I bought my Kamado Joe Classic Joe III eight months ago. Before that, I owned a gas grill for five years. Let me tell you – switching to this ceramic grill changed everything about how I cook outside.
My neighbor still pokes his head over the fence every weekend. “What smells so good?” he asks. The answer is always the same: whatever I’m cooking on my Classic Joe III.
Why I Chose the Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
I spent three months researching grills. My old gas grill died, and I wanted something different. Something that would make my food taste better.
The Classic Joe III caught my eye for one simple reason: it does everything. Grill steaks at 700 degrees. Smoke brisket at 225 degrees for 14 hours. Bake pizza. Roast chicken. It’s like having five different cooking tools in one.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III Dimensions: Perfect Size for Most People
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe III dimensions work for my family of four. It stands 50.5 inches tall and 46.5 inches wide. The cooking surface is 18 inches across – that’s 250 square inches of space.
But here’s the cool part. The 3-tier Divide & Conquer system gives you 580 square inches when you use all three levels. I can cook burgers on top, vegetables in the middle, and keep buns warm on the bottom. All at the same time.
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Kamado Joe Classic Joe III Weight: Heavy But Worth It
Let’s talk about the Kamado Joe Classic Joe III weight. At 360 pounds, this thing is heavy. Really heavy. My wife and I couldn’t move it alone.
But that weight matters. Heavy means stable temperatures. My old gas grill would swing 50 degrees up and down. This ceramic beast holds steady within 5 degrees all day long.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III Assembly: Get Help
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III assembly took my neighbor and me four hours. The instructions are clear, but the parts are heavy and fragile. One slip and you’re looking at expensive broken ceramic.
I almost paid for professional assembly. Looking back, I should have. Save yourself the stress and hire someone. It costs $150-200 but gives you peace of mind.
The ceramic pieces need careful handling. Think fine china, not brick pavers. Take your time. Drink coffee. Don’t rush.
Cart vs Stand-Alone: Why I Went With the Cart
I bought the Kamado Joe Classic Joe III with cart. Best decision I made. The cart has wheels, side shelves, and storage space underneath. It turns the grill into a complete outdoor kitchen.
Some people buy the Kamado Joe Classic Joe III stand-alone version and build their own table. That works too. But the official cart is worth the money. The side shelves hold plates, tools, and ingredients. The wheels let me move it around my deck.
Without the cart, this 360-pound grill becomes a permanent fixture. With the cart, I have options.
My Daily Experience: What It’s Really Like
After eight months, I use this grill 3-4 times per week. Sunday mornings mean rotisserie chicken. Wednesday nights are steak nights. Weekends are for long smoking sessions.
Temperature Control: Rock Steady
The Kontrol Tower vent system gives me perfect control. I set it to 225 degrees for smoking and walk away. Twelve hours later, it’s still at 225 degrees. No babysitting required.
For high-heat cooking, I open the vents and it climbs to 700+ degrees fast. The thick ceramic walls hold that heat like a brick oven.
Fuel Use: Easy on the Wallet
One basket of lump charcoal lasts 12-15 hours of low smoking. That’s about $8 worth of fuel for all-day cooking. My old gas grill would burn through $15 of propane in the same time.
Quality lump charcoal costs more per pound than briquettes. But you use less and get better flavor. The math works out.
Food Quality: Night and Day Difference
Everything tastes better. Steaks have perfect crust. Chicken skin gets crispy while the meat stays juicy. Vegetables pick up just enough smoke flavor.
My wife said my cooking improved overnight. Truth is, the grill does most of the work. Better tools make better results.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III Accessories: What I Actually Use
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III accessories can empty your wallet fast. Here’s what I actually bought and use:
Must-Have Accessories
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- Cast Iron Grill Grates: Better searing than the steel grates. Worth every penny.
- DoJoe Pizza Insert: Turns the grill into a 900-degree pizza oven. Pizza night became a weekly thing.
- JoeTisserie: Perfect rotisserie chicken every time. The motor does the work while I relax with a beer.
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Nice-to-Have Accessories
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- SlōRoller: Creates even heat distribution for smoking. Good but not essential.
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Great for beans, chili, and bread baking.
- Half-Moon Soapstone: Holds heat well for searing steaks.
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Protection: A good Kamado Joe Classic Joe III cover protects your investment. UV rays fade the cart paint. Rain can damage metal parts. Spend $100 on a cover to protect your $2,200 grill.
How It Compares to Other Grills
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Classic Joe I
| Feature | Kamado Joe Classic Joe I | Kamado Joe Classic Joe III |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$999.99 | ~$2,199.99 |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 46.5” x 28” x 48” / 118.1 cm x 71.1 cm x 121.9 cm | 46.5” x 30” x 50.5” / 118.11 cm x 76.2 cm x 128.27 cm |
| Grill Weight (Assembled) | 188 lbs / 85 kg | ~262 lbs / 119 kg |
| Cooking Surface | 18" Diameter / 256 sq. in. (2-Tier) | 18" Diameter / Up to 510 sq. in. (3-Tier) |
| Heat Range | 225°F - 750°F+ | 225°F - 750°F |
| Smoking System | Ceramic Deflector Plates | SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber |
| Cooking System | 2-Tier Divide & Conquer | 3-Tier Divide & Conquer |
| Top Vent | Cast Iron Daisy Wheel | Kontrol Tower® Top Vent |
| Hinge | Standard Hinge | Air Lift™ Hinge |
| Cart Material | Powder-Coated Cast Iron | Premium Powder-Coated Steel |
| Side Shelves | Finished Bamboo / HDPE | Premium Powder-Coated Aluminum |
| Charcoal Basket | No | Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket |
| Gasket | Standard Felt | Wire Mesh Fiberglass |
| Warranty | Lifetime Limited Warranty | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Classic Joe II
| Feature | Kamado Joe Classic Joe II | Kamado Joe Classic Joe III |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 18-inch ceramic grill | 18-inch ceramic grill |
| Cooking Surface | 250 sq. in. with 2-tier Divide & Conquer | Up to 510 sq. in. with 3-tier Divide & Conquer |
| Dimensions (with cart & shelves) | 46.5" W x 48.5" H x 28" D | 47" W x 50.5" H x 30.2" D |
| Weight | ~232 lbs (105 kg) | ~262.5 lbs (119 kg) |
| Heat Range | 225°F - 750°F (107°C - 399°C) | 225°F - 750°F (107°C - 399°C) |
| Price | ~$1,499.99 | ~$2,199.99 |
| Cart | Powder-coated galvanized steel with HDPE plastic side shelves | Heavy-duty powder-coated galvanized steel with cast aluminum side shelves and a storage shelf |
| Gasket | Wire mesh fiberglass gasket | Wire mesh fiberglass gasket |
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Big Joe
| Feature | Kamado Joe Classic Joe III | Kamado Joe Big Joe III |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 18-inch diameter | 24-inch diameter |
| Cooking Area | 256 sq. in. (up to 510 sq. in. with 3-tier Divide & Conquer) | 450 sq. in. (up to 864 sq. in. with 3-tier Divide & Conquer) |
| Price | ~$2,199.99 | ~$3,299.99 |
| Dimensions (w/ cart & shelves) | 46.5 in. W x 50.5 in. H x 30 in. D | 58.4 in. W x 53.7 in. H x 35.8 in. D |
| Weight | 360 lbs. | 487 lbs. |
| Heat Range | 225°F - 750°F | 225°F - 750°F |
| Ideal For | Smaller families (4 people), daily use, and less frequent entertaining. | Large families (8+ people) and frequent entertaining. |
| Fuel Consumption | Uses less charcoal and heats up faster. | Uses more charcoal and takes longer to heat up. |
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Konnected Joe
| Feature | Kamado Joe Classic Joe III | Kamado Joe Konnected Joe |
|---|---|---|
| Grilling Style | Traditional, manual temperature control | Hybrid: Classic manual mode or digital auto-control |
| Size | 18" diameter ceramic grill | 18" diameter ceramic grill |
| Cooking Space | 250 sq. in. (up to 510 sq. in. with included accessories) | 250 sq. in. |
| Dimensions (with cart and shelves) | Approx. 47" W x 50.5" H x 30.2" D | Approx. 47" W x 48" H x 30" D |
| Weight | Approx. 282 lbs (128 kg) | Approx. 216 lbs (98 kg) |
| Temperature Range | 225°F - 750°F+ | 225°F - 700°F (via Kontrol Fan) |
| Temperature Control | Manual, using Kontrol Tower Top Vent and bottom vent | Digital, with a Kontrol Fan that automatically maintains temperature. Also features Classic Cook Mode for manual control. |
| Ignition | Manual (requires a starter, lighter fluid, etc.) | Automatic Fire Starter (AFS) button for quick, built-in ignition. |
| Connectivity | None | Wi-Fi and app connectivity to monitor and control the grill remotely. |
| Price | $2,199.99 (varies by retailer and region) | $1,999.99 (varies by retailer and region) |
The Money Talk: Is It Worth $2,200?
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The Classic Joe III costs $2,199. That’s serious money for a grill. Let me break down why I think it’s worth it.
My gas grill lasted five years before dying. This ceramic grill should last 20+ years with basic care. The ceramic doesn’t rust, warp, or wear out like steel.
Fuel costs are lower. Better food quality means we eat out less. The math works over time, but the upfront cost hurts.
Think of it as buying your last grill rather than another appliance.
Problems I’ve Had
Nothing is perfect. Here are the issues I’ve encountered:
- Assembly was stressful. Heavy, fragile parts make for nervous moments.
- It takes 15 minutes to heat up. Gas grills spoil you with instant heat. This requires planning.
- Temperature changes take time. Going from 225 degrees to 600 degrees for searing takes 10 minutes.
- It’s heavy. Moving it around the deck requires two people and careful planning.
None of these issues are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing upfront.
Read more: Kamado Joe Classic Review
Who Should Buy This Grill
Buy the Classic Joe III if you:
- Care about food flavor above convenience
- Have space for a permanent or semi-permanent installation
- Enjoy the cooking process, not just the results
- Want one grill that does everything well
- Can afford the upfront investment
Skip it if you:
- Want quick, convenient cooking
- Need something portable
- Cook for large groups regularly (get the Big Joe instead)
- Are tight on budget
- Don’t have patience for learning curves
Pros and Cons
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
|
|
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My Final Verdict
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe III delivers on its promises. Food tastes better. Temperature control is excellent. Build quality feels like it will last decades.
The high price stings upfront. The weight and assembly create headaches. The learning curve requires patience.
But eight months later, I can’t imagine cooking on anything else. Every perfectly smoked brisket and crispy-skinned chicken reminds me why I bought it.
If you’re serious about outdoor cooking and can handle the upfront cost, this grill will change how you think about BBQ. Just don’t blame me when you become the neighborhood grill master everyone turns to for advice.
The investment pays off in better food and years of cooking enjoyment. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
FAQs
- What is the difference between the Classic Joe II and the Classic Joe III?
The main differences are the inclusion of the SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber and the upgraded 3-Tier Divide & Conquer® Flexible Cooking System. The Classic III also features a heavier-duty premium cart and better side shelves.
- What is the SlōRoller and what does it do?
The SlōRoller is a unique heat deflector that uses a cyclonic airflow design to distribute heat and smoke in rolling, recirculating waves. This reduces hot spots and enhances the smoky flavor of your food, making the grill an optimal smoker for low-and-slow cooks. It must be removed for high-temperature grilling.
- What kind of fuel should I use?
It is highly recommended to use natural lump charcoal. Unlike briquettes, lump charcoal is made from pure wood and contains no fillers or chemicals, which can affect the ceramic and the flavor of your food.
- How do I control the temperature?
Temperature is controlled by adjusting the airflow through the top and bottom vents. Opening the vents increases airflow and temperature, while closing them decreases it. It’s a precise process that takes some practice, with small adjustments making a big difference.
- Is the grill easy to clean?
Yes. One of the best features is the patented Slide-Out Ash Drawer, which makes removing ash a simple and mess-free process. For deep cleaning, you can perform a “burnout” by running the grill at a very high temperature to turn any residue to ash.
- Can I use it to bake or make pizza?
Absolutely. The Kamado Joe’s ability to hold a steady, high temperature makes it an excellent outdoor oven. With a pizza stone accessory, you can bake bread and pizzas with a perfect, crispy crust.
- How much food can I cook on it?
The Classic Joe III’s standard 18-inch cooking surface provides 256 square inches of space. However, the 3-Tier Divide & Conquer® System can be configured to expand the cooking area to a total of 510 square inches, allowing you to cook a large quantity of food or different foods at once.
- Do I need to “burp” the grill?
Yes. When grilling at high temperatures, it is crucial to “burp” the grill before opening the lid fully. This means opening the dome a few inches first to allow oxygen to slowly enter and prevent a sudden flare-up or “flashback.”
- What is the warranty like?
Kamado Joe offers a robust warranty, which typically includes a limited lifetime warranty on the ceramic parts. There are different warranty periods for other components like the metal parts and gaskets.
- What accessories are included with the Classic Joe III?
The grill is very well-equipped out of the box. It comes with the SlōRoller, a stainless steel charcoal basket, the 3-Tier Divide & Conquer cooking system (including cooking grates and heat deflectors), an ash tool, and a grill gripper.
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