Oklahoma Joe Highland Smoker Real Life Review
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
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This is an in depth review of the Oak Joe Highland Smoker. Thanks for stopping by.
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I must say, you give the most informative tutorials out there! I bought the same grill, and cant wait to use some of your suggestions i would have never thought to do...like an initial burn in. Keep up the excellent work
I've had my eye on one of these for a couple years now, after procrastinating those 2 years you have helped me make my decision, thk u sir!!!🤟
Love your vids, and how you explain these processes, and why you do things. Very easy to follow.
That was a great review. I was on the fence about buying this smoker, but you sold me on it. Thanks
I just bought one last weekend, and smoked two racks of ribs on it as soon as I got it home. It's an absolutely awesome smoker.
Absolutely fantastic video man. Was on the fence for years. I cooked the bottom out of my smoker years ago and was just debating what I wanted to replace it.
Thanks for making us aware of the hard lesson of losing a grill. I just bought a longhorn and will treat it right!
Thank you for your honest review. I believe I've found my next smoker. I'm not at the level where I can justify spending $1200+ for a thick-steel walled smoke. I'm fairly new to BBQ/Grilling, just under 2 years. But I want something that can keep up with me as my I hone my skills and try challenging smokes in the winter.
I just put my 14 yr old smoker/grill out to pasture two weeks ago. I kept the grates though- they are heavy duty! I have found that a chamber that is less tall gives more even heat that one that is high, at least for smoking. But the thing I look for and didn't have was a damper in between the opening to the smoke chamber and fire box. This make it very easy to control heat; without it having to mess with the fire. Good luck with you choice. All it takes is patience, a steady fire and a few cold beers!
If anyone reads this. From a design perspective, I think it is a good grill. The firebox is not made for roaring fires. If you can hear the metal creek then it is too hot. The size of the stack dictates this grill is more a charcoal with small wood splits or chunks than a "stick burner".
I have used charcoal in the cook chamber in a removable pan. There are times when using the fire box for grilling is not big enough and won't provide enough heat in smoker mode. I made my own charcoal basket for cheap. There is no need to buy one unless it costs less. If you plan on using the firebox to grill on occasion then also make a basket that will fit under the installed grates. A heat deflector for the firebox side of the cook chamber is beneficial. I used the firebox cooking grates wrapped in foil to act as a deflector and small tuning plate. I also put lava rocks in mine on racks covered with foil, so I could retain more heat when cooking after opening the door and on cool nights. It also regulates heat better. The only bad thing is trying to justify using it when you want to smoke a single beef roast, or not packing it full to get the most out of the fuel you spent money on. As a note make sure your grill is properly leveled, or your grease may puddle near the firebox, or your sausages and hot dogs may try to roll out of the grill.
Good review. I just got mine this week. I unboxed it and put it together as soon as I got it. I also did the gaskets and RTV around the seems.
my better half got me the OJ highland combo for my BD last September and i love it . got the cover and the basket like you mentioned .
I purchased this smoker about two weeks ago. And to tell the truth, not sure it was a good idea. Here is why. I looked all over and the only price i could find in my area was for $299. I put it together myself so I could add the mods as I went. When you really sit down and look at the cost of the mods (over $200), plus add the $299 purchase cost, I believe you could get a better smoker for the money. I washed the interior with hot water and soap. Then I went through the seasoning process. Two days later I did some ribs and a brisket. By the time the food was done paint was pealing off the fire box in a major way. The fire box door was not welded on properly and in order to close it I had to take a file and take some metal off the door in the upper left hand corner. I can see after closer inspection today that I will probably be sanding the main body and repainting that as well soon.
As it goes for mods, I used the food grade caulk liberally. I made the no welding coal box and it worked well. I purchased the tuner grates versus trying to make them myself. Might could have saved a little there, but they work really well. And there were other mods as well.
Bottom line, this is not a 5 star smoker. The lousy paint job alone takes a star away. Door misalignment and many other items take one or two more stars.
Do your research. Check what has to be done to any other smoker to make them work like they should. This smoker is the MicroSoft Windows 11 to me. I will keep it and use it considering how much $$$$ I have sunk into it, for you guys thinking about it....research other smokers.
Wife got this for me for Father’s Day. Seasoned it and I did my first cook for Father’s Day and it worked very well with the baffle plate. Paint did bubble up at top of firebox, but It smoked better than my chargriller. I did get the firebox also. Smoke leaking was minimal, I used way less charcoal than with older grill. Not sure if it’s because of the thicker steel or baffle plate though. I have officially upped my bbq game!!!
I appreciate the review, thinking about buying one today, you gave me a lot of help
I've had master built, char broil, and a Weber. They all worked for me but I love my Ok Joe. The steel is so thick and seems to hold heat a lot longer than the others. I highly recommend it ! ♥️⚗️
Indeed the steel thickness is impressive...I checked one out in the store...
Just bought my Oklahoma Joe over the weekend! I can’t wait to get to smoking!
I've had one of these since 2015. Works great and will probably last at least another 10 years. Makes excellent brisket, ribs and pork butt. It takes some close management, but it works great.
I use it for both smoking and grilling. Steaks, shrimp, burgers. I also ordered a flat, cast iron griddle section which works great for grilling vegetables, smash burgers.
To control the fire, I use a couple of grill grates placed in a "V" inside the fire box on top of the bottom grate.
For grilling you use the firebox or the cook chamber?
Ok we are sold! Can't wait to pick up our Highland!
Me too, I cant wait for fathers day, Im tempted to go ahead and treat myself. 😁
I am totally satisfied with my Oklahoma Joe's offset smoker
Great way to food.prep for the week. Like this one much better than the last one you reviewed.
I just bought one of these yesterday. The first thing I noticed is it is not a cheap flimsy throw away. It is solid, heavy and should last many years!
I already wiped the inside portions of the grill with canola oil. Tomorrow is the day I will do the burn off and the next day a full rack of pork ribs. I am still learning but excited to give it a try.
Very informative! Great video dude!
Thanks, just bought one after years of Char Broiler
I just bought this grill for 500 bucks canadian out the door at my local hardware store today. I kinda bought this grill without doing much research. I’m glad that I purchased a pretty decent product. Can’t wait to use it.
Which hardware store in Canada? I’m not finding good offset smokers at a reasonable price anywhere in Ontario.
@@robertcurtis512- I bought mine at my local Rona up in northern Ontario. Though I haven’t seen them have an other in store since I bought mine. I think covid is messing with supply. Also covid has jacked up prices on everything. A sheet of plywood is like 60 bucks and a regular 2x4x8 is like ten bucks. At this point in the season I’m not sure you’re gonna find one at a decent price. To be honest I think I got lucky. Right place at the right time.
You got me sold, thanks!
I love mine! Did a pork loin, chicken, and some eggs today
Oklahoma Joe’s is simply the finest offset you can buy.
Well done, thank you.
Great review thank you
I’ve used the Longhorn combo, highland, and now the longhorn. They’re damn near perfect for being so affordable. Only complaint I had was the propane burners’ metal shields and runners in my combo unit burned to a crumbling death in the grill side and I never fixed them.
Thank you - gonna pick one up! I’ve been using a Weber Smokey mountain for 7 yrs
It won't let you down. I'm on number two after a decade!
I’ve got to say WSM is MUCH easier at holding consistent temp than OJ Highland. The biggest disadvantage with WSM is the extremely small cook surface
Enjoy watching your reviews! Saw the one on the OJ Highlander, what do you think of the Bronco smoker?
I love mine. Amazon was $60 higher than Ace Hardware, so I got mine from Ace. I modified the hell out of it. Cooking a brisket tomorrow. I did watch this video before I bought mine 👍
Dude! Great review.
Fantastic review
I LOVE my Longhorn!
Just got mine can't wait to start smoking
Love it!
Just burned it in ready for tomorrow for our first rib smoke pumped!
Thank you sir
Whats your thoughts regarding fire bricks inside the fire box? It helps improve insulation but can it gaurd against premature wear?
What do you mean by thermal pins?? You said you left a little place on both sides of the gasket open to allow for your thermal pins. Are you talking about your temperature probes? I get my smoker today and all excited! Your video helped a lot in determining my choice to buy, thank you!
How does the Highland compare to the Longhorn’s reverse flow offset? Also can you use lump charcoal in them or wood?
Ok now this is a guy who knows what he’s talking about! Great review, subbed
bestelectricsmoker.org/
Great background instrumentals
Thanks .. just getting into smoking and wanted to do it right .. I take care of our thing and wanted a good smoker to out last me .
Wow man thanks.
Nice review
Thanks for the review! I just ordered one. When you say you can use it as a grille, do you just put the charcoal on the bed of the main cooking barrel? Or do you have a grate down there. Thanks again.
From what I have seen, a there is a bottom grate on the right hand side for grilling. It does not look to be adjustable for height.
Great review! I intend to use this smoker primarily as a grill. Do you have any recommendations for protecting the barrel from the heat just like your basket example with the firebox?
Try not to let the grill get wet; especially, if it's hot. Also, I purchased some ultra cheap grates from the dollar store and placed them on the bottom to stop any hot coals from sitting on the barrel.
After I had my weber kettle for 8 years that wad given to me by my aunt and uncle after they had it for 6. It was time to retire it. I also have a camp chef smoke vault i got through my work safety program. Its good for things like chicken and fish but not enough space for racks of ribs. My wife got me the oklahoma Joe highland. Ive looked at it every time wr go to Lowes. And i wasn't wanting a pellet grill which has been all the craze lately. With my military discount and tax savings from going to Portland Oregon it was 314 out the door. Got it assembled havent seasoned it yet. So far my only complaint is that it isnt US made. I would be willing to pay a bit more for that
Do you have the link of you grilling on the Oklahoma joe?
I just purchased the Oklahoma Joe's smoker yesterday. Can you use charcoal in the firebox or is it exclusively a wood smoker?
♥Real Life Reviews
I really don’t lose much through the doors anymore once I tweaked the lip with a pliers
is getting the reverse flow version worth the extra money?
Would you get a Highland Reverse if you were to do it again?
Hi just ordered one, looking at 1 to 2 months delivery in the UK, what’s the best book I can buy for BBQ cooking and maintenance? Been using a Char griller for the last 5 years and I would give myself a maximum of 6 out of 10 for what I’ve cooked so far, wanting to score myself at least a 9 going forward, Regards John
So I am thinking of picking one up tomorrow. Did you coat it inside and out with veg oil and low smoke it for 6 hours?
I used extra virgin olive oil. Just a personal preference. It can take a little more heat. I'm posting a brisket I cooked right now on this smoker. Feel free to check it out. You will not be let down.
@@Pondiver I'll use the OO. Was it inside and outside? Some folks say they oil the outside as well.
Great review but I don’t understand why wouldn’t the pit come with the gasket already installed around the lid? Are they giving me a option whether or not I want smoke coming out of the edges. For the price that bad boy shouldn’t have any smoking coming out of that lid. Thanks again.
Sometimes buyers mod their grills. Some like it and some don't so I'm assuming that OJ is leaving up to us to decide if we want to mod it.
I like the offset smoker. Too bad the smoker box isn't wider to accept logs (w/o having to cut them) And i'm thinking all smokers need some kind of modifications. I lean a cookie sheet over the entrance of the firebox to deflect some of the heat, which works wonders, because it doesn't hinder any of the heat or smoke to go around the cookie sheet since there's a few inches on each side of the cookie sheet, and the bottom of the cookie sheet is about 10 to 12 inches away leaving no restrictions or obstructions to smoke and only keeping the blast furnace effect from the heat burning the food that would occupy the third of the surface closest to the firebox. The most simple modification, and you don't need any tools. If the cookie sheet doesn't lean naturally up against the top of the opening, without sliding down, just stick a rock or a stone at the far end of the cookie sheet to hold it place.
What’s the difference between this and the longhorn one?
just found your channel subscribed...........
Thinking about running my temperature/meat thermometer down the smoke stack...thoughts???
I would not do that. Since heat rises, the temperature at the stack is going to be much higher than at the grate level. Maybe drill a small hole on the lower side of the lid to insert a temperature gauge. Between the gauge on the lid and the one at meat level, you should have a good idea of what the heat actually is.
I love my Oklahoma Joe I'm new to smoking meat but I love it I think the Grill is great
How much did you buy it for?
@@roycee7913 $300 Menards
@@davidpate2237 that’s not bad I want to get one where did you get yours?
@@roycee7913 I got mine at Menards
But they don't have a mouth this time a year taller Christmas you'll find them in the spring
Is it possible to smoke with wood chips on this or can it only use charcoal? Thanks for uploading
Yes, you can smoke whatever can smoke 👍
@@Pondiver Awesome!
Use wood chunks they last much longer than chips
So when you’re grilling on the OJ do you put your coals in the firebox or do you put them under your meat in the main compartment?
Grill is on main chamber. Smoking is firebox. Good question 👍
Badass
I use mine every weekend and love it. My fire box paint peeled and now it looks like rust is forming. I do have a cover and it's always covered unless its being used. is it rust? If so what do I do to protect my smoker?
I painted mine twice with high temp paint l. Its lasts for years.
Spray the rust with cooking oil, Pam works fine. The steel will start to turn into a cast iron pan.
You should get that baffle
Is it bad if the paint starts coming off? I’ve only had mine for 3 months and the paint under the fire box has come off. Same under the cooking chamber. (When I would use it for grilling).
It's not bad. There's a couple of things you can do to slow it down. Use a charcoal basket, always clean out ash so they never get wet and get a cover for it. Sounds like you're having some real hot fires for it just to be a few months.
A GRILL IS LIKE FAMILY. !!!!!!! I feel ya bruther😭😢
whr is this grill made?
I just ordered one from lowes, it was on clearance and was 399
I believe your review helped me make my decision, thanks. My wallet will be $299 dollars lighter tonight.....
Close your eyes and listen to the video and you realize Senator Lindsey Graham is giving a review on a offset smoker
Keep your eyes closed and you can hear him promising to hold char broil accountable
Traeger vs Oklahoma Joes is the real question me personally love my Traeger
Traeger is sweet for sure. It's a bit pricier, but yes, a very good smoker. They make good equipment. Several of my "grillin' colleagues" swear by their grills, so I'm compelled to agree. Even still, I love my Joe. 👍
Where’s the skill in using a Traeger?
Carlos Vasquez cooking meats on an offset smoker takes skill. Anyone can fill a hopper and turn a knob.
@@raulfranco1190 I definitely agree with that but if that was the case the Oklahoma Joe grill is the wrong grill for that theory as well.
Traegers are for casual cookers. It takes skill to master the flames that's why offset smokers are for passionate cookers. Gotta love the challenge if your a real smoker. ⚗️❤️
How much for this smoke pit .
If you wanted to grill why didn't you get the Oklahoma Joe that's has the propane and smoker. I have one and I love it
You have an excellent point and I'm being told that I might have a birthday gift of such a grill arriving in November. Right now, its all based around the economy.
kinda weird that the gasket is sold separately. Seems like something that should already be installed.
How important is the cover?
As important as rain is to the desert.
Just bought one....I’m kinda intimidated ‘cause I’ve never had my own smoker so I’m sure I’m gonna have a lot of failures on my way to getting it right.
No worries. Start with simple grilling over direct heat. Then offset grilling/smoking (chicken/pork) where the meat is towards the stack end. Smoking takes much longer, but harder to make a mistake with too much heat. For smoking, stay away from wood chips, they burn out quickly. Chunks of oak, mesquite etc about six inches long and 4 inches wide work great; with or without bark. For beek brisket, plan on 12-14 hours at about 225 degrees F. Or you can cheat a little and start off in an oven at 225 for four hours, then 8-10 hours smoking. Meat is done when internal temp is 200-210 degrees. This is critical so buy a digital thermometer for $10, and check it after about 8 hrs.
Good Luck!
On peut le trouver en France ?
Can this be used to burn whole logs instead of briquettes or lump? I'm wanting to Aaron Franklin style this thing but need to know before I buy.
I don't have one of these but am looking towards getting one for same exact reason as you. On the OK Joes site it has split logs in the pictures. That's all I'm basing my assumption of, yes, on.
@@iammatthewbain I suppose if you have a way of cutting your logs to size then you could I need to get me one of those Miter saws
@@chriscyre3516 Same, my brother lives on 30 acres of land with his in laws and he is always cutting logs to size for himself and his father in law. So if I get this, I'm lucky enough to have a "supplier."
Ordering.. my Masterbuilt 40in electric doesn't give me that bark an smoke ring I need... it's perfect for Chicken and seafood but.. jmo
I don't like how you can't adjust the charcoal heat up or down
The Oklahoma Joe cover does not weather well. The UV, from the sun, will deteriorate the cover in just a few months. Recommend keeping the smoker, out of the weather, when not in use.
Are these still made in America?
It's hard to say. This may sound odd, but they dont feel like fine China. They feel more like Cast Iron. I think they're too heavy to be shipped internationally. It wouldn't be cost effective.
@@Pondiver Ok, thanks for the reply. Everything I see shows they are imported. My guess is the components are imported and possibly they are packaged or assembled here...
boo makes sense. Probably like a Chevy....
How the highlander
I had mine assembled by the Lowe's store but the legs that do not hold the fire box keep coming off when I move the smoker is this normal?
That's not normal. You need a screwdriver. The screws are just loose.
@@Pondiver I try to do it with a screw driver but there is no holes on the legs so is not like the go all the way in. Maybe I need to get one in the box and put it together my self.
@@daisyorozco2380 there aren't any holes. They are just tight fit screws. Now, that they are tight, the legs should stay in place.
@@Pondiver thank you.
@@daisyorozco2380 czcams.com/video/2ckJZgla8Is/video.html not as good of a review as Real Life Review, but this old guy recommends drilling through the leg so the bolt goes all the way through and perhaps an L bracket for the lower shelf. I don't see anyone mentioning red heat silicone around other edges so hopefully this isn't leaking smoke around the base of the stack, or where the firebox connects.
That’s Lester from gta
Those burgers are the real story here ... what is that ?
probably something I've reviewed. Maybe try some of the cooking vids. Thanks for the note!
Kind of disappointing when you have to buy extras to make it seal or control the coals at the price they charge. Have had several grills and smokers and been disappointed by the fire boxes and not sealing. Think I will pass.
I feel the same way, but the more I look around the more it seems that is just what to expect for smokers less than 1000 dollars
I'm sorry 5 star it is not. I have one and after the first burn the fire box has sagged down. No longer straight. Thin metal believe is the coulperate. I went to customer service and after photos, emails back and fourth, they had the audacity to tell me that was normal and it was a trick of the eye and not sagging. Insulting my intelligence. Thought they would back their product. They did not. On the Char Broils they have a bracket on the bottom of the smoker box attached to the main frame. A bracket to keep the box from sagging no doubt. But on the ok Joe nothing. Bad customer service. Cheap product. Buy something higher end.
For those who are budgeting, this smoker is ideal. It sounds like you had a really hot fire in your box and that is not what these smokers are designed for. I've had a couple, my colleagues have. I haven't heard of what you're describing unless the fire was too hot.
By the way, Charbroil bought Oak Joe. The CS is the same people.
Please don’t fall for this. It is not a true oaklahoma joe by no means. Charbroil bought oaklahoma joe out. In doing so it has half the metal and is very very flimsy. Take notice of the thickness of the steel as well as the large brass name plate that is no longer present. It’s built over seas. And it is extremely difficult to keep the pit at the correct temperature. This is miss information on behalf of charbroil. Don’t fall for it.
Smoke stack too small.
good video, trash music. wth