Kamado Joe Classic II vs. Kamado Joe Classic III is it worth the upgrade? Choose the KJ Classic II
Updated: Oct 22, 2022
The regular MSRP on the KJ Classic II is around $1300 and the MSRP on the KJ Classic III is around $1999. That is a difference of $699 unless you can find them on sale. Costco and Lowes has some amazing sales for the KJ II at under $1000 at the end of season and if you are in the market those deals are to good to pass up. You can use the savings to upgrade the Kamado Joe Classic II with Classic III parts. This is just one of the reasons to buy the Kamado Joe II over the III.
The SloRoller is the main upgrade on the Classic II vs. the Classic III aside from the cart and the charcoal basket. You can normally find the SloRoller for around $249 MSRP. See the detailed description of the SloRoller from Kamado Joe below.
See the video!
Crafted from unrivaled innovation, the SlōRoller transforms a Kamado Joe® into one of the world’s most optimal smokers. By distributing smoke in rolling, recirculating waves, the SlōRoller surrounds food in clouds of decadent smoke while evenly distributing heat, resulting in enhanced flavor and reduced hot spots. Discover endless versatility for your Kamado Joe charcoal grilling experience.
FULL OF FEATURES
Includes SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber and new rack for use in Series I & II grills (cooking grates not included)
Easily insert by removing Divide & Conquer Rack and replace with SlōRoller and current cooking grates
Engineered to slow cook at temperature ranges of 150-300˚F
Classic Joe™ Series SlōRoller compatible with Kamado Joe Classic Joe series, Large Big Green Egg, and other round 18-inch charcoal grills
Big Joe™ Series SlōRoller compatible with Kamado Joe Big Joe series, XL Big Green Egg, and other round 24-inch charcoal grills
Kamado Joe's Charcoal basket does connect perfectly with the whole set up. The aftermarket ones fit but won't attach. That just means you have to take the basket out separately not really a big deal. The KJ charcoal basket will run you MSRP $129.00 you can save 15% as of writing this article and get if for $109.00.
Alternatively you can buy an off brand charcoal basket for significantly cheaper. I bought the OnlyFire brand it's currently around $50 bucks. It fits well, however it doesn't have the middle divider nor does it connect to the Divide and Conquer system.
With all that being said the two purchases will cost you around $380 dollars unless you can find them on sale or get an off brand version. There is no off brand SloRoller so you will have to purchase the KJ version.
So combining full retail prices the Classic II is still going to be around $300 cheaper.
I've read a lot of reviews on KJ III users and many of them don't set up the SloRoller they just use the heat deflectors. From a lot of reviewers the SloRoller isn't as easy to remove and set up as the heat deflectors and it's harder to clean.
The other main complaint about the SloRoller? It's actually made with a Teflon coating and not cast iron. So it isn't recommended to go above 500 degrees otherwise you can damage it. So using the KJ as a grill and leaving that in is not an option. Do you love to reverse sear a steak? This is not the set up for you. For the cost and that reason the KJ II wins over the KJ III in my opinion and the Kamado Joe Series II is better than the Kamado Joe Series III. I expect to receive some comments on this one! Let me know what you think!
Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II 18-inch Charcoal Grill with Cart
Kamado Joe KJ15040921 Classic Joe III 18-inch Charcoal Grill with Cart
As of writing this article the KJ Classic III is 25% off and an amazing deal. If paying full retail on the KJ II it is worth it to shell out the extra $220 and buy the upgraded KJ III!
I use the Kamado Joe Classic II! Check out flavorflamebbq.com for more information on the Kamado Joe, accessories, fuel, meats and more! I also participate in some affiliate programs! So far I've made about 12 dollars! Really excited about that! Keep the flame going and purchase using one of the links! Check out the essential accessories
Keep the flame going! Check out flavorflamebbq.com