Set up the Divide & Conquer rack

Grates and deflectors for each kind of cook

The set-ups in Kamado Joe's 2019 Classic II manual (A Guide to Kamado Cooking, pp. 19 to 31); Kamado Joe's blog says the same Divide & Conquer system and its two-level rack come with the Big Joe II. Each half-moon grate and heat deflector covers one half.

1. To grill or sear, take the deflectors out and put both grates in the lower position, closest to the coals: 205 to 315 °C to grill, 260 °C and over to sear, from a full firebox lit an hour before.
2. To smoke, put both heat deflectors in the lowest position and both grates in the highest: 105 to 135 °C.
3. To roast or bake, keep the deflectors in with the grates (or a pizza stone, an accessory not shown here) on top: 150 to 230 °C, and 260 °C or more for pizza.
4. For two zones, put one grate low over the coals and, on the other side, a deflector low with the other grate high above it. Sear on the direct side, then finish on the other.
5. Fit them once the charcoal is lit, leave the dome open about 10 minutes, then close it.
6. Move hot grates with the grill gripper, in heat-resistant gloves (the 2025 Classic II manual).

For the charcoal, see light it; for the vents and temperatures, control the temperature.