I’ve owned my Kamado Joe Big Joe III for two years now. I also have a Classic III that I bought first. After cooking on both grills weekly, I can tell you exactly what works and what doesn’t.
Let me save you the sales pitch and give you the real story about this $3,300 ceramic grill.
Why I Bought the Big Joe III
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My Classic III worked great for my family of four. But every time I hosted parties, I ran out of cooking space. Watching guests wait an hour between the first and last steaks off the grill got old fast.
The Kamado Joe Big Joe III promised to solve this problem with its massive 450 square inches of cooking space. That’s nearly double my Classic III’s 256 square inches.
I pulled the trigger during a sale at $2,800. Still expensive, but I figured it would pay for itself in reduced takeout costs for large gatherings.
First Impressions: This Thing is Massive
The Kamado Joe Big Joe III dimensions hit differently in person. The specs say 58.4″ wide by 53.7″ tall. But standing next to it feels like looking up at a small building.
The Kamado Joe Big Joe III weight of 487 pounds means business. My delivery guys took one look and called for backup. Smart move. This isn’t something you wrestle into place solo.
I learned this lesson the expensive way with my Classic III. I tried to move it myself and nearly dropped it. Ceramic doesn’t forgive mistakes.
Read more: Weber Summit Kamado S6 Review
Assembly: Get Professional Help
Let me be blunt about Kamado Joe Big Joe III assembly: pay for professional installation. I tried to save $200 by doing it myself. Big mistake.
The ceramic dome and base weigh over 200 pounds each. The instructions make it look simple. Reality check: you need three people minimum, and they better be strong.
I ended up calling Kamado Joe’s recommended installer after struggling for three hours. The pros had it assembled in 90 minutes. They brought proper lifting equipment and knew how to handle ceramic properly.
Pro tip: Factor installation costs into your budget. It’s not optional unless you have a crew of bodybuilders as friends.
Performance: Where This Grill Shines
After two years, I can cook for 12-15 people without breaking a sweat. Last weekend I smoked four pork shoulders simultaneously. Each one came out perfect.
The temperature control blows me away every time. I can hold 225°F for 14 hours straight. My neighbor’s gas grill struggles to maintain consistent heat for two hours.
The SlōRoller system actually works. I was skeptical about the marketing claims, but the heat distribution is noticeably better than my Classic III. Hot spots are almost eliminated.
Real-World Cooking Results
Low and Slow Smoking: Brisket comes out with perfect bark and moisture retention. The ceramic walls create an oven-like environment that gas grills can’t match.
High Heat Searing: I regularly hit 700°F for pizza cooking. The ceramic holds heat like a brick oven. My homemade pizzas now rival local restaurants.
Fuel Efficiency: A single bag of lump charcoal lasts me 3-4 cooking sessions. My old gas grill ate through propane tanks monthly.
What the Reviews Don’t Tell You
Most Kamado Joe Big Joe III reviews focus on the positives. Here’s what they skip:
The Learning Curve is Real
Kamado cooking differs completely from gas grilling. Temperature control requires patience and practice. I burned my first three briskets learning the proper airflow settings.
YouTube became my best friend. I watched hours of Smoking Dad BBQ and Chef Eric videos before getting consistent results.
Size Can Be Overkill
The massive cooking surface tempts you to fill every inch. But cooking small amounts on this big grill wastes fuel and time. I still use my Classic III for weeknight dinners.
Moving Day Challenges
The cart has excellent wheels, but moving 487 pounds still requires planning. I can relocate it solo on flat surfaces, but any incline needs two people.
Accessories That Actually Matter
The included Kamado Joe Big Joe III accessories cover basic needs well. But I’ve added a few essentials:
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Grill Cover: Essential protection. I bought the official Kamado Joe Kamado Joe Big Joe III cover after a cheap Amazon cover fell apart in six months.
JoeTisserie: Game-changer for whole chickens and roasts. The rotisserie action creates incredibly even cooking and crispy skin.
Extra Heat Deflectors: The included deflectors work fine, but having spares means less cleaning mid-cook.
Big Joe III vs Big Green Egg XL
| Specification | Kamado Joe Big Joe III | Big Green Egg XL |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 450 sq in | 452 sq in |
| Grid Diameter | 24 inches | 24 inches |
| Total Weight | 487 lbs | 219 lbs |
| Price Range | $3,299 | $1,999-2,199 (est.) |
| Heat Deflector | SlōRoller (curved) | ConvEGGtor (flat) |
| Cooking System | 3-Tier Divide & Conquer | Multi-level grid system |
| Cart Included | Yes (premium steel) | Optional extra |
| Side Shelves | Aluminum, foldable | Optional extra |
| Air Lift Hinge | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Control | Kontrol Tower vent | Dual damper system |
| Warranty | Lifetime ceramic | Lifetime ceramic |
Big Joe III vs Big Joe II
| Specification | Kamado Joe Big Joe III | Kamado Joe Big Joe II |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 450 sq in | 450 sq in |
| Grid Diameter | 24 inches | 24 inches |
| Total Weight | 487 lbs | 460 lbs |
| Price Range | $3,299 | $2,299 (MSRP) / $1,800-2,200 (used) |
| Heat Deflector | SlōRoller (curved) | Half-moon deflectors (flat) |
| Cooking System | 3-Tier Divide & Conquer | 2-Tier Divide & Conquer |
| Firebox Design | Deeper AMP firebox | Standard AMP firebox |
| Cart Design | Premium with more storage | Standard cart |
| Gasket System | Improved wire mesh | Standard wire mesh |
| Air Lift Hinge | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Control | Kontrol Tower vent | Kontrol Tower vent |
Big Joe III vs Classic III
| Specification | Kamado Joe Big Joe III | Kamado Joe Classic III |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 450 sq in | 510 sq in |
| Grid Diameter | 24 inches | 18 inches |
| Total Weight | 487 lbs | 282 lbs |
| Price Range | $3,299 | $2,299 |
| Heat Range | 225°F - 750°F | 225°F - 750°F |
| Heat Deflector | SlōRoller (curved) | SlōRoller (curved) |
| Cooking System | 3-Tier Divide & Conquer | 3-Tier Divide & Conquer |
| Cart Design | Premium with storage | Premium with storage |
| Air Lift Hinge | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Control | Kontrol Tower vent | Kontrol Tower vent |
| Typical Capacity | 8-14 people | 4-8 people |
Two-Year Ownership Costs
Beyond the initial purchase, here are my actual ongoing costs:
Charcoal: $30/month for weekly use Replacement gasket: $45 after 18 months Professional cleaning: $0 (I do it myself) Accessories: $300 over two years (cover, rotisserie, extra deflectors)
Total cost of ownership remains reasonable for the amount of use I get. Compare this to restaurant meals for the same number of people.
What I’d Do Differently
Looking back, I’d make these changes:
- Order professional assembly from day one: Would have saved me frustration and potential damage
- Buy the cover immediately: Waiting three months was stupid
- Start with smaller cooks: I tried to impress guests before mastering the basics
Who Should Buy This Grill
The Big Joe III works best for:
- Regular entertainers cooking for 8+ people
- BBQ enthusiasts wanting professional results
- Cooks who enjoy the process, not just the outcome
- People with adequate outdoor space
- Those willing to invest time learning proper technique
Skip it if you:
- Cook mainly for small families
- Want convenience over food quality
- Have limited outdoor space
- Prefer gas grilling simplicity
- Cook infrequently
Pros and Cons
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
|
|
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Final Thoughts After Two Years
I don’t regret buying my Big Joe III. It’s transformed how I entertain and cook for large groups. The food quality consistently impresses guests.
But it’s not magic. Success requires learning proper technique and investing time in the process. This grill rewards patience and punishes shortcuts.
The price feels justified given the build quality and performance. I expect this grill to last 15-20 years with proper care. That breaks down to reasonable annual costs.
Would I buy it again? Yes, but only because I regularly cook for large groups. For most people, the Classic III offers better value.
The Big Joe III isn’t just a grill—it’s a commitment to serious outdoor cooking. Make sure you’re ready for that commitment before spending $3,300.
But if you are ready, this grill will change how you think about backyard cooking forever.
FAQs
1. Is the Kamado Joe Big Joe III worth the high price?
The Big Joe III justifies its $3,300 price for serious outdoor cooks who regularly entertain large groups. The build quality, versatility, and fuel efficiency provide long-term value. However, casual grillers or small families should consider the Classic III for better value. Factor in professional assembly costs and accessories when budgeting.
2. How much space do I need for the Big Joe III with a cart?
You need a minimum 6×8 foot area with the cart configuration. The grill measures 58.4″ wide x 35.8″ deep, but you need clearance for opening the dome and accessing side shelves. Ensure your deck can support 487 pounds concentrated in one area. Check local fire codes for distance requirements from structures.
3. Can I assemble the Big Joe III myself?
While possible, self-assembly isn’t recommended. The ceramic components weigh 200+ pounds each and require careful handling. Most owners who attempt DIY assembly end up calling professionals anyway. The risk of ceramic damage during assembly far outweighs the $200-300 installation cost.
4. How long does charcoal last in the Big Joe III?
High-quality lump charcoal consumption varies by cooking method:
- 8-hour smoking session: 3-4 pounds
- 4-hour roasting: 2-3 pounds
- 1-hour high-heat grilling: 2 pounds
- Pizza cooking session: 1-2 pounds
The ceramic construction and tight seals make it extremely fuel-efficient compared to traditional grills.
5. What’s the difference between Big Joe III and Classic III?
The main differences are size and capacity:
- Big Joe III: 450 sq in cooking space, feeds 8-14 people, weighs 487 lbs, costs $3,300
- Classic III: 256 sq in cooking space, feeds 4-8 people, weighs 250 lbs, costs $2,000
Both have identical features (SlōRoller, Divide & Conquer, Air Lift hinge). Choose based on typical group size and budget.
6. Do I need the cart or can I save money stand-alone?
The cart adds significant value through mobility and storage. Moving a 487-pound grill without wheels is nearly impossible. The side shelves and lower storage keep accessories organized. Unless you’re building a permanent outdoor kitchen installation, the cart is worth the extra $400.
7. How do I maintain the Big Joe III?
Maintenance is minimal:
- After each use: Empty ash drawer, quick grate cleaning
- Weekly: Deep clean grates if used frequently
- Monthly: Check gasket condition, inspect hardware
- Annually: Replace gasket if needed, oil hinges
The ceramic shell requires no maintenance. Most components are dishwasher safe or easily cleaned with soap and water.
8. Can the Big Joe III handle winter cooking?
Yes, ceramic construction excels in cold weather. The thermal mass maintains steady temperatures even in freezing conditions. Some users report better temperature stability in cold weather due to increased thermal differential. Just allow extra time for heat-up in extreme cold.
9. What accessories are essential for the Big Joe III?
Must-have accessories:
- Grill cover: Essential protection ($80-120)
- JoeTisserie: Rotisserie cooking ($400)
- Extra heat deflectors: Backup for cleaning ($60-80)
Nice-to-have additions:
- DoJoe pizza attachment: Pizza oven conversion ($400)
- Soap stone: Enhanced searing capabilities ($150)
- Grill expander: Additional cooking space ($100)
10. How does the Big Joe III compare to Big Green Egg XL?
Both deliver excellent cooking results with similar capacity. Key differences:
- Big Joe III advantages: Better included accessories, more advanced features, superior cart design, competitive pricing
- Big Green Egg XL advantages: Larger brand recognition, extensive aftermarket support, slightly bigger cooking area
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