Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓ Generous cooking capacity for large gatherings
- ✓ Sturdy steel build holds heat well once seasoned
- ✓ Classic horizontal offset design produces authentic smoky flavor
- ✓ Adjustable dampers give solid control over temperature
- ✓ Includes convenient side shelf and wheels for mobility
- ✓ Affordable entry point into offset smoking
Cons
- ✕ Requires seasoning and gap-sealing to prevent smoke leaks
- ✕ Thinner metal than premium competitors, can lose heat in cold/wind
- ✕ Stock temperature gauge only reads at lid level, not grate level
- ✕ Assembly can be time-consuming and fiddly
- ✕ Paint may need touch-up over time due to high heat exposure
Specifications
| Total Cooking Area | 1060 sq. in. |
|---|---|
| Main Chamber Diameter | 20 in. |
| Material | Heavy-gauge steel |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
| Firebox Style | Offset side firebox |
Our full review
The Oklahoma Joe's Highland Offset Smoker stands as one of the most recognizable and trusted names in traditional backyard barbecue, offering the authentic wood and charcoal smoking experience that pitmasters have relied on for generations. Constructed from heavy-gauge steel, the Highland features the classic offset firebox design that separates the fire from the main cooking chamber, allowing smoke and indirect heat to slowly circulate around the meat rather than cooking it directly over flame. This setup produces the deep, rich smoky flavor that distinguishes real barbecue from anything achieved with gas or electric alternatives, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who want to master the low-and-slow technique using wood chunks, logs, or charcoal. The main chamber offers 619 square inches of cooking space, while the firebox adds an additional 281 square inches, giving users a combined total of exactly 900 square inches to work with, enough room to smoke multiple racks of ribs, whole briskets, pork shoulders, and chickens simultaneously for large gatherings or competition-style cook-offs. The smoker includes two heavy-duty steel cooking grates in the main chamber and one in the firebox, all designed to hold up under repeated high-heat use. A built-in temperature gauge on the cooking chamber lid lets users monitor internal heat without lifting the lid and losing valuable smoke, while adjustable dampers on both the firebox and the smokestack give precise control over airflow, helping maintain consistent temperatures throughout long cooking sessions. Beyond its cooking capabilities, the Highland is built with functional convenience in mind, featuring a fully assembled cart-style base with wheels for mobility, a removable ash pan for easy cleanup, and a spacious front shelf for prepping and staging food during cook time. Its rugged black steel construction is designed to withstand outdoor conditions season after season, and the classic silhouette gives any patio or backyard an authentic pit-master aesthetic. Whether used by beginners eager to learn traditional offset smoking or seasoned barbecue veterans seeking reliable performance for weekend cookouts and competitions, the Oklahoma Joe's Highland Offset Smoker delivers the hands-on, wood-fired experience that defines real Southern-style barbecue.
Took a few cooks to learn the airflow, but once dialed in, this thing produces incredible brisket and ribs. Solid build for the price.
Had to add gasket seal around the firebox and lid to stop smoke leaks, but after that it holds temp much better. Worth the extra effort.
Cooked two racks of ribs and a chicken at once with room to spare. Temperature gauge runs a bit high, so I use a separate probe at grate level.
Nothing beats the taste from a true offset. This smoker taught me patience but the results are worth it every time.
Instructions were unclear and it took two of us over three hours to put together. Performance is decent once seasoned, though.
