Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Classic vs Char-Griller Grand Champ Offset Smoker
vs
Quick take: The Char-Griller Grand Champ Offset Smoker costs $1 less; the Char-Griller Grand Champ Offset Smoker offers more cooking space (780 vs 751 sq in).
| Spec | Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Classic | Char-Griller Grand Champ Offset Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$730 | ~$729 |
| Rating | 4.3★ (252) | — |
| Type | Offset Smoker | Offset Smoker |
| Cooking Area | 751 sq in | 780 sq in |
| Max Temp | 400°F | 400°F |
| Fuel Type | Wood/Charcoal | Wood/Charcoal |
| Build Material | Heavy-Duty Steel | Heavy-Duty Steel with Expanded Metal Grates |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | — | — |
| WiFi / App | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Meat probe | No | No |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | No | No |
| Dimensions | 58 x 51 x 28 in | 71 x 35 x 57 in |
| Weight | 250 lbs | 254 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | — |
Pros & cons
Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Classic
- ✓The 2.5mm heavy cold-rolled steel adds real thermal mass, so it holds temperature more steadily than the lighter Highland
- ✓1060 sq in total cooking area is genuinely large, easily handling multiple briskets and racks for a party or competition practice
- ✓It produces the same authentic wood-fired flavor that's the whole reason to own an offset
- ✓The substantial 250 lb build feels solid and durable, and the extra steel resists warping better than entry offsets
- ✓The side firebox works as a charcoal grill too, making it a versatile 2-in-1
- ✓Multiple dampers and a pro temp gauge give the airflow control needed to manage a clean fire
- ✓At ~$679 it offers a lot of capacity and mass for the price compared to custom-welded smokers costing thousands
- ✓It responds extremely well to the same popular mods (gaskets, tuning plates, charcoal basket) that turn it into a near-pro pit
- ✗Even with thicker steel it still leaks smoke from the factory and benefits from gaskets and sealing to hold temps
- ✗There's still a hot spot near the firebox, requiring a tuning plate to even out the chamber
- ✗At 250 lbs it's heavy and a bear to move or reposition once assembled
- ✗Like all offsets it demands constant fire-tending - feeding wood and adjusting vents every 30-45 minutes for hours
- ✗Assembly is long and QC varies, with some owners getting warped doors or panels needing adjustment
- ✗It burns a lot of fuel and the per-cook wood/charcoal cost and prep is significant
- ✗The paint and finish can rust and the firebox shows wear with heavy use
- ✗The same steep learning curve applies - mastering fire management takes many cooks
Char-Griller Grand Champ Offset Smoker
- ✓254 lbs of steel at $729 is the best pounds-per-dollar in the mass-retail offset tier
- ✓1,200 sq in total across primary and warming rack
- ✓EasyDump ash pan empties the firebox without dismantling anything
- ✓Folding front shelf with utensil hooks keeps a 71-inch pit from needing a separate prep table
- ✓Available at both Lowe's and Home Depot, unlike the Home Depot-only Competition Pro
- ✗Rated only to 400°F — the lowest ceiling of any offset here, so it is a smoker first and a grill a distant second
- ✗Char-Griller publishes no steel gauge and no warranty term
- ✗Sold out on Char-Griller's own store as of September 2026; availability runs through the retail channel
- ✗Bolted rather than welded seams mean the same leak-sealing work as any mass-market offset
- ✗71 inches wide and 254 lbs — effectively a permanent patio fixture