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. 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.