Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe Classic III
$2199.99
Best Kamado Grills · head-to-head
Kamado Joe Classic III vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Char-Griller Akorn Kamado is cheaper at $399.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Char-Griller
Char-Griller Akorn Kamado
$399.99Cheaper
Which is better: the Kamado Joe Classic III or Char-Griller Akorn Kamado?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Char-Griller Akorn Kamado is the cheaper at $399.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Kamado Joe Classic III | Char-Griller Akorn Kamado |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $2199.99 | $399.99 |
| Brand | Kamado Joe | Char-Griller |
| Released | — | — |
| 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 | — | — |
Sources — Kamado Joe Classic III: kamadojoe.com (verified 2026-07-11). Char-Griller Akorn Kamado: chargriller.com (verified 2026-07-11).
What's the difference between the Kamado Joe Classic III and Char-Griller Akorn Kamado?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 12). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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 true vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado false
- Tiered rack system: Kamado Joe Classic III true vs Char-Griller Akorn Kamado false
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Purchase price bundles several accessories: a stand, drop-down shelves, and a two-tier flexible cooking system with half-moon cooking grates and deflector plates (which double as a pizza stone); Easy-to-remove ash drawer sits inside the firebox, making cleanout much easier; Lid locks in place when closed with an easy release button to 'burp' the grill on opening.
Flagged: Heavy lid doesn't stay open; the air-lift hinge adjustment isn't intuitive and may cause problems; Draft door has no screen, risking live coals escaping the grill; Drop-down side shelves don't sit flat, resting at an upward angle.
Char-Griller Akorn Kamado
No sourced tester review yet.