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Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB, compared side by side using critic reviews, Reddit opinions, and Amazon data.
Quick answer: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III wins (85 vs 76). The kamado that dethroned Big Green Egg. Superior accessories and Air Lift hinge out of the box.
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
7 critics · 48 Reddit · 142 Amazon
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
4 critics · 25 Reddit · 355 Amazon
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Kamado Joe | Napoleon Prestige |
|---|---|---|
| PatioRank Score | 85/100 | 76/100 |
| Critic Score | 85/100 | 72/100 |
| Reddit Score | 88/100 | 80/100 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3★ | 4.2★ |
| Reviews | 142 | 355 |
| Price | $2199 | $949 |
Pros & Cons
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
- + Best heat retention and fuel efficiency of any kamado
- + Divide and Conquer system makes multi-zone cooking effortless
- + Air Lift hinge - open the dome with one finger
- + Way better accessories included vs Big Green Egg
- − 250+ lbs assembled - not moving this thing once placed
- − Steep learning curve for temperature control
- − Gaskets degrade and need replacement over time
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
- + Infrared sear station produces restaurant-quality results
- + Outstanding stainless steel build quality
- + Rotisserie kit included (Weber charges extra)
- + Even heat and solid temperature control across all burners
- − Expensive - hard to justify over Weber for casual grillers
- − Infrared burner burns food fast if you're not careful
- − Parts availability not as good as Weber's network
What Reddit Says
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
"Switched from BGE to Kamado Joe and it's not even close. The Divide and Conquer alone is worth the switch. Plus the Air Lift hinge means my wife actually uses it too."
"Is it worth $2200? If you cook 3+ times a week, yes. The fuel efficiency alone saves you money long term. I use maybe 1/3 the charcoal I used on my Weber Kettle."
Napoleon Prestige 500 RSIB
"The infrared sear station on the Prestige is legit. 1800F surface temps. First time I used it I thought I ruined my steak but it was the best crust I've ever gotten at home."
"Napoleon vs Weber is like BMW vs Toyota. Napoleon has better features and performance, Weber has better dealer network and resale. Pick your priority."
Verdict
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe III takes this comparison with a PatioRank Score of 85/100. The kamado that dethroned Big Green Egg. Superior accessories and Air Lift hinge out of the box.