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

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

## Side by side

| Spec | Kamado Joe Classic III | Char-Griller Akorn Kamado |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $2199.99 | $399.99 |
| Brand | Kamado Joe | Char-Griller |
| Main cooking area sq (in) | 250 | 325 |
| Total cooking area sq (in) | — | 445 |
| Grid diameter (in) | 18 | 20 |
| Body material | ceramic | insulated-steel |
| Wall thickness (in) | — | — |
| Max temp f | 750 | 700 |
| Weight (lb) | — | 88.2 |
| Included cart | Yes | Yes |
| Side shelves included | Yes | Yes |
| Air lift hinge | Yes | No |
| Tiered rack system | Yes | No |
| Warranty body years | — | — |

## Key differences

- Main cooking area sq (in): Kamado Joe Classic III 250 vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado 325
- Grid diameter (in): Kamado Joe Classic III 18 vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado 20
- Body material: Kamado Joe Classic III ceramic vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado insulated-steel
- Max temp f: Kamado Joe Classic III 750 vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado 700
- Air lift hinge: Kamado Joe Classic III Yes vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado No
- Tiered rack system: Kamado Joe Classic III Yes vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado No

## What reviewers say

**Kamado Joe Classic III** — Only one whitelisted tester, Reviewed (USA Today), hands-on tested the exact Kamado Joe Classic III; its professional-chef reviewer wasn't impressed, placing it in the 'Other Kamado Grills We Tested' tier behind the Big Green Egg and Char-Griller Akorn. She praised the bundled accessories and easy-to-clean ash drawer but flagged a heavy lid that won't stay open and a screenless draft door. No other whitelisted tester reviewed this exact model. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Kamado Joe Classic III: https://www.kamadojoe.com/products/classic-joe-iii (kamadojoe.com, verified 2026-07-11)
- Char-Griller Akorn Kamado: https://www.chargriller.com/products/akorn-graphite-16620 (chargriller.com, verified 2026-07-11)

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