We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Rankings are formula-based and never paid for. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure

Big Green Egg Large vs Kamado Joe Classic Joe III

The two best-known 18" kamados.

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

#5 of 9 in Kamado Grills

Big Green Egg Large

4.9/10

Best for: The classic Large EGG

Check price at Amazon
#8 of 9 in Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe Classic Joe III

4.2/10

Best for: The 18" Kamado Joe with the 3-tier cooking system

Check price at Amazon

Spec-by-spec comparison

Green marks the better published figure. "Not listed" means the manufacturer doesn't publish it.

SpecBig Green Egg LargeKamado Joe Classic Joe IIIWeight
Cooking areaPrimary cooking area the maker lists. 262 sq in 250 sq in 45%
Max temperatureTop of the maker's stated heat range. Higher sears harder. 750 °F 750 °F 20%
App / Wi-Fi control (listed)Yes when the maker lists app connectivity and powered temperature control. No No 20%
WeightKamados are heavy; lower matters if you move it. Skipped when not listed. 162 lb 280.6 lb 15%
Cooking area262 sq inNot listedinfo
Temperature range200–750 °FNot listedinfo
Weight162 lb280.6 lb (with cart)info
WarrantyLimited lifetime (Big Green Egg)Not listedinfo
ModelNot listedKJ15040921info
Cooking surfaceNot listed18" diameter, 250 sq ininfo
Heat rangeNot listed225–750 °Finfo
IncludesNot listed3-Tier Divide & Conquer cooking system, cart with locking wheelsinfo
EmberPick score4.9/104.2/10100%

Where each one comes out ahead

Big Green Egg Large

Better published figure on: Cooking area, Weight.

What we like

  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Lighter than 18" Kamado Joes

Watch out for

  • Sold alone or in packages; check what is included

Kamado Joe Classic Joe III

No scored spec where it is strictly ahead; its case rests on the strengths below.

What we like

  • 3-tier Divide & Conquer system
  • 750 °F top heat

Watch out for

  • 280.6 lb
  • No app control

Verdict

Similar size (250 vs 262 sq in) and both reach 750 °F. Kamado Joe includes a cart and 3-tier system; the EGG is 118.6 lb lighter.

Big Green Egg Large on AmazonKamado Joe Classic Joe III on Amazon
Spec sources

Related comparisons