Why You Should Upgrade Your Kamado Joe
If you've been grilling on a Series I or Series II for a few years, you might be wondering if now's the time to upgrade your ceramic grill. One of the major benefits of owning a Kamado Joe is its lifetime warranty and high-quality materials that keep you grilling for years to come. But while your existing grill may still work perfectly, there are real benefits to upgrading: new technology, enhanced efficiency, and more user-friendly features that can make grilling easier and more enjoyable. Let's dive into whether it's worth upgrading your grill and what you'll gain with the latest models.
Whether you're a weekend backyard griller or a year-round pitmaster, upgrading your Kamado can elevate your entire outdoor cooking experience.
Flavor Technology with the Kamado Joe SlōRoller® with Rack
Available on the Classic Joe® Series III, Big Joe® Series III, and sold separately, the Kamado Joe SlōRoller with Rack optimizes smoke circulation, giving you richer, more consistent wood-fired flavor. It's a game-changer for low-and-slow cooks.
The SloRoller is a nifty feature; it allows the protein of choice to really pick up tons of flavor and that beautiful smoke ring we are all after. It's very easy to use. - Actual Reviewer
Versatility Using the 3-Tier Divide & Conquer® System.
The 3-Tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System is at the heart of Kamado Joe's versatility. Unlike a standard single-level cooking grate, this innovative system allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously by stacking and repositioning grates across three distinct levels.
Smart Grilling Using Konnected Joe™ Series.
If you want precision without constant monitoring, the Konnected Joe is built for you.
- Digital Kontrol Fan™ for automatic temperature regulation.
- Wi-Fi & App Connectivity to manage cooks from your phone.
- Automatic Firestarter (AFS) for easy, smokeless ignition.
- Both the Konnected Joe™ Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker and Big Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker give you the option to grill analog or digital, with push-button convenience.
Build & Convenience Upgrades
From the heavy-duty cart, Air Lift ™ Hinge, to stainless steel gaskets and a quick-connect charcoal basket, newer models focus on ease-of-use, durability, and cleaning.
Kamado Joe Grill Features Comparison Chart
| Feature | Series I | Series II | Series III | Konnected Joe™ Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SlōRoller® Insert | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 3-Tier Divide & Conquer® | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Digital Kontrol Fan™ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Wi-Fi / App Connectivity | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Automatic Firestarter (AFS) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Heavy-Duty Cart | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fiberglass Mesh Gasket | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Charcoal Basket | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Air Lift™ Hinge | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Should You Upgrade?
- If you grill often and want more control, the Konnected Joe line offers unmatched ease and precision.
- If you're chasing flavor and versatility, the Classic Joe III or Big Joe III delivers major cooking upgrades with the SlōRoller and Divide & Conquer systems.
- If you're hosting bigger gatherings, the Big Joe series ensures you've got space to handle large cooks with ease.
Whether you're upgrading for convenience, capacity, or flavor mastery, Kamado Joe's newest models are built to last for years to come and make every cook better.
