Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Looking for a Big Green Egg Alternative? This Model Is $299

Kamado Joe Jr. Charcoal Grill
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve bought a Green Egg grill or have been thinking of buying one but aren’t quite sure if you like it, then let us present you with the Joe Jr. Portable Charcoal Grill, a great alternative from Kamado that you might enjoy. While grills are certainly expensive, we think you’ll appreciate this one, especially given the deal from Walmart bringing it down to $299 from $500, which is over a whopping $200 in savings and almost half off.

For starters, one big thing that sets the Joe Jr. apart from Green Egg is that the internal cooking space of Joe Jr. is bigger, with an internal cooking temperature of 13.5 inches. This makes it perfect for larger families of more than three or four people, compared to the Green Egg, which is probably best served for two people or so. Also, one big advantage of the Joe Jr. is that it essentially comes completely preassembled. You only need to take off some plastic wrapping, and you’re ready to cook, whereas the Green Egg does require some assembly, albeit minimal.

One big standout feature, though, is the fact that the Joe Jr. has a carrier that lifts the whole grill off the ground, which helps keep any heat away from tiles and potentially cracking them. This may not be a major consideration if you don’t cook on a patio or somewhere where the ground can be damaged, but it’s a nice addition. This extra height also means that it’s much closer to you, so if you’re a taller person, you might appreciate having the Joe Jr. closer to you than the lower height of the Green Egg.

Overall, the Joe Jr. Portable Charcoal Grill has a lot of benefits that make it a great alternative to the Green Egg, especially with the deal from Walmart bringing the price of it down to $299 from $500, a huge savings of over $200. Of course, if neither of these is a great fit for your grilling needs, we have found some other grill deals happening today, and also have a primer on Memorial Day grill deals, to get you ready.

Editors' Recommendations

Albert Bassili
Albert’s been a tech and gaming writer for almost a decade, writing across websites such as GameGavel, How-To-Geek, Digital…
Ditch the GPS: How to navigate using a map and compass
Don't worry, it's really not that difficult to find your way or location the old-school way
Fingers holding a map and compass in the outdoors

GPS devices and GPS apps for your phone and even navigation watches with GPX files are nearly foolproof today. But what about when you run out of battery or your waterproof device isn't as waterproof as you had hoped? Even worse, what if you spend your entire trip with your head buried in your GPS without taking the time to get to know your surroundings?

Here at The Manual, our number-one backpacking essential for every outdoor adventure is the humble map and compass. It's no use just buying these items and stuffing them into your backpack. First, you need to learn how to read a topographic map and know what all the twisting bits do and what the numbers mean on your compass. It can all look quite confusing, so we're going to demystify the art of how to navigate using a map and compass and let you go old school, ditch the GPS, and get to know your surroundings intimately.
Know the parts of the compass

Read more
A beginner’s guide on how to read a topographic map
Learn how to read and navigate with a topographical map from an expert
Reading a topographic map

Before you’ve packed your bags and before you’ve gassed up the wagon, there’s the little issue of figuring out where you’re actually going to go and -- more importantly, if you're going to be outdoors -- the type of terrain that's there.

One of the best ways to do that is to peruse a map of the region that goes a little further than just showing you a layout of the park. A topographic map introduces you to the peaks and valleys and gives you an understanding of how difficult the terrain might be in the area where you’re headed. It was originally developed as a way to depict counties and cities before the U.S. military used it in World War I.
Where to begin

Read more
These are the essential outdoor knots every outdoorsman should know
A well-versed arsenal of knots is a must-have for any outdoorsman
A reef knot is tied against a tree

There's almost no end to what you can achieve armed with a length of rope and an arsenal of outdoor knots to tie it together. If heading into the backcountry, you should always be prepared for survival. While part of that is carrying the right gear, you must know how to use it effectively. You wouldn't take your woodcutting axe without giving it a few practice swings at home, so why would you expect to tie the right knot without practice?

There is an adage among those who don't know what to do with rope: if you can't tie knots, tie lots. If you don't know what you're doing, keep tying until your rope feels secure. It works, sometimes. But in a significant way, these people are missing out. Knots, like backcountry navigation skills or making a fire, are part of being an outdoorsman. Outdoor knots come in different shapes and perform various tasks; some are quick, some secure, and others are designed to be untied quickly. These eight are the essential outdoor knots to learn first, so grab a rope and upskill your outdoor self.
Bowline knot

Read more