Thoughts, recommendations and suggestions

[Darrell Powell]

Afternoon
C own Oklahoma Joes grill/smoker (15 to 18 yrs old). Can’t buy anything for it anymore as far as parts. Had racks custome made for replacement madd years ago and need to do again. Have a Masterbuikt electric smoker( rusting around the bottom). So thought is to replace both with possibly a pellet smoker. It’s just me and occasionally my son(college) so I don’t need anything real big. Looking at 500 to 700 range. Have looked at PitBoss and a few others. I know that it’s needs auto feed and a good temperature control. WIFi or not makes no difference to me.
So what are good choices and options for what I am thinking? Are my thought reasonable or should I go a different way? What to look for and what to stay away from. Thanks

 

[PPG1]

Your going to find a wide variety of responses to this question. Everyone has different favorites. I personally like the Gravity fed charcoal units. to me it is as simple as a pellet feed and once again just my opinion but you can't beat the flavor and smoke comparing to a pellet fed.

 

[Darrell Powell]

Your going to find a wide variety of responses to this question. Everyone has different favorites. I personally like the Gravity fed charcoal units. to me it is as simple as a pellet feed and once again just my opinion but you can't beat the flavor and smoke comparing to a pellet fed.

My obvious question would be what brand or brands would you recommend. Haven’t thought about that one and will do some research

 

[PPG1]

Great response on doing some research "I hate buyers remorse" I have the Masterbuilt 560. Check out Chargriller 980 I think that one's nice

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

At your price point, take a look at Camp Chef. There is Rec-Tec...err... Rec-Teq that a slightly above the price range you have in mind.

 

[leol2]

Grilla grills has a couple of great grills in that price range. The Silverbac and the Kong OG.

 

[SKade]

Your going to find a wide variety of responses to this question. Everyone has different favorites. I personally like the Gravity fed charcoal units. to me it is as simple as a pellet feed and once again just my opinion but you can't beat the flavor and smoke comparing to a pellet fed.

I agree. I have a Masterbuilt 560 and I think it’s just what your looking for. Nice size and so easy to use. Such great flavor from the charcoal and wood.

 

[Steff3]

I agree. I have a Masterbuilt 560 and I think it’s just what your looking for. Nice size and so easy to use. Such great flavor from the charcoal and wood.

I just looked at this while at The Home Depot. Looks interesting but the build quality of the lid and barrel seems sketchy. Not sure of longevity. Other than that, I'm intrigued.

 

[Winterrider]

Pit Boss Austin XL has a few very satisfied people on here.

 

[Jackinil]

I ordered a Grilla Chimp last week. There's only the two of us so it should work fine.

 

[bigfurmn]

I have a Pit Boss 1000SC, similar to the Austin XL. I love it and good price. Although I am also getting intrigued by the gravity feed charcoal ones.

 

[Fueling Around]

For old school Oklahoma Joe, I've heard you can get some pieces through Horizon Smokers

 

[chesterinflorida]

I ordered a Grilla Chimp last week. There's only the two of us so it should work fine.

I love the look of the Chimp. I think this is what I would recommend in the OP’s price point. If he needs more space then get the Silverback.

 

[1MoreFord]

For welded together OK Joe smokers I second the notion to call Horizon and see if they can supply parts.

I also second the idea of Camp Chef Grills. Nice build quality and features for the price point. Plus good customer service.

 

[Darrell Powell]

For old school Oklahoma Joe, I've heard you can get some pieces through Horizon Smokers

Tried them before the pandemic and no go. Tried them again about a week ago and no go. Thanks

 

[Darrell Powell]

Thanks for all the input. Went with the Masterbuilt 560. Like what I have been reading on gravity feed. Just picked up today. Let everyone know how it turns out.

 

[912smoker]

Congrats Darrell on the new pit !
I have the 1050 and love it !

 

[Darrell Powell]

Congrats Darrell on the new pit !
I have the 1050 and love it !

Only issue that I had was getting the charcoal to lite. After much time and trial and error got it going. Any tips or suggestions

 

[912smoker]

I also had issues until I tried the Masterbuilt fire starters. Always light and fast start up every time !
Local Walmart should carry them