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View Full Version : Oklahoma Joe's Highland vs. Pit Barrel Cooker


cydisc
02-21-2015, 04:31 PM
My current cooker: https://imgur.com/a/mJclV#0

I'm a single guy and the mini WSM has worked pretty well for my needs until now. I've got a new house and will be doing some backyard entertaining and need some extra cooking capacity to produce more volume than I can currently.

I see that the two cookers noted in the title are at the same price point, $299. I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of each and am soliciting the brethrens' advice. For that matter, if you have alternative ideas, I'm all ears.

For reference:

http://pitbarrelcooker.com/

http://www.charbroil.com/offset-smoker-ok-joe-s-14201884.html

SmittyJonz
02-21-2015, 04:39 PM
Depends if you want feed a stick every 45 minutes thru out the cook.

16Adams
02-21-2015, 04:53 PM
Pit Barrel Cooker if you want to enjoy your company. Stick Burner if you want to avoid, or need an excuse to avoid.
Strictly my opinion- I have both.

Ol'Joe
02-21-2015, 04:59 PM
Between those two, I'd go for the pit barrel cooker, been hanging ribs in my WSM and it works great.

Ron_L
02-21-2015, 05:33 PM
I did my time feeding sticks into a fire box. I'm too old for that now :-D

PBC FTW!

Sallenthornton
02-21-2015, 05:45 PM
I have the highland, WSM and a pellet smoker. My favorite is the pellet smoker. Very easy to use and requires zero thought to get a good product. The WSM is easy also, but I hate the design. Accessing the lower grate can be a hassle. I just picked up the highland and haven't really used it till today. I currently have 2 racks of ribs and a small picnic on it right now. Maintaining temps haven't been too bad, but I am using lump charcoal and wood chunks to make my life a little easier.

SteveKing
02-21-2015, 05:58 PM
I haven't used either of them, but from my understanding the PBC's build quality will easily trump the OK Joe's. That said you will most likely turn out better food in the PBC and have must less hassle doing so. Get a PBC or build a UDS for cheaper

Sallenthornton
02-21-2015, 06:10 PM
I just don't see how the PBC is much different than the WSM

SGH
02-21-2015, 06:11 PM
This just my opinion but for ease of use the PBC wins hands down. Set it and forget it. Also the PBC turns out just as good of Q as my Shirley offset minus the deep smoke ring and the very heavy smoke profile. That said, a lot of folks do not particularly care for the real heavy smoke profile. For the money, one would be hard pressed to do any better than the PBC.

SmittyJonz
02-21-2015, 08:05 PM
You should end with both its just a matter of which to get first. :mrgreen:

jdhays57
02-21-2015, 09:26 PM
This is a great thread for me, since I've just recently begun thinking that I wanted--uh, make that needed-- a WSM.
Cydisc, your d-i-y version of a mini-wsm is really clever. I may have to try this myself while I'm saving my pop bottles for the WSM. Thanks!

ssv3
02-21-2015, 10:17 PM
Two different cookers but in that price range I vote for PBC. You can't go wrong. Took the PBC to a friends house and he told me to get myself a new one he loved it so much. I rec'd the new one this week. The new PBC's come enamel coated like the Webers. Go for it and you won't be disappointed.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZEfZGKKdVow/VOlX4rcRDoI/AAAAAAAALbI/iJ-2wuqVKRw/w464-h825-no/20150213_151638.jpg

Wolverine
02-22-2015, 06:09 AM
im to old to feed sticks also, PBC, or performer