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Kamado Joe Classic Joe I vs Kamado Joe Classic Joe III

Two of the kamado grills in our best kamado grills: kamado joe vs big green egg vs weber summit kamado comparison, lined up spec by spec. Every figure comes from the manufacturer pages linked below, and the scores use the same published formula as the full ranking.

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#7 of 9 in Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe Classic Joe I

4.4/10

Best for: The entry 18" Kamado Joe

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#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

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Spec-by-spec comparison

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

SpecKamado Joe Classic Joe IKamado Joe Classic Joe IIIWeight
Cooking areaPrimary cooking area the maker lists. 250 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. 227.7 lb 280.6 lb 15%
ModelKJ23RHKJ15040921info
Cooking surface18" diameter, 250 sq in18" diameter, 250 sq ininfo
Heat range225–750 °F225–750 °Finfo
Weight227.7 lb280.6 lb (with cart)info
Includes2-Tier Divide & Conquer system, cart3-Tier Divide & Conquer cooking system, cart with locking wheelsinfo
EmberPick score4.4/104.2/10100%

Where each one comes out ahead

Kamado Joe Classic Joe I

Better published figure on: Weight.

What we like

  • Same 250 sq in as Classic III
  • 53 lb lighter than Classic III

Watch out for

  • 2-tier system
  • No app control

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

Same 250 sq in and 225–750 °F. Classic III adds a 3-tier system; Classic I is 52.9 lb lighter.

Kamado Joe Classic Joe I on AmazonKamado Joe Classic Joe III on Amazon
Spec sources

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