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Big Green Egg (Large) vs Kamado Joe Classic III

Two popular smokers side by side on what decides the buy. Big Green Egg (Large) is a kamado (ceramic) smoker; Kamado Joe Classic III is a kamado (ceramic) smoker.

Last verified 2026-07-27

PropertyBig Green Egg (Large)Kamado Joe Classic III
FuelKamado (ceramic)Kamado (ceramic)
Size classMediumMedium
OperationSemi (some tending)Semi (some tending)
Price tierPremiumPremium
Best forAuthentic wood/charcoal flavorAuthentic wood/charcoal flavor

Choose the Big Green Egg (Large) if…

  • The kamado that started the US craze — an unmatched accessory ecosystem, dealer network and resale value.
  • Semi (some tending) operation fits how involved you want to be.
  • Medium capacity matches your table.

Choose the Kamado Joe Classic III if…

  • The feature-race kamado — SloRoller insert, hinged bands and a split-level grate system out of the box.
  • Semi (some tending) operation fits how involved you want to be.
  • Medium capacity matches your table.

Both run semi (some tending). Match the smoker to how much fire-tending you actually want to do.

Check Big Green Egg (Large) on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you — the link opens Amazon results for this model.

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Red, with Cart, Side Shelves, Grill Gripper, and Ash Tool, 3 Tier Cooking System, Stainless Steel Cooking Grates, Model KJ15040921

Kamado Joe® Classic Joe™ Series III 18-inch Charcoal Grill & Smoker, Red, with C…

Kamado Joe Classic III. The feature-race kamado — SloRoller insert, hinged bands and a split-level grate system out of the box.

Check Kamado Joe Classic III on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Common questions

Big Green Egg (Large) or Kamado Joe Classic III for a first smoker?

They demand similar effort (both semi (some tending)), so pick on fuel and size: Big Green Egg (Large) is kamado (ceramic)/medium, Kamado Joe Classic III is kamado (ceramic)/medium.

Which gives more authentic smoke flavor?

Same fuel (kamado (ceramic)), so flavor potential is comparable — build quality and airflow decide the rest.

What's the price difference?

Big Green Egg (Large) sits in the premium tier; Kamado Joe Classic III in the premium tier. We never store live prices — check both listings.

Still deciding?

If neither of these is quite right, here are the same two smokers against the rest of the field.

Kamado Joe Classic III vs Char-Griller AKORN Kamado

Full profiles: Big Green Egg (Large) · Kamado Joe Classic III · best smoker by purpose · every head-to-head