Kamado Joe Classic 2 Review: Specs, Price & Features

Trying to decide if the kamado joe classic 2 is worth the money? You're not alone. It's one of the most popular kamados in Australia, and for good reason: it's a genuine three-in-one cooker that grills, smokes and sears, and it's built to handle everything from a quick Tuesday night steak to a low and slow brisket on the weekend. But at this price point, you want to know exactly what you're getting before you commit. So let's walk through it properly.

What is the Kamado Joe Classic 2?

The Kamado Joe Classic 2 is a premium ceramic charcoal grill with a 46cm cooking surface, which is plenty of room to cook for a couple of families at once. It's one of the most established kamados sold in kamado joe australia, and it's built around thick ceramic walls that hold heat rock solid, whether you're searing a steak at nearly 400°C or holding steady at 110°C for a twelve hour brisket.

What sets it apart from a standard ceramic bbq grill is the Divide and Conquer cooking system, which we'll get into below. It's the feature that turns this from "just another kamado" into something genuinely more versatile.

Kamado Joe Classic 2 vs Classic 1: What's actually different

If you're comparing the Classic 2 to the original Classic (or you've seen it written as the "Classic II" and wondered if it's a different grill), here are the three changes that actually matter:

• Fiberglass mesh gasket, not felt. The old felt seals wear out and let heat escape. The fiberglass version holds its seal for the long haul and helps you get more consistent results, cook after cook.

• Air Lift hinge. The dome lid on a kamado this size is heavy. The Air Lift hinge takes a big chunk of that weight out of the equation, so lifting and repositioning the lid is smoother and safer, especially mid-cook when your hands are full.

• Kontrol Tower top vent. This is the biggest jump. The new vent design holds its position even as you open and close the dome, gives you finer control over airflow, and reduces the chance of rain getting into your cook if the weather turns on you outside.

None of these are gimmicks. They're the kind of changes you only appreciate once you've used a kamado without them.

The Divide and Conquer system explained

The Divide and Conquer flexible cooking system is the standout feature of the divide and conquer kamado joe range, and it's what gives the Classic 2 its versatility. It uses a two-tier, half-moon rack setup that lets you cook multiple foods at different heights and different heat zones at the same time.

Practically, that means you can sear a steak directly over the coals on one half while roasting vegetables on the other tier, out of direct heat. Or set up a deflector plate on one side for low and slow smoking while grilling straight over coals on the other. It's the difference between a kamado that does one thing well and one that genuinely replaces a few different cookers.

Kamado Joe Classic 2 specs at a glance

Kamado Joe Classic 2 price in Australia: What you're getting for your money

At full price the Classic 2 sits at $2,599, and it's currently discounted to $1,845 as part of a running sale, which is a genuine saving rather than an inflated "was" price. For context, that includes the full accessory set out of the box: the AMP firebox, both deflector plates, the cooking grates, thermometer, side shelves and ash tool. You're not paying extra to actually use the thing the way it's designed to be used.

If you want the current kamado joe price australia and stock position, it's worth checking directly since kamados like this one don't sit on the shelf long when they're discounted.

Is the Kamado Joe Classic 2 worth it?

If you're after a set-and-forget gas barbecue, this isn't it, and it was never trying to be. But if you want real control over your charcoal cooking, the ability to grill, smoke and sear on one machine, and the confidence that comes from a well-built kamado, the Classic 2 delivers. It's simple to use once you understand how the vents work together, and from there, you really can't go far wrong with it.

It suits backyard cooks who host regularly and want to feed a decent crowd without needing a separate smoker and a separate grill taking up space.

Quick FAQ

Is the Kamado Joe Classic 2 good for beginners?

Yes. It takes a cook or two to get a feel for the vents, but the Kontrol Tower makes holding a steady temperature more forgiving than older kamado designs.

Can you sear and smoke on the same cook?

Yes, that's exactly what the Divide and Conquer system is built for. Set up one side for direct heat searing and the other with a deflector plate for indirect smoking.

How much food can the Classic 2 handle?

With a 46cm cooking surface and the two-tier system, it comfortably handles a cook for a couple of families at once.

Ready to see it in person? Check current availability and pricing on the Kamado Joe Classic 2 before the current sale wraps up.

If you're after that next-level backyard cook-up, whether it's your first kamado or an upgrade from felt seals and a heavy lid, the Classic 2 is built to earn its keep in your yard for years to come.

by: Sasha Halabi