# Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Kamado Joe Classic Joe III (Kamado Joe) and Char-Griller AKORN Kamado (Char-Griller) among charcoal grills. Char-Griller AKORN Kamado is the cheaper of the two at $399.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Kamado Joe Classic Joe III | Char-Griller AKORN Kamado |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $2199.99 | $399.99 |
| Brand | Kamado Joe | Char-Griller |
| Released | 2019 | — |
| Type | kamado | kamado |
| Primary cooking area sqin | 250 | 325 |
| Material | Thick-walled ceramic dome with 304 stainless steel grates and hardware | Triple-walled insulated steel with cast iron cooking grates |
| Hinged cooking grate | No | No |
| Ash catcher | No | Yes |
| Built in thermometer | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter or size (in) | 18 in | 20 in |

## Key differences

- Primary cooking area sqin: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III 250 vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado 325
- Material: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III Thick-walled ceramic dome with 304 stainless steel grates and hardware vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Triple-walled insulated steel with cast iron cooking grates
- Ash catcher: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III No vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado Yes
- Diameter or size (in): Kamado Joe Classic Joe III 18 in vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado 20 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-Griller AKORN Kamado** — One whitelisted tester — Reviewed (USA Today) — hands-on tested this exact model (Char-Griller E16620 Akorn) and named it Best Value: it cooks just as well as a more expensive kamado and is very easy to clean, but struggles to hold low smoking temperatures and may not last as long as pricier ceramic kamados. (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-Griller AKORN Kamado: https://www.chargriller.com/products/akorn-graphite-16620 (chargriller.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/charcoal-grills/kamado-joe-classic-iii-vs-char-griller-akorn-kamado/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Kamado Joe Classic Joe III ($2199.99) vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado ($399.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/charcoal-grills/kamado-joe-classic-iii-vs-char-griller-akorn-kamado/
License: CC BY 4.0.