Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓ Massive cooking surface fits large cuts and multiple dishes at once
- ✓ Thick ceramic shell holds heat steady for hours
- ✓ SlōRoller accessory makes true low-and-slow smoking easy
- ✓ Divide & Conquer racks allow multi-zone cooking flexibility
- ✓ Air Lift Hinge makes opening/closing the heavy lid manageable
- ✓ Excellent fuel efficiency due to superior insulation
- ✓ Durable powder-coated cart with large locking caster wheels
Cons
- ✕ Very expensive compared to most kamado grills
- ✕ Extremely heavy and difficult to move once assembled
- ✕ Takes up significant patio or deck space
- ✕ Ceramic components can crack if mishandled or hit hard
- ✕ Learning curve for vent control and temperature dialing-in
- ✕ Replacement parts like gaskets can be pricey over time
Specifications
| Cooking Area | 600 sq in (24-inch grid) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 365 lbs |
| Temperature Range | 225°F to 750°F |
| Material | Thick-walled ceramic with stainless steel band |
| Cart Type | Powder-coated steel with locking casters |
Our full review
The Kamado Joe Big Joe III stands as the flagship of the Kamado Joe lineup, delivering a massive 24-inch cooking surface built for serious backyard chefs who entertain often or simply want the flexibility to cook for a crowd. Constructed from thick-walled ceramic, this kamado grill retains heat with remarkable efficiency, allowing it to function as a smoker, grill, and oven all in one vessel. The heavy gauge stainless steel cooking grates are divided into the signature Divide & Conquer system, letting you configure multiple cooking zones at different heights and temperatures simultaneously, whether you're searing steaks over direct high heat or slow smoking a brisket indirectly on the other side. Temperature control on the Big Joe III has been refined with the updated SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber, an accessory that transforms this grill into a true low-and-slow smoking machine by circulating smoke and convecting heat evenly across the entire cooking surface, eliminating hot spots and the need for constant rotation of food. The Kontrol Tower Top vent works alongside the bottom damper to allow precise airflow management, meaning users can dial in exact temperatures anywhere from 225°F for tender ribs to over 700°F for wood-fired pizza with a cast iron pizza stone insert. The felt gasket seals in moisture and smoke flavor while also improving fuel efficiency, so a single load of lump charcoal can sustain extended cook times without frequent refueling, an important feature for anyone tackling overnight smokes or all-day cooks. Beyond raw cooking capability, the Big Joe III is engineered for durability and everyday usability, sitting atop a rolling cart with heavy-duty locking caster wheels that make repositioning this substantial ceramic grill far easier than it might appear. The side shelves fold down for compact storage, and the ash drawer sits beneath the firebox for simple cleanout after cooks, reducing maintenance downtime between grilling sessions. Its air-tight ceramic shell not only holds temperature exceptionally well in cold or windy conditions but also resists cracking thanks to reinforced bands, making the Big Joe III a long-term investment for backyard cooks who want a single grill capable of replacing a smoker, a pizza oven, a griddle, and a traditional charcoal grill all in one purpose-built package.
The Big Joe III holds temperature like a dream. I smoked two racks of ribs and a pork shoulder simultaneously using the Divide & Conquer racks. Worth every penny.
Cooking performance is outstanding and the SlōRoller makes smoking foolproof. Just be prepared—this thing is massive and needs a permanent spot on your patio.
I can cook for 20 people easily now. The heat retention is incredible, and the Air Lift Hinge really does make lifting the lid effortless despite its weight.
Took me a few cooks to master the vents, but once dialed in, temperature control is rock solid. The build quality feels premium throughout.
Upgraded from a smaller kamado and the difference is night and day. The cooking capacity and consistent heat make this the centerpiece of my outdoor kitchen.
