Kamado Joe Classic 1 vs 2 vs 3: Which One to Buy?

If you've settled on a Kamado Joe Classic and now you're stuck picking between the 1, 2 and 3, you're in good company. It's the question nearly every kamado buyer runs into once they've decided on the size, and the honest answer is that all three will cook you a ripper feed. The differences come down to a handful of real upgrades, not marketing fluff, and knowing what each one actually does makes the decision a lot easier.

By the end of this you'll know exactly what separates the three, and which one fits how you actually cook.

What Every Kamado Joe Classic Gets Right

Whichever number you land on, you're getting the same solid foundation. Every Classic runs a 46cm ceramic grill, holds heat like a champion once it's dialled in, and handles grilling, smoking, roasting and searing without breaking a sweat. You've also got the Divide and Conquer flexible cooking system as standard, so you can run different zones at different temperatures instead of babysitting one big flat surface.

That's the base. The 2 and 3 build on it rather than replacing it.

Kamado Joe Classic Comparison: 1 vs 2 vs 3 at a Glance

The Kamado Joe Classic 1: Where it All Starts

The Kamado Joe Classic 1 is a genuinely capable unit and the entry point into the range. You're getting the 2-tier Divide and Conquer setup, a solid cast iron trolley, two side tables for prep space, and an easy-access slide-out ash drawer that makes cleanup a lot less of a chore. If you want the full kamado experience without spending up on extras you may never use, this is a completely legitimate place to start.

Stepping up to the Classic 2

Spend a bit more and you land on the Kamado Joe Classic 2, which adds three real upgrades rather than just a fresh coat of paint.

• The Kontrol Tower replaces the standard top vent with one that's redesigned to make your actual setting easier to read at a glance, while also cutting down the chance of water getting into the chamber while you're cooking.

• The Airlift hinge takes the weight out of lifting that heavy dome, making it far easier to open, close and lock.

• The fiberglass gasket seal is a solid step up from the felt seal on the Classic 1. It works hand in hand with that Airlift hinge to keep the dome sealing properly cook after cook.

This is genuinely where most people land. From what we see on the floor at our showroom the Classic 2 is the model we sell most, because it's a substantial jump up from the Classic 1 without pushing you into Classic 3 money.

The Classic 3: divide and conquer, taken further

The Kamado Joe Classic 3 keeps every upgrade from the Classic 2 and adds a fresh set of its own.

First up is the cart. It's noticeably thicker, heavier and more sturdy than what you get on the 1 and 2, which matters once the grill is fully loaded. Then there's the cooking capacity itself. The Classic 3 runs a taller dome built around a 3-tier Divide and Conquer setup instead of 2, so you're getting real extra cooking space without needing a wider grill.

The other headline addition is the SloRoller attachment, included with the Classic 3. It changes how smoke moves through the dome, which drastically cuts down the hot and cold spots you'd otherwise get across a long cook. If low and slow smoking is a big part of why you want a kamado, this on its own is worth knowing about.

How Much Space Do You Actually Need?

This is really the question behind the question. If you're cooking for a couple of people midweek, that 2-tier setup on the Classic 1 or 2 is plenty. If you're regularly hosting, cooking whole racks or briskets, or just don't want to plan a menu around how much fits on the grill, the Classic 3's extra tier earns its keep fast.

Worth knowing too: if you find yourself wanting even more room than the Classic 3 offers, Kamado Joe Classic vs Big Joe: Which Size Should You Buy walks through the jump up to the larger 61cm Big Joe.

So Which Kamado Joe Classic Should You Buy?

All three will give you a fantastic cook and the same unrivalled kamado versatility. What it really comes down to is budget against capacity.

• Classic 1: the smart entry point if you're after the full kamado experience at the most accessible price.

• Classic 2: the sweet spot for most backyards, and the one we sell the most of, because the upgrade over the Classic 1 is genuinely substantial.

• Classic 3: worth it if you need that extra cooking capacity but don't have the footprint for a larger unit like the Big Joe.

Want to turn any of these into a rotisserie setup down the track? The Classic Joe rotisserie attachment clips straight on and turns your kamado into a proper spit.

FAQs

What's the difference between the Kamado Joe Classic 1 and 2?

The Classic 2 adds a Kontrol Tower top vent that's easier to read and keeps water out, an Airlift hinge that makes the heavy dome easier to lift and lock, and a fiberglass gasket seal in place of the Classic 1's felt seal.

Is the Kamado Joe Classic 3 worth the extra money?

If you regularly cook for a crowd, yes. It runs a 3-tier Divide and Conquer system for noticeably more cooking space, a heavier and more stable cart, and comes with the SloRoller attachment for more even smoke distribution.

What does the SloRoller do on the Kamado Joe Classic 3?

It changes how smoke and heat move through the dome, cutting down on hot and cold spots so your cook comes out more even from edge to edge.

Which Kamado Joe Classic is best for beginners?

The Classic 1 or 2 suit most first-time kamado owners. Both are more affordable than the Classic 3 and still deliver the same core grilling, smoking, roasting and searing versatility.

Whichever one ends up in your backyard, you're getting into genuinely excellent gear. Get the fundamentals right, keep that gasket sealing properly, and you'll be smoking, grilling and roasting like a pro in no time.

by: Sasha Halabi