If you’re reading this, you’re probably already well aware of how awesome kamado grills are. These types of grills are immensely popular for good reason. They impart exceptional flavor, rugged durability, and even heat retention. Most kamado grills can be used for smoking, barbequing, or slow cooking.
In this article, we’ll compare Kamado Joe Classic 2 vs 3 side by side and find out how Kamado Joe Classic 3 is different from Kamado Joe Classic 2 and which one will be suitable to your grilling and smoking needs. Let’s find out!
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Kamado Joe Classic 2 Vs 3 Comparison
| Features | Kamado Joe Classic 2 | Kamado Joe Classic 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 26x26x36 Inches | 30x46.5x50.5 Inches |
| Material | Stainless Steel / Ceramic | Stainless Steel / Ceramic |
| Weight | 250 lb | 286 lb |
| Cooking Surface | 256 Sq Inches, 407 Sq Inches with Grill expander, 508 Sq Inches with 2 sets of grates or 660 Sq Inches with 2 sets of grates and expander | 256 Sq Inches, 510 Sq Inches with Divide & Conquer |
| Multilayer Cooking System | 2 Tier Divide & Conquer | 3 Tier Divide & Conquer |
| Fuel | Charcoal | Charcoal |
| Side Shelves | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 225-750F | 225-750F |
| Temperature Control Vent | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Gauge | Yes | Yes |
| SloRoller, Hyperbolic smoke chamber | No | Yes |
| Hinged Lid | Yes | Yes |
| Roller Casters | Yes | Yes |
| Slide out Ash Drawer | Yes | Yes |
| Cart | Cast Iron Cart | Heavy Duty Cart with Storage Shelf |
| Warranty | Lifetime on Ceramics | Lifetime on Ceramics |
| 5 year on metal parts | 5 year on metal parts | |
| 3 year on heat deflector | 3 year on heat deflector | |
| 1 year on thermometer and gasket | 1 year on thermometer and gasket | |
| Amazon Rating | 4.7/5 Star | 4.7/5 Star |
| Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Table of Contents
Difference Between Kamado Joe Classic 2 Vs 3
Kamado Joe Classic 3 is the newer variant of Kamado Joe Classic 2 with some great updates making Kamado Joe Classic 3 one of the finest in the business of smoking and grilling. Let’s check out the differences one by one!
Product Dimensions & Weight
With the basic Kamado Joe design remaining the same, the Kamado Joe Classic 3 is slightly bigger and better version of its predecessor Kamado Joe Classic 2. Kamado Classic 3 measures 30×46.5×50.5 Inches while Classic 2 measures only 26x26x36 Inches which is noticeably smaller than classic 3.
Due to size difference, the weight differs as well. Kamado Joe Classic 2 weighs 250 pounds while Classic 3 weighs 286 pounds.
Multilayer Cooking System
Kamado Joe Classic comes with two tier divide and conquer system while Classic 3 has an upgraded 3 tier divide and conquer system for added versatility to cook 3 different meals simultaneously in different temperature zones.
Cooking Surface
Kamado Joe Classic 2 offers 256 Sq Inch of cooking surface, 407 Sq Inches with grill expander, and 508 Sq Inches with 2 sets of grates.
On the other hand, Kamado Joe Classic 3 offer 256 Sq Inches in normal settings but with 3 tier divide and conquer you can have a total of 510 Sq Inches of cooking surface which can be further increased by using grill expander.
SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber Insert
Unlike Classic 2, Kamado Joe Classic 3 comes with this new and innovative SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber insert which converts the grill into an incredible smoker. The Hyperbolic smoke chamber circulates the smoke and heat in a cyclonic ring and adds a stronger flavor with better and even heat distribution for exceptional smoking results.
While using hyperbolic smoke chamber insert, it is advised to keep the temperature below 500F, increasing temperature would degrade aluminum insert. For smoking, Kamado grill shouldn’t have higher temperature anyway as keeping it low and slow will give you the best smoked meats.
Heavy Duty Cart
Kamado Joe Classic 2’s simple cart got a major upgrade in Kamado Joe Classic 3. The cart in classic 3 grill is made out of heavy-duty galvanized steel which looks sturdier, and thicker in contrast to that of in Kamado Joe Classic 2. It has efficient casters to move this thing around with ease.
Also, Kamado Joe Classic 3 has an additional storage shelf in the cart where you can store whatever you need. Side shelves in Kamado Joe Classic 3 grill are made of powder coated aluminum material which is more heat resistant and stronger than High-density polyethylene shelves in Kamado Joe Classic 2.
Similarities between Kamado Joe Classic 2 Vs 3
Air Lift Hinge
Kamado grills are pretty heavy which is evident from the weight. But lifting Kamado Joe lids don’t feel heavy because of innovative air lift hinge. The air lift hinge design reduces the lid / dome weight by 95%.
You can keep the lid fully open of half open, it will not come slamming down on the grill. Also, it goes easy on your arm when lifting while grilling. Whether you buy Kamado Joe Classic 2 or 3, it will feature air lift hinge.
Kontrol Tower
Kamado Joe Classic 2 and 3 feature powder coated cast aluminum Kontrol tower for easy and effective temperature control. Also, it keeps the rain and wind out and reduces the impact that bad weather can have on what’s cooking inside. Party must go on!
Another amazing feature of Kontrol tower is that it stays exactly where you keep it no matter how many times you open the lid.
Advance Multi-Panel Firebox
One of the most common problems people faced with Kamado grills was the firebox cracking due to high temperature because it expands a little bit with rising temperature. Kamado Joe Classic 2 and 3 feature an advance multi-panel firebox where firebox is divided into 5 ceramic section in order to provide space for expansion and contraction without cracking.
Wire Mesh Fibreglass Gasket with Stainless Steel Latch
To provide an air tight seal and to lock in heat, moisture, smoke and nutrients, Kamado Joe 2 and 3 has wire mesh fiberglass gasket. Also, there is an automatic high quality stainless-steel latch to keep the lid closed resulting in fuel efficiency and heat retention.
Kamado Joe gasket design lasts 10 years longer than most competitors which means you won’t have to replace it after few years. Less maintenance, less expenses!
Additional Accessories
If you already own a Kamado Joe Classic 2 or Classic 3 grill, you can check out these amazing accessories for a wonderful grilling experience.
iKamand Smart Temperature Control gives you wireless access and control over temperature, smoke and heat.
Made of Cast aluminum and ceramic, DoJoe insert lets you bake professional quality pizzas one after another.
You can turn your Kamado Joe Classic 2 or 3 into an automated spit by using JoeTisserie.
Quick Overview of Kamado Joe Classic 2 Charcoal Grill
- Premium 18″ Ceramic Grill with Cast Iron Cart & Locking Wheels – The Kamado Joe Classic II gives the perfect cooking...
- 2-Tier Divide & Conquer - Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System transforms the humble grill grate into the most...
Quick Overview of Kamado Joe Classic 3 Charcoal Grill
- Premium 18″ ceramic grill with heavy-duty galvanized steel rolling cart with locking wheels.
- Patent pending SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber - The first of its kind, the revolutionary SlōRoller leverages...
Conclusion: Kamado Joe Classic 2 vs 3
The Kamado Joe Classic 2 is a great barbecue that offers everything you need for a very reasonable price point.
The upgraded Kamado Joe Classic 3 offers versatility, enhanced durability with sturdier stand and a storage shelf. With SloRoller Hyperbolic smoke chamber takes grilling and smoking to a whole new level so when it comes to choosing between Kamado Joe Classic 2 vs 3, we definitely will go with Kamado Joe Classic 3 however, if you aren’t into frequent smoking but grilling only, Kamado Joe Classic 2 is a full package.
We also recommend checking out the additional accessories like DoJoe, iKamand, and JoeTisserie for fun-filled barbecue experience like never before.
