If you’re thinking about stepping up your outdoor cooking game, an Oklahoma Joe smoker grill combo might just be what you need. These things are pretty popular because they promise a little bit of everything: gas grilling for those quick weeknight dinners, charcoal grilling for that classic flavor, and offset smoking for the low-and-slow barbecue feasts. It’s like having an entire outdoor kitchen packed into one unit, saving you space and often some cash compared to buying separate units.

I remember my first time trying to figure out if one of these combos was worth it. You see them looking all rugged and handsome, and the idea of smoking a brisket on one side while grilling burgers on the other sounds amazing, right? But, like anything that tries to do a lot, there are some trade-offs. We’re going to really break down what makes these Oklahoma Joe combos tick, covering everything from their impressive versatility to some common quirks you might run into. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether one of these multi-talented beasts—like the popular Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo Charcoal Gas Smoker & Grill or the updated Canyon Combo, or even their newer pellet options—is the perfect fit for your backyard.

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Unpacking the Versatility: What Makes Them Stand Out?

One of the biggest draws of an Oklahoma Joe combo grill is its incredible versatility. Instead of needing a separate charcoal grill, a gas grill, and a dedicated smoker, you get several cooking methods all rolled into one unit. This is a must for many folks, especially if you’re working with limited patio space or just love having options.

Gas Grilling Convenience

Let’s be real, sometimes you just need to get dinner on the table fast. That’s where the gas grilling side shines. Most Oklahoma Joe combos, like the Longhorn and Canyon models, feature a dedicated gas grill chamber, usually with three powerful burners, each pumping out around 12,000 BTUs. This means quick preheating and easy temperature control, perfect for searing steaks, grilling burgers, or cooking up some chicken without the wait. The convenience of gas is hard to beat for those weeknight cooks.

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Charcoal Grilling Flavor

Ah, the classic taste of charcoal. Nothing quite compares to it, right? The beauty of these combos is that they often include a section for charcoal grilling too. You can get that fantastic smoky char and rich flavor that gas just can’t replicate. Some models even allow you to use the offset firebox as a small charcoal grill, giving you even more flexibility. Whether it’s burgers, hot dogs, or a perfectly grilled chicken, having the option to use lump charcoal or charcoal briquettes is a huge plus for flavor purists.

Offset Smoking Tradition

For many, the true heart of an Oklahoma Joe combo lies in its offset smoker. This is where you can truly dive into the art of low-and-slow barbecue. The offset firebox, typically attached to the side, allows you to burn wood chunks or charcoal, directing the smoke and indirect heat into the main cooking chamber. This traditional smoking method infuses your food with that deep, authentic smoky flavor that makes briskets, ribs, and pulled pork legendary. You’ll often find multiple adjustable dampers to help you regulate heat and smoke, giving you a good level of control over your cook. It takes a bit of practice, but the results are incredibly rewarding. Switchbot thermostat

Pellet Smoking Ease for Rider models

If you’re eyeing the newer models, you might come across the Oklahoma Joe’s Rider Pellet Smoker Grill Combo. This takes a different approach, using wood pellets for smoking. Pellet grills are known for their “set it and forget it” convenience, making smoking much less hands-on than an offset. Many Rider models also boast a gas grilling section, offering that same dual-fuel convenience. They often feature large cooking capacities, sometimes exceeding 1,200 square inches, making them beasts for feeding a crowd. Plus, some even have a unique “sear zone” that can get incredibly hot, perfect for finishing off that smoked steak with a beautiful crust.

Deep Dive into Popular Models

Oklahoma Joe’s offers a few different combo models, each with its own fan base and quirks. Let’s take a closer look at the most talked-about options.

Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo Charcoal/Gas Smoker & Grill

This is probably the model many people picture when you say “Oklahoma Joe combo.” The Longhorn Combo is a robust unit featuring a gas grill with three burners, a charcoal grill section, and an offset firebox for smoking. It typically offers a generous 750 square inches of primary cooking space and an additional 310 square inches in the firebox for secondary cooking or even a small charcoal grill. It often includes a 12,000 BTU side burner, which is super handy for sautéing veggies or keeping sauces warm.

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Owners often rave about the Longhorn’s versatility, loving the ability to switch between grilling and smoking. Many appreciate the solid construction and the overall classic look. However, there’s a recurring theme in reviews: rusting and durability concerns, especially on the gas side. Some users report that the heat shields and burner tubes can burn out quickly, and the paint might peel, leading to rust if not meticulously maintained. It’s almost like the grill is telling you to keep it covered all the time! Temperature control, particularly for low-and-slow smoking, can also be a bit of a learning curve, requiring constant attention to dampers and fire management.

Best for Whom?

The Longhorn Combo is a fantastic entry point for someone who wants to experiment with all three cooking styles without breaking the bank on multiple units. If you’re willing to put in the effort for regular maintenance and temperature management, and you’re looking for a versatile workhorse, this could be a great fit. Just be prepared to invest in a good quality grill cover and maybe even some high-temp paint for touch-ups.

Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal/Gas Smoker & Grill

The Canyon Combo is often seen as Oklahoma Joe’s answer to some of the earlier models’ feedback, bringing some nice improvements. It also combines gas grilling, charcoal grilling, and offset smoking, offering similar generous cooking space, with some models boasting over 1,000 square inches of total cooking area. Key upgrades often include things like a slide-out ash pan, making cleanup much easier, and pivoting cool-touch handles for safety.

Reviewers frequently highlight the Canyon Combo’s excellent versatility and sturdy construction. Many find it well-built for the price point, appreciating features like porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and robust staging shelves. The gas side heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperatures, while the smoker side delivers on flavor. However, some customers still report issues with paint peeling and occasional quality control concerns right out of the box, such as misaligned lids or bent parts during assembly. It seems like thorough inspection upon delivery and during assembly is always a good idea. Aeroslimtm cordless handheld vacuum

If you appreciate the traditional charcoal and offset smoking experience but also need the convenience of gas, and you’re looking for a slightly more refined design with user-friendly features like an ash pan, the Canyon Combo is a strong contender. It’s a great choice for those who want a capable multi-cooker and are willing to perform routine cleaning to ensure its longevity.

Oklahoma Joe’s Rider Pellet Smoker Grill Combo

Stepping into the world of pellets, the Oklahoma Joe’s Rider Combo offers a different kind of versatility. These models, like the Rider DLX, typically feature a large pellet hopper for smoking and a separate gas grilling section. They are designed for ease of use, delivering real wood smoke flavor with the convenience of digital temperature control. The Rider DLX, for example, offers over 1,200 square inches of cooking space and often includes a unique sear zone for high-heat cooking.

The biggest praise for the Rider models usually centers around their ease of use for smoking and the impressive sear zone, which is a standout feature for a pellet grill. Many find the controls intuitive and appreciate the large cooking capacity. However, there are some common frustrations. Maintaining a consistent temperature on the pellet side can sometimes be a challenge, with reports of temperature fluctuations. Some users also notice a lot of pellet dust when using the sear mode. Another common complaint is the lack of a custom-fit cover directly from Oklahoma Joe’s for some Rider models, which is a bummer when you want to protect your investment.

The Rider Pellet Combo is ideal for those who love the smoky flavor but prefer the hands-off convenience of a pellet smoker, along with the option for quick gas grilling. If you’re a “set it and forget it” kind of smoker but still want to achieve a great sear on your grilled foods, and you’re comfortable with some potential temperature monitoring and cleaning of pellet dust, this combo could be a perfect match. You might just need to find a good universal pellet grill cover that fits.

Getting Started: How to Use Your Oklahoma Joe Combo

Once you’ve got your Oklahoma Joe combo set up, you’re probably itching to fire it up. But before you throw on that first rack of ribs, there are a few important steps to ensure a great cooking experience and the longevity of your new cooker. Morning fat melter recipe

Initial Setup and Seasoning

Just like a cast-iron skillet, most Oklahoma Joe offset smokers and even some parts of the pellet grills benefit greatly from seasoning. This creates a protective, non-stick layer and helps prevent rust. To season, you’ll want to spray a light coat of vegetable oil, canola oil, or beef tallow on the inside of the cooking chamber. Then, you’ll build a very low, smoldering fire in the firebox for offset models and let it burn for a few hours. You’re looking for a shiny black coating to form inside – that’s how you know it’s seasoned and ready. For pellet grills, you’ll typically run it at a medium temperature for a period, as per the manual, to burn off manufacturing residues and get it ready.

Mastering Temperature Control

This is where the “art” of barbecue really comes in, especially with offset smokers.

For Offset Smoker/Charcoal Sections Longhorn, Canyon: The key to consistent temperatures is managing your fire and airflow. You’ll typically start with a base of charcoal and then add wood chunks for smoke and heat. Use the adjustable dampers on the firebox and the smokestack to regulate the heat. Opening the intake damper on the firebox increases airflow, making the fire hotter, while closing it reduces airflow and temperature. The exhaust damper smokestack helps draw smoke and heat through the cooking chamber. Small adjustments are best. a little goes a long way. It might take some practice, and external thermometers can be a big help since the built-in gauges aren’t always super accurate. According to a 2020 study by the National Fire Protection Agency NFPA, around 9,500 people get injured when using hot grills, so always be careful!
For Gas Grilling: This is pretty straightforward. Turn on your gas, ignite the burners, and adjust the knobs to hit your desired temperature. The professional temperature gauges on Oklahoma Joe models will help you monitor this.
For Pellet Grills Rider: These are usually more “set it and forget it.” You choose your desired temperature on the digital controller, and the auger feeds pellets into the firepot to maintain it. However, some users report fluctuations, so keeping an eye on it, especially with a good probe thermometer, is still a good idea.

Fueling Your Fire

Charcoal & Wood Chunks: For offset smoking, combine charcoal with wood chunks. Some pitmasters recommend starting with about 10 lbs of high-quality charcoal and adding wood chunks once the charcoal has started to ash over. You’ll need to add more charcoal and wood every couple of hours to maintain the temperature. Common woods for smoking include hickory, oak, apple, or cherry.
Propane: For the gas grill side, just connect your propane tank, and you’re good to go. The side burner is great for lighting a charcoal chimney too!
Wood Pellets: For the Rider combos, you’ll fill the hopper with food-grade wood pellets. Different wood types offer different flavor profiles, so have fun experimenting!

Tips for Grilling and Smoking

Two-Zone Cooking: On the charcoal and gas sides, you can easily set up two different temperature zones. This is great for searing meat on high heat and then moving it to a cooler zone to finish cooking without burning.
Reverse Searing: This technique works wonderfully on these combos. Smoke your meat low and slow to get that deep flavor, then move it to the hot gas or charcoal grill side for a quick, high-heat sear to create a beautiful crust.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give your food space on the grates for even cooking and good airflow.
Monitor Internal Temps: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food, not just the grill’s gauges, to ensure it’s safely cooked and perfectly done.

Keeping It Pristine: Maintenance and Care

Let’s be honest: a grill and smoker combo is an investment, and like any investment, it needs some love to keep it running well and looking good. Many of the common complaints about Oklahoma Joe combos, especially regarding rust, can often be mitigated with consistent maintenance.

Regular Cleaning Routine

Think of this as essential self-care for your grill. Switchbot bot schedule

Remove Ashes: After every cook, once cooled, remove the ashes from the firebox and charcoal sections. Ash holds moisture, which is a major contributor to rust. Dump them into an airtight metal container.
Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean up spilled sauces, marinades, and grease with a warm, damp cloth. For tougher spots, a mild detergent or a mixture of baking soda and water can work wonders.
Brush Grates: Use a nylon bristle grill brush before each use to clean the cooking grates. If they get really caked on, soaking them in warm, soapy water can help.
Scrape Cooking Chamber: Use a putty knife to scrape out any accumulated grease or food bits from the main cooking chamber.
Clean the Chimney: The chimney is vital for airflow. Use a brush to clear out any debris that might restrict smoke flow.
Pellet Grill Specifics: For Rider models, regularly clear out the pellet hopper and the ash collector beneath the grill to prevent auger jams and ignition failures.

Preventing and Addressing Rust

Rust is the archenemy of many grills, and Oklahoma Joe combos, particularly the Longhorn and Canyon, are often cited for it.

Seasoning: As mentioned, proper seasoning creates a protective layer. Re-season periodically, especially if you notice it fading.
Oil It Up: For any spots that start to show rust, buff them out with steel wool and then re-season with high-temperature cooking oil like beef tallow or spray canola oil.
High-Temp Paint: For exterior rust spots, after cleaning and sanding, you can spray paint over the area with high-temperature grill paint to protect it.
Keep it Dry: The number one rule. Don’t leave your grill exposed to the elements, especially rain.

The Importance of a Good Cover

This might be the most crucial accessory for your Oklahoma Joe combo. A good grill cover protects your investment from rain, dust, UV rays, and other harsh weather conditions, significantly extending its lifespan and reducing rust. While Oklahoma Joe’s offers covers for models like the Longhorn Combo and Canyon Combo, some users occasionally mention issues with fit or durability of generic covers, so look for a heavy-duty, fade- and water-resistant option. Make sure to let your grill cool completely before covering it to avoid trapping heat and moisture.

Upgrade Your Experience: Common Mods and Replacement Parts

One of the cool things about Oklahoma Joe smokers is the community around them often comes up with clever modifications to enhance performance. Plus, knowing where to find replacement parts can save your favorite cooker from an early retirement.

Popular Modifications

Lid Gaskets: Smoke leaking from the lid can be a common issue, especially on offset smokers. Adding a high-temperature gasket around the lid can create a tighter seal, improving heat retention and smoke efficiency. This helps you maintain more consistent temperatures and use less fuel.
Baffle Plates/Tuning Plates: These are often used in the main cooking chamber of offset smokers to help even out temperature disparities and hot spots. They direct the heat and smoke more uniformly across the grates, leading to more consistent cooking results.
Charcoal Baskets: A dedicated charcoal basket for the firebox helps manage your fuel more efficiently, improving airflow around the coals and making ash cleanup easier.
Thermometer Upgrades: While Oklahoma Joe’s includes thermometers, some users find them inaccurate. Replacing them with a more precise, professional-grade smoker thermometer can drastically improve your temperature monitoring.

Essential Replacement Parts

Even with the best care, parts can wear out. Knowing where to find replacements can keep your combo grill going for years.

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Cooking Grates: Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates are common in these units, but they can rust or become damaged over time. You can find replacement cooking grates that fit specific models like the Longhorn Combo.
Burners and Heat Shields: These are often the first to go on the gas grill side due to rust or intense heat. Luckily, replacement burner kits and heat tents are widely available.
Igniters: If your push-button ignition stops working a common minor issue, replacement igniter assemblies are easy to swap out.
Wheels: For easy mobility, strong wheels are important. If yours get worn, replacement wheels are available, sometimes even with rubber tread upgrades.
Longhorn Combo Replacement Kits: Some vendors offer comprehensive replacement kits that include multiple commonly replaced parts for convenience.
Grease Buckets and Ash Pans: These components facilitate cleaning and can be replaced if damaged or lost.

Making the Right Choice: Is an Oklahoma Joe Combo For You?

So, after all that, should you get an Oklahoma Joe smoker grill combo? It’s a bit like choosing the right tool for the job – it depends on what you plan to do most often and what your priorities are.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pros:

Unbeatable Versatility: You get gas, charcoal, and often offset smoking or pellet smoking with Rider models all in one footprint. This is huge if you love variety in your cooking.
Space-Saving: One unit instead of three means more room on your patio or deck.
Good Value: Often, a combo unit is more affordable than buying high-quality separate gas grill, charcoal grill, and smoker.
Authentic Smoke Flavor: The offset smoker design provides genuine wood-fired flavor.
Large Cooking Areas: Most models offer ample space for cooking for families and gatherings.

Cons:

Durability Concerns: Rusting, especially on the gas side’s internal components, and paint peeling are frequently reported issues, particularly with the Longhorn model. This means a strong commitment to maintenance is needed.
Temperature Control Learning Curve: Offset smoking requires significant practice and attention to master temperature management, as these units can have hot spots. Pellet models, while easier, can sometimes have temperature consistency issues too.
“Jack of All Trades, Master of None” potential: While versatile, some argue that by trying to do everything, they aren’t great at any one thing, potentially falling short of dedicated, high-end grills or smokers.
Assembly Challenges: Some users have reported issues with assembly, including missing parts or misaligned components.

Consider Your Cooking Style and Needs

Casual Cooker: If you mainly grill on weeknights but want to dabble in smoking on weekends, a combo offers the best of both worlds without needing multiple appliances.
Dedicated Pitmaster: If you’re a serious smoker who demands absolute precision and rarely uses gas, a dedicated offset smoker might be a better choice. But for someone who wants to learn and has other grilling needs, the combo is a solid start.
Convenience Seeker: If you love smoky flavor but want the ease of push-button starts and automated temperature control, a pellet combo like the Rider series is definitely worth looking into.

Budget and Longevity Expectations

Oklahoma Joe combos generally sit in a mid-range price bracket, offering a lot of features for the money. Just remember, to maximize its lifespan and performance, consistent care and potentially investing in a robust cover and some common replacement parts down the line will be crucial. If you’re looking for something that will last a decade with minimal fuss, you might need to prepare for more intensive maintenance or consider a higher-end, dedicated unit. However, with proper care, many users have enjoyed their Oklahoma Joe combos for years. How to spell crypto

Ultimately, an Oklahoma Joe smoker grill combo is a fantastic choice for many backyard cooks. It offers incredible flexibility and the chance to explore various cooking techniques, all in one neat package. If you go in knowing its strengths and weaknesses, and you’re ready to show it a little love and maintenance, you’ll be cranking out delicious food for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn and Canyon combo grills?

The Longhorn Combo is one of the classic Oklahoma Joe’s combo grills, offering gas, charcoal, and offset smoking. The Canyon Combo is often considered an updated version, maintaining the same core versatility but typically featuring improvements like a more convenient slide-out ash pan and pivoting cool-touch handles for a better user experience. Both aim to provide a versatile outdoor cooking station.

How do I prevent rust on my Oklahoma Joe smoker grill combo?

Preventing rust comes down to consistent maintenance. Always clean out ashes after each use, as they hold moisture. Keep the cooking grates and interior surfaces clean from grease and food residue. Most importantly, invest in a high-quality, heavy-duty grill cover and keep your combo covered when not in use, especially in humid or wet climates. Periodically re-seasoning the interior with cooking oil also helps create a protective layer.

Can I really smoke and grill at the same time on an Oklahoma Joe combo?

Yes, that’s one of the big advantages! Models like the Longhorn and Canyon combos are designed with separate cooking chambers, allowing you to run the offset smoker for low-and-slow cooking while simultaneously using the gas grill side for faster grilling. This dual functionality is perfect for feeding a crowd with different food preferences or preparing a multi-course meal.

Are Oklahoma Joe pellet smoker grill combos worth it?

Oklahoma Joe’s pellet smoker grill combos, like the Rider DLX, offer the convenience of pellet smoking with the added benefit of gas grilling. They are great for “set it and forget it” smoking and often feature impressive sear zones. While some users report minor issues with temperature consistency on the pellet side or the need for frequent ash cleaning, their overall versatility and ease of use make them a compelling option for those who want authentic smoke flavor without constant fire management. Where to Buy Elk Meat: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding This Delicious Game

Where can I find replacement parts for my Oklahoma Joe smoker grill combo?

You can usually find replacement parts directly on the Oklahoma Joe’s website, at major retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or through online grill parts suppliers. Common parts include cooking grates, burners, heat shields, igniters, and temperature gauges. Having these on hand or knowing where to get them can significantly extend the life of your combo grill.

How do I control the temperature effectively on the offset smoker side?

Mastering temperature control on an offset smoker takes practice. The primary method is to manage the airflow using the adjustable dampers on the firebox and the smokestack. More open dampers mean more oxygen and higher heat. more closed dampers restrict oxygen and lower heat. Always make small adjustments and give the smoker time to respond. Using a reliable secondary thermometer in the cooking chamber can help you accurately monitor temperatures, as built-in gauges might not always be perfectly accurate. Building a consistent fire with charcoal and wood chunks is also crucial.

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The Ultimate Guide to Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker Grill Combos