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Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker

Kamado Joe Classic Joe III vs Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker, compared side by side using critic reviews, Reddit opinions, and Amazon data.

Quick answer: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III wins (85 vs 64). The kamado that dethroned Big Green Egg. Superior accessories and Air Lift hinge out of the box.

Winner
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III outdoor gear

Kamado Joe Classic Joe III

Excellent
Experts 85 Reddit 88 Amazon 78

7 critics · 48 Reddit · 142 Amazon

$2199
as of 05/13/2026 (Details)
4.3 (142 reviews)
Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker outdoor gear

Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker

Average
Experts 60 Reddit 70 Amazon 62

3 critics · 22 Reddit · 112 Amazon

$729
as of 04/27/2026 (Details)
3.7 (112 reviews)

Detailed Comparison

Metric Kamado Joe Oklahoma Joe's
PatioRank Score 85/100 64/100
Critic Score 85/100 60/100
Reddit Score 88/100 70/100
Amazon Rating 4.3★ 3.7★
Reviews 142 112
Price $2199 $729

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

Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker

  • + Reverse flow design genuinely evens out temperature
  • + Huge capacity for multiple briskets and rib racks
  • + Great entry point for learning real stick burning
  • + Heavy-gauge steel feels substantial for the price
  • Leaks smoke from every seam out of the box - gasket mods mandatory
  • Paint quality is terrible - chips and rusts within months
  • 90-day warranty is a joke for a $600+ product
  • Constant attention required - true offset learning curve

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."

r/kamado

"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."

r/BBQ

Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker

"Day one with the Highland: smoked leaked from every seam, door, and hinge. Spent $40 on gaskets and RTV sealant. Day two: pulled off the best brisket of my life. This thing is a project, not a product."

r/smoking

"The 90 day warranty tells you everything you need to know about how much OK Joe's stands behind this thing. The paint started peeling after 3 months. Budget for a can of high-temp paint."

r/smoking

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Kamado Joe Classic Joe III or Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker?
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe III scores 85/100 vs 64/100 on PatioRank. It wins on best heat retention and fuel efficiency of any kamado.
Is the Kamado Joe Classic Joe III worth $1470 more than the Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker?
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe III costs $1470 more. It scores higher (85 vs 64), so yes if budget allows.
What is the main difference between Kamado Joe Classic Joe III and Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker?
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III: best heat retention and fuel efficiency of any kamado. Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker: reverse flow design genuinely evens out temperature. Main trade-off is Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker saves you $1470.