Oklahoma Joe's Highland vs. Pit Barrel Cooker

cydisc · Feb 21, 2015

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 · Feb 21, 2015

Depends if you want feed a stick every 45 minutes thru out the cook.

16Adams · Feb 21, 2015

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 · Feb 21, 2015

Between those two, I'd go for the pit barrel cooker, been hanging ribs in my WSM and it works great.

Ron_L · Feb 21, 2015

I did my time feeding sticks into a fire box. I'm too old for that now :-D

PBC FTW!

Sallenthornton · Feb 21, 2015

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 · Feb 21, 2015

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 · Feb 21, 2015

I just don't see how the PBC is much different than the WSM

SGH · Feb 21, 2015

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 · Feb 21, 2015

You should end with both its just a matter of which to get first. :mrgreen:

jdhays57 · Feb 21, 2015

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 · Feb 21, 2015

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.

Wolverine · Feb 22, 2015

im to old to feed sticks also, PBC, or performer

Oklahoma Joe's Highland vs. Pit Barrel Cooker

cydisc

Found some matches.

SmittyJonz

somebody shut me the fark up.

16Adams

somebody shut me the fark up.

Ol'Joe

is one Smokin' Farker

Ron_L

Administrator

Sallenthornton

Knows what a fatty is.

SteveKing

is one Smokin' Farker

Sallenthornton

Knows what a fatty is.

SGH

is Blowin Smoke!

SmittyJonz

somebody shut me the fark up.

jdhays57

MemberGot rid of the matchlight.

ssv3

somebody shut me the fark up.

Wolverine

is one Smokin' Farker

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