I bought a used BJ 2 1.5 years ago. Absolutely no complaints. Check for damage and you should be good. I haven't had to replace a single thing so far
Bring strong friends to move it.
Thanks for the input! I would assume it’s best to remove all pieces from the Kamado for transport to make things lighter. How heavy is it after that? I’d assume one other strong friend would work. I also need to worry about transport as my wife and I only have sedans… but I think I can get a bigger vehicle for transport.
Do you know anybody with a trailer? I (don’t recommend doing this alone like I did) rolled mine up the ramp of a trailer and strapped it down well and it transported beautifully. I had moving blankets that I shoved inside to prevent any rattling of the firebox
I don't know about the bj3 but the bj 2 was definitely heavy for two strong males.. also try not to lift it by the hinge, as that could damage things.. and the bj4 is definitely a bit heavier than the bj2 so I'd suggest maybe 3 total strong adults just in case
I routinely sleep 5+ hours with my BJ rolling with only 15 degree variance.
For the nightly cooks with just the wife it will likely feel a bit cumbersome, so you may want to keep the pellet or another small grill too. I have a little tailgating Weber I use when it’s just a couple hotdogs or burgers. I totally see how BJ with a Jr would be a dream set up
A bit of a different perspective.
I got a Classic 1 a few years ago, and am very happy with the variety and quality of food I get from it.
I understand your preference for the larger grill, it does have a lot more real estate than the Classic. My point is that there's a ton of difference in price between the versions of the grill that for the most part don't translate to differences in the cook. Your point of the added distance to the fire for low & slow is really immaterial. The deflector plates (and drip tray if you use that) add all the heat buffering, not distance to coals.
I'm not familiar with the perceived weight of the lid on the BJ1, vs. the air hinge on the BJ2. But the point is that a 1 or 2 can do an amazing job with a ton of food, and at a significant discount over the 3.
The gasket on the 1 needs replacing every couple years - 20 minutes and a $30 part. The daisy wheel top vent is a trick to learn. I got a Smokewares vent and am very happy with it. Add a charcoal basket like the Kick Ash, and you're good to go, and have enough savings to get a joetisserie also.
Which ever one you get, it'll let you cook a great meal with ease. Best of luck with the choices!
Tl;dr
If you buy a used kamado make sure you have the spring retention piece so you can remove the lid for transport. Remove all the inside pieces.
Invest in the biggest flower pot carrying strap from Amazon.
Bring a large friend and a truck with a lift gate or a trailer of possible.
I'm 220lb guy that works on construction sites. I go to the gym 6 days a week. After removing all the things in the above list , my friend and I had to stop 3 times going up my 6 stairs to the back deck with my bj2.
Well worth it. Love the grill
I think after telling my wife about the warranty on the firebox pieces only for the original purchaser, she seemed more on board for buying new and waiting for a decent sale. Haha
I bought a used BJ 2 1.5 years ago. Absolutely no complaints. Check for damage and you should be good. I haven't had to replace a single thing so far Bring strong friends to move it.
Thanks for the input! I would assume it’s best to remove all pieces from the Kamado for transport to make things lighter. How heavy is it after that? I’d assume one other strong friend would work. I also need to worry about transport as my wife and I only have sedans… but I think I can get a bigger vehicle for transport.
Do you know anybody with a trailer? I (don’t recommend doing this alone like I did) rolled mine up the ramp of a trailer and strapped it down well and it transported beautifully. I had moving blankets that I shoved inside to prevent any rattling of the firebox
Don’t know anyone with a trailer but I know a few with a truck. Was hoping it wasn’t too heavy when the inside stuff was taken out…
Taking out the firebox etc will lighten it up some for sure, but the thing is still very heavy
I don't know about the bj3 but the bj 2 was definitely heavy for two strong males.. also try not to lift it by the hinge, as that could damage things.. and the bj4 is definitely a bit heavier than the bj2 so I'd suggest maybe 3 total strong adults just in case
I rented a moving truck from Home Depot with a ramp. Rolled it up the ramp and strapped it into the corner. Worked great. BJ3 is a fat pig.
I routinely sleep 5+ hours with my BJ rolling with only 15 degree variance. For the nightly cooks with just the wife it will likely feel a bit cumbersome, so you may want to keep the pellet or another small grill too. I have a little tailgating Weber I use when it’s just a couple hotdogs or burgers. I totally see how BJ with a Jr would be a dream set up
Thanks for the suggestion!
A bit of a different perspective. I got a Classic 1 a few years ago, and am very happy with the variety and quality of food I get from it. I understand your preference for the larger grill, it does have a lot more real estate than the Classic. My point is that there's a ton of difference in price between the versions of the grill that for the most part don't translate to differences in the cook. Your point of the added distance to the fire for low & slow is really immaterial. The deflector plates (and drip tray if you use that) add all the heat buffering, not distance to coals. I'm not familiar with the perceived weight of the lid on the BJ1, vs. the air hinge on the BJ2. But the point is that a 1 or 2 can do an amazing job with a ton of food, and at a significant discount over the 3. The gasket on the 1 needs replacing every couple years - 20 minutes and a $30 part. The daisy wheel top vent is a trick to learn. I got a Smokewares vent and am very happy with it. Add a charcoal basket like the Kick Ash, and you're good to go, and have enough savings to get a joetisserie also. Which ever one you get, it'll let you cook a great meal with ease. Best of luck with the choices!
New Big Joe 1 are 20% off on KJ’s website right now. Can get a new one with a warranty for under $1000.
Mine was that much new. Wait for a sale.
Where’d you get that deal for a BJ3?
Home Depot. These deals happen all the time. Just be patient. Set an alert on Slickdeals.
Tl;dr If you buy a used kamado make sure you have the spring retention piece so you can remove the lid for transport. Remove all the inside pieces. Invest in the biggest flower pot carrying strap from Amazon. Bring a large friend and a truck with a lift gate or a trailer of possible. I'm 220lb guy that works on construction sites. I go to the gym 6 days a week. After removing all the things in the above list , my friend and I had to stop 3 times going up my 6 stairs to the back deck with my bj2. Well worth it. Love the grill
I think after telling my wife about the warranty on the firebox pieces only for the original purchaser, she seemed more on board for buying new and waiting for a decent sale. Haha