Kamado Joe Classic 2 vs. 3 Comparison Review

Kamado Joe Classic II Pros

Kamado Joe Classic II Cons

Kamado Joe Classic III Pros

Kamado Joe Classic III Cons

The attractive design will undoubtedly blend in with your patio or backyard background. The Kamado Classic 2 has been finished in Kamado’s traditional colors; chili red and black. It also maintains the egg-shaped design we saw with the original Kamado Joe Classic Series I.

At the top, there is what Kamado calls Kontrol Tower™ Top Vent. This cast aluminum vent at the top of the grill is designed to maintain steady airflow for consistent temperatures. To get the best temperatures for searing, open the vent all the way, while for meals that need low and slow cooking, close the vent, but not fully.

Its dimensions are 50.5″ W x 46.5″ H x 30″ D, and the weight is 262.5 pounds. It has also been finished in striking chili red and black and maintains the egg shape but, this time, elongated.

Like the Classic 2, the Classic 3 also comes with the Kontrol Tower™ Top Vent, so you are also guaranteed precise airflow and consistent temperatures. The vent should be opened for the grill to produce high temperatures and closed for slow cooking.

Unfortunately, the Classic 2 is not so impressive when it comes to the cart. It has a somewhat frail stand that looks like it will crumble inside at any time. However, it can handle over 200 pounds of egg-shaped grill comfortably. But you should definitely avoid adding more weight to the grill, especially on the side tables.

But I must mention the bouncy cart that you set it up on any surface without a worry, especially on uneven surfaces.

The majority of the other parts are stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum. One difference between Classic 2 vs. Classic 3 is the cart design. The Classic 3 boasts an updated cart that consists of heavy-duty galvanized steel that can take any weight without a problem.

This is among the advantages of Kamado Classic 3 and a worthy reason to pay a little more for it. The included shelf at the bottom is also a worthy addition.

When it comes to mobility, the Classic II comes with 4 small caster wheels. To hold the unit in a stationary position, use the caster locks. Pulling the grill is pretty easy on smooth surfaces, but you will struggle a bit on rugged terrain because of the small wheels.

As for operation, the Classic 2 excels as controls are intuitive and straightforward. Opening and closing the lid is effortless thanks to the Air Lift Hinge, which lifts and closes the lid with just a little effort. This is courtesy of the well-balanced sprung hinge.

When it comes to mobility, the Classic 3 is a little bit different. It features 4 casters but this time, larger casters than the Classic 2’s, so it has better maneuverability on rough terrain.

The Classic II also comes with locking casters, so the unit remains in your desired position. The grill also comes with Air Lift Hinge, whose sprung hinge makes opening and closing the lid effortless despite the dome’s weight.

Charcoal grills are also ideal for outdoor grilling; moreso, they are cheaper to run. The Classic II features an AMP Firebox segmented into 6 parts, preventing breakage due to expansion and contraction. We also like the choice of materials, ceramic, which can withstand high heat.

With ceramic and stainless steel, the Kamado Joe II is a great deal when it comes to heat retention. When operating optimally, the Classic 2’s heat range is 225°F to 750°F. At the top of the lid, there is a thermometer to help you monitor the temperature.

This grill also guarantees savory dishes with wooden and smoke flavors. The fire bowl has segments to allow you to set different cooking conditions. We also like the redesigned charcoal basket that allows you to put charcoal closely together to facilitate air circulation.

Like the KJ Classic 2, the KJ Classic 3 has a temperature range of 225°F to 750°F, and a thermometer at the top of the lid for monitoring temperature.

With the grill extender, sold separately, you get 407 square inches, while the cooking space is 508 square inches with the two sets of grates. Lastly, the total space is 660 square inches with the two grates and grill expander.

The Classic III can take up to 6 half-moon cooking grates and 2 half-moon heat deflectors, or 4 half-moon grates. The 3 tier system expands the total cooking area to 510 square inches. You can also grill enough food for 2-15 people with the Kamado 3.

You can use a cast iron cooking grate, reversible cast-iron griddle, non-stick soapstone surface, ceramic chicken stand, ceramic pizza stone, stainless steel fish and vegetable grate, or the grill expander.

The two-tier cooking grid is made from stainless steel. Unfortunately, the Kamado Joe Classic II doesn’t feature Kmado’s revolutionary SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber Insert, so it’s not the best for smoking.

However, with the heat deflectors, it still does a great job.

But one thing that sets the Classic III apart from the Classic II is the SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber Insert. SlōRoller is a technology that facilitates unrestricted heat and smoke circulation like a traditional smoker making the Classic III more versatile. For the record, when using SlōRoller, remember to keep the temperature below.

The shelves of the Classic 2 have hooks for hanging your grilling tools.

Another convenience feature worth mentioning is the ash drawer which is designed to allow for easy ash removal.

There are also hooks that you can use to hang your grilling equipment. The Classic 3 also comes with an ash drawer that makes it easy to remove excess ash from the grill.