Oklahoma Joe VS Weber Smokey Mountain

What Is an Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker

An Oklahoma Joe is an all-time classic, and it goes by different names such as a horizontal smoker, stick smoker, side firebox smoker, barrel smoker, and pipe smoker. They usually sport a simple design, where a smoking chamber is connected to the small firebox. It uses wood or charcoal for producing the heat and smoke that moves via the cooking chamber to give the food slow and low treatment.

However, it does require time and effort to obtain gold standards with this smoker. You’ll at least need 8-12 hours for smoking a large cut of meat in an Oklahoma Joe. You should also be ready to keep an eye on the temperature level and keep stoking the fire when needed.

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What Is a Weber Smokey Mountain

The Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) has a kettle grill shape with a pipe on its middle section and a water pan. It’s a vertical smoker that is highly efficient, user-friendly, and affordable. It runs on both wood chunks and charcoal for smoking your meat. You may not know this, but a WSM tends to cook faster compared to an offset smoker.

Its design enables you to do so, and it also doesn’t require babysitting like other smokers in the market. However, it does come with a smaller capacity, and some BBQ fanatics throw in arguments of it offering a less complicated smoke profile.

Oklahoma Joe VS Weber Smokey Mountain Comparison

Oklahoma Joe

But you should know that this unit isn’t too big to the point that you’re wasting fuel. The painted steel of this smoker can easily tolerate high heat as well. With this smoker, you can easily create your charcoal fire and start adding wood for obtaining tasty smoked meats. Also, the firebox of this smoker is super easy to clean. You can also add some charcoal at the cooking chamber’s base for direct charcoal grilling. Grilling in the firebox is also possible, especially for cooking burgers before dinner or reverse searing.

The quality dampers do an excellent job in controlling the levels of smoke and heat. The dampers are also easy to monitor and adjust through the in-built thermometer. And it comes equipped with cool-touch handles, a storage cart, and a removable rack. This smoker’s assembled size spans around 53 H X 57 W X 33.5 D, and it weighs about 180 lbs. Also, the Oklahoma Joe comes with a limited 2-Year warranty if you ever come across any damages. Just a Tip – If you’re cooking less food, then using fewer plates (i.e., removing plates from the left) helps burn less fuel.

Strengths

• There is better smoke distribution compared to the traditional offset smoker.
• It’s also usable as a regular offset smoker.
• You get to enjoy a bigger smoking capacity.
• It also doubles as a charcoal griller inside the main chamber and firebox.
• Sturdy wheels and a convenient removable rack.
• Under proper care, the Oklahoma Joe will easily last forever.
• The built-in thermometer keeps everything under control.

Weaknesses

• It requires a certain level of maintenance for longevity.
• The paint might get flaky after some time.

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Weber Smokey Mountain

This 22” model is quite large, with its grill space measuring up to 726 square inches. This feature will help you if you’re used to hosting backyard parties with your friends and families. Its full dimension includes 24 D x 23 W x 48.50 H inches and weighs around a good 68 lbs. Also, with the feature of iGrill2 thermometers, you don’t have to babysit your smoker anymore. You can have control over your smoker by downloading the personal Weber app on your phone. And to top everything off, the Weber Smokey Mountain comes with an insane 10-Year warranty. It gives you a sense of security and trust when you purchase it.

Strengths

• Solid quality construction that can stand the test of time.
• You’ll receive a lot of cooking space due to its vertical design.
• A removable fuel door makes adding wood and additional charcoal easy.
• The dual dampers help offer full heat control.
• Its iGrill2 feature helps give an accurate internal temperature of the meat without opening the smoker’s lid.
• The warranty length is incomparable.

Weaknesses

• It doesn’t feature a hook for hanging the lid.
• Sometimes leakages may happen around the door.

Conclusion

Both the Oklahoma Joe and Weber Smokey Mountain make excellent choices. Yes, both of the units carry their fair share of highlights and lowlights. It does boil down to personal preference and also your requirement. The Oklahoma Joe does take the lead in offering that authentic smokey flavor than the Weber Smokey Mountain. But if you’re someone on a budget and doesn’t like the idea of babysitting the smoker all day long, then the WSM is the better choice. Also, it uses less fuel, which is always a plus point.