Ubiquiti
Kamado Joe Classic II vs Classic III: What’s the Real Difference?
Apr
If you’re choosing between the Kamado Joe Classic II and Classic III, you’re essentially deciding between a highly capable premium grill and an upgraded, competition-level version with added tech and convenience. Both are excellent ceramic kamado cookers but they target slightly different users.
Design & Build Quality
At their core, both grills share the same DNA: thick ceramic walls, excellent heat retention, and multi-functional cooking (grill, smoke, bake, roast). The Classic II already includes features like:
- Air Lift hinge for easy opening
- Kontrol Tower vent for precise airflow
- Divide & Conquer cooking system
The Classic III builds on this with a more refined, premium feel particularly in its upgraded cart and internal layout straight out the box.
👉 In short: build quality is excellent on both, but the III feels more “pro-grade.”
Cooking Performance
This is where the biggest differences start to show.
Classic II
- Excellent for everyday grilling and smoking
- Stable temperatures for long cooks
- Highly efficient charcoal use
Classic III
- Includes the SloRoller hyperbolic insert, designed to:
- Improve smoke circulation
- Enhance flavour consistency
- Better results for cooking low and slow
- Better suited for serious low-and-slow BBQ’ers or poeple looking to get into it.
👉 Think of it this way:
- Classic II = already fantastic
- Classic III = optimized for smoking perfection
Features & Accessories
What the Classic II gives you
- Everything needed to get started
- Wide compatibility with accessories (rotisserie, pizza stone, etc.)
What the Classic III adds
- SloRoller (key upgrade)
- Charcoal basket (better airflow & cleanup)
- 3-tier cooking system (more flexibility)
- Upgraded Cart, stronger wheels and handy lower shelf for accessory storage.
- Upgraded side shelves to powder coated aluminium
- Features a deeper ceramic base for extra layers of cooking when using the Slow-Roller
👉 Many of the III’s features can actually be added later to the II but at extra cost however you cannot upgrade the cart or Ceramic Base.
Ease of Use
Both grills are beginner-friendly for a kamado, but:
- Classic II → simpler, less to learn
- Classic III → more control, but slightly more complex, more to get your teeth into!
The Classic II is often recommended as a “plug-and-play” premium grill, while the III suits users who enjoy dialing in precision.
Price & Value
- Classic II: typically around the mid-premium range
- Classic III: noticeably more expensive with around £600 price difference between them.
- Auldton Stoves we can offer incrediable discounts over the phone so its always worth speaking to our team to get the best price – 01560 480002
Interestingly, the Classic II is often considered better value because it already includes many high-end features out of the box, while the III charges extra for refinement and advanced tech. If you try and upgrade your Classic II over time to preform more like a III you will spend more money and you will never be able to get them to look the same!
Which One Should You Choose?
Go for the Classic II if:
- You want excellent performance for the price
- You’re new to kamado cooking
- You don’t need advanced smoking tech
- Your more interested in standard BBQ food and Pizza
- Your not bothered about Low & Slow Cooking
Go for the Classic III if:
- You’re serious about low-and-slow BBQ
- You want the best airflow and smoke control
- You prefer a more “complete” premium setup
- Your wanting to hold nothing back and are ready to learn the art of real BBQ
- You want to start off on a Slow & Slow Adventure and get competitive results at home
- You don’t want to look back in 6 weeks time and think ‘should i have just gone for it!’
Final Verdict
The Kamado Joe Classic II is the sweet spot for most people it delivers exceptional versatility, durability, and performance without overcomplicating things.
The Classic III, however, is the enthusiast’s choice and the go to grill for somebody wanting to dive into the art of outdoor cooking and low and slow cooks. It refines the experience with smarter airflow, better accessories, and more cooking flexibility, especially for smoking.
👉 If you’re a casual-to-intermediate griller: Classic II
👉 If you’re chasing competition-level BBQ: Classic III
If you want, we can break it down even further based on what you plan to cook (brisket, pizza, steaks, etc.) that actually makes the decision much clearer. Give us a call if you want any more help! – 01560 480002
USE DISCOUNT CODE ‘SUNSALE’ AT CHECKOUT FOR 10% OFF THE OUTDOOR RANGE