What is the difference between the Kamado Joe Classic 2 and 3?

So, you’re looking to buy a Kamado Joe and you’re not sure if you should choose between the Joe II or Joe III models. We can help!

Let us take a look at the main similarities and differences between the two ranges.

Note that the information given applies to both the Kamado Joe Classic and Big Joe models (the Classic Joe has an 18” diameter and the Big Joe has a 24” diameter).

New Kamado Joe III Features

The Kamado Joe Classic III and Big Joe III are the third generation of this bestselling kamado grill.

As a brand that prides itself on continuous innovation, Kamado Joe’s top-of-the-line model does deliver some notable changes and superior features that improve its performance.

SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber Insert

Kamado grills have always been good for smoking, but the Classic III adds a new feature called the SlōRoller. This patented feature uses Harvard science to transform your Kamado from mainly being a grill to also being an excellent smoker.

By changing the air pressure, this hyperbolic smoke chamber circulates heat and smoke in a cyclonic ring to give you up to 20 times more smoke for stronger flavor and more even heat distribution than you’d get in the Classic II.

Just be aware that you do need to keep the temperature below 260°C when using the SlōRoller. This is to keep the Teflon coating on the cast aluminum insert from degrading. Keep the heat low and slow for the best results.

3-Tier Divide & Conquer Cooking System

Kamado Joe’s Divide and Conquer Cooking System is a flexible series of racks that allow you to arrange different cooking surfaces at different heights depending on what you’re cooking.

The Classic Joe II featured the 2-tiered Divide and Conquer Cooking System, the Classic III updates that to a 3-tiered design. It has a new elongated shape that increases the cooking space from 510 square inches to 864 square inches.

When fully loaded the Kamado Joe Classic III can hold 6 half-moon cooking grates and 2 half-moon heat deflectors. Or, 4 half-moon grates with the SlōRoller smoking insert. But, out of the box, it comes with the 3-tiered cooking rack, 1 accessory rack, 2 half-moon grates, 2 half-moon heat deflectors and the SlōRoller. So, you can add another 4 half-moon plates if you want to.

The Classic III fits the same accessories as the Classic II does. So, you can choose from these:

• Cast iron cooking grate

• Reversible cast-iron griddle

• Soapstone non-stick surface

• Ceramic chicken stand

• Ceramic pizza stone

• Stainless steel fish and vegetable grate

• Grill expander

Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket

The stainless steel dividable charcoal basket improves fuel efficiency by holding the coals closer together. It also allows you to change the amount of charcoal on each side when using the Divide and Conquer Cooking System.

Heavy-Duty Cart

The Classic III also has a heavy-duty galvanized steel stand, with thicker, sturdier legs and castors (for easy moving of your BBQ), it also includes an added shelf for extra storage.

It is made from powder-coated aluminum which is a stronger and more heat-tolerant upgrade to the HDPE shelves on the Classic II.

What has remained the same

• Aluminum top vent with side opening to prevent rain ingress.

• Well-balanced sprung hinge that can be opened or closed with 1 finger.

• Strong lid latch

• Braided fiberglass gasket that lasts longer than a traditional felt gasket

• A fire bowl consisting of 6 parts that prevents breaking because of expansion and contraction.

• Ash drawer to quickly remove ash residues.

• Stainless steel grid in 2 parts that, together with the half platesetters and the divide and conquer system, make it possible to barbecue directly and indirectly at different temperatures simultaneously.

• Included ash tool, gripper and accessory rack for, for example, a Dutch oven

View our full Kamado Joe Range here

and our Classic models here:

• Kamado Joe Classic
• Kamado Joe Classic II
• Kamado Joe Classic III

Along with the:

• Kamado Joe Junior
• Kettle Joe