Anyone Familiar with Oklahoma Joe's Offset?

[Risjord]

I've been using an Oklahoma Joe for a year now. I'm new to smoking, so I've used it as an entry-level smoker on which to learn the ropes. I use wood only in my smoking. As others have said here, it is a serviceable smoker that can produce excellent results.

I recommend the mods you have mentioned. Putting the gaskets on is really quite easy. I haven't raised the box plate, though I have lined the firebox with firebrick. That makes a big difference. I've also gerry-rigged a baffle plate out of found materials. The result is very even heating across the (admittedly small) cooking surface. Its a pleasure to cook on.

All that said, of course, when the household CFO gives me permission to spend $1000+ on a new smoker, I'm not going to hesitate!

[Danjohnston949]

Risjord, "RAT HOLE THE GRANG"❗️ Start Looking For A "GOOD USED" Quaulity Smoker❗️ She'll Admire Your Brilliance and You'll Have Some Pocket Money for Beer‼️ In The Mean Time You Have the OK Joe To Fall Back On, Things Could Be Worse❗️ Just Remember It's Not the Smoker It's the SMOKEE WHO KNOWS HIS
EQUIP AND USES IT WELL"‼️ That Determines the Quality of the QUE‼️‼️ 👍👍👍👍👍
From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[Mudbeaver]

Where did ya get the stones?

[Risjord]

I have a somewhat setup with the firebrick -- I'll try to post some pictures one of these days. When I set them up this way, I found that they stayed 20 degrees below the temperature at the grill surface. Now I force the smoke underneath them. I think it helps hold the heat better.

[Mr. Bones]

Risjord I'd be very interested to see yer firebrick setup, if ya don't mind diggin out some pics, please..???

[N227GB]

BJ's Wholesale has the Highland reverse flow model for $30 off right now, out the door at $250.

I took a look at it briefly because I was curious about reverse flow versus my offset I started out with ~25 years ago. My first impression was that this will need gaskets.

[Mudbeaver]

I have one, it works good, normal mods, had friend machine the baffle plate so it was free. But quite a bit of wood stove tape and rtv keep it covered and I bet it lasts a long time

[Mudbeaver]

I use a big chain draped over the handle to seal it, that way I didn’t have to weld to it

[Troutman]

You know I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for one but then I got to thinking, with the few mods mentioned (which might bring you up to maybe $400) that might just be a pretty good deal to have an entry level stick burner. I say give it a go old chap !!!

[Mr. Bones]

C'mon up here, I'll glady cook ya up some food on mine, if ya have yer doubts, amigo!
Ya know yer always Welcome here...

[Troutman]

Bonzey I believe you could fry an egg on the sidewalk and it would be good !!!

[Mr. Bones]

Thanks fer them kind words, Brother!
Sidewalk eggs is tasty, but kinda gritty, like...
I prefer to use th hood on my truck, an it certainly can be done with ease, this "Spring", hereabouts.

[JeffJ]

Troutman Our local Lowe's had a sale on all of their grills and smokers that ran through yesterday. These were marked down to $250. I texted my mom and told her if she wants to get a real early jump on her Christmas shopping.....I've also heard that Wal Mart will put them on clearance at the end of summer if they haven't sold. Our local Wal Mart had one sitting on the floor, so, waiting for that to possibly happen is also a good option. The problem is I really don't have room on the patio for another cooker. If I got one of these I'd probably have to move the PBC to my parent's vacation place "up north".

[boftx]

I've got one, no mods other than raising the firebox grate about an inch or so and I find it a good unit as it. The one mod I would like is a heavy duty firebox grate that won't sag after only a couple of cooks. It has good construction for a COS and I use both lump and splits in it. Temp control can be a bit of a hassle in the winter here, but all night/all day cooks are no problem during the summer here in Vegas.

[mad mike]

It'll work but it won't last. Kind of like a gas grill. Rust out.

[JeffJ]

From what I've read, brushing the whole thing with oil before its first use goes a long way in extending its life.

[Mr. Bones]

Indeed, any cooker will rust out, if not taken care of...
After each cook, I rake all th ashes/dead coals outta my offsets, then dust out th inside of my firebox with an ol, used 4" Purdy sash brush.
I've never had a speck of rust develop inside either one.
My OKJ has also always lived under a cover, when not in use.
Need to git one fer my Horizon 20" Classic, as well...

[mad mike]

I almost bought one but found a Lyfe Tyme 40"x 20"- double door- 20" firebox- grill grate over the fire for direct cooking - warming station on top of firebox. on sale for $1010. Started out @ $1300. Made in Valverde, Tx. Guaranteed for life. Love it.

[Troutman]

Interesting, I just sold my Lyfe Tyme for less than that, hardly ever used it and needed money for other MCS needs. It was a decent offset for the money but the fit and finish was kind of rough on mine,

[Mr. Bones]

Id love to see some pics of yer brand spankin new, bouncin baby offset!

[mad mike]

It's almost 3 years old. I just got a new phone and am learning how to post pictures. Will have some soon.

[Mr. Bones]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[Troutman]

Hey Mr. Bones, with the heat index here in south Texas being well over 100* every day this month, who needs a new offset anyway. I mean this guy is one of our top chefs here in town and he doesn't even need a kitchen

[Mr. Bones]

We was jus talkin bout car hood cookin, earlier, hereabouts, lol!
Thanks fer th pic, lovin it!

[BobsBlowdownQ]

I'm thinkin' that metal spatula is probably pretty rough on the paint job....

[Mr. Bones]

Troutman yup, amigo: same same ol shi, er, uh stuff here, since early May!

[mad mike]

To each his own. You sold yours for less than $1000. How old was it? I bought mine new for $1010. Fit is nice. Finish is black. Cooks excellent. Maybe you didn't use it enough to really see how good it was.

[Troutman]

Not sayin it wasn’t a decent pit, I just never used it, I have several cookers I like using better. I let it go for $850, it was about 18 months old. I paid about $1200 as I recall so u got a good deal. Enjoy you’re stick burner bro!!

[Danjohnston949]

Who The Hell Wants To Fight Now❓ Bring Em On Mr. Bones, One At A Time Or All In A Bunch, Makes No Never Mind‼️ Just Give'M Fair Warn'n Not To Bring Any Pig Stick'r To A "GUN FIGHT"❗️❓❗️😄 Dan

[Ahumadora]

Danjohnston949 I have an idea, why not make it a project on here building a pit out of that old car in your profile pic. Keep it old school with standard offset and no digital junk.