Oklahoma Joe Highland Smoker Dos and Donts Real Life Reviews

[@INJURYCOMP]

I am an experienced griller but a 1st timer with an Offset Grill. I am just assembling it right now. I appreciate this video!

[@paulsimmons5731]

I took your advice and bought an Oklahoma Joe Highland smoker i’m a beginner I didn’t wanna spend a lot of money so I’m gonna try this one first. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@stevesharber634]

Careful with stack extensions to grate made of galvanized metal. Use aluminum.

[@michaelleerossman1864]

Wrap it in foil before each use. Problem solved. Also, what's the problem with a coating of zinc on the stack which protects from rust? Its zinc! An essential mineral if you ask Covid patients. Who's smoking over 400°F too? Eat away!

[@andymcintosh2796]

no galvanized pipe/metal in by my food EVER ! the chemicals involved in galvanizing /cleaning before galvanizing are deadly . this is why we have copper pipes ,not galvanized water pipes .

[@michaelleerossman1864]

@@andymcintosh2796 the only way galvanized metal turns into vapor is if its brought to a temperature of 392°. Who's doing that on a smoker? This is an aluminum dryer vent stack extension that has a layer of zinc coating. No chemicals. Also, while in a smoker fluctuating from 200°-350°, the smoke is coating layer after layer giving it more insulation which the heat will take longer and longer over time to work through to even bring to temperature since the smoker needs adjusting of the fire box and opening and closing of the stack/vents and cylinder, it's really difficult to get the galvanized zinc to get to 392°. So what's the difference of using a copper one? More expensive.

[@brandtlabastille7904]

Thank you for this video. Just finished setting my Joe grill and looking forward to prepping, using and maintaining it for years with your tips.

[@jesseblount5948]

I've used vegetable oil to seal mine. Treat it like cast iron. 6" painting brush helps lay it down properly. Live near salt water or ocean side. I highly recommend it.

[@jedicouncil66]

Same here, great results. I'm 45 mins from South Padre Island, Tx with super high humidity.

[@johnp6225]

Great video! Just bought a new Highland last week at Lowe's and I'm following your do's and dont's. One thing I did was to connect the smooth end of the dryer vent, not the corrugated end, over the 1/4" flange of the smoke stack that protrudes into the smoke chamber. Next, I installed a hose clamp over that to secure it. I'm able to make adjustments to the vent without it coming off!

[@wolfhunt6696]

really simple things that I thought u where going to sell me. but actually u hooked it up with some really good free Knowledge thanks look forward to some of ur recipes you injoy cooking on urs

[@kevingriffith2139]

Extremely informative! Just purchased my first Oklahoma Joe Smoker and looking forward to implementing your tips and recommendations.

[@scottclark3086]

Thank you sir, just bought mine and while I’ll never use it as a grill (thinking that will shorten its life), I’m glad I sealed mine with the black RTV, bought the charcoal basket and the clamps for the door (since the gaskets caused gaps).

[@darrellp7677]

Ooh, liking that sear grate! One more thing I see you do is turn that grate in the bottom of the firebox 90 degrees to get it higher off the bottom. My grate is turned, I use a fire basket but I use minimal charcoal. The Highland just doesn't seem to like charcoal. I even use wood when I foil up ribs or a brisket as it's alot easier to keep the temp under control. Great video, thank you for posting.

[@DaveCash]

I just went out and bought the 3" dryer vent! 👍 Hardware store had it in stock! Can't wait to try it.

[@Pondiver]

It'll add extra smoke if that's what you like. I take it out for fish....but for pork and chicken....she's smokin😉

[@mr.m8539]

Nice review. Another reason to close the dampers is to prevent critters crawling in to take advantage of the warmth.

[@christophergray3921]

Great video, I'm leaving to go get mine right now. This video made my mind up....

[@PipesandBBQ]

Great video! Just recived my Oklahoma Joe Highland and I am going to do all your recommendations before i start using it!

[@brandonallinder7082]

I thinking of buying this smoker. Both videos I’ve seen you do on this smoker have helped not understand what I am buying but more so how to use and upkeep my smoker. I just recently ruined my cheap char-broil from stack to wheels.

[@miket8324]

Thanks for the tips. I just picked up mine today and putting it together tomorrow.

[@HungLikeScrat]

Big don't: don't use galvanized steel for exhaust lowering/stack extending. A big do: sand the paint off anywhere you're applying gasket material/silicone.

[@csxconductor100]

Here's a don't, don't ever use galvanized metal product while cooking

[@charlesf4428]

Just got mine. Will follow your tips!!! Thanks!!

[@jerryprovencher2047]

Good stuff! just bought my second Okalahoma Joe's after flat wearing out my first (more than 10-years)

[@g.choppa4448]

Great tips, and positive view. I got my eyes on this one, but was starting to get discouraged by negative comments, and ton of modifications. After seeing your pointers, I see why so many had problems. 1st big mistake they assembled and cooked without seasoning the smoker. 😁 . Many people complain, but they caused the problems, also like you said spend a few extra bucks and get a cover. Thanks for the tips.

[@paulsimmons5731]

I’m gonna take your advice because it sounds like you know what you’re talking about. 👍🏾

[@peteotten2676]

Good video, quick and to the point!

[@charlesf4428]

Your upgrades are spot on!! Love my OK Joes!! I do keep it covered and in the Garage here on the Gulf Coast!!

[@curtiswhiteheadjr1322]

Great info presented here. A lot of which I never realized before. Moving back to VA soon and the Oklahoma Joe with Smoker Box is definitely on my To Cop List. Thanks a ton. #ToQIsLife 🔥

[@wtz650]

Best protection for your firebox is fire brick.. Line your firebox with fire brick !

[@chrismart5391]

This video was so helpful. I just got mine today. You got a subscriber in me.

[@VacationGetaways]

I put two sliding shelves in mine, it tremendously expands the surface area.

[@alwilsonjr3636]

Thank you!!! This was an extremely helpful review. I just purchased a Char-Broil 40" offset Smoker. (WHY???) I was more focused on the grilling space, instead of realizing how cheaply made it was. I haven't used it, because once I got it home, I could see how wide a gap there would be all the way around the top. The store told me that I could take it back and pay the difference for the Oklahoma Joe Highland. If I tried to make Mods to the Char-broil, it would have cost a lot more than the Highland, and it still might not hold temps due to the thinness of the metal. Sorry for the long post. In your opinion, is the Longhorn any better than the Highland? I would like a lot of space for smoking briskets and Beef Ribs...

[@DaveCash]

Nice Video, I just bought the Highland Smoker! Thanks very much!

[@Pondiver]

You'll love it!

[@DaveCash]

@@Pondiver Thanks, I had a couple home made ones over the years and now that I'm older, can't build one any longer, (arthritis issues). We had a Char griller and it lasted 3 years until the firebox fell through, for $179.00 it didn't owe us anything at all! I've been looking at these for sometime now knowing our old on was ready to give up the Ghost! Just caught it on sale at home depot for $349.00. SOLD!!! Great review!

[@Pondiver]

You'll enjoy it. We use ours AT LEAST weekly for just about everything. From rabbit to duck to turkey to anything you can cook.

[@bahamasracing233]

Nice video. Very helpful

[@maxcinta5760]

I learned to use sand in the bottom of my wood-burning stove to protect it from melting when burning black locusts. I am going to research ceramic coatings.

[@ОлегЧмут-е7з]

Great video. Learned something new

[@wolfdog1964]

Solid review!! Just bought an Oklahoma Joe. Gonna use your advice, thanks!!

[@dms001a]

So it's ok to place charcoal in the cooking chamber without causing damage? I did not know that. That's good to know. Can you use a 3rd grate to use the whole chamber?

[@yondego4733]

I am usually the last person to say things like this (its kinda millennialish) but concerning the dryer vent, read this: Zinc toxicity can occur when an individual is exposed to and breathes the heated yellowish fumes produced from welding or heating galvanized steel. For hot-dipped galvanized steel the recommended maximum temperature is 392 F (200 C), before the metal presents a toxicity risk.

[@Pondiver]

That's good info and I appreciate it. I wonder if it matters that the location is where the heat is escaping. Regardless, you are on to something here. Thanks for sharing.

[@Surferjo]

ty for the video it helps out a lot.................

[@CosmotheDane]

Great video - my OJH smoker arrives this week. I have seen a few videos where people apply a high temp silicone in addition to the gasket. Was curious if you would recommend this as well?

[@Pondiver]

I do recommend a gasket. I did a Dos and Donts video for the OJH.

[@brucedougherty2767]

Great reviews, and very helpful. I know that you choose to grill on this smoker a lot, and I would like to have this option as well. However I am looking at the Longhorn Reverse Flow smoker. That model has the removable baffles underneath the smoke chamber grates. On this model, would my only option for grilling be the fire box? Or would I need to remove the baffles and add a lower coal grate mod to be able to grill on the large surface of the smoke chamber? Any insight on this topic would be appreciated. Thank you!

[@Jacobryanreviews]

You can do both

[@CornbreadXVX]

Excellent video. Appreciate the info.

[@blanebennett4680]

Near the end of the video, do you have the charcoal in the primry drum? If so, what are you placing the charcoal on?

[@geoffreylatham5462]

First time viewer. liked the video. I currently have a char-grill offset smoker that I use most often as a grill but do occasionally do extended smokes with it. It's showing its age and I'm considering buying an upgrade to replace it int he near future. I was looking at the Oklahoma Joe Highland as a possibility. It looks like a step up, for sure.

[@BackStreetAngel14]

Thanks, this was helpful!

[@ridemfast55]

Nice video! Can you grill directly (say steaks and hamburgers) in the smoking part of the grill instead of the fire box?

[@Gandalftheghey]

Are you just placing the charcoal on the bottom grates to use it as a grill? Would that not harm the sides with time like the firebox without the charcoal holder?

[@meandmyfamilyof5913]

Hey dude , great video. I have just set my one up today. But I am looking for advice on what to put at the bottom of the main grill to catch the ash so I don’t have to scrape away at it - any suggestions

[@Pondiver]

I did a mod video for the Joe. I used a box to catch the ash.

[@meandmyfamilyof5913]

@@Pondiver ah ok 👍🏼. I’ll take a look. Here in the uk is only now bbq season so looking to do some mad bbqs 😁. Any tips ?

[@monkrutherford]

Hey, so I’m using mine as a smoker only! Will your dryer vent mod work well with this? If so can you send me a link for the dryer vent needed for the highland please 🙏

[@zxcvbn7768]

Thank You Sir! Just bought my first Oklahoma Joe's Smoker!! I'm Needing some of the items you have, do i order all from Ok. Joe's Website ? THANKS again.

[@issacreid2596]

Just bought mine too

[@issacreid2596]

Never even heard of a grill box. Thanks. You’re saving me money!

[@DirtNassty]

Can I get the link to the "dryer vent" referenced in this video... Im not seeing it in the description

[@QPkrlssn]

Isn’t it a bad idea to put that style of dryer vent there? It looks galvanized, or doesn’t it get hot enough to create toxic gases? I’m thinking of cutting the stack off, make a new hole and weld it back and of course cover the old hole.

[@Pondiver]

Nah. Lots of folks have chimed in, but it's a smoker, not a grill. The temps never get hotter than 300° ot so. That's not hot enough to affect the duct.

[@josephmarino6985]

Good video! I just bought this smoker and added a baffle system and a charcoal box. 2 questions, what do you boil with and where? And because I have a baffle system would you still recommend using the dryer vent system that you have shown ?

[@Bdog1067]

Well I know what I'm doing when the quarantine is over!

[@bgs2827]

Great review, I’m interested in buying this smoker

[@arturogomez4903]

Great video brother !!!

[@elfhighmage8240]

I seasoned everything, including the four deflector plates for reverse flow smoking. Well, the plates look like I burned something on them so I pulled them out while the grill was still seasoning. Did I just ruin those plates?

[@leslierose-akumbu4263]

Just subscribed, Real Life Reviews! Thanks for the "do's" and don't"s" of my BRAND new Oklahoma Joe Longhorn combo grill/ smoker/ gas grill." I need all the advice I can get..! I was debating whether to get a charcoal holder and it sounds like you are recommending it strongly. Since I subscribed, (I haven't looked at all your videos), do you give more advice on grilling on a smoker/ gas/ charcoal? I'm still debating whether to get other items such as a mat (because our grill is on our back deck, 2nd story) because I'm worried about flames flying around, you know, don't want to start any fires!! Thank you again for taking the time to present the videos! ❤😁

[@Kfinney1921]

Thanks! This helped a lot!

[@jredcloud]

I wouldn’t use a dryer vent because the metal is normally galvanized which can be toxic when consumed. There’s a smoke stack exhaust lowering kit you can find online.

[@willwarro4054]

galvanized pipe is fine. just have to heat treat it first. they also make them in aluminum and stainless steel

[@jredcloud]

@@willwarro4054 aluminum and stainless is fine. I would not use galvanized pipe for a bbq pit.

[@Barrygoat420]

I was about to say the same thing

[@cabindweller156]

A big no no to use galvanized metal in a heated area to make food or breathe the fumes. I would suggest picking a pipe elbow made out of a metal that will not make you sick when heated.

[@TALL1FU49]

You did not mention when putting your smoker together to buy the high temp goo at lowes. That way you can seal up your firebox and seal up the firebox where it connects to the cook chamber. All oklahoma joes smokers leak in those areas. Also you forgot to mrmention to buy another temp gauge to mount down where your food is being smoked. Those upper gauges are worthless up there towards the top. Your on your second smoker. Thats nice. Im on my 9th offset smoker. Still have my orange barrel smoker and a very old offset smoker from brinkman. Still works great but leaks from the firebox. My new highland smoker is smoke free. No smoke comes out unless i open the cookbox door. And thats sealed with the high temp tape. Plus i have a defuzer plate in the bottom. That moves the smoke to the other end of the cook chamber. You can get them at lowes for 299.00 anyday. But you need to do those mods while you are putting it together. To season it,i did not put coals in the cook chamber. I only kept the heat up around 400 degrees. First wire brush every peice of metal. Did that putting it together, then made a hot fire to 400 degrees for 2 hours, then wiped on the olive oil and cooked it into the metal for about 30 mintes. Then let the coals die out. Then wiped down the whole cook chamber and firebox lid. Cleaned out the firebox and placed foil in the cook chamber and a new sheet of foil in the fire box. Much easier to clean out. Just tilt the foil towards a coffee can and put back down. Bought mine 4 years ago. Still looks brand new. Yes i used a cover on mine. But you forgot to mention to let the smoker cool before you put on the cover. There are a few dummies out there that will think its fire and heat proof. And even to coat the cooking racks with oil before you place your meat or chicken or fish on the rack so it does not stick. Also to wear latex gloves when handling your product. Put gloves on first. Because if there on and you put your rub on,then your face has a itch, you remove that glove. But if you dont have a glove on and you rub your face,u just might rub your eye and it will burn like hell. And when putting your smoker together to drill a small hole for your temp probe to go thru other wise you will bend it putting it under your door. Plus hardly any smoke will go thru that hole at the end..

[@herbertrodriguez9942]

Awesome video. Very informative!!!

[@toniemojekonto]

Hey quick one. I love smoked burgers but the amount of grease that I have to struggle after is just a f. nightmare. Any tips for cleaning the grease/fat after smoking burgers?

[@sc_catfishhunter1449]

If I want to grill also with this smoker can I use the barrel for a charcoal grill or can I only use the fire box as a grill also?

[@Pondiver]

Yes. Just, so happens I'm using the barrel today to cook steaks. You can use either side.

[@johnpayne9777]

Hi just ordered one, looking at 1 to 2 months delivery in the UK, what’s the best book I can buy for BBQ cooking and maintenance? Been using a Char griller for the last 5 years and I would give myself a maximum of 6 out of 10 for what I’ve cooked so far, wanting to score myself at least a 9 going forward, Regards John

[@reallegend667]

Great video thanks!

[@jerrypredmore8793]

Very informative

[@jasonvernon1046]

Wonder if you lined the box with stove brick as well?

[@Pondiver]

I did not. It holds the temp pretty decent without it.

[@jasonvernon1046]

@@Pondiver I just got this grill and want to try it, main reason its not for holding heat but insulating the metal in the bottom under the grates.

[@jayrhough1912]

Great video. Thank you.

[@djjohnson523]

Nice review, but not everyone needs to buy a cover. My Oklahoma Joe stays in the garage when not in use & never gets wet.

[@reddemonspeed31]

Great smoker! I miss ours!! Great video! 👍

[@paulsimmons5731]

Great information 👍🏾👍🏾

[@joelberrier5310]

Thoughts between the reverse flow or the traditional offset of the longhorn?

[@yanisbeaudoin7703]

Between this and a Weber smokey mountain, which would you choose?

[@JayZeee23]

Just got one, and you just got another sub🤙

[@bobroberts5074]

Cool video. I have a reverse flow highland. Do you ever use reverse flow flow smoking. It seems like none of the other video people use it a lot thanks

[@jrsfalcons]

Great Video!

[@stevenheidt4807]

I used engine gasket sealer on every joint during my setup. It made the seams perfecly sealed and not a touch of smoke leakes out. Its been there for going on its fourth year this year.

[@davepxxxv]

They make food grade high temp sealant. Engine gasket stuff might have undesirable stuff

[@MuZicaliTY90]

Now this dryer vent. Is there a link? I’m having a doozy of a time finding one that looks like that.

[@Pondiver]

amzn.to/3K96klZ

[@Pondiver]

It's a 3 inch elbow

[@tybanks294]

Just got my Oaklahoma Joe for father's day do i need to season before or after i burn it out?

[@Pondiver]

BEFORE

[@framerw47]

Ty Banks I got mine about a month ago. The first thing I did after setting it in place was to burn a basket full of charcoal through it. I love my OK Joe smoker. Now if I can just learn proper fire management!

[@CiaofCleburne]

I like that sear grate❤

[@cdmays]

What’s the dryer vent elbow you used? Didn’t see it in comments.

[@andruepotts]

Have you used a cast iron grill plate to sear?

[@robertjordan6282]

How’d putting that elbow work out as far as draw?

[@Pondiver]

It keeps level smoke in. I do see a difference in draw. That's more or less controlled by the stack.

[@star-b-qpodcast54]

The sear grate is genius

[@eugenex2631]

Thank you!

[@digitalassetguy7468]

Excellent tips. Thanks

[@garybell6919]

Do u only need to season ur oklahoma joe smoker 1 time?

[@oofogman420oo2]

My Oklahoma joe is an older one but made out of 3/8" steel. I can do all of these things haha

[@mayralopez2992]

Why is my food not cooking well on my highland closer to the stack?

[@user-neo71665]

IMHO I think it's pretty stupid to sell a grill and then make you buy all the seals to make it usable. I get the cover because I put mine in a shed so there are plenty of us that don't have a use for one. Seals on the other hand should be included. Besides, from what I've seen their branded seal kit is about the cheapest junk you could pass off.

[@Pondiver]

Let's just disagree.

[@raymondjohnson108]

Thank you

[@ignoranceisnotatrend4669]

Would you choose this smoker over a old country pecos.

[@Pondiver]

I would simply because of my history with the smoker.

[@melaninatedking2982]

Would you recommend welding the firebox to the cooking chamber or will it compromise the integrity of the cooker?

[@Pondiver]

No. I would only use a gasket sealer. I wouldn't weld.

[@boomerbbq4444]

Another don't is don't use your cook chamber as a grill! Get a kettle for that! It's a smoker for goodness sakes!

[@JamesBrown-wo2qj]

100% agree with this. I keep a Weber kettle for full-on grilling. You can use the OK Joe's for larger grilling jobs, but I wouldn't do it often.

[@boomerbbq4444]

@Andrew Werndli Yes I have used a kettle to smoke food as well. I love doing salmon in a Weber kettle!

[@capy_official]

When I seen him throw charcoal and a wood chunk directly under the cook chamber, I knew he was challenged

[@Pondiver]

Thanks for pointing that out. I will try not to show people that I'm challenged.

[@austinjones51]

@@capy_officialWhaddup I’m new to this realm. Why is that a bad thing?

[@MrZACATECANO100]

Thanks👍🏽

[@Pondiver]

You bet

[@pedromagallanes6999]

Would you consider a big aluminum tray to hold charcoal for easier cleaning?

[@Pondiver]

The charcoal basket is the EASIEST way. I love it. I hate the fact I waited this long to get it.

[@merrilldoyle8300]

how long was the first burn

[@Pondiver]

Two hours tops. Slowly bring up and Slowly bring down

[@keithrodts]

Hi Guys, i have the Oklahoma Joes Highland smoker, i used if for the first time this past weekend...im just wondering if you have noticed the temp difference from the firebox side verses the other. what do you recommend to help balance the temp across the smoker? im looking to cook 2 briskets but want to make sure i dont have one cook too fast. any help is appreciated

[@brandonarguelles5766]

Temps on smoke stack side and firebox side will never be the same, but I found that letting mine come up to temp for about 45 minutes using hard wood helps balance and keep temp a lot more stable.

[@baddmatt9588]

I would advise before putting anything inside the firebox and / or cook chamber (looking at you dryer vent), make sure it is food safe! Lots of that stuff is NOT and can actually poison you. This applies to gasket sealer, as well. Lavalock makes food safe gasket sealer and felt tape as well. Anything stainless steel or aluminum is great! Aluminized Steel can be used, also. If not those, you need to verify that it is safe for food. If you cannot verify it, do NOT use it! Anything galvanized or zinc coated should NEVER be used inside the cook chamber or firebox.

[@Pondiver]

This comment was better than the video!