Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill vs Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill

9.3/10 Excellent

4.7★ (4,200 owners)

SloRoller, divide & conquer, air lift hinge, 18", ceramic. Big Green Egg rival with more features.

Full Review

Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (28,400 owners)

57cm charcoal grill. The world's most copied BBQ design. Best flavour-to-price ratio available.

Full Review

At a Glance

	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. Check the current price on Amazon →

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?

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.

Who is the Kamado Joe Classic III best suited to?

SloRoller, divide & conquer, air lift hinge, 18", ceramic. Big Green Egg rival with more features.

Who is the Weber Original Kettle 57cm best suited to?

57cm charcoal grill. The world's most copied BBQ design. Best flavour-to-price ratio available.

What are the main downsides of each?

Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill: £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. Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ: Charcoal requires 20-30 minute lighting time vs gas's instant start; Temperature control requires practice — less precise than digital alternatives.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill sits at 4.7★ from 4,200 verified Amazon owners, and Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ at 4.7★ from 28,400.

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