the stand and mount the Joe on it. When it got here, I noticed there was only one vary large crate, not two boxes like you got. Turns out KJ is now shipping the BJIII stand unassembled as parts in the same crate as the BJ, I assume to save on shipping. The assembly was not difficult, but there are more than a few nuts and bolts involved in putting it together, and I'm glad I didn't spend an hour of my time down on my knees trying to do it solo. Just wanted to share my experience.
congrats, yes i have noticed a change in packaging which started with the pellet joe where you need to install the legs of the cart which come all in one box now
Very useful. The inner ceramic tiles barely fit well, but your toiletpaper trick was really useful. Also strange for the Big Joe the ashtray doesn't have a longer gutter that goes all the way to the vent hole.
If you’re feeling very adventurous, I can also highly recommend for first cook: Pulled Beef Chuck Roast with stout beer on bell peppers and red onions. Stout beer really gives it as rich flavour.
Thanks for the video! It made setting up my Big Joe III a breeze! Unfortunately you can't buy the Grill Gun in Australia (looks too much like a real gun) but I found an industrial blow torch! I've never lit a BBQ so fast before!! Great work! Thanks!!
I’m not sure if you’re a genius for the tissue trick, or if I’m an idiot for not thinking of it. This was the first time I’ve been able to put my firebox in by myself. Thanks.
Congratulations on the new grill. I wonder how many you have sold for the company. Maybe they should have paid you to take it! What I enjoy about your videos is the easy way you come across. Your passion for cooking on the Joe certainly comes through. Cheers Russ from Ottawa.
Nice video James! I've been wanting to get the Big Joe for some time and I'm glad that you did this video as it confirms why I want to get one! First cook needs to be a brisket!! Thanks!
Great to see a fellow Canadian doing his thing... wife is from Oakville and I am from Kingston. I found you as I am in the middle of the REALLY hard decision on which kamado to buy. I have been looking at KJ and Blaze and Primo. I am leaning towards the Blaze just based on the cool look of metal. Love watching your cooks.
Forgot to say, I now live down in Pulled Pork heaven in Charlotte NC. And, per your request, of course it has to be a nice brisket. That is going to be my first cook too once I get a smoker added to my new outdoor kitchen.
Welcome aboard and thanks so much. I haven’t cooked on a blaze before but I have on a broil king keg. not sure how similar they would be but I did notice that the metal Kamado retained heat i think even better than the ceramic grills I’ve owned. while from a charcoal use that might be an advantage the smoke flavour didn’t taste as good. I think it comes down to a small fire burning cleanly produces the best smoke and I think the keg being so efficient you had to have a struggling fire to hit low temps and it made the food taste more like ash. two completely different grills and maybe not helpful at all but thought I would point it out so you can investigate further
For what it is worth - I found food drier & definitely tasted differently when cooked with metal. You also dump heat more quickly when you open & then try to re set - so I noticed greater temperature fluctuations & I also deliberated long & hard between Primo & KJ. I loved the idea of the oval / bigger Primo - but in the end it was easy !!! I checked on line for customer comments & it's like chalk & cheese - sooooh many disgruntled ignored Primo owners. I bought KJ & wouldn't change my decision - 2 years in my fire box cracked & they sent me a replacement for my Classic ( upgrading it to the newer panelled version ) . I work on the fact that anybody can sell anything - it's how good they are when things go wrong & KJ were brill'. Atb Colby
Received mine last week. The cart was not in one piece en needed to be installed manually so KJ changed that. Very happy with the first cooks. O and I noticed one thing in the KJ manual, they actually added a pictogram to lift the big joe exactly on the spots you said not to lift so it seems KJ has enough confidence the sides will hold the weight when lifting it in the card. On the other hand they also say it is a two person lift. It can be done with two people but it is a terrifying experience I can assure you 😎
100% sure? in my manual it says to do exactly what I am saying. here is what I have - 1 Once the internal components of the grill have been removed, lift the grill out of the container and set it aside. Due to the weight of this grill, we highly recommend two people perform this task. Do NOT lift the grill by the side shelf tabs. Use the rear hinge and the front lower vent opening as lifting points.
@@SmokingDadBBQ in text it mentions the right way but in the shown image it shows two people lifting it from the sides. New owners should always follow your instruction. This is one heavy kamado 😎. But the first cooks turned out awesome , so happy I went big joe 🙏
Great video content.. lots of detail and useful facts. I took your advice in the toilet tissue and even after taking it to 700f the paper is still there which is P***ing me off. So now I’m considering rear building withoufht the tissue. I get why you do it but not if it takes a long time to burn off.
Great videos Smoking Dad BBQ! Just ordered a Classic III which just showed up today and I am excited to get it put together and cooking! This video was perfect for understanding the set up! Subscribed!
@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks, got er' set up this past weekend and dis some reverse seared steaks which came out nice for first cook! Your vids have really been helpful at understanding the nuances of these amazing kamado grills! Still a learning curve ahead of me but that is half the fun! (other half is eating what I cook!). Thanks again!
Smoking Dad BBQ - Thank you and congrats to you as well. Your videos were the main reason I went with this over the big green egg! Did I hear you correctly in the video. You’ve had 2 other Classic iii’s ? Why so many?
Congratulations on new toy. I just started playing with mine ( classic 2 ). Must warn viewers: The edge of the lower air vent is SHARP ! I cut my fingers lifting it into position
Great video James!!! My Kamado Big Joe 3 arrives on Monday. I can’t wait! I also have the dojo accessory which arrived three weeks ago. Nothing like torturing yourself. My first cook will be a brisket. Probably 18 to 20 lbs. should make for an incredible first cook. I’ll let you know how it goes. Keep up the great videos.
Looks great, maybe throw on some ribs or a brisket to break it in on the first cook.. Definitely cook something you have done several times before on the classic 3 for comparison sake.
@@danbailey6023 I have no problem rolling the BJ around by myself. But it did take 3 dudes to lift that thing on the cart...no plumbers cracks though LOLOL
I like and appreciate your hints and tips for assembly, they are noted for when my Classic III arrives... 👍 Shame, because it’s great weather here in Epping Forest, UK, today - ideal for BBQ
I have almost finished setting up my new Big Joe III. I put it on the stand off center and now I have to take the insides out and rotate :-(. Still deciding what to cook first. A tip for others: Don’t eyeball the placement of the firebox base. Use a tape measure to ensure it’s centered. Also a guide to others: I bought the Big Joe III largely on James’ recommendation but I never saw it in the flesh. It’s much bigger than in the videos. I hope I don’t get buyer’s remorse. I wish I had seen the Classic and the Big Joe together before making a choice. James, please use your considerable influence with Kamado Joe Corporate to advise them to provide a solution for easily removing the dome. I had to do that to lighten the weight to help get it up some narrow stairs onto my deck. Taking it off and getting it back on was tough. Your rolled up paper hack to set up the firebox is essential. Why the user guide doesn’t suggest that is a mystery. You only have to set it up once, but attention to moveability and installability is pretty important.
thanks so much. you can spin it in the cart if you lock the wheels and grab by the draft door and have a push on the back of the airlift hinge without removing everything FYI. It seems ridiculous at first but trust me, you won't regret it. the classic on its own has good space, but when you start cutting it in half with half moons there isn't much room to work with ... the big joe is a forever grill that can do it all
@@SmokingDadBBQ Buyer's remorse averted after two cooks. I definitely need to learn how to pile in more charcoal, but I really loved the chicken skewers and the salmon. I seared the salmon on the soapstone, then finished it in smoke at 375 degrees, using the soapstone for a heat deflector. I have to admit I loved the generous room of the Big Joe soapstone. Labor day beckons...
Noooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh Now I have envy !!!!!!!!!! 😂🤣😂☺️😂☺️😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 I liked my tie fighter - but oh man ! A superstar destroyer !!!! A tractor beam of 'need' is drawing me to the online shop !!!!! Whatever you cook - cook lots of it ! I'm leaving now & will have 14 days in quarantine when I arrive !!
Appreciate the video! For the cart, should there be 2 washers per bolt or 1 washer per bolt? Manual shows 2 but I don't know if the washers I received are just stuck together...
Great video - I am jealous! I have had my BigJoe2 for a couple of years and it has served me well, but I cannot justify upgrading... Suggested first cook - do something that shows off the space and the divide&conquer system - steaks on the grill and veggie side dish on cast iron.
Congrats!! a dream come true.!! and Free? well deserve as you really have sold KamadoJoe to everyone. Sadly i didnt see the video when i got my first kamado every kamado joe 2. instead of the Classic 3. didnt know better. i though the stand was really the only diff. Boy !! i was wrong. now i am getting a classic 3, so i will have two jsut because. i didnt get the classic 3 first. LOL
So incredibly jealous, can't wait for mine! Congrats. Always wondered if smoking a brisket and pork shoulder simultaneously would work out on a big joe. If you think it would, I'd love to see that!
Can you add a 3 tier divide and conquer to a Classic II? I am so thankful for your informative videos. I first saw a Ceramic Grill at the L.A County Fair( in the early 60's) and said that I really wanted one. Now 55+ years later I have one and your videos(which I watch over and over) are loaded with little jewels of information & have really helped me. Thank you James - What do you do when you really over run your temp?
thanks so much. not sure if it will fit as the gen 3 is 4” taller. if you run over close all the vents for 2min to calm the coals. burp the dome to let some heat out but close before it feeds the coals with more air. repeat 1-2 times open top vent where you want it for 1min before re opening the bottom vent where you want it and it should now be clicking along at your desired temp
Hi James I have watched lots of your videos and it’s been very helpful in my purchase of the Big Joe 3. I’m very patient and will follow all the instructions from this video as I had to send my first one back before even getting it in to the garden ( slightly larger than I anticipated). What is the fuel gun that you use? Not only does it do a great job it looks the dogs undercarriage. Looking forward to my first burn soon and will keep watching your videos. Great job Toby
@@SmokingDadBBQ Ok, suggestion. I just tried your Aaron Franklin short ribs on my Big Joe, but couldn't keep the temperature low enough. With my MEATER, I was seeing ~305 degrees with the vents pretty much closed (like maybe 1/4") and I couldn't get it any lower. The ribs finished in about 2 hours and I'm sure they'll be great, but I was shooting for 4 hours. A video about temperature control, and how to adjust "on the fly" if things get out of whack would be very cool.
![ง้อ (ALRIGHT) - FOURTH Prod. by URBOYTJ [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Qs8ZeV6Dqj8/mqdefault.jpg)
Must watch KJ videos:
KJ 101 (start here) - th-cam.com/video/x3nvkwmwuFw/w-d-xo.html
Top 10 KJ beginner mistakes - th-cam.com/video/gdcaOjQt_I0/w-d-xo.html
Dome alignment issue? - th-cam.com/video/qWM6mFkfnmI/w-d-xo.html
Top 5 KJ maintenance tips - th-cam.com/video/gphUQFW6uIo/w-d-xo.html
Don’t buy these accessories - th-cam.com/video/ORcbo6fTHmk/w-d-xo.html
Smoke wood secret - th-cam.com/video/2qtHrFjWY1U/w-d-xo.html
First 5 cooks for a new owner - th-cam.com/video/JA84ZvYL47Y/w-d-xo.html
Thanks James, I'll check them all out👍🏻
Just want to say thank you...I purchased a home in LA... spent 5 years saving for it....and all I wanted to do once I made all the home major repairs..was to get a great pit...you have consistently given me information and inspiration...for my 40th I finally made the purchase for a big joe 3...put it together thanks to you...and did my break in burn..thanks to you....I am super excited and can't wait to conquer the flame with a komato joe
Fantastic! Congrats
My Big Joe Classic III was delivered last week. Watching your amazing videos, made setting it up and my first cook a breeze. Will definitely be watching all your old and new vids for recipes and ideas. Keep up the awesome work!
Rock on!
I saw this video went you first posted it... Very proud for you. Just so you realize HOW fortunate you are... I purchased my Big Joe 3 on June 6th. I'm still waiting for it.
thanks so much. I don’t take it for granted at all. hope you get yours soon
I have only recently discovered your channel. Your videos are very informative and super entertaining. You are a natural and I love listening to you talk, it's very calming! (haha!). In my quest to find my first kamado, you have pulled me over to the Kamado Joe team. So Kamado Joe has made a great investment with sending you that Big Joe 3 as i'm sure i'm not the only one!
Thanks a lot for your videos, looking forward to the ones that are coming.
Greetings from the Netherlands!
Welcome aboard and thanks so much Glenn! Really appreciate you taking the time to watch, comment and subscribe!
After 7 months of waiting I finally got the call I’ve been waiting for! My Big Joe 3 is ready to be picked up. I think I’ve watched this video 10 times now in anticipation of assembling my own. Congratulations on your 50k and growing followers!
congrats. what an exciting day and thank-you
I want to nominate this video as the definite guide to big joe setup. It was invaluable in setting my big joe. Thank you!
thanks so much, you've done your part watching some older videos and i appreciate it
Thanks for the fantastic video on setting up the big Joe. I finished mine about 2 hours ago, nearly a 400degs… and about to shut it up for the night! And thanks to your advice I went for the Big Joe straight off! Thanks for all your dedication to helping the Kamado Joe community!
Thanks, hope you're still loving the Joe!
@@SmokingDadBBQ Has it’s rain coat in at the moment and needs a clean out! The best bbq I’ve ever had, huge difference from propane and briquettes… still can’t convince the wife to install it in the kitchen 🤣
Nice one James. Well deserved. Your videos got me into a Kamado Classic 3 as I’m sure many others did - so the reality is you have been selling grills for Kamado. In other words - well deserved mate - a free Big Joe is smart of them to give you.
First cook????? Hmmmm. Slow cooked Cuban style pork shoulder???
haha I guess you’re right, thanks so much. love the pork idea
Same here, these videos pushed me over the edge on getting the Classic 3 which I am still patiently waiting for. Originally thought end of this month but wondering if it might be August now...
Brian Simon I feel your pain... so worth it though once it comes
@@briansimon1263 I was given a date in early July. Then pushed back to end of July. I was told July 31st, "sometime in August..." I'm skeptical.
James I've had my eye on this grill for a long time too! Kudos to you for working hard to get them to give you one!
thanks, its become my favourite... i bought a big joe 1 to go with it
James congrats on that bad ass cooker. Well deserved as your show is always honest, top notch, and enjoyable to watch.
thanks Tommy
LOL love your reaction James! We don’t know what we love more - the new grill or your parrot shirt! LOL :)
hahaha love my summer shirts lol 😂
Been watching your channel for awhile and finally picked up a Big Joe III this past Friday. Used all your recommendations from this video to assembled, went flawlessly!! Love your content, thanks James!!
Welcome aboard!
I just got a Big Joe III from my family for Father’s Day. I’m so excited to get it setup and make some spatchcock chicken!
I've probably watched this video 3 or 4 times by now since I don't have mine yet to unbox lol. I'm going to be doing the same dance when it finally arrives 😁 I've been waiting 4 months now for my Big Joe 3 to come in stock. It's finally in and has been picked up by the trucking company for the long 7 day cross country journey to BC. Oh wait, now the truck is stuck in Toronto because of the convoy of freedom 🤦♂lol. Well I guess it's still better than May which is the original date I was told it would arrive. So close now, will have to re watch this again when it finally arrives 😊
oh man i feel your excitement... i wouldn't be able to sleep the last few days but so excited the wait is nearly over
Awesome unboxing and assembly sir definitely liked how you broke down each step of the process and great tutorial.
Awesome, thank you!
Gotta love the color matching crocks. Nice James! Thanks for the info!
haha thanks
Just got a steal on a Classic Joe 2 at Costco. So now I'm in the club! Wish I had watched your video and learned the toilet paper trick before spending 20 minutes messing with the ceramic liners. Thanks for the video
enjoy the new Joe!
Just want to say thank you for showing us the toilet tissue method for installing the ceramic firebox. I was so frustrated with this part! OMG the pain of those plates crushing my fingers!! Just can’t thank you enough!
glad to help
Thanks for showing the unboxing James. I just got a classic 2 last week and your review on Kamodo Joe vs The Big Green Egg made the decision easy to buy a Joe. Hope you enjoy the first meal off the Big Joe!
thanks so much and congratulations on your Joe Jesse
Got mine a couple of months ago and have been loving it ever since! Between you, pitmasterx, and kamado joe’s own videos, I have taken my backyard bbq to new heights. My family loves it. Thank you for you channel, recipes, & how-tos. I appreciate it!!. Oh, I like mine just stock, so I can roll it around at will, so instead of a grill station, I built an 11 foot long bar, on casters that seats 12 easily and has huge open storage inside, easily storing the dojo and all other grilling and outdoor accessories. It has been awesome! Cheers!
fantastic. sounds like a great setup
My Kamado Joe Big Joe III was just delivered!! Thanks for your video!
Rock on!
Thanks for this video, you deserve that big Joe! Im in the UK and love watching your videos. Its made me go out and buy a classic 3. Its getting delivered on Thursday and i can't wait!
Fantastic, congratulations
Congrats! So from cooking for the family and neighbours. Now with the big Joe. Its time to start cooking for the street!
You got that right! Inching closer to a full blown smokehouse lol 😂
@@SmokingDadBBQ I'm so looking forwards to seeing the coming videos!
Firstly, I love your videos -- thanks for all your great advice. I pick up my Big Joe this week & the main thing I wanted to see was how you & friends lifted the Big Joe shell into the cart, via the 2 recommended lift points. This is the one thing you didn't show, although I really needed to watch that -- why?? At least you said you had 3 of you, so that will have to do this time. Thanks again!
Right on! I think i have a chapter on that in this one - th-cam.com/video/dLsKPBpjMcQ/w-d-xo.html
Congrats on your new toy. Got mine about 4 months ago from Ceramic Grill Store in Texas. I live in California. Free shipping, NO sales tax and free BJ Expander (Retail $89.00) which almost doubles the grilling area. Had 2 buddies help me assemble/move it and I was still scared Shi@$&less.
First cook was Tri tip which came out excellent. Then on to shrimp & chicken stir fry, ribs, smash burgers, London broil, wings and now pizza which I still need practice on. Not quite there yet.
Keep up the good work, love your channel.
thanks so much Mike. much appreciated
I ordered my Big Joe III after watching your videos and I just got it, now to find another video and decide what to make first
Enjoy the new Big Joe!
My Big Joe III came in and this video was very helpful in unboxing and getting it functional. Thanks for all of great content.
Thanks for watching!
Just built mine. Who needs instruction manuals when you have these vids. :)
glad to help
I think you should do a couple BIG briskets and invite all of your viewers to taste test them! I mean, after all, if it wasn't for us, you wouldn't have a free Big Joe III ! ; ) EDIT: I forgot to mention that watching your videos is what convinced me to get a Kamado Joe! When I saw what was included with the KJs vs. BGE it was a no-brainer. AND, Kamado Joe seems to be more innovative and always seeking improvements. I really like and appreciate that. Congratulations on your Big Joe. I think it was well deserved.
hahaha happy to provide the brisket. thanks so much
Thank you very much for the detailed description! I was able to do the install with my dad in less than an hour. The tissue trick made alignment of the petals really easy. I now also have an Ash collector left over :)
Glad it helped! Congrats on thew new Joe
My Big Joe arrived today. I'm soooo happy! This video surely helped assembling this bad boy :)
Congrats
Thanks James, great advice in this video. Now I just need to wait for end of august early september for mine to arrive!
Good luck!
Hi James I followed all your tips especially putting the paper behind the ceramic plates to help with the ring, will the paper burn away after a super high heat cook?
Nice one, I get my joe classic II on Monday and glad I watched this for those few extra tips. After first burn i think i will take it easy and go for breakfast for the family.
Have fun! Congratulations
the toilet paper trick would have helped me so much^^
I am excited to get my Big Joe, hopefully this week!!!
congrats
Congrats James! Well deserving of the Big Joe, welcome to the BJ family! Thanks to Kamado for hooking you up. It only makes sense to pull out the probes and do a low and slow brisket, or multiple racks of ribs for the maiden voyage. Question: Did you have any top alignment issues on the BJ? In my BJ the left of the top is aligned pretty well, the right side is off by 1/8-1/4 inch. Wondering if you had to adjust and how you did it. I also need to tweak the gas shock, it is not supporting the top weight in all situations. Interested to hear your feedback. Congrats again, keep up the great work!
Thanks so much, I did have some new issues out of the box that I have not had before (the lid being really hard to latch). My bands were very lose and needed to be tightened, and the dome latch wasn't aligned. There is a small allan wrench in the latch that moves the latch up and down, and there are nuts on the left and right that allow you to move the latch side to side. I adjusted all of these so that they were straight and removed some of the tension on the rear spring which was over tight and it works as it should now
@@SmokingDadBBQ I just discovered your channel during my research on whether to buy any kind of KJ and I really love how well you explain things. Also great job with filming and production quality!
I would love to see a see where you show what are the different parts that can be adjusted and how exactly to make these kind of adjustments so you have the perfect alignment. I think I will be purchasing a new BJ3 soon and would love to have a video showing exactly how you did this.
PS. I love how you added the chapter timestamps to the description however it did not activate the new TH-cam chapters feature because YT is stupid and requires you to add the first timestamp to be 00:00. If you can edit this video description and future ones to have the silly initial 00:00 that would be really nice.
support.google.com/youtube/answer/9884579?hl=en
I like that method paper ball technique! Good video!
Thank you! Cheers!
Well deserved James keep making nice reviews for us....
much appreciated
Dude, you dropped the long sleeve shirts! Thank you for the video.
haha summer mode
You are great with this things! This helped me a lot to set up my nee Classic 2
Glad I could help!
Setting my BJ3 up today, thanks for the helpful advice.
Glad I could help!
Thaniks, I just received the Big Joe III today and set it up. I'm1 tired and we did need Three guys to lift that Bad Boy into the stand. Now to fire it UP. Yea!
heck yes, congrats
Thank, so now I know exactly how to set one up and break it in. All I need at this point is for one to magically show up in my driveway :-)
haha right?
At first I was 100%sure go for the classic 3. But now it hit me... A big joe 3 is coming too ur garden verry soon. Can't wait to start with it 🤤🤤🤤🤤. Subscription is done for you channel . greetings from Belgium
Congratulations, you will love it
Put mine together yesterday! Can’t wait to fire it up!! Thanks for the video.
Have fun!
Thanks for this, mine arrives tomorrow. And I cannot bloody wait.
sweet, congrats
My Classic 3 arrives tomorrow!!! Can't wait. This is such an awesome video. Thanks Dad!
Have fun!
Looking good! The assembly looks straightforward and easy. That thing is huge. Really can’t tell how big it is until you see it side by side with the Jr. I’ll let you pick what you cook first on it.
haha right on, thanks
super cool! thanks for sharing! I just purchased my first kamado big joe. I am expecting it in August! I cannot wait!
Hope you enjoy it!
I purchased mine for 2k. There was a 500 dollar discount.
New to Big Joe, Vision kamado was awesome!! For the price BJ has let me down on the cheap venting system which cuts its efficiency greatly! Hope they make improvements! Love the large area of cooking space.
So excited I get my Classic II tomorrow. Thanks for all your videos it helped me make yo my mind to go with the KJ
congratulations
Thanks for the video, just got my big Joe III, got to say not sure my bricks are right. Three of them seemed warped and three seemed to sit in nicely.
Pulled them out and put them back several times. Finally just decided it wasn’t going to be perfect. :/ can’t wait to use it. Got the first fire going now! 🎉
congratulations on the new Joe
I had the same experience. My Big Joe III landed today (in NO small part to your videos, James!) and I had a bit more trouble with the firebox since the the bricks do not seem to be as well produced as those in this video. I'd like to say I don't understand why, but Kamado Joe knows what they are doing. I am sure I will love it just the same, but folks should be aware that the Joe seen in this video is likely the 'pick of the litter'.
Keep 'em coming , James!
Congratulations! Really enjoy the channel. Good on Kamado Joe for recognizing your contributions to the community.
Much appreciated Jason... pretty pumped
Now you make me want a big joe!!! Loved the girls cameo lol. It’s huge they both fit in there!!!!wow
haha thanks Steven... its hard to realize the size until you have a frame of reference like that lol
Another great Big Joe III set-up video, thanks for posting this. Mine is being delivered today and I'm getting prepared. Very much appreciate your leaning toward the technical aspects in your explanation, and agree 100% with your reasoning for the break-in procedure, great idea. Excellent video. can't wait for my first ceramic bbq-smoker
Have fun and congratulations on your new Big Joe
Great video. Just got my Big Joe 3 and I watched your video for assembly tips. Got the break in fire going 🔥
Glad I could help and congrats on the big joe
Smoking Dad BBQ When I installed my vent cap, they didn’t put enough of that silver wrapping around the vent to ensure a snug grip on the cap. The first time I raised the lid, the cap fell off and broke! 😢. Had to contact the dealer about getting a replacement cap and more of that silver wrapping material.
I just ordered mine today. So excited to joint the Kamado Joe Mafia :D I have been obsessing over what grill to buy. I bought a Oklahoma Joe smoker about 18 months ago and it has fallen apart. I had a BGE several years ago but wasn't completely sold. Your videos convinced me this was the one for me
Congrats. Good choice!
Hi James. My Big Joe III was delivered yesterday (glad it happened yesterday because it's snowing right now.) I just wanted to mention what appears to be a change to the way KJ ships the BJIII over your experience. I bought local, with delivery and installation included. I planned to install all the internals myself, so figured the installers would just have to screw the wheels on the stand and mount the Joe on it. When it got here, I noticed there was only one vary large crate, not two boxes like you got. Turns out KJ is now shipping the BJIII stand unassembled as parts in the same crate as the BJ, I assume to save on shipping. The assembly was not difficult, but there are more than a few nuts and bolts involved in putting it together, and I'm glad I didn't spend an hour of my time down on my knees trying to do it solo. Just wanted to share my experience.
congrats, yes i have noticed a change in packaging which started with the pellet joe where you need to install the legs of the cart which come all in one box now
I wish I found this channel sooner.
Cheers
Very useful. The inner ceramic tiles barely fit well, but your toiletpaper trick was really useful. Also strange for the Big Joe the ashtray doesn't have a longer gutter that goes all the way to the vent hole.
If you’re feeling very adventurous, I can also highly recommend for first cook: Pulled Beef Chuck Roast with stout beer on bell peppers and red onions. Stout beer really gives it as rich flavour.
Oh love this
Thanks for the video! It made setting up my Big Joe III a breeze! Unfortunately you can't buy the Grill Gun in Australia (looks too much like a real gun) but I found an industrial blow torch! I've never lit a BBQ so fast before!! Great work! Thanks!!
Thanks and cheers
Well deserved James, looking forward to see what you do with it.
thanks so much
I’m not sure if you’re a genius for the tissue trick, or if I’m an idiot for not thinking of it. This was the first time I’ve been able to put my firebox in by myself. Thanks.
haha glad to help
Congratulations on the new grill. I wonder how many you have sold for the company. Maybe they should have paid you to take it!
What I enjoy about your videos is the easy way you come across. Your passion for cooking on the Joe certainly comes through. Cheers Russ from Ottawa.
much appreciated Rus, thank you 🙏
Nice video James! I've been wanting to get the Big Joe for some time and I'm glad that you did this video as it confirms why I want to get one! First cook needs to be a brisket!! Thanks!
Thanks so much Harold... I have a brisket in the fridge calling my name lol 😂
Great to see a fellow Canadian doing his thing... wife is from Oakville and I am from Kingston. I found you as I am in the middle of the REALLY hard decision on which kamado to buy. I have been looking at KJ and Blaze and Primo. I am leaning towards the Blaze just based on the cool look of metal. Love watching your cooks.
Forgot to say, I now live down in Pulled Pork heaven in Charlotte NC. And, per your request, of course it has to be a nice brisket. That is going to be my first cook too once I get a smoker added to my new outdoor kitchen.
Welcome aboard and thanks so much. I haven’t cooked on a blaze before but I have on a broil king keg. not sure how similar they would be but I did notice that the metal Kamado retained heat i think even better than the ceramic grills I’ve owned. while from a charcoal use that might be an advantage the smoke flavour didn’t taste as good. I think it comes down to a small fire burning cleanly produces the best smoke and I think the keg being so efficient you had to have a struggling fire to hit low temps and it made the food taste more like ash. two completely different grills and maybe not helpful at all but thought I would point it out so you can investigate further
fantastic... I have a North Carolina style pulled pork coming out next week I think it’s scheduled
For what it is worth - I found food drier & definitely tasted differently when cooked with metal. You also dump heat more quickly when you open & then try to re set - so I noticed greater temperature fluctuations & I also deliberated long & hard between Primo & KJ. I loved the idea of the oval / bigger Primo - but in the end it was easy !!! I checked on line for customer comments & it's like chalk & cheese - sooooh many disgruntled ignored Primo owners. I bought KJ & wouldn't change my decision - 2 years in my fire box cracked & they sent me a replacement for my Classic ( upgrading it to the newer panelled version ) . I work on the fact that anybody can sell anything - it's how good they are when things go wrong & KJ were brill'. Atb Colby
Received mine last week. The cart was not in one piece en needed to be installed manually so KJ changed that. Very happy with the first cooks. O and I noticed one thing in the KJ manual, they actually added a pictogram to lift the big joe exactly on the spots you said not to lift so it seems KJ has enough confidence the sides will hold the weight when lifting it in the card. On the other hand they also say it is a two person lift. It can be done with two people but it is a terrifying experience I can assure you 😎
100% sure? in my manual it says to do exactly what I am saying. here is what I have - 1 Once the internal components of the grill have been removed, lift the grill out of the container and set it aside. Due to the weight of this grill, we highly recommend two people perform this task. Do NOT lift the grill by the side shelf tabs. Use the rear hinge and the front lower vent opening as lifting points.
@@SmokingDadBBQ in text it mentions the right way but in the shown image it shows two people lifting it from the sides. New owners should always follow your instruction. This is one heavy kamado 😎. But the first cooks turned out awesome , so happy I went big joe 🙏
Great video content.. lots of detail and useful facts.
I took your advice in the toilet tissue and even after taking it to 700f the paper is still there which is P***ing me off. So now I’m considering rear building withoufht the tissue.
I get why you do it but not if it takes a long time to burn off.
I just got a big joe 2 and it’s also...I used your reverse wing recipe and reversed seared some steaks and they came out amazing
That is awesome! Congratulations
Thanks for the assembly help! You basically sold this thing to me. Can’t wait for this first cook. Going to do the hot and fast ribs I think.
Glad I could help! great choice
Great videos Smoking Dad BBQ! Just ordered a Classic III which just showed up today and I am excited to get it put together and cooking! This video was perfect for understanding the set up! Subscribed!
congratulations
@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks, got er' set up this past weekend and dis some reverse seared steaks which came out nice for first cook! Your vids have really been helpful at understanding the nuances of these amazing kamado grills! Still a learning curve ahead of me but that is half the fun! (other half is eating what I cook!). Thanks again!
You're welcome! And Hello there Big Joe!
thanks so much
I ordered mine 4-5 weeks ago. Hopefully it arrives early August. Will be following what you do with it!
congratulations
Smoking Dad BBQ - Thank you and congrats to you as well. Your videos were the main reason I went with this over the big green egg! Did I hear you correctly in the video. You’ve had 2 other Classic iii’s ? Why so many?
Congratulations on new toy. I just started playing with mine ( classic 2 ). Must warn viewers: The edge of the lower air vent is SHARP ! I cut my fingers lifting it into position
Thanks for sharing, never had a sharp one yet
Great video James!!! My Kamado Big Joe 3 arrives on Monday. I can’t wait! I also have the dojo accessory which arrived three weeks ago. Nothing like torturing yourself. My first cook will be a brisket. Probably 18 to 20 lbs. should make for an incredible first cook. I’ll let you know how it goes. Keep up the great videos.
Hope you enjoy it! I could only find a 15 lbs packer, in the fridge now for the weekend
That toilet paper hack is really good.
thanks. makes it so much easier
Great video thank you so much! Big help for me!!!!
Glad it helped!
Looks great, maybe throw on some ribs or a brisket to break it in on the first cook.. Definitely cook something you have done several times before on the classic 3 for comparison sake.
thanks so much Brian. I have a brisket in the fridge that’s calling my name for the weekend 😂
Wish you would've included the part where you put big joe on the stand.
there were three plumbers cracks. nobody wants to see that lol
How well do those wheels roll around with the joe on them?
@@danbailey6023 I have no problem rolling the BJ around by myself. But it did take 3 dudes to lift that thing on the cart...no plumbers cracks though LOLOL
I laid it on its side, ratchet strapped to the stand and stood it up by myself no problem
I like and appreciate your hints and tips for assembly, they are noted for when my Classic III arrives... 👍
Shame, because it’s great weather here in Epping Forest, UK, today - ideal for BBQ
it’s like being a kid at Xmas... killer. hope you aren’t waiting much longer
Do you have a video outlining the differences between all the different Joes?
Used this video to set up my new Big Joe today. Thank you.
Do you sell your SD products in the UK?
I have almost finished setting up my new Big Joe III. I put it on the stand off center and now I have to take the insides out and rotate :-(. Still deciding what to cook first. A tip for others: Don’t eyeball the placement of the firebox base. Use a tape measure to ensure it’s centered. Also a guide to others: I bought the Big Joe III largely on James’ recommendation but I never saw it in the flesh. It’s much bigger than in the videos. I hope I don’t get buyer’s remorse. I wish I had seen the Classic and the Big Joe together before making a choice.
James, please use your considerable influence with Kamado Joe Corporate to advise them to provide a solution for easily removing the dome. I had to do that to lighten the weight to help get it up some narrow stairs onto my deck. Taking it off and getting it back on was tough. Your rolled up paper hack to set up the firebox is essential. Why the user guide doesn’t suggest that is a mystery. You only have to set it up once, but attention to moveability and installability is pretty important.
thanks so much. you can spin it in the cart if you lock the wheels and grab by the draft door and have a push on the back of the airlift hinge without removing everything FYI. It seems ridiculous at first but trust me, you won't regret it. the classic on its own has good space, but when you start cutting it in half with half moons there isn't much room to work with ... the big joe is a forever grill that can do it all
@@SmokingDadBBQ Buyer's remorse averted after two cooks. I definitely need to learn how to pile in more charcoal, but I really loved the chicken skewers and the salmon. I seared the salmon on the soapstone, then finished it in smoke at 375 degrees, using the soapstone for a heat deflector. I have to admit I loved the generous room of the Big Joe soapstone. Labor day beckons...
Noooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh
Now I have envy !!!!!!!!!! 😂🤣😂☺️😂☺️😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I liked my tie fighter - but oh man ! A superstar destroyer !!!!
A tractor beam of 'need' is drawing me to the online shop !!!!!
Whatever you cook - cook lots of it !
I'm leaving now & will have 14 days in quarantine when I arrive !!
hahahaha we will have you fed well for those 14 days 😊
Appreciate the video! For the cart, should there be 2 washers per bolt or 1 washer per bolt? Manual shows 2 but I don't know if the washers I received are just stuck together...
Great video - I am jealous! I have had my BigJoe2 for a couple of years and it has served me well, but I cannot justify upgrading... Suggested first cook - do something that shows off the space and the divide&conquer system - steaks on the grill and veggie side dish on cast iron.
Right on! 100% love taking advantage of the extra space
You are so lucky! I would love a Big Joe! I am using a Napoleon Kettle, which we love but I would really like to up my game!
100% fortunate to have this, its been a dream even nearly 3 years later
@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks for all of your content. It's so nice to see someone local having similar issues I do.
Congrats!! a dream come true.!! and Free? well deserve as you really have sold KamadoJoe to everyone. Sadly i didnt see the video when i got my first kamado every kamado joe 2. instead of the Classic 3. didnt know better. i though the stand was really the only diff. Boy !! i was wrong. now i am getting a classic 3, so i will have two jsut because. i didnt get the classic 3 first. LOL
Thanks so much, yes free!!! Crazy right? So pumped. Congratulations on the series 3
So incredibly jealous, can't wait for mine! Congrats. Always wondered if smoking a brisket and pork shoulder simultaneously would work out on a big joe. If you think it would, I'd love to see that!
oh that would be awesome
@@SmokingDadBBQ I would be interested to see this combo together at the same time too.
Can you add a 3 tier divide and conquer to a Classic II? I am so thankful for your informative videos. I first saw a Ceramic Grill at the L.A County Fair( in the early 60's) and said that I really wanted one. Now 55+ years later I have one and your videos(which I watch over and over) are loaded with little jewels of information & have really helped me. Thank you James - What do you do when you really over run your temp?
thanks so much. not sure if it will fit as the gen 3 is 4” taller.
if you run over close all the vents for 2min to calm the coals.
burp the dome to let some heat out but close before it feeds the coals with more air. repeat 1-2 times
open top vent where you want it for 1min before re opening the bottom vent where you want it and it should now be clicking along at your desired temp
Got a big joe it is awesome
heck yes
I'm in KJ Heaven! Great stuff!
The best! Thanks so much brother
Smoking Dad BBQ Absolutely!
Beautiful new toy you got there brother! I think a couple big'ol tomahawks would christen that bad boy right! Cheers!
Thanks CJ
Very cool, very detailed, great job!
Thank you very much Neil
Nice new grill! Very jealous.
I love it! thanks so much
Hi James I have watched lots of your videos and it’s been very helpful in my purchase of the Big Joe 3. I’m very patient and will follow all the instructions from this video as I had to send my first one back before even getting it in to the garden ( slightly larger than I anticipated). What is the fuel gun that you use? Not only does it do a great job it looks the dogs undercarriage. Looking forward to my first burn soon and will keep watching your videos.
Great job Toby
It's a GrillBlazer, cheers!
So is the SloRoller included for the big joe series 3? Or it's an additional accessories? Thanks
Great explanation on how to set it up. You should do a cherry smoke, dry-aged Wagyu Sirloin or rib-eye steak. Now that will be a sight to behold!
Oh I like how you think.
I just got a Big Joe III myself, I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
Thanks so much Frank, pretty pumped
@@SmokingDadBBQ Ok, suggestion. I just tried your Aaron Franklin short ribs on my Big Joe, but couldn't keep the temperature low enough. With my MEATER, I was seeing ~305 degrees with the vents pretty much closed (like maybe 1/4") and I couldn't get it any lower. The ribs finished in about 2 hours and I'm sure they'll be great, but I was shooting for 4 hours. A video about temperature control, and how to adjust "on the fly" if things get out of whack would be very cool.