Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill vs Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill
SloRoller, divide & conquer, air lift hinge, 18", ceramic. Big Green Egg rival with more features.
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Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ
57cm charcoal grill. The world's most copied BBQ design. Best flavour-to-price ratio available.
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| Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill | Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.7★ (4,200) | 4.7★ (28,400) |
| Verdict | Excellent | Excellent |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.0/10. SloRoller, divide & conquer, air lift hinge, 18", ceramic. Big Green Egg rival with more features. That said, the Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ is worth considering if 57cm charcoal grill. The world's most copied BBQ design. Best flavour-to-price ratio available..
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill
- SloRoller insert creates cyclonic smoke flow for more even low-and-slow results than standard kamado
- Divide & Conquer flexible cooking system enables different heat zones at different heights simultaneously
- Air Lift hinge lightens the heavy lid to one-finger lifting — safety and convenience
- 2-tier cooking surface doubles usable space within the 18-inch cooking diameter
- 4,200 Amazon reviews at 4.7★ from kamado enthusiasts comparing it directly with Big Green Egg
- £1,000+ — same premium investment as Big Green Egg
- 18-inch cooking surface adequate for 4-6 portions but smaller than Weber kettle at lower cost
- Learning curve for temperature control identical to any kamado ceramic cooker
Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ
- Charcoal delivers flavour that gas and pellet grills can only approximate
- Porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl resist rust for decades of use
- 57cm cooking area handles indirect smoking for larger cuts
- One-touch cleaning system removes ash without tools
- 10-year warranty on bowl and lid — Weber's confidence in their design
- Charcoal requires 20-30 minute lighting time vs gas's instant start
- Temperature control requires practice — less precise than digital alternatives
- Ash disposal is messier than gas or pellet alternatives
FAQ
Which is better, Kamado Joe Classic III or Weber Original Kettle 57cm?
Both are strong choices, but the Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.0/10. SloRoller, divide & conquer, air lift hinge, 18", ceramic. Big Green Egg rival with more features. That said, the Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ is worth considering if 57cm charcoal grill. The world's most copied BBQ design. Best flavour-to-price ratio available..
Is the Kamado Joe Classic III worth the extra cost?
Yes — Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 9.0/10.
Also Worth Considering
Large Big Green Egg Charcoal Grill
Ceramic kamado, 46cm cooking surface, 100°C-380°C+, 40-year warranty, versatile. The ceramic cooker cult.
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Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas BBQ
3 burners, GS4 system, open cart design, iGrill3 ready, 10-year warranty. The BBQ gold standard.
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Traeger Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill
Wood pellets, WiFIRE app, Super Smoke mode, 885 sq in, D2 drivetrain. The smart pellet smoker.
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