Kamado Joe Classic 2 Vs 3: Which is Right for You in 2025?

Obsessed with BBQ? Then, it’s understandable why you’re a freaking fan of the Kamado Joe and chose it over other grills on the market.

First Kamado Joe Classic 1 and then the Classic 2 have been the backyard winners for years. But with the KJ Classic 3 making an entry into the picture, the competition is stiffer!

Kamado Joe Classic 3 is a more expensive choice and you wonder “how worth that upgrade is?”

Sorry, there’s no straightforward answer to this question! And you’ve to understand their similarities and differences first to actually draw an answer out of it.

So what awaits you in this article is a classic comparison of Kamado Joe Classic 2 Vs 3. It would be a pretty exciting competition, so stay tuned throughout the article to find out which is the most suited one for you.

What is Kamado Joe Classic 2?

Founded in 2009, Kamado Joe has been the light bearer of the ancient clay-oven-based Kamado cooking. The Kamado Joe soon made a mark with its Classic II Charcoal Grill which is actually an upgrade to the KJ Classic 1. It’s built on the same Kamado ancient principles but with modern and user-friendly features.

This machine started to become an integral part of backyard smoking and grilling while taking the ceramic BBQ grilling to a new height. One of the key reasons is its amazing management of high-heat grilling and low-temperature smoking. There’s more to its benefits and we’ll talk you through some of these in the following segment.

Benefits of Kamado Joe Classic 2

• The Kamado Joe Classic 2 comes with an ample cooking area with its 18 inches adjustable cooking surface. You can grill almost everything for at least a family of four.
• The second thing you would admire about KJ Classic 2 is its impressive heat retention. With the adjustable top and bottom vent design, you can take hours to cook low & slow. And that too without replenishing the coals even in the freezing temperatures!
• Its ability to attain extremely high temperatures (more than 600 degrees) also makes it the top choice for backyard pizza parties. KJ Classic 2 makes the grill stand out mostly because of its user-friendly features.
• Some of these include an embedded thermometer, spring-loaded hinge for easily lifting lid, side-shelves including hooks to hang tools, divide and conquer Rack design for multiple dish cooking, welded metal stand, and so on.

We’ll be talking about these features elaborately in the product description segment.

Disadvantages of Kamado Joe Classic 2

We won’t say disadvantages or downsides, would rather say there are a few things that it lacks to be called a perfect BBQ grill.

• The Classic 2 base is comparatively fragile and you’d see it bouncing while closing the lid. Its wheels are smaller as well.
• Classic 2 side table material is another area that needs improvement. Although HDPE plastic is a sturdy material, it’s prone to melting when you put a hot grind on that.
• The kettle of the KJ Classic 2 is less high and has a smaller distance between the grate and the glowing charcoal. A higher grill could also make ample room for KJ’s SIoRoller System (the 3 Part Smoking Chamber) for optimum smoking.

This section isn’t just about the weaknesses of the Kamado Joe Classic 2 but more about the facts that require an upgrade.

Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill Review

Before we put this in the real competition, let’s have a brief look at the product features and specifications here.

Specifications

Now it’s time we say where we find the Kamado Joe Classic 2 excelling over any other grill in the market. The first thing first is its cooking area which is large and includes premium ceramic for some premium grilling and barbecuing.

KJ Classic 2 will surely make you a fan of charcoal for its amazing heat retention while it’s also powered by a thick wall and heat-resistant shell. Imagine how the delicious moisture and smoke locked into the machine enhance the taste of your lovely dishes.

KJ’s unique Kontrol Tower Top Vent allows precise temperature control ranging from 225F ramping up to steak-searing 750F. The 2 Tier Divide and Conquer lets you enjoy some intense cooking in various methods and at various temperatures. And that too at the same time.

When you talk about user convenience and friendliness, KJ Classic 2 makes a real mark. Take into account its amazing Air-Lift Hinge technology for easy lifting and AMP Firebox for eliminating breakage.

The Removable Ash Collector and the Charcoal Basket not only improve cooking efficiency but also provide ease of cleaning.

Moreover, it’s compatible with a robust range of KJ accessories helping you to achieve the most desired result for your smoking and grilling.

It lacks some premium features which probably make sense if you’re a frequent user of this backyard cooking device. To see upgrades check out the Classic 3 review.

Highlighted Features:

• 18 Inches Ceramic Grill
• Features a Cart with Locking casters and Wheels
• Includes their own 2 Tier Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System with multi-level half-moon design
• Comes with unique Kontrol Tower Top Vent
• Construction includes Powder-coated Aluminum
• Can smoke at 225F and sear at 750F
• Features a Patented Air-Lift Hinge
• Includes a removable Ash Collector
• Comes with patent-pending, six-piece design advanced multi-panel FireBox
• Includes a Fiberglass Mesh Gasket and Self-activating Stainless Steel Latch

What is Kamado Joe Classic 3?

You can describe Kamado Joe Classic 3 as an upgrade to the Classic 2 model. It’s the chubby brother of KJ Classic 2 that comes with some significant improvements.

This third-generation grill comes with more accomplished cooking features like a better SioRoller Smoker System and Divide & Conquer Cooking System. You also get improvement in the Charcoal Basket, Cart, and Side Shelves construction.

KJ Classic 3 is a more accomplished one that allows you to grill everything you want in the easiest possible way.

We’ll break down more of its benefits, downsides, features, and specifications in the following segments.

Benefits of Kamado Joe Classic 3

The KJ Classic 3 comes with significant upgrades. But how much could you benefit from them? We’ll find out here.

• The SIoRoller Hyperbolic System (the 3 part smoking chamber) is the most significant improvement in this third-generation grill which provides a highly effective way for heat and smoke circulation.
• Then there’s the improved divide & conquer cooking system. It not only gets you more cooking space but also provides you the chance to accommodate more cooking grates and heat deflectors for cooking different dishes at different heights and different temperatures.
• For greater control and stability, there’re some good improvements to parts of its construction. The heavy-duty elongated cart, stainless steel charcoal basket, and powder-coated aluminum shelves make it more accomplished and add to its perfection.

The regular features from Classic 2 are mostly present in this model as well. Although you can still have excellent barbeques without these upgrades, you need to admire the convenience it brings to the users.

Disadvantages of Kamado Joe Classic 3

Kamado Joe Classic 3 is a feature-rich grill machine and is a real delight for barbeque lovers. However, these so-many features could actually confuse you and you might need a little time to get acquainted with them.

• It’s also a heavier one and requires some power to deal with it. This is one of the reasons why we see people sticking with the earlier versions.
• The upgrades come with a higher price point and this actually makes you think whether they’re really worthy or not. To avoid being burdened by its additional price, make sure to check out its specifications and whether you really need them.

Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill Review

Let’s have a better look at the features and specifications of the KJ Classic 3 Charcoal Grill right here.

Specifications

Get the Kamado Joe Classic 3 to understand the power of charcoal cooking and get rid of weber propane. It stands out when you take convenience, effectiveness, and user-friendliness into this renewed KJ Classic.

How does it surround your food with such delicious smoke? Thanks to its unique SloRoller Smoke Chamber for creating this magic. You mightn’t be interested to know its details but this Optimal smoking system really enhances the flavors while reducing hot spots significantly.

The 3 Tier upgrade in its Patented Divide & Conquer System makes it amazingly versatile to cook various types of foods at various temperatures simultaneously. You can’t help but love the multi-level half-moon grates arrangement.

We won’t be talking much about the other regular features like its Kontrol Tower Top Vent powered airflow management or Patented Air-Lift Hinge. It also includes other regular accessories of Classic 2 including JoeTisseri, Electric Start, and DoJoe.

We expect you’ve already learned about them in the Classic 2 description above and are convinced of their awesomeness!

“Expensive but worth every penny”, is what you’ll hear from serious grill and barbeque lovers about this KJ Classic 3. But again, these upgrades might not wow you if you’re not so concerned about the convenience factors. And it’s fine if you feel they’re not worth the extra bucks.

Highlighted Features:

• 18 Inches Ceramic Grill
• The Rolling Cart is made of Galvanized Steel and has Locking Wheels
• Features unique SloRoller Smoke Chamber System
• Introduces 3 Tier Divide and Conquer  Cooking System with multi-level half-moon design
• Features unique Kontrol Tower Top Vent
• Heat ranges from 225F to 750F
• Includes unique Air-Lift Hinge
• Comes with a Stainless Steel Charcoal Basket

Key Differences and Similarities

Let’s take a look at the differences between the KJ Classic 2 and 3 in a table chart. This will help you differentiate between these two easily.

Differences

Similarities

Comparing Kamado Joe Classic 2 vs 3

Kamado Joe Classic 3 comes with 5 major upgrades over the Classic 2 and we’ll check these ones out in more detail below.

Divide and Conquer Cooking System

You’ve learned about KJ’s unique Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System and its multi-level half-moon cooking arrangements.

A 3 Tier System of the Classic 3 is more desirable than a 2 Tier one in the Classic 2. As this will allow you to prepare more dishes simultaneously. You probably know that you can cook them in various methods and at various temperatures.

Smoker System

At the end of the day, it’s all about the magic of charcoal flavor that you’ll be using the KJ Classic to grill or smoke your dishes.

The Classic 3 has the most optimal smoking system integrated into it. The SloRoller Smoking System is really effective and you could feel the difference in your cooking and taste.

If you want to add it to the KJ second-generation grills, you could do that as it’s available as an add-on accessory.

Heavy-Duty Cart

The higher and more heavy-duty cart is one of the most significant improvements you’ll come across in the third generation KJ grill.

The galvanized steel construction gave a solid look to its sturdier and thicker legs. And it clearly seems ready for some intense cooking.

Shape

With the upgrade in its Divide and Conquer System, you can easily guess an elongated shape for the Classic 3. The kettle is also located 7cm higher compared to Classic 2.

So you have a greater distance between the grater and the glowing charcoal which promotes direct preparation like a rotisserie.

Of course, you get more cooking area with the upgrade to cook for more people and more dishes.

Charcoal Basket Material

Although fiberglass is a strong and impact-resistant material, Stainless steel is a real survivor. So you could easily understand why the KJ Classic 3 Charcoal basket uses the SS construction.

The SS charcoal basket improves fuel efficiency while naturally filtering the ashes through the bars into the ash collector.

Both these versions make sure one thing that you could easily separate your leftover charcoal from the ashes and clean the firebox after every cook.

Side Shelves Material

Now coming to the side shelves of both these KJ Classic Grills. The KJ Classic 3 makes an upgrade by using Powder-coated aluminum on the shelves over the HDPE plastic used in the Classic 2 model.

With this upgrade, you can easily expect a more durable and heat-resistant performance. The Classic 3 also includes an added shelf for additional storage.

It comes as an add-on and you could use it in the Classic 2 model as well.

Price

We’ve seen the upgrades in the KJ Classic 3 and it comes with a more expensive price tag.

You mightn’t need all the upgrades or none of them at all. So you need to make your decision wisely while choosing one of these.

Since some of these upgrades are available as add-ons, you could add them specifically with your old Classic 2 instead of buying the new model.

However, if you’re seriously looking for a pro charcoal grilling machine, there are enough improvements in the Classic 3 model to give it a go. And the cost should seem like worth every penny.

Final Verdict

Is the Kamado Joe Classic 3 worth upgrading to? Well, if you’re someone who loves innovation, you’re not going to hold back. The upgrades are worthy enough and they tell you why Kamado Joe is an innovative brand for charcoal grills.

From the Kamado Joe Classic ii Vs iii, we can say that the Classic 3 is surely a better option but the Classic 2 isn’t a lousy one either. It’s just that her newer and chubbier brother is blessed with some additional features. If you’re on a budget, you’re most welcome to go with the ever-popular Classic 2 and make upgrades at a later time like adding a SloRoller or Powder- coated shelf. And finally, end up with a win-win game!

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