Oklahoma Joe vs Char-Griller, Sep(2023)

Knowing the difference between Oklahoma Joe vs Char-Griller is important.

Especially if you are planning to get one.
Oklahoma Joe and Char-Griller are no different from other smokers.

However I have tried my best to explain the differences among them.

This is purely based on my experiences in using both the smoker.

Check out the differences..

Be sure to check out

– 12+ Full List of top modifications of different grills, smokers and cookers etc.
– Char Griller xd grand champ reviewed.
– Oklahoma Joe’s accessories
– Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker Mods
– Char Griller Grand Champ XD Mods

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Oklahoma Joe vs Char-Griller – Best Overall?

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# Longhorn vs Char-Griller Grand Champ XD in Short

Checkpoints	Longhorn Reverse Flow	Char-Griller Grand Champ XD
Cooking space	1060 sq in	1200 sq in
Cooking grates material	Porcelain coated	Stamped Steel
Grate	4	2
Dimension	35.5 x 64.25 x 55.5 in	72.13 x 34.62 x 57.00 in
Weight	226 pounds	254.0 lb
Ashtray	No	Yes
Bottom Shelves	Yes	Yes
Temp Gauge	Yes	Yes
Smoke Stack	Yes	Yes
Front Shelves	Yes	Yes
	Check Price	Check Price

The given capacity, weight, and size show that both smokers have different qualities and perform almost identically…

But I would like to mention one thing..!

You can convert a longhorn into a reverse flow smoker because Longhorn has an optional smokestack location.

Char-Griller has three different models..

For example-

(1) Char-Griller Grand Champ 8100

(2) Char-Griller Grand Champ 8250

If I say about the thickness of the wall, then both the smoker is very thick, heavy, and they hold temperature and are well welded..

You can see both smokers’ cooking chambers are different in design, mainly when it comes to baffle plates.

A Longhorn Reverse flow comes with four baffles, whereas Char-Griller has one heat deflector.

Char-Griller has an ashtray that is slidable, but the charcoal box is bottomless.

However, with Longhorn, you will get a fuel box but no ashtray and a drip pan.

Char-Griller Included dual dampers on the firebox…,

# Major Difference

Cooking Space-The Longhorn has a total cooking space of 1060, and the Char-Griller Grand Champ comes with 1200 square inches.

Cooking Grates– Longhorn has four racks.
You can smoke 8 lb brisket, 8 lb pork shoulders, ribs & turkey etc.

Char-Griller Grand Champ has two shelves and it can hold around eight briskets, ten chickens, and 11 ribs and fits 38 burgers.

One thing I like most is Char-Griller’s heavy-duty slide-out racks, and the bottom shelf allows you to direct cook.

Dimensions (H: W: L:)- We can see here that the sizes of both smokers are different.
But not too much…

Char-Griller XD is a little bit bigger than Longhorn Reverse flow Smoker.

Longhorn Reverse flow smoker: L35.5 x W64.25 x H55.5 inches.

Char-Griller Grand Champ XD: Depth (in.)72.13 x Width (in.)34.62 x Height (in.)57.00 inches.

Weight- Char-Griller is heavier than a Longhorn Reverse flow smoker.

Reverse flow weighs 226 pounds, and Char-Griller Grand Champ weighs 254.0 lb.

Ashtray- Char-Griller XD has an ashtray which is slidable and easy to clean.

But it will probably be sad to know that the fuel box is bottomless. 

However, with Longhorn, you will get a fuel box but no ashtray.

Baffle plate- A Longhorn Reverse flow comes with four baffles, whereas Char-Griller has one heat deflector.

Both smokers’ baffle plates or heat indicators work well according to their design.

You can see that Char-Griller has a drip pan that is so huge and weighs 60 pounds.

My opinion is you can choose which one is easy to remove and clean.

Smokestack- If you like the more smokey flavor, you must go for Longhorn reverse flow smoker.

Char-Griller XD has a big little stack, but it doesn’t have optional smokestack locations.

But it doesn’t mean that the Char-Griller XD can not distribute the smoke the same as Reverse flow…

# Other Difference

Charcoal box- According to quality Char-Griller Grand Champ has a lovely stainless steel basket, but it comes without a bottom portion..

Anyway, there is an ashtray for ash and charcoal.

The reverse flow also has a stainless steel charcoal box with a bottom, and it doesn’t come with an ashtray.

Sealed with Gasket– The door and lid area of a char-griller remains filled with a gasket.

But reverse flow smoker doesn’t come with heat leakage protection.

Temp Gauge- You have to add a gauge where the manufacturer has made a location already..

Char-Griller XD allows you to add two more temp gauges on the lid, and Reverse flow will enable you to put one temp gauge on the top of the smoker..

# Similarities

Front Shelves- Both smokers have sturdy shelves where you can keep or prepare anything for smoking.

This shelf is a perfect workspace..

There is a place on the left side of your Char-Griller to hang your tools or tongs and I like very much of this flip-back metal shelf.

Bottom Shelves- Both smokers have bottom shelves to keep wood and stuff.

I’m very impressed because I don’t have to run around so much to bring any property.

Wheels- Char-Griller Grand Champ’s heavy steel gauge metal wheels and Longhorn’s large, wagon-style wheels make it easier to move from one place to another.

Fuel Capacity- The fuel Capacity of both smokers is almost the same. You can add on Char-Griller.

Handle- You will get cool-touch handles, similar to the firebox, which are very helpful.

Plate warmer- A plate warmer works well because it absorbs heat from the firebox and creates a lovely warm surface where you can keep prepared food warm.

You can get these benefits from both smokers.

Carry Handle- You can take them to competitions or move them from the backyard to the front yard.

# Issues

Reverse flow does leak smoke, so you have to do modifications wherever needed.

What I don’t like
It could be better if the reverse flow had an ashtray.

What I like
And what I really like is that both of these smokers are a little taller..

So, whenever you smoke, you have no chance to bend yourself, and your back will not hurt you.

# Accessories

• OKLAHOMA JOE’S LONGHORN 18″ Smoke Stack Extension.
• Lavalock clamps
• Side Shelf
• Blacksmith Combo Grill Brush
• Temperature Gauge
• Drip Bucket
• Charcoal Firebox Basket
• Cover for Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo.

FAQs

#1 Can I use a rotisserie on Char-Griller Grand Champ XD?

No, you can’t use a rotisserie on Char-Griller Grand Champ XD because there is no any rotisserie attachment.

#2 Can I use a wood log on Char-Griller XD?

Yes, you can use a wood log on Char-Griller.
But wood produces more heat which can damage the finish of your firebox.

#3 What is the metal thickness of Char-Griller’s main cooking chamber and lid?

The metal thickness of Char-Griller’s main cooking chamber and lid is about 12 gauge carbon steel.

#4 What’s the metal thickness of the fire pit and barrel of the Longhorn Reverse flow smoker?

The metal thickness of the fire pit and barrel of the Longhorn Reverse flow smoker is about 1″ 1/10th of an inch.

#5 Is there a drain in the pit of the Reverse Flow Smoker?

Yes, there is a drain and a hook for a bucket in the pit of the Reverse Flow Smoker.

#6 Where do I get a Temperature Gauge for a Longhorn Reverse flow smoker?

You can easily get one on amazon. Here is one that I recommend.

#7 Is it possible to sear meat in the Longhorn Offset Smoker by placing charcoal directly under the cooking side?

Yes, it is possible to sear meat in the Longhorn Offset Smoker by placing charcoal directly under the cooking side.

In this Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Offset Smoker, charcoal may be placed right under the primary cooking area.

Recommended:
– Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn smoker mods.

# Conclusion

Finally, Oklahoma Joe’s and Char-Griller also offer excellent options for smokers and grillers.

Ultimately, deciding between the two comes down to personal preferences, including desired features, budget, and cooking style.

Regardless of the option chosen, both manufacturers offer dependable options for those who enjoy outdoor cooking.