Looking for new charcoal bbq...Oklahoma Joe Judge?

AWilliams · 09-16-2019, 04:48 PM

Looking for a solid charcoal grill that won't cost an arm and a leg. Getting tired of my Weber. Are any of the OJ grills any good...specifically the Judge? Seems to be built ok and heavy at 215#. How is their quality now-a-days? Thanks

KevinInStL · 09-16-2019, 09:14 PM

What's your budget? Are you interested in doing any long, low n slow smoking? If so look up the OK Joe Bronco on brickseek. It's a fairly new smoker that can also be used as a grill. I don't have one (yet) but I've only seen great things about it, both here and on YouTube.

If you're not interested in smoking, do you have a plain Weber kettle? You could look into a Weber Performer. Or maybe a flat top griddle like a Blackstone or Camp Chef.

AWilliams · 09-16-2019, 09:49 PM

I have a Weber Performer...I have a RecTec 590 that I do most of my smoking on. I occasionally like to charcoal smoke on the Weber.

rwalters · 09-16-2019, 10:01 PM

I see that you’re tired of your Weber. Been there and tried a good number of other charcoal grills including some pretty nice ones. Kinda funny but I went full circle and am back to a 26” Weber kettle and can honestly say that the big kettle is my all time favorite charcoal grill. It’s simple, darn near bullet proof, stable and just flat out cooks :)

ssv3 · 09-16-2019, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalters

I see that you’re tired of your Weber. Been there and tried a good number of other charcoal grills including some pretty nice ones. Kinda funny but I went full circle and am back to a 26” Weber kettle and can honestly say that the big kettle is my all time favorite charcoal grill. It’s simple, darn near bullet proof, stable and just flat out cooks :)

Well said! I sold my performer about 5 years ago and I've had all sorts of cookers from kamados, pit barrel, Hunsaker etc. Then a year ago I got a 22" LE redhead and didn't realize until then how awesome and versatile a kettle is. I added a 26" and have a Jumbo Joe also. The 22 and 26 are the the two I use almost 90% of the time. They are easy to start, manage and clean and about as versatile as you can get. I have my LSG stick burner for big cooks but the kettles tackle most everything even for crowds when I light both of them up.

I'd say grab something but keep your kettle. Trust us!

rwalters · 09-16-2019, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssv3

Well said! I sold my performer about 5 years ago and I've had all sorts of cookers from kamados, pit barrel, Hunsaker etc. Then a year ago I got a 22" LE redhead and didn't realize until then how awesome and versatile a kettle is. I added a 26" and have a Jumbo Joe also. The 22 and 26 are the the two I use almost 90% of the time. They are easy to start, manage and clean and about as versatile as you can get. I have my LSG stick burner for big cooks but the kettles tackle most everything even for crowds when I light both of them up.

I'd say grab something but keep your kettle. Trust us!

What about your Yoder... where does that fall into the mix? My pellet muncher is still by far my most used cooker. But when the charcoal itch strikes, it’s all about the kettle for me :)

Just curious [emoji848]

ssv3 · 09-16-2019, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalters

What about your Yoder... where does that fall into the mix? My pellet muncher is still by far my most used cooker. But when the charcoal itch strikes, it’s all about the kettle for me :)

Just curious [emoji848]

I love me Yoder.

Only problem is that it's at the cabin so I only use it when I get up there. Lol, I seriously forgot about the Yoder.

Oh btw Robb, someone made me a serious offer on the Hunsaker so I let it go.

rwalters · 09-16-2019, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssv3

I love me Yoder.

Only problem is that it's at the cabin so I only use it when I get up there. Lol, I seriously forgot about the Yoder.

Oh btw Robb, someone made me a serious offer on the Hunsaker so I let it go.

WOW... we’ve got some catching up to do!!!!!

sudsandswine · 09-16-2019, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssv3

Oh btw Robb, someone made me a serious offer on the Hunsaker so I let it go.

ssv3 · 09-16-2019, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sudsandswine

I technically got most of my money back since the guy didn't want to wait and wanted mine after he saw what it can do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwalters

WOW... we’ve got some catching up to do!!!!!

Yup!

Was about to pull the trigger on the full stainless steel one but....are you ready for this?????

I couldn't justify it.

Considering I still have the PBJ'r.

Sorry for the hijack AWilliams. Back to topic.

rwalters · 09-16-2019, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssv3

I technically got most of my money back since the guy didn't want to wait and wanted mine after he saw what it can do.

Yup!

Was about to pull the trigger on the full stainless steel one but....are you ready for this?????

I couldn't justify it.

Considering I still have the PBJ'r.

Sorry for the hijack AWilliams. Back to topic.

Yeah, I think I’ll be PM’ing you soon to catch up. Don’t wanna train wreck this thread anymore than YOU already have... lol.

09-16-2019, 04:48 PM	#1
AWilliams Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 03-13-18 Location: Ramona,Ca. Name/Nickname : SoCal	Looking for new charcoal bbq...Oklahoma Joe Judge? Looking for a solid charcoal grill that won't cost an arm and a leg. Getting tired of my Weber. Are any of the OJ grills any good...specifically the Judge? Seems to be built ok and heavy at 215#. How is their quality now-a-days? Thanks

09-16-2019, 09:14 PM	#2
KevinInStL Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 09-09-19 Location: Saint Louis Name/Nickname : Kevin	What's your budget? Are you interested in doing any long, low n slow smoking? If so look up the OK Joe Bronco on brickseek. It's a fairly new smoker that can also be used as a grill. I don't have one (yet) but I've only seen great things about it, both here and on YouTube. If you're not interested in smoking, do you have a plain Weber kettle? You could look into a Weber Performer. Or maybe a flat top griddle like a Blackstone or Camp Chef. __________________ Just a guy and a Weber Kettle Last edited by KevinInStL; 09-16-2019 at 09:33 PM..

09-16-2019, 10:01 PM	#4
rwalters Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 06-08-12 Location: Columbia, TN Name/Nickname : Robb	I see that you’re tired of your Weber. Been there and tried a good number of other charcoal grills including some pretty nice ones. Kinda funny but I went full circle and am back to a 26” Weber kettle and can honestly say that the big kettle is my all time favorite charcoal grill. It’s simple, darn near bullet proof, stable and just flat out cooks :) __________________ MAK 3 Star — Camp Chef FTG 900 — 26.75 Weber kettle — Weber Q3200 Follower of Jesus, Husband of 1, Father of 9, Lover of people "Ya don't win friends with salad!" Come follow my adventures on Instagram: @rwaltersbbq

09-16-2019, 09:49 PM	#3
AWilliams Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 03-13-18 Location: Ramona,Ca. Name/Nickname : SoCal	I have a Weber Performer...I have a RecTec 590 that I do most of my smoking on. I occasionally like to charcoal smoke on the Weber.