Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Classic vs Old Country BBQ Pits Wrangler Smoker
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Quick take: The Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Classic costs $20 less; the Old Country BBQ Pits Wrangler Smoker offers more cooking space (920 vs 751 sq in).
| Spec | Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Classic | Old Country BBQ Pits Wrangler Smoker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$730 | ~$750 |
| Rating | 4.3★ (252) | — |
| Type | Offset Smoker | Offset Smoker |
| Cooking Area | 751 sq in | 920 sq in |
| Max Temp | 400°F | — |
| Fuel Type | Wood/Charcoal | Wood/Charcoal |
| Build Material | Heavy-Duty Steel | All-Welded 11-Gauge Steel with 3/16-Inch Doors |
| 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 | Main grate 17.75 x 26 in; upper grate 8.75 x 25.5 in |
| Weight | 250 lbs | 225 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | Lifetime limited (1 year parts) |
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
Old Country BBQ Pits Wrangler Smoker
- ✓11-gauge steel is roughly a third thicker than the Pecos, and the difference shows most on cold or windy days
- ✓3/16-inch doors are the heaviest part of the build and seal the chamber well without a gasket
- ✓7.5 x 12 in hot plate over the firebox gives you a direct-heat surface for searing or holding a pot of sauce
- ✓920 sq in across two racks — 290 more than the Pecos for $150 more
- ✓All-welded with a lifetime limited warranty on the body
- ✗225 lbs and only 26 inches of main-grate length — a full packer brisket needs to go on diagonally
- ✗Academy exclusive, same channel limitation as the rest of the Old Country line
- ✗Parts coverage is only 1 year even though the body carries a lifetime limited warranty
- ✗Deeper chamber means a steeper firebox-to-far-end temperature gradient than the longer Brazos
- ✗No door counterweight at this trim