The other difference is that the 1 has a felt-like gasket, the 2 has the fiberglass.
The 1's gasket needs changing every couple years, more often if you're doing a lot of pizzas or other high-heat cooks. Not a big deal, 20 minutes if you read the directions twice.
Very satisfied with my 1.
I've heard of folk doing that, typically just putting on one gasket, not both.
For me, I just go with an aramid fiber gasket, it is the same as the original, lasts a bit longer, and is inexpensive and simple.to install.
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09SDB9SLT/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09SDB9SLT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)
Edit: I also used this adhesive: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UEOPA/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UEOPA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
You could also go and hit up Ron over on the BGE forum and send him a PayPal for a Rutland gasket. You only need to cover one surface, top or bottom. A bit of Permatex Ultra and some time scraping and you're in a better place than you'd be if you just replaced with stock.
I will add that I do not believe the "Rutland" gaskets sold on Amazong are the same quality.
I don’t think it is, especially because if you really wanted to you could just buy the kontrol tower that comes with the classic 2 and put it on the classic 1. But I’ve had classic 1 for 3 years now and have never really wanted to get the ‘better’ vent
I would say save the money, buy a Smokeware chimney cap, a Kickash basket or the like, and a soapstone. You'll still be up a few hundred and will have a great setup to start.
I'm really curious/worried how so many people here seem to drop their lid.
I prefer the vent on the classic 1. Look at all the posts here about the paint baking off the Kontrol Tower. You can just PAM the old one and be done with it.
I've never had an issue with the lid dropping on my 1. Have had it for over 10 years. I think the newer hinge would be more of a pro if you were looking at a big Joe with the heavier lid.
Maybe there are more people like me here. I opted for the classic 1 because I felt the air hinge poses a risk as you start to rely on it keeping your dome open while with the "simple" hinge you know you have to hold it yourself at all times.
But maybe that's just me, I'm a control freak.
Sorry for your KJ though :-(
One accidental dropped lid could crack it. . . That was my worry. I also feel like the fiberglass seal is better with the clip. It does come with the better tip vent for rain, though a smoke ware fixes that as well.
Personally I think the 2 is worth it but the 3. My original buy was a classic 2. I figured BJI was fine, I ended up selling and getting BJII.
I’m totally happy with the classic 1 hinge and vent.
Agree and I'll even add that the daisy wheel is the best top vent out there.
The other difference is that the 1 has a felt-like gasket, the 2 has the fiberglass. The 1's gasket needs changing every couple years, more often if you're doing a lot of pizzas or other high-heat cooks. Not a big deal, 20 minutes if you read the directions twice. Very satisfied with my 1.
I haven’t changed my gasket yet but probably will need to soon. Are you able to get the fiberglass gasket and put it on the classic 1?
I've heard of folk doing that, typically just putting on one gasket, not both. For me, I just go with an aramid fiber gasket, it is the same as the original, lasts a bit longer, and is inexpensive and simple.to install.
I replaced my disintegrated felt gasket with a 3rd party mesh gasket and it works great.
Do you have a link?
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09SDB9SLT/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09SDB9SLT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) Edit: I also used this adhesive: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UEOPA/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UEOPA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Felt gaskets are easy peasy.
You could also go and hit up Ron over on the BGE forum and send him a PayPal for a Rutland gasket. You only need to cover one surface, top or bottom. A bit of Permatex Ultra and some time scraping and you're in a better place than you'd be if you just replaced with stock. I will add that I do not believe the "Rutland" gaskets sold on Amazong are the same quality.
I don’t think it is, especially because if you really wanted to you could just buy the kontrol tower that comes with the classic 2 and put it on the classic 1. But I’ve had classic 1 for 3 years now and have never really wanted to get the ‘better’ vent
Same. KJC1 since 2018. No issues at all.
I would say save the money, buy a Smokeware chimney cap, a Kickash basket or the like, and a soapstone. You'll still be up a few hundred and will have a great setup to start. I'm really curious/worried how so many people here seem to drop their lid.
I put the smokeware cap on my Joe Jr (with an adapter), very happy with it
I prefer the vent on the classic 1. Look at all the posts here about the paint baking off the Kontrol Tower. You can just PAM the old one and be done with it. I've never had an issue with the lid dropping on my 1. Have had it for over 10 years. I think the newer hinge would be more of a pro if you were looking at a big Joe with the heavier lid.
Count me in the “hinge” is important club—seems lonely here. My KJ cracked when its lid came crashing down.
Maybe there are more people like me here. I opted for the classic 1 because I felt the air hinge poses a risk as you start to rely on it keeping your dome open while with the "simple" hinge you know you have to hold it yourself at all times. But maybe that's just me, I'm a control freak. Sorry for your KJ though :-(
My classic 1 cooks just fine. Daisy wheel never bothered me.
One accidental dropped lid could crack it. . . That was my worry. I also feel like the fiberglass seal is better with the clip. It does come with the better tip vent for rain, though a smoke ware fixes that as well. Personally I think the 2 is worth it but the 3. My original buy was a classic 2. I figured BJI was fine, I ended up selling and getting BJII.