Kamado Joe 18 in. Classic III Kamado Grill and Smoker
Best ceramic charcoal grill for serious backyard culinary enthusiasts.
Elevate your outdoor cooking with the Kamado Joe Classic III, a sophisticated ceramic charcoal grill and smoker. Its innovative SloRoller hyperbolic smoke chamber ensures precise heat and smoke control for exceptional flavor. The versatile three-tier Divide and Conquer system maximizes cooking space and allows for multi-level temperature management. Built for superior heat retention and durability, this grill offers a wide temperature range, making it the ultimate centerpiece for any backyard culinary enthusiast.
$1399.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
1
/ 2087
Best Outdoor Grills
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Fuel Type
Charcoal
/ Charcoal
Who it's for
- Pitmasters seeking precise heat control for diverse cooking styles
- Home cooks wanting professional-grade smoking and expanded cooking capacity
- Long-term owners prioritizing durability and a lifetime warranty
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for an affordable charcoal grill
- Homeowners needing a portable or easy-to-assemble cooking setup
- Hosts frequently catering to large crowds or multiple large cuts
Performance breakdown
Heat Retention
Thick ceramic walls provide unmatched thermal stability for long, slow cooks.
Cooking Versatility
The Divide and Conquer system handles everything from searing to smoking.
Smoke Precision
SloRoller technology circulates smoke evenly for professional-grade flavor profiles.
Build Quality
Heavy-duty construction ensures this grill remains a backyard staple for years.
Temperature Control
Wide range allows for precise adjustments across diverse culinary techniques.
Ease of Mobility
Sturdy cart design helps, but the substantial weight limits frequent relocation.
Key Specs
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Cooking Diameter
18 inches
Grill Weight
262.5 lb
Housing Material
Ceramic
Grate Material
Stainless Steel
Dimensions
50-1/2 in H x 46-1/2 in W x 30 in D
Temperature Range
225 to 750 deg F
Side Shelf Included
Yes
Features
- Advanced heat and smoke control
- Expanded cooking space
- Superior ceramic heat retention
- Durable stainless steel grates
- Integrated thermometer
- Easy mobility
- Versatile temperature range
- Exceptional flavor enhancement
What customers say
The Kamado Joe Classic III offers a superior cooking experience, highlighted by its exceptional build quality and remarkable versatility. Its robust ceramic construction ensures durability and longevity. This grill masterfully handles everything from slow smoking to high-heat searing, delivering consistently delicious results. Innovations like the SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber promote even heat distribution, while the Air Lift Hinge and Kontrol Tower Top Vent simplify temperature management. Despite the investment, owners find the outstanding performance, lasting build, and food quality provide excellent long-term value, making it a truly transformative addition to any kitchen.
Know before you buy
The SloRoller is designed to distribute smoke and heat in rolling, recirculating waves. This process surrounds your food with consistent smoke while maintaining precise temperatures, which significantly enhances flavor and reduces hot spots compared to standard charcoal grills.
This three-tier rack system allows you to cook different foods at varying heights and distances from the heat source simultaneously. You can use half-moon heat deflectors to create direct and indirect cooking zones, giving you the flexibility to sear a steak while roasting vegetables at the same time.
The grill weighs 262.5 pounds, so it is substantial. However, it comes mounted on a heavy-duty, powder-coated steel cart with locking caster wheels, making it stable during use and relatively easy to reposition on flat, paved surfaces.
The Kamado Joe Classic III is highly versatile, capable of maintaining temperatures anywhere from 225°F for low-and-slow smoking to 750°F for high-heat searing. Its thick ceramic walls provide excellent insulation, allowing it to hold steady temperatures for long periods.
The Classic III is well-equipped out of the box, including the stainless steel cooking grates, the SloRoller insert, and the multi-level rack system. You will only need to provide your own charcoal and fire starters to begin cooking.
Ceramic is durable but requires care. You can perform a 'burn-off' by running the grill at a high temperature to incinerate leftover food residue, then gently brush the grates. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners on the exterior, as a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient.
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