I just got my highland smoker today. I seasoned it and did the burn in today. Tomorrow I am smoking a corned beef. So far I have not seen to many smoke leaks. I am still adding the gasket around the door to the.cook chamber lid and fire.box.lid
When purchased new, it comes with two bolts that would prevent the handle from sliding out. This one bought off facebook marketplace obviously did not include them.
I have one of these and it looks as if it wasn’t assembled correctly. I have bolts holding the handle in place and a crossbar to keep the legs from turning.
I just bought one of these grills and put it together. I did not like the handle either but it does come with some bolts that just thread into the end of the handle so it doesnt move up. Also thanks for pointing out the way the legs mount, I am now convinced that my initial idea to hit them with the wire welder to tack them in place is probably a good idea. Since I never really plan on having to disassemble it some short weld beads in a few places will definitely make it much more solid.
The handle came off because it was missing its screws. The other observations were great. That said- I love my Oklahoma Joe Highland Smoker, if you're not rolling it everywhere all the time, you will never see a problem with the wheels.
It actually comes with screws. I just bought one and put it together. And trust me that's no thin as paper metal. That grill must weigh a good 200+ pounds. Took me about an hour to put it together in the bed of my truck
@@zivaandzeusshenanigans1113 jerkwad I put it together by myself. And that was an estimate. How the hell do you think I got the box in the bed of the truck? Oh yeah! I picked it up lmao
I was looking at this grill, your review was very helpful, with your tips about the legs n wheels, was key, I hope to purchase this grill and make those improvements, the handle -was is the intent of the people that designed it, I question, not attached permit, when moving it, take the handle out n flip 180, slide it back in - move it and place it back in its original position, who knows good job thx
Can’t you just turn the handle upside down and put it in that way, move it and then put it back the right way for storage? Also, in the main cooking area, can you use the lower grills for charcoal and the top grills for burgers?
A great video. Right to the point. No dopey intros or pets for props just info. Audio is fantastic! Well done! This should be a template for how to make a UA-cam video.
I bought this same smoker... I saw the exact same flaws with the legs when I put it all together. Overtime, they will come loose. Hence why I assembled everything myself rather than having Lowe's do it for me. To identify the future potential issues. All of these issues are easily fixed with a simple mig welder, or some brackets, screws, and bolts of which I will fix if it becomes an issue. I won't fix it until its broke. For the Money... you wont beat this smoker. It's heavy duty, as in the heat chambers are thick steal, and its easier maintain temp with thicker steel and shoot, even if it does rust, it will take 30-40 years for this steel to rust through, though I'd never let it go that long.... that has been my biggest pet peeve when dealing with cheaper smokers, thin cheap metal. Shoot this thing is just shy of 200 pounds! I love mine. Got if for $314 brand spanking new!!!!! Thanks for the video... seeing an old used one is the best way to see what it could become!!!!
The handle comes with 2 screws that screw into the two ends of the handle to keep it in place. Your handle was missing those 2 screws. Take care. sincerely, Dean O. :-I
I just bought and assembled this exact smoker yesterday and watching this video it looks like your smoker was put together poorly. It should have bolts in the handle and they didn't align the wheels correctly that's why they keep wanting to turn. I had the same issue which I fixed by taking a little extra time to align all four legs while installing the bottom tray.
Good to know! I guess buying new would be ideal for us, but with so many grills to walkthrough, we can't afford them all new. Good to know that we can add a few parts and be up and running. All the best with the new grill!
Happy smoking Gavin! I believe we have a few recipe videos on our channel featuring the highland. Check out the chili or beans video if I remember right for one of them.
The carry handle actually has screw holes in the bottom but they probably lost them. Seems like someone didn’t put this together properly. As I just built mine and have none of these issues besides the paint bubbling
I've had a pellet smoker for years and really enjoy cooking on it. I now want to get into offset smoking. Is this the best offset for the money? I'm not willing to spend $$$ on a Lone Star Grillz but I don't want a piece of junk either. What are your thoughts?
There are so many offset smokers under $500, it's really hard to know which one is the best without being able to compare them side by side. We're heading to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Expo this coming weekend to see as many smokers as possible under one roof to get some better comparison info. We look forward to reporting back here on UA-cam during and after the show with all that we learn. The Oklahoma Joe Highland is a solid smoker for $300, but with any offset, the thicker the metal on the cooker the better. If you get a chance, check out the Highland in person, and compare it to some of the smokers by Old Country Smokers that they stock at Academy Sports. For a little more than a OkJoe, the Old Country smokers are a lot heavier and thicker resulting in longer burning fires and more stable temperatures. Depending on your budget, any of them can work, but we always go heavier metal in an offset whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Breaks me that these cost about the equivalent of $600+ here in the UK. It’s very hard to get a cheaper but good quality offset here in the UK. All the cheaper smokers tend to be crappy Chinese knock offs that weigh about 20kg max and are a split barrel design instead.
I’m with you on getting a smoker that you can use for years at a good price. Prices have gone nuts in the past 2 years as the price of metal here has just skyrocketed. I would love to see that come back down and prices settle out.
Quick question for you about the lower rack “ Direct heat” when you say that are you meaning the fire would still be in the smoke box and that lower rack would be hotter for dogs and burgers. Or were you meaning can put charcoal in the bottom of the big part?
You can put charcoal on either side on this grill if you want. It’s just that the large cooking chamber doesn’t have any kind of clean out, so you’d have to vacuum out the ash when you are done. Firebox side is easier to clean out the ash.
Great question! The firebox side has the ability to place the grates on top to directly cook right on top of the fire, it's just a smaller area than the big box. You could build a fire in the larger cooking chamber, but we haven't done that to date. My primary reason is that using the firebox grates to direct grill has been good enough for what we needed. I think the larger chamber would have a much more difficult time cleaning everything out after the cook since there's not a cleanout. So, yes it could be done, but we haven't done it for those reasons. Happy smoking!
I think it really depends on how you want to cook. The Pit Boss Classic is going to be a set it and forget it smoker that you don’t have to tend to. The Highland is going to need more attention during a cook. Plan on going out to the Highland once per hour at least if you’re cooking with wood. Completely depends on your preference on how you’ll use them. They both have their merits.
i have a question that i hope you can answer, can i put charcoal in the bottom of the oklahoma highlander (like the drum part) and use it as a charcoal grill?
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Thanks for the honest review! I was thinking about this or the Bandera so thank you for the great insight!
What did you decide on?
Im from Los Angeles and absolutely love my Oklahoma Joe.
I just got my highland smoker today. I seasoned it and did the burn in today. Tomorrow I am smoking a corned beef. So far I have not seen to many smoke leaks. I am still adding the gasket around the door to the.cook chamber lid and fire.box.lid
To keep the smoke stack from hitting your chin when moving it, turn the handle bar in the opposite direction and lift.
When purchased new, it comes with two bolts that would prevent the handle from sliding out. This one bought off facebook marketplace obviously did not include them.
@@gtrman1973 agreed
This is the best smoker I’ve ever had prices are great
Can you fit a rack of ribs from front to back?
The handlle comes off because it is missing the screws that go in it
Yes it should have screws in the bottom of the handle. 👍🏾
I have one of these and it looks as if it wasn’t assembled correctly. I have bolts holding the handle in place and a crossbar to keep the legs from turning.
I guess that can happen when you buy things of Facebook Marketplace. Good catch!
@@TheBarbecueLab agreed, my handle has screws
I just bought one of these grills and put it together. I did not like the handle either but it does come with some bolts that just thread into the end of the handle so it doesnt move up. Also thanks for pointing out the way the legs mount, I am now convinced that my initial idea to hit them with the wire welder to tack them in place is probably a good idea. Since I never really plan on having to disassemble it some short weld beads in a few places will definitely make it much more solid.
The handle came off because it was missing its screws. The other observations were great. That said- I love my Oklahoma Joe Highland Smoker, if you're not rolling it everywhere all the time, you will never see a problem with the wheels.
Thank you,
Also, that handle, when you move the grill, flip it upside down and slide it in from the bottom.
The handle is tapped to accept screws into the ends to keep it in place.
It actually comes with screws. I just bought one and put it together. And trust me that's no thin as paper metal. That grill must weigh a good 200+ pounds. Took me about an hour to put it together in the bed of my truck
@@gothicasshole,you must be a weak ass snowflake..it only weighs 160
@@zivaandzeusshenanigans1113 jerkwad I put it together by myself. And that was an estimate. How the hell do you think I got the box in the bed of the truck? Oh yeah! I picked it up lmao
Just a FYI the handle to move the smoker is missing the screws it’s supposed to have so that it dosent lift out when moving.
Good to know. Thanks!
I was looking at this grill, your review was very helpful, with your tips about the legs n wheels, was key, I hope to purchase this grill and make those improvements, the handle -was is the intent of the people that designed it, I question, not attached permit, when moving it, take the handle out n flip 180, slide it back in - move it and place it back in its original position, who knows good job thx
Can’t you just turn the handle upside down and put it in that way, move it and then put it back the right way for storage? Also, in the main cooking area, can you use the lower grills for charcoal and the top grills for burgers?
A great video. Right to the point. No dopey intros or pets for props just info. Audio is fantastic! Well done! This should be a template for how to make a UA-cam video.
Nice review! I just picked one up.
I bought this same smoker... I saw the exact same flaws with the legs when I put it all together. Overtime, they will come loose. Hence why I assembled everything myself rather than having Lowe's do it for me. To identify the future potential issues. All of these issues are easily fixed with a simple mig welder, or some brackets, screws, and bolts of which I will fix if it becomes an issue. I won't fix it until its broke. For the Money... you wont beat this smoker. It's heavy duty, as in the heat chambers are thick steal, and its easier maintain temp with thicker steel and shoot, even if it does rust, it will take 30-40 years for this steel to rust through, though I'd never let it go that long.... that has been my biggest pet peeve when dealing with cheaper smokers, thin cheap metal. Shoot this thing is just shy of 200 pounds! I love mine. Got if for $314 brand spanking new!!!!! Thanks for the video... seeing an old used one is the best way to see what it could become!!!!
Weld them on
The handle comes with 2 screws that screw into the two ends of the handle to keep it in place. Your handle was missing those 2 screws.
Take care. sincerely, Dean O. :-I
The Handle for moving it is supposed to be screwed in and I also noticed the lower grate for firebox is missing..Dont blame Charbroil..lol
I just bought and assembled this exact smoker yesterday and watching this video it looks like your smoker was put together poorly. It should have bolts in the handle and they didn't align the wheels correctly that's why they keep wanting to turn. I had the same issue which I fixed by taking a little extra time to align all four legs while installing the bottom tray.
Good to know! I guess buying new would be ideal for us, but with so many grills to walkthrough, we can't afford them all new. Good to know that we can add a few parts and be up and running. All the best with the new grill!
@@TheBarbecueLab Thank you and you just go another subscriber. Love your video.
I just bought one new, I'm gonna MIG weld the legs to the shelf I noticed the twist, that will stop it.
Just bought one off fb thanks for the review just found your channel I’d love to see a cook done on this
Happy smoking Gavin! I believe we have a few recipe videos on our channel featuring the highland. Check out the chili or beans video if I remember right for one of them.
Nice video once again. I would like to see a review on the Oklahoma joe bronco
Thanks Miguel. If we ever get our hands on a Bronco, we’d love to shoot a review for you.
There is 2 screws with that bolt on to that handle so that it doesnt just pull out
The carry handle actually has screw holes in the bottom but they probably lost them. Seems like someone didn’t put this together properly. As I just built mine and have none of these issues besides the paint bubbling
I've had a pellet smoker for years and really enjoy cooking on it. I now want to get into offset smoking. Is this the best offset for the money? I'm not willing to spend $$$ on a Lone Star Grillz but I don't want a piece of junk either. What are your thoughts?
There are so many offset smokers under $500, it's really hard to know which one is the best without being able to compare them side by side. We're heading to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Expo this coming weekend to see as many smokers as possible under one roof to get some better comparison info. We look forward to reporting back here on UA-cam during and after the show with all that we learn. The Oklahoma Joe Highland is a solid smoker for $300, but with any offset, the thicker the metal on the cooker the better. If you get a chance, check out the Highland in person, and compare it to some of the smokers by Old Country Smokers that they stock at Academy Sports. For a little more than a OkJoe, the Old Country smokers are a lot heavier and thicker resulting in longer burning fires and more stable temperatures. Depending on your budget, any of them can work, but we always go heavier metal in an offset whenever the opportunity presents itself.
I have this same offset smoker. Great for grilling anything and great for smoking shoulder or ribs chicken
Is there room enough for 2 briskets ?
did he said he got his smoker used off Facebook?! Wouldn't it be more accurate to give a review off a brand new smoker instead?
I bought a new one yesterday my handle has nuts on them so it want come off as easy
Seems like we were missing those. Thanks.
Breaks me that these cost about the equivalent of $600+ here in the UK. It’s very hard to get a cheaper but good quality offset here in the UK. All the cheaper smokers tend to be crappy Chinese knock offs that weigh about 20kg max and are a split barrel design instead.
I’m with you on getting a smoker that you can use for years at a good price. Prices have gone nuts in the past 2 years as the price of metal here has just skyrocketed. I would love to see that come back down and prices settle out.
Are there any others you’ve found since ?
Quick question for you about the lower rack “ Direct heat” when you say that are you meaning the fire would still be in the smoke box and that lower rack would be hotter for dogs and burgers. Or were you meaning can put charcoal in the bottom of the big part?
You can put charcoal on either side on this grill if you want. It’s just that the large cooking chamber doesn’t have any kind of clean out, so you’d have to vacuum out the ash when you are done. Firebox side is easier to clean out the ash.
Its crazy because I just bought one and everything that was designed wrong with that one, they have fixed already.
That's good to hear!
Hey really stupid question, but can you build a fire in the large box for like steaks/ burgers and whatnot? I'm a newbie.
Great question! The firebox side has the ability to place the grates on top to directly cook right on top of the fire, it's just a smaller area than the big box. You could build a fire in the larger cooking chamber, but we haven't done that to date. My primary reason is that using the firebox grates to direct grill has been good enough for what we needed. I think the larger chamber would have a much more difficult time cleaning everything out after the cook since there's not a cleanout. So, yes it could be done, but we haven't done it for those reasons. Happy smoking!
Great review!
Thanks!
That handle is supposed to have screws in the bottom to stop the handle from coming out... I'm guessing the previous owner didn't put them in
Sounds like you nailed it Fred.
How tall are you you make this look small
Great backyard smoker for the price. 👍🏾👍🏾
Thanks for watching!
Would you recommend this or the pit boss classic?
I think it really depends on how you want to cook. The Pit Boss Classic is going to be a set it and forget it smoker that you don’t have to tend to. The Highland is going to need more attention during a cook. Plan on going out to the Highland once per hour at least if you’re cooking with wood. Completely depends on your preference on how you’ll use them. They both have their merits.
Flip the handles upside down to move it
I thought that as well!
The handle supposed to have screw on the bottom not to come out
The handle is suppose to bolt on.
i have a question that i hope you can answer, can i put charcoal in the bottom of the oklahoma highlander (like the drum part) and use it as a charcoal grill?
I don't see any reason why not. I haven't done it, but I'm sure you can.
Oklahoma joe doesn’t make a Highlander,they do however make a highland.
Your handle is missing the screws.
I have never seen a Oklahoma joe Highlander!
I think it’s been about 3 years since we filmed this video, so they might be harder to come by now.
@@TheBarbecueLabOklahoma joe never made a highlander..they however do make a highland.
They lost the screws that hold in the bottom of the handle. And it looks like they lost the cutter pins and washers that hold in the wheel.
I suppose that will happen every now and then when you pick something up off Facebook Marketplace. Nice catch!
$449 now.