# Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Kamado Joe Classic Joe III (Kamado Joe) and Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared (Char-Broil) among charcoal grills. Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared is the cheaper of the two at $199.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Kamado Joe Classic Joe III | Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $2199.99 | $199.99 |
| Brand | Kamado Joe | Char-Broil |
| Released | 2019 | 2015 |
| Type | kamado | kettle |
| Primary cooking area sqin | 250 | 360 |
| Material | Thick-walled ceramic dome with 304 stainless steel grates and hardware | Porcelain-coated steel with TRU-Infrared porcelain grate |
| Hinged cooking grate | No | No |
| Ash catcher | No | Yes |
| Built in thermometer | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter or size (in) | 18 in | 22.5 in |

## Key differences

- Type: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III kamado vs Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared kettle
- Primary cooking area sqin: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III 250 vs Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared 360
- Material: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III Thick-walled ceramic dome with 304 stainless steel grates and hardware vs Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared Porcelain-coated steel with TRU-Infrared porcelain grate
- Ash catcher: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III No vs Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared Yes
- Diameter or size (in): Kamado Joe Classic Joe III 18 in vs Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared 22.5 in

## What reviewers say

**Kamado Joe Classic Joe III** — Only one whitelisted tester — Reviewed (USA Today), reviewed by professional chef Lindsay D. Mattison — produced a hands-on write-up of this exact model, listing it among the kamado grills the team tested. She was unimpressed: she praised the generous bundled accessories, an easy-to-remove ash drawer, and the locking lid with a burp release, but flagged a heavy lid that won't stay open, a screenless draft door as a safety risk, and side shelves that don't sit flat. No measured numbers were reported for this model. (1 sourced review.)

**Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared** — One whitelisted hands-on tester survived verification — Reviewed (USA Today), whose chef-tester ran the Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared through a live cook-off against seven rivals and ranked it near the bottom. It praised the TRU-Infrared grate's sear and the hinged lid, but flagged a wobbly build, a v-shaped grate that traps grease and burnt bits, grates with no hinges (forcing hands into a dangerously hot spot when adding coals), and a handle-less ash bucket, concluding better grills exist for the price. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Kamado Joe Classic Joe III: https://www.kamadojoe.com/products/classic-joe-iii-standalone (kamadojoe.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared: https://www.charbroil.com/products/kettleman-tru-infrared-charcoal-grill-black-16301878 (charbroil.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/charcoal-grills/kamado-joe-classic-iii-vs-char-broil-kettleman/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Kamado Joe Classic Joe III ($2199.99) vs Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared ($199.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/charcoal-grills/kamado-joe-classic-iii-vs-char-broil-kettleman/
License: CC BY 4.0.