Kamado Joe Big Joe III vs Traeger Century D2 885

Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right one

Kamado Joe Big Joe III

Kamado Joe

Kamado Joe Big Joe III

£2,799

5/10Overall
VS
Traeger Century D2 885

Traeger

Traeger Century D2 885

£1,299

6/10Overall

Quick Summary

These represent different market segments. The Traeger Century D2 885 (£1299) is the budget-friendly option, while the Kamado Joe Big Joe III (£2799) targets those seeking premium features. The £1500 price difference reflects significant differences in build quality and capabilities.

Key Differences

  • The Traeger Century D2 885 is £1500 cheaper, making it the more budget-friendly option.
  • Different fuel types: Kamado Joe Big Joe III uses charcoal, while Traeger Century D2 885 uses pellet. This fundamentally affects cooking style, flavour, and convenience.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Overview

Kamado Joe Big Joe III
Traeger Century D2 885
Price
£2,799
£1,299
Brand
Kamado Joe
Traeger
Type
Charcoal
Pellet
Overall Score
5/10
6/10

Ratings

Kamado Joe Big Joe III
Traeger Century D2 885
Build Quality
4/10
5/10
Performance
9/10
9/10
Ease of Use
4/10
5/10
Maintenance
5/10
7/10
Value
4/10
3/10

Best For

Kamado Joe Big Joe III
Traeger Century D2 885
Ideal User
Serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts
Serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts
Use Case
Those who value authentic BBQ flavour and enjoy the ritual of charcoal cooking
Set-and-forget cooks who want smoky flavour without constant attention

Pros & Cons

Kamado Joe Big Joe III

👍 Pros

  • Authentic smoky flavour
  • Excellent for high-heat searing
  • Versatile cooking methods
  • No fuel dependency on gas/electric
  • Exceptional build quality

⚠️ Cons

  • Longer startup time
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Regular ash cleanup required
  • Significant investment

Traeger Century D2 885

👍 Pros

  • D2 direct drive
  • Massive cooking space
  • WiFi control
  • Super smoke mode

⚠️ Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy
  • Pellet consumption

Winner by Category

Best for Beginners

Traeger Century D2 885

Traeger Century D2 885 offers a gentler learning curve.

Best Performance

Traeger Century D2 885

Traeger Century D2 885 outperforms in cooking capability.

Best Value

Traeger Century D2 885

Traeger Century D2 885 provides superior value at its price point.

Best Premium Option

Kamado Joe Big Joe III

Kamado Joe Big Joe III represents the higher-end choice with premium features.

Our Recommendation

Our recommendation: Traeger Century D2 885

The Traeger Century D2 885 wins in 3 out of 4 categories and earns our overall recommendation. The Traeger Century D2 885 represents the pinnacle of pellet grilling technology from Traeger. This is a serious piece of outdoor cooking equipment designed for enthusiasts who demand exceptional results and are willing to invest in quality. The build quality is immediately apparent - premium materials, precise engineering, and attention to detail that justifies the price tag.

Choose the Traeger Century D2 885 if: You prioritise best for beginners, best performance, best value.

Choose the Kamado Joe Big Joe III if: You prefer Kamado Joe's approach, or you value best premium option.

Kamado Joe Big Joe III

£2,799

Traeger Century D2 885

£1,299

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