looking for my next level smoker and would love feedback

[Taso33]

Thank you and nice to meet ya!

[Taso33]

I will keep checking as I did not consider that option. Luckily we have some smart people here to help us along! Thanks for the reply!

[Taso33]

Thanks and happy to be here! I'm definitely far from living in place where a lot of used smokers are for sale. I went on Criags list and FB market place and there were a total of 4 for sale but ill keep looking as that's sound advice. I would hate to score a top line smoker as a result of someone's hardship but it would be going to a loving home for sure. Thanks again for the reply!

[RonB]

Welcome to The Pit.

[smokin fool]

I don't recommend smokers, not smart enough, but I would suggest if your not in a hurry scan Craigslist daily and be ready to pounce on a good deal.
I watch Kijiji here constantly for deals

[Donw]

Welcome from Maryland.

I know they are out of your price range but keep the Yoders, LSGs and the rest in your mind and look for used ones online. They do pop-up occasionally and we all love it when a member scores one. Most of the really good ones are going to last a lifetime so used isn’t a bad thing usually. Unfortunately we may see even more pop up soon as casualties of the current situation.

[Taso33]

Thanks for the reply! I have never heard of them and looked them up online. Man those are some sexy cookers but definitely out side my comfort zone price wise but it was fun to dream for a minute!

[Dewesq55]

I suggest you look at Lone Star Grillz. Awesome offsets that are pretty reasonable priced for what you get. Will last you forever.

Addendum: I have an offset that is practically identical to the OKJ Highland. I have done a few mods to it and it makes good food. That said, it's leaps and bounds away from a heavy gauge offset as far as temp control and fuel usage among other things. I would trade up to a LSG in a minute if I could afford it.

[Taso33]

Thank you! Glad to meet ya

[Taso33]

I was born in FT. Wayne! I guess Im on the right track because Ive looked at both those smokers and was actually referencing them in the over $1000 category. Money is definitely important as the quarantine is taking a toll on business but it is also allowing me the time to do this and get some serious cook time in. I will not rule these options out.
Thanks man!

[Taso33]

Many thanks my friend! That's the best 2 cents ive ever spent!! Ill look up the Lavalock and get back to you with some more questions and maybe hear about those other cookers you got in your arsenal. Im old school when it comes to my equipment. Got time to lean got time to clean! Thanks again!

[ofelles]

Welcome frome the California Delta. Some gud advise above.

[Nate]

What Bones said is truth... in the right hands, with proper care, and some minor mods... you can get mileage out of these.

[Nate]

First up welcome from Indiana.

I want to preface this by saying that I completely get where you are coming from and was in the exact same dilemma some years back. It sucks with everyone telling you just wait until you can afford something nicer when you are wanting it now and knowing it could take another year or two to save what you need to in order to really make the next level jump which is really $1500... a lot more options at that price point.

That being said I am not a fan of debt so I say this reluctantly but there are some companies out there with payment plans... maybe this helps get you into the $1500 range.

Not knowing how much over you are willing to go per your post but here are a couple of options.

The Good One is an interesting design and is going to be a good build quality... it can also serves double duty as grill and smoker. $1179 with free shipping (I think).

https://www.bbqguys.com/good-one-manufacturing/the-good-one-open-range-gen-iii-36-inch-freestanding-charcoal-smoker-06300aoh

Also the Lang 36 Patio Original is another great option and more of the traditional offset and built like a tank. It starts at $1295 plus shipping.

https://www.langbbqsmokers.com/lang36/lang36_original.html

Both of those have financing options as well. However they may not have the real estate in the grates you are looking for.

That being said... the OK Joes aren’t bad smokers but you are going to need to Mod them and they are probably going to need a bit more tending and babysitting than the others... But don’t be discouraged if this is what you end up getting. Lots of folks have them and turn out excellent Q on them. Invite me over and I will eat food that you cooked on any of these.

[Mr. Bones]

Howdy from Kansas Territory, Welcome to Th Pit!
Lookin forward to learnin along with, an from ya!

I've had an OKJ Highland, fer nearly 4 years, bought it used, so it's likely 5-6 years old, or more, an still fine. It's kept care of, an covered.
I've always been very pleased with it, an have vociferously made that clear to many others.

It can produce great food, in capable hands.

Looks like th Longhorn is $449 + $150 ship, over to Amazon. Might even be better deals to be found locally, save th shippin. At that price, I wouldn't balk a bit at givin it a try.

I'd recommend springin fer th Lavalock Baffle / Tunin plate. Equally wouldn't go to alla th trouble to gasket up alla th doors, etc. It'll jus burn off, given time, an I see no real difference in how th cooker runs without em. Reckon I'd buy ya a cover, as well.

I have other, much nicer, heavier, more expensive cookers as comparison. If I may be of any further assistance, feel free to gimme a holler.

Reckon that's a good ¢2 worth, to start with, though.