Gap at the back of the lid

A gap at the back between dome and base

The hinge and the bands are under high spring tension. The manual: never loosen the bands or take the hinge apart without the hinge disengagement kit fitted, because the hinge cannot be removed safely without it. Any change of dome, base or bands needs two people, gloves and safety glasses (the Classic II's 2025 manual; the Big Joe's dome is heavier still). Refit the base band first, front pin first, with a helper holding the hinge (Kamado Joe Europe).

• Hinge tension too strong lifts the back: make the dome heavier (anticlockwise).
• A new gasket can leave a small gap that settles with use (Kamado Joe video).
• Owner report (2025, Classic II): the band pins are not adjustable; spacers between dome and base while re-tightening, washers under the base, or a new hinge fixed it.