How to have long or overnight smokes

Long Smokes on the Kamado Joe

There's something deeply satisfying about waking up to the aroma of brisket slowly smoking away, especially when you didn't have to tend a fire all night to make it happen. With Kamado Joe's superior ceramic design and airflow control, overnight smoking is possible, and with the Konnected Joe™ Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker you can even monitor and maintain the controls from your phone. Whether you're cooking a brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs, here's how to make it happen.

The Kamado Joe's design creates a moist cooking environment that makes tender, flavorful meats every time.

Start Strong with the Right Equipment

Kamado Joe grills are known for their exceptional heat retention and moisture-locking ceramic design, allowing them to hold steady temperatures for extended periods. But the Konnected Joe takes it to the next level with digital controls, automatic fire starting, and WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, so you can monitor and manage your smoke from your phone.

With the Konnected Joe, you can:

• Set and hold precise temperatures digitally
• Start your fire with the push of a button (AFS)
• Monitor your cook remotely through the Kamado Joe app
• Get alerts if your temp shifts overnight, so you never miss a beat

Set up for a Long Smoke

1. Fill up the firebox
   Start with a full load of natural lump charcoal—Big Block XL Lump Charcoal is ideal for long burns. Build a volcano-style mound and place your fire starter in the center.
2. Add Smoking Wood Chunks
   Use 2–4 wood chunks. Come check out our guide for what kind of wood chunks to use. Nestle them among the charcoal for even flavor.
3. Dial in the Temperature
   Stabilize your grill between 225–250°F. Use your bottom vent and top daisy wheel to lock in airflow. Once stable, you can expect 12–18 hours of consistent heat without adjustment. Take a deep dive in controlling your temperature through airflow (video).

Tips for Overnight Success

• Use a Heat Deflector: This creates indirect heat even cooking. Install both halves of the Half-Moon Deflector Plates to shield the meat from direct flame.
• Trust the Process: Don't worry if you don't see smoke billowing out. Thin, nearly invisible smoke is what you want.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For overnight smokes, connect a Bluetooth or WiFi thermometer so you can monitor the cook without opening the dome.
• Start Early: Let the grill stabilize for at least 30–45 minutes before placing your meat on.
• Let It Rest: After the cook, wrap your meat in foil or butcher paper and let it rest in a cooler to retain juices and tenderness.

Make It Your Own

Smoking is an art, not a science. There is no one right way to do this—let your taste guide you.

Experiment with different wood pairings, rubs, and rest times until you find your signature smoke.

Whether you're going fully manual or taking advantage of the smart technology of the Konnected Joe, overnight smoking on a Kamado Joe is about control, confidence, and flavor. Get to know your grill. Learn your fuel. Master your smoke.