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Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado, compared side by side using critic reviews, Reddit opinions, and Amazon data.
Quick answer: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III wins (85 vs 79). The kamado that dethroned Big Green Egg. Superior accessories and Air Lift hinge out of the box.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
7 critics · 48 Reddit · 142 Amazon
Char-Griller AKORN Kamado
5 critics · 30 Reddit · 3,808 Amazon
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Kamado Joe | Char-Griller AKORN |
|---|---|---|
| PatioRank Score | 85/100 | 79/100 |
| Critic Score | 85/100 | 72/100 |
| Reddit Score | 88/100 | 80/100 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3★ | 4.6★ |
| Reviews | 142 | 3,808 |
| Price | $2199 | $399 |
Pros & Cons
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
- + Best heat retention and fuel efficiency of any kamado
- + Divide and Conquer system is a standout for multi-zone cooking
- + Air Lift hinge - open the dome with one finger
- + Way better accessories included vs Big Green Egg
- − 250+ lbs assembled - not moving this thing once placed
- − Steep learning curve for temperature control
- − Gaskets degrade and need replacement over time
Char-Griller AKORN Kamado
- + Best budget kamado by far - real kamado results at $400
- + Surprisingly good heat retention despite steel construction
- + Way lighter than ceramic kamados - actually moveable
- + Great for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow
- − Steel rusts over time, especially in humid climates
- − Paint chips within 1-2 years for many users
- − Gaskets need more frequent replacement than ceramic
What Reddit Says
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
"Switched from BGE to Kamado Joe and it's not even close. The Divide and Conquer alone is worth the switch. Plus the Air Lift hinge means my wife actually uses it too."
"Is it worth $2200? If you cook 3+ times a week, yes. The fuel efficiency alone saves you money long term. I use maybe 1/3 the charcoal I used on my Weber Kettle."
Char-Griller AKORN Kamado
"The Akorn is 80% of a Kamado Joe for 20% of the price. If you're not sure kamado cooking is for you, this is how you find out without dropping $2K."
"Year 3 with my Akorn. Some rust on the bottom, paint is rough, but it still holds 225 for 10 hours. At $400 I've already gotten my money's worth twice over."
Verdict
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe III takes this comparison with a PatioRank Score of 85/100. The kamado that dethroned Big Green Egg. Superior accessories and Air Lift hinge out of the box.