Difference between the Kamado Joe Classic 2 and Classic 3

We are happy to help you choose your Kamado Joe. Whether you already own a Kamado Joe or this will be your first, we have listed all the differences between the Kamado Joe Classic 2 and the updated Classic 3. So you can make the right choice about which bbq suits you best.

If you are looking for a cheaper version of good quality, then the Kamado Joe Classic 1 is definitely a suitable option. This is the first version of the Kamado Joe, followed by the Kamado Joe Classic 2 and Classic 3. We will compare these models.

WHAT HAS REMAINED THE SAME

Kamado Joe has obviously chosen to keep the good aspects of the Kamado Joe Classic 2 not to change when developing the Classic 3. These are the main parts that have remained the same:

• Clink to always close the boiler properly.
• Braided fiberglass gasket that lasts longer than traditional felt.
• The aluminum top vent with side opening. This prevents rain from entering the bbq.
• Well-balanced spring loaded hinge, opens and closes with 1 finger.
• A fire bowl consisting of 6, which prevents breaking due to expansion and contraction.
• An ash drawer for quick removal of ash residue.
• Stainless steel grid in 2 parts, which together with the half platesetters and the divide & conquer system, allows direct and indirect barbecue at different temperatures.
• Included products:
  • Aspook
  • Roasting tongs
  • Accessory rack

WHAT CHANGES ARE THERE TO THE KAMADO JOE CLASSIC 3?

THE UNDERSTANDING

We start with the undercarriage. The undercarriage of the Classic 3 is a lot stiffer and made of galvanized steel. The chassis of the Classic 2 Springs a little when you close the lid. That springing also had an advantage. Should the ground not be completely level, the Classic 2 can stand properly. In the case of the Classic 3, the wheel will float. On the Classic 3, between the 4 legs is a rack where you can put some accessories. This rack is completely customized for the SloRoller system. This system fits neatly into the rack. So you can move the kamado without things slipping off. The wheels of the Classic 3 are a lot bigger. This makes riding on uneven surfaces a lot easier. With the Classic 2, the smaller wheels and sprung undercarriage can make this a little less smooth.

Kamado Joe also has a controller in its lineup. The iKAMAND has a number of cords running to and from the device. To neatly hide those cords, you can run them through a number of slots in the base under the base.

THE SIDE TABLES

The side tables of the Classic 2 were first made of HDPE plastic. It is a sturdy plastic and easy to keep clean. The plastic side tables sometimes had a tendency to melt if you put a hot grill on them, for example. The side tables of the Classic 3 are made of powder-coated aluminum. The difference is that these cannot melt if you put a hot grill on them. Also, the aluminum is maintenance-free. Meanwhile, the Classic 2 will also come standard with these aluminum side tables from the end of 2021.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE KAMADO JOE CLASSIC 2 AND 3?

The biggest difference is on the inside. The difference is in the size of the boiler. The boiler of the Kamado Joe Classic 3 is 7 cm higher than that of the Classic 2. This difference ensures that the distance between the glowing charcoal and the grid is greater. In direct cooking such as rotisserie, for example, this is very convenient.

KAMADO JOE SLOROLLER

The base (bottom) is also made higher to make room for the SloRoller system. This system consists of a smoking chamber of 3 parts. Because of the shape of the SloRoller, the airflow in the base circulates better so that the smoke gets everywhere before it disappears through the top vent. It ensures even cooking. Because the base has become higher to make room for the SloRoller, the divide & conquer system has also been modified. It now has 3 levels, with the Classic 2 it is 2 levels. Because of the 3 levels you can place the grid even higher.

The Classic 2 has a grate at the bottom of the base where the charcoal sits. As long as you use good charcoal with reasonably sized chunks, this works well. In addition, after, or just before, barbecuing you should check the quality of the remaining charcoal from the previous bbq session.

The Classic 3 does not have a grate at the bottom but a so-called kick ash basket. This has a number of advantages. It provides better air circulation and is easy to clean. All you have to do is lift the basket a bit and shake out the ash. You then remove the ash again from the ash tray.

The kick ash basket/ charcoal basket is a popular accessory with all kamado brands. Kamado Joe supplies this accessory with the bbq. In the basket you can also slide the divider which allows you to create 2 zones without using the half platesetters. No extra grates are included.

IS THE KAMADO JOE CLASSIC 3 WORTH PURCHASING?

With the Classic 3, Kamado Joe once again shows that the brand is very innovative. The differences between the Classic 2 and 3 are a reason why you might be more likely to buy a Classic 3. The cost is a bit higher, but the quality is very good. However, with the Classic 2, compared to the competition, Kamado Joe still has a model with the best price/quality ratio.

ALREADY ABLE TO MAKE A CHOICE?

Perhaps we have made it even harder for you or you now know exactly what you want. However, whatever model you choose and how you plan to use the Kamado Joe remains your own choice. A weighing of pros and cons.

In our extensive showroom we have presented the different models. Of course you are more than welcome to take a look at everything in real life. Then you might get a better idea of the story you just read. If you have any specific information or questions, one of our barbecue specialists will be at your service!