OKJ Highlander question

[nomnomnom]

I have a WSM and really like it. However, I have an itch to use an offset just because it feels more traditional to me. I've been reading and the OKJ Highlander comes up a lot for a good model that wont break the bank. I know you have to mod it a little bit so that wouldn't be an issue. My question is.....how much fuel would it consume and would it turn out food any better than the WSM? I don't mind baby sitting a little in fact I enjoy keeping a fire rolling. I have never used an offset so this is why I'm asking.

 

[sawinredneck]

I'll take a stab at this. I have the Brinkmann trailmaster horizontal, similar to the OKJ you are looking at.
I average 12lbs of charcoal, lump an briquets, four 3x12" pieces of oak, and five to six fist sized pieces of hickory each smoke.
There are times I can't get the temp low enough, there are times I can't get it to keep heat. I've made many mods and sealed it well, but if I'm not watching it every 30min, no idea where it will be.
I don't mind smoking on it, but as much fuel as it burns I feel I have to make each run count. (Money is tight here) So I'm not going to fire it up for a single brisket, I'm not going to do jut two slabs of ribs, I feel I need to fill it and cook a lot. But with a family of three, honestly I'm looking for something smaller and more fuel efficient.
For entertaining, buddy is coming over to watch the race and help with 12-15 people coming later, it's great and I love it for that! Three slabs of ribs, a chicken and a medium sized brisket will fit. But day in and out, it's a pain to prep and cook a weeks worth of food for the three of us in one smoke.
Just my $.02, take it for what you paid.

 

[nomnomnom]

Yeah, that is the what I was thinking. I usually only cook for 2-4 people max at any given time. I'm thinking the cost alone would go way up just in fuel.

 

[fdannyw]

I had a cheap offset by char-broil who now makes okj and had the paint peal off after first time so sent it back and got a wsm and there is no difference in taste just that the wsm will last and the other won't

 

[hardcookin]

I think an offset has better flavor only because your smoking with wood. But it also takes more effort.
I start a chimney full of charcoal once it's burning dump it into the smoker and then add a couple small splits. Let the smoker get settled to desired temp. Then keep adding a split about every 1/2 hour. The secret is maintaining a clean fire.