Konnected Joe™: Classic Cook Mode vs. Automatic Cook Mode

You can use your Konnected Joe is two different ways: classic mode or automatic mode.

In classic mode, you use the Konnected Joe just like how you would a standard Kamado Joe. You will set your temperature by using the top and bottom dampers and control your cook that way. You can still use the AFS system to light your charcoal or you can go truly old school and use a fire starter.

In automatic mode, you will use the Kontrol Board™ and the Konnected Joe's integrated fan to control and regulate the temperature. You will also be able to monitor and graph your cook on the screen of the Kontrol Board.

There are a few key differences to keep in mind from classic cook mode to automatic cook mode and we will outline them here.

Start Up Process

While mostly the same, the startup process in classic cook mode and automatic cook mode is slightly different.

Starting Up in Classic Mode

1. Add charcoal to firebox and light using one or two firestarters. You can also light the charcoal without firestarters by pressing the AFS™ (automatic fire starter) button to engage the element to ignite the charcoal. The element is ON when the red light is glowing. The element will stay on for 15 minutes. Press and hold the AFS button to turn the element OFF if desired.
2. Leave dome open for 10 minutes with the bottom vent fully open.
3. Close the dome.
4. Begin closing the top vent and bottom vent when the dome temperature is within 50°F (10°C) of your target.

Starting Up in Automatic Cook Mode

NOTE - the first time the lid is opened after the controller is powered on, the accessory screen will appear. Please refer to the accessory screen section of the instruction manual.

1. Clean out any remaining ash in the firebox from a previous cook. Old ash can prevent the charcoal from proper ignition. It is recommended to use your ash tool to scrape and clean out the firebox and ash drawer. Do this while the unit is cold.
2. Add charcoal to the firebox.
3. Close the bottom vent fully. ATTENTION! When running the grill in automatic mode, the bottom vent should be closed completely at all times.
4. Close the dome.
5. Power on your grill with the switch on the rear.
6. Power on your controller.
7. Set your temperature on your controller and position the vents as described.
8. Press the AFS (automatic fire starter) button to engage the element to ignite the charcoal. The element is ON when the red light is glowing. The element will stay on for 15minutes. Press and hold the AFS button again to turn the element OFF if desired.

Maintaining Temperature

As with all Kamado Joes, the Konnected Joe maintains heat exceptionally well and this is true whether you are in classic or automatic cook mode but the process is a little more manual with classic cook mode.

Maintain Temperature in Classic Cook Mode

To lower the temperature, decrease the airflow through the grill by closing the vents. Conversely, raise the temperature by opening the vents. Adjustments to the vents are not immediate—allow 10–15 minutes for a vent change to take effect. Because your ceramic Kamado Joe retains heat so well, it can take some time to fully heat. Give your grill 20–40 minutes to stabilize the temp before you start cooking.

Maintain Temperature in Automatic Cook Mode

ATTENTION! When running the grill in automatic mode, the bottom vent should be closed completely at all times.

Your Konnected Joe will automatically maintain the set temperature when running in automatic mode. Please ensure your top vent is set as described on the Kontrol Board.

Heat deflectors are NOT to be installed when maintaining temperatures above 400°F. For maintaining temperatures below 400°F, it is best to cook with the heat deflectors installed.

Cool Down Process

While functionally mostly the same, there is one extra step when cooling your Konnected Joe down in automatic cook mode.

Cooling Down the Konnected Joe in Classic Cook Mode

1. When finished cooking, close the bottom vent completely.
2. Once the temperature falls below 400°F (205°C), close the top vent.
3. Do not cover the grill until the dome is cool to the touch.

Cooling Down the Konnected Joe in Automatic Cook Mode

1. When finished cooking, power off your controller and power off your grill.
2. Keep the bottom vent closed completely.
3. Once the temperature falls below 400°F (205°C), close the top vent.
4. Do not cover the grill until the dome is cool to the touch.

We wanted to make sure that the Konnected Joe was our most innovative and versatile Kamado Joe yet. That's why you can use both automatic and classic cook mode. While most of the processes are the same for the two modes, there are a few important differences that are good to remember.