Replace bands, hinge or dome and align the dome

Before you start: tension, kit, two people

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).

The order is Kamado Joe Europe's (written for Classic II/III and Big Joe II/III); the tools come from owner videos, one of them a hinge change on a Big Joe 2. Kamado Joe Europe adds: "if needed, please contact your local dealer for technical service". Parts: hinge BJ-CBH, bands BJ-MB24 (stand-alone set 9904210089).

Take the hinge and bands off

Kamado Joe Europe's order.

1. Take the side shelves off (owner video).
2. Lock the hinge spring with the tube, washer and nut.
3. Have your helper hold the hinge.
4. Undo the bolts joining the band ends.
5. Lift the hinge and bands off together, and separate them on the ground.

Refit and align the dome

Kamado Joe Europe: "always start in the front!"

1. Fit the base band first: its fixation pin into the hole at the front of the base, then the back pin into its gap.
2. Tighten the base band.
3. Fit the dome and its band the same way, front pin first.
4. Tighten it, with the helper still holding the hinge.
5. Unlock the spring: nut, washer and tube off.
6. Check the dome's balance and the seal, and re-tighten the bands after a few cooks.