Kamado Joe Classic III
Charcoal Grills

Kamado Joe Classic III

4.8
Expert Rating

Premium ceramic kamado featuring revolutionary SlōRoller technology and Air Lift Hinge system.

Reviewed by Christopher DavisNovember 5, 2025

Our Review

The Kamado Joe Classic III represents the evolution of ceramic kamado grilling, incorporating innovative technologies that address traditional kamado limitations while maintaining the exceptional heat retention and versatility that define the category. The SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber is a game-changing innovation that transforms smoke circulation inside the grill. Traditional kamados create a direct path from fire to food, resulting in uneven heat and smoke distribution. The SlōRoller creates a rolling, hyperbolic smoke pattern that distributes heat and smoke evenly throughout the cooking chamber. During our testing, this resulted in noticeably more consistent bark formation on smoked meats and eliminated hot spots that plague traditional kamados. The Air Lift Hinge system addresses another common kamado complaint—the heavy ceramic lid. Using a gas-spring mechanism, the Air Lift makes the 68-pound lid feel nearly weightless, allowing one-finger opening and closing. This dramatically improves safety and convenience, especially during long cooking sessions requiring frequent lid access. The Kontrol Tower top vent provides micro-adjustable airflow control with a rain-resistant design that maintains temperature stability even in adverse weather. The Divide & Conquer flexible cooking system uses multi-level, half-moon grates that create distinct heat zones. This allows simultaneous cooking at different temperatures—searing steaks on one side while slow-roasting vegetables on the other. The 304 stainless steel grates are built to last and provide excellent heat retention.

Pros

  • SlōRoller technology delivers superior smoke circulation
  • Air Lift Hinge makes 68-pound lid effortless to operate
  • Exceptional heat retention and fuel efficiency
  • Divide & Conquer system creates versatile cooking zones
  • Kontrol Tower vent provides precise temperature control
  • Lifetime warranty on ceramic components

Cons

  • Premium price point $1,800+
  • 250+ pound total weight requires permanent placement
  • Learning curve for temperature control techniques
  • Ceramic can crack if dropped or thermally shocked
  • 30-45 minute heat-up time for high-temperature cooking

Specifications

Cooking Area
250 square inches (main grate)
Grill Diameter
18 inches
Temperature Range
225°F - 750°F
Material
Thick-wall ceramic construction
Grate Material
304 stainless steel
Total Weight
250+ pounds with stand
Charcoal Capacity
9 pounds lump charcoal
Special Features
SlōRoller, Air Lift Hinge, Divide & Conquer system
Warranty
Lifetime on ceramic, 5 years on metal components

Our Testing Process

Our evaluation spanned six months with over 80 cooking sessions testing the full range of kamado capabilities. We conducted low-and-slow brisket smokes lasting 14+ hours, high-heat pizza cooking at 700°F, reverse-sear steaks, whole chickens, and bread baking. Temperature stability was monitored using data-logging thermometers throughout extended cooks. We evaluated the effectiveness of the SlōRoller system by comparing smoke distribution to traditional kamados. The Air Lift Hinge was tested for reliability and ease of use. Fuel efficiency was measured by tracking charcoal consumption across various cooking temperatures.