Kamado Joe Classic III
The best-engineered kamado with the best included hardware and the strongest warranty story in its class. Ceramic that cannot rust, and it beats the Big Green Egg head-to-head while costing meaningfully less.
Consolidated from 7 independent outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 6 positive sources
Pros & cons
- ✓ Thick ceramic construction that cannot rust through
- ✓ Best hardware in the kamado class, with gaskets, hinges, and the divide-and-conquer system included rather than sold separately
- ✓ Uses measurably less charcoal than the Big Green Egg for the same cook
- ✓ Arrives ready to cook at a single purchase, with no required add-ons
- ✓ Support reputation that consistently out-scores its rivals
- ✗ Costs substantially more than the Big Green Egg
- ✗ Shorter long-term ownership track record than the Big Green Egg
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
Evidence 2 articles and 5 video reviews
6 positive sources
BBQ Experience BBQ Experience · reviewer · Apr 2026 The Kamado Joe Classic III wins. This isn't close. At $800 more than the Big Green Egg , you get meaningfully better engineering, better accessories included in the box, and innovations that actually improve your cooking. The Big Green Egg is riding on brand recognition and nostalgia.Read F
Fire & Water Cooking Fire & Water Cooking · 15.2K subscribers · Oct 2022 I have loved the Kamado Joes for many years due to the versatility and innovation they have. Check out this amazing outdoor cooker!Watch B
Best of British Blackwell Best of British Blackwell · 6.1K subscribers · Feb 2021 I finally realised a life-long dream of owning a Kamado Joe Classic III.Watch B
BBQ LAND BBQ LAND · 3.2K subscribers · Jun 2020 Welcome to BBQLAND, Hertfordshires premier Kamado Joe dealer.Watch Y
Yorkshire Fire Yorkshire Fire · 2.1K subscribers · Dec 2021 These 5 reasons clearly make the case why we think the Kamado Joe is best in comparison to the big green egg! 🔥 ESPECIALLY Number 2!Watch T
The BBQ Company The BBQ Company · 652 subscribers · Mar 2021 We are super excited to have this as our full time ceramic and we can't wait to share some amazing recipes, tricks and tips with you all.Watch
1 stance not read source
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #2 of 14 on our charcoal grills tier list, in S tier. That placement draws on 7 independent outlets.
None of the 6 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Costs substantially more than the Big Green Egg. Shorter long-term ownership track record than the Big Green Egg.
Ranked nearby in Charcoal Grills
S tier #1 Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" Charcoal Grill
A tier #3 6 of 21 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Big Green Egg Classic
B tier #4 2 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Kettle Grill
B tier #5 1 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill
C tier #6 Weber Jumbo Joe Premium
C tier #7 3 of 13 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. VonHaus XL American BBQ Grill with Smoker
F tier #11 8 of 9 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Cuisinart CGS-4
F tier #12 10 of 19 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Char-Griller Classic Kettle
F tier #13 11 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Char-Griller Econo-Kettle
F tier #14 6 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.