Kamado Joe Classic Joe Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Charcoal Basket?
This is a heavy-duty stainless steel insert designed to sit inside your Kamado Joe Classic Joe (or compatible 18″ kamado grills). It helps elevate the charcoal, improve airflow, simplify ash separation, and allow flexible cooking zones.
What are its key features?
• Made of 304 stainless steel for durability under direct fire.
• Removable divider/partition allows you to split the firebox for indirect vs direct cooking zones.
• Filters out fine charcoal particles / ash to promote cleaner burns and better airflow.
• Designed to integrate with the Divide & Conquer cooking system via its bottom interface so you can lift it out along with grates.
• Compatible with Classic Joe series and 18″ round grills (also fits Large Big Green Egg).
How does it improve performance or convenience?
• **Better air circulation & heat control** — lifting the charcoal allows air to reach from below as well as around, which helps with steady combustion.
• **Simplified cleanup** — after a cook, you can lift the basket and separate out leftover charcoal from ash.
• **Multi-zone cooking** — with the divider you can bank coals on one side and leave the other cool, for indirect cooking or slow smoking.
• **Long lifespan** — built to tolerate repeated direct fire cycles without degrading.
How do I install or use it correctly?
1. Remove the existing fire grate or place the charcoal basket over it (depending on model).
2. Position the basket centrally in the firebox.
3. Insert the divider if you plan to use split zones.
4. Add lump charcoal on top, letting the basket support and aerate the fuel.
5. When cooking is done, lift the basket to separate residual charcoal from ash.
6. For indirect cooking setups, you can remove the partition and spread coals flat.
7. The basket is designed to interface (connect/disconnect) with the Divide & Conquer system for easy removal of the entire assembly.
Are there limitations or compatibility warnings?
• Not compatible with Konnected Joe or Big Joe Konnected models.
• When using with large systems (e.g. Big Joe 24″), use the matching “Big Joe” version of the basket rather than the Classic Joe version.
• Because the basket raises the charcoal bed, it may affect vertical clearance in tightly spaced fireboxes or with tall accessories. Always check for adequate clearance.
• Very fine ash or charcoal dust may still pass through the open bottom, so occasional cleanup underneath is recommended.
