You’re already set on a Kamado Joe — which is a great place to be. These are seriously capable cookers, and once you’ve used one, it’s hard to go back.
Where most people get stuck is deciding whether it’s worth paying quite a bit more for the Classic II over the Classic I. On paper, they look very similar… and in a lot of ways, they are.
The key thing to understand upfront is this: both models cook exactly the same. This isn’t about better food — it’s about whether the extra features on the Series II are worth paying for.
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Quick Verdict
Both cook amazing BBQ. The difference comes down to features vs budget.
Choose Kamado Joe I if:
- You want the cheapest way to get into Kamado Joe
- You care about cooking results, not extra features
- You’re happy with a more basic setup
- You’d rather save money or spend it on accessories
Also available at: Walmart
Choose Kamado Joe Ii if:
- You want a smoother, easier-to-use setup
- You cook regularly and value convenience
- You want upgrades like an easier lid and better vent
- You’d prefer a longer-lasting gasket
Also available at: Walmart
Table of Contents
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Kamado Joe I | Kamado Joe II | Does It Matter? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Lift Hinge | ❌ | ✅ | Makes the lid much easier to lift |
| Top Vent | Cast iron | Kontrol Tower (weather-resistant) | Holds position + better in bad weather |
| Gasket | Felt | Fiberglass mesh | Lasts longer before needing replacement |
| Lid Latch | ❌ | ✅ | Slightly better seal + added safety |
| Price | Lower | Higher | Main deciding factor |
What’s the Same (And Why That Matters)
This is where most people overthink it — both of these come with all the core Kamado Joe features.
What You Get on Both Models
• Thick ceramic body (same cooking performance)
• Divide & Conquer 2-tier cooking system
• AMP firebox (reduces cracking over time)
• Slide-out ash drawer (easy cleanup)
That ceramic body is what actually drives how these cook. Heat retention is excellent, temps stay steady, and you’ve got the flexibility to smoke, grill, bake, and roast on both.
👉 There’s no difference in cooking performance between the two.
We’ve used the Series I for years and it consistently turns out great food. The Series II doesn’t improve results — it just adds some nicer features around the edges.
What’s Actually Different
This is what you’re paying extra for.
Air Lift Hinge
The lid on a kamado is heavy — that’s just part of how they work.
On the Series I, you feel that weight every time you open it. It’s manageable, but noticeable.
The Series II adds the Air Lift Hinge, which takes most of that weight out of the lift. You can open it with one hand without thinking about it.
Where you notice it:
- Checking food mid-cook
- Cooking regularly
- Anyone else using the grill
It doesn’t change the food — just makes the process easier.
Kontrol Tower Top Vent
The top vent controls airflow, which controls temperature — so it matters more than it sounds.
The Series I uses a cast iron vent:
- Works well
- But moves when you open the lid
- Can let rain in
- Can rust over time
The Series II upgrades to the Kontrol Tower:
- Stays in position when opening the lid
- Is weather-resistant
- Keeps rain out much better
In calm conditions, both work fine. In wind or rain, the Series II is noticeably easier to manage.
Gasket and Seal
The Series I uses a felt gasket, which seals the lid but will wear out over time and need replacing.
The Series II uses a fiberglass mesh gasket, which lasts significantly longer.
This isn’t something you notice during a cook, but:
👉 It means less maintenance over time.
Stainless Steel Latch
The Series II includes a latch that locks the lid shut.
It helps:
- Improve the seal slightly
- Keep things secure when not in use
- Add a bit of safety
Not essential, but a useful upgrade.
Real Cooking Experience
From a cooking results perspective, there’s no difference between these two.
Both:
- Hold steady temperatures well
- Produce great smoke flavour
- Handle everything from low-and-slow to high-heat cooking
The difference shows up in how they feel to use.
With the Series I:
- You’re lifting the full weight of the lid
- The vent may need adjusting after opening
- The gasket will eventually need replacing
With the Series II:
- The lid is noticeably easier to handle
- The vent stays exactly where you set it
- You won’t think about the gasket for a long time
None of this changes your results — it just makes the overall experience a bit smoother.
Price vs Value: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
This comes down to how much you care about those small usability upgrades.
You’re paying more for:
- Easier lid operation
- A more user-friendly vent
- A longer-lasting gasket
- A couple of small convenience features
You’re NOT paying for:
- Better cooking performance
- More cooking space
- Better heat control
So is it worth it?
👉 Yes — if you cook often and appreciate small improvements that make things easier.
👉 No — if you just want great BBQ and don’t mind a slightly more hands-on setup.
The Series II is a nicer experience — not a better cooker.
Kamado Joe I vs II: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Kamado Joe I if:
- You want the most affordable Kamado Joe
- You care about cooking results, not extra features
- You’re happy with a more basic setup
- You’d rather save money or spend it on accessories
Skip Kamado Joe I if:
- You want the easiest possible day-to-day use
- You’d prefer less maintenance over time
Also available at: Walmart
Choose Kamado Joe iI if:
- You want a smoother, easier-to-use setup
- You cook regularly
- You value convenience and small usability upgrades
- You’re happy paying more for those features
Skip Kamado Joe Ii if:
- Budget is your main priority
- You don’t mind a slightly more manual experience
Also available at: Walmart
Final Thoughts
Both of these are excellent kamados, and they’ll cook the same food just as well.
The Kamado Joe I is the smarter choice if you want great BBQ at the lowest price — you’re not missing out on performance.
The Kamado Joe II adds a handful of well-designed upgrades that make it nicer to use over time. If those matter to you, it’s worth it. If not, the Series I does the job just as well.
FAQs About the Kamado Joe I vs II
What’s the main difference between Kamado Joe I and II?
The Series II adds an Air Lift Hinge, upgraded top vent, longer-lasting gasket, and a lid latch. These improve usability and durability, but not cooking performance.
Does the Kamado Joe II cook better than the I?
No — both models cook the same. The difference is in ease of use and convenience.
Is the Kamado Joe I still worth it?
Yes. It delivers the same cooking results at a lower price. You’re just missing some convenience features.
Is the Kamado Joe II worth the extra money?
If you cook regularly and value convenience upgrades, it can be worth it. If you just want great BBQ for less money, the Series I is the better value.
Kate Brown is the founder of Burning Brisket, where she shares hands-on smoker reviews, barbecue gear guides, and practical tips for backyard BBQ. She has cooked extensively on charcoal, pellet, electric, and kamado smokers, using real-world experience to help beginners choose the right equipment and make better barbecue at home. Her focus is honest, straightforward advice that makes smoking and grilling easier without unnecessary complexity.
