Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – 19402088

This compact unit from Smoker Joe is the most practical, well made, functional smoker / grill I have ever used or owned in the past 40 years I have been using grills and smokers. It is simply outstanding. A true "Goldilock's / just right" unit for those that wish to cook 5 pounds or so -- give or take-- of meats at a time. A little charcoal - single layer- goes a long way in this grill, with less often being more! It's compact size and ability to raise and lower the coals as needed -- plus the adaptability of the stack's baffle and the body side vents-- allows on the fly temp control you just can't get on bigger units when cooking up smaller quantities of food. And requires just a minimal use of coals. A layer of briquettes or lump charcoal on the right side with a smoker box for chips or smaller wood chunks, with a stainless drip pan and meat on the grill plate to the left under the stack, allows a very small turkey, or large chicken -- or any other piece of meat you desire that serves two to four people -- to be smoked slowly to perfection. With far less hovering than it takes when using a larger capacity unit. Just take the right side grill plate out of the unit and put it off to the side and occasionally throw in four or five briquettes, or wood, if needed when doing a longer haul smoking and the unit will maintain great temperature with less fuss than the full sized units. As stated above. The unit is super effiecient. Also, again, just using coals on one side of the unit and that sides grill plate, allows enough space and adjustable heat to cook a family dinner, using a very minimal amount, single layer of briquettes to cook up a half dozen to ten chicken thighs. Or a crazy thick, 3 inch cut rib-eye steak. It really is amazing how efficient this compact unit is! It is also built like a tank. The perfect gauge steel for it's size, that is often used on larger units. But because of their larger surface area and cooling effect of that surface area, they just are not as efficient as this perfectly proportioned unit. I could write a short novella explaining all of the benefits of using this grill for regular 2 to 4 people family use. But the best thing I can say is, if you are looking for a durable, well proportioned, solidly constructed, efficient, compact grill that can also be used as a smoker, this is it! Recommendation: For use as a small smoker... When assembling, use some high heat silicone caulk around the base of the smoke stack to seal. Also, a strip of smoker gasket around the bottom of the lid. Gasket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TAJW0QE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Silicone: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LRMEQYU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Another upgrade I added was a "toggle latch" as shown in the link below, that allows me to clamp the lid down tight when smoking and sealing the unit completely. https://www.amazon.com/YUEPIN-Toggle-Stainless-Holding-Capacity/dp/B07S896GLP/ref=sr_1_29?crid=1QX8P5ZCFWJ1R&keywords=toggle+latch&qid=1685708326&s=hi&sprefix=toggle+latch%2Ctools%2C87&sr=1-29

The construction is solid. The grates are cast iron instead of the wire grates that are on most grills this size. Being able to raise or lower the coal basket is a big plus for me. I grilled 3 thick filets that came out perfect. Pull the coal basket and sear 2 minutes on each side with the lid open then drop the coal basket all the way to the bottom, close the bottom vent and the lid and the stack and give them 3 more minutes. Being able to drop the temp with the coal pan and vents means I no longer have to have a cooler side to finish off the filets. Closing all the vents down turns the grill into a smoker and gave the meat a nice Smokey flavor. It’s large enough to cook for 4 people and small enough to fit in our camper van. It’s a great price for a quality product.

Decent build quality, easy to follow assembly instructions, and almost a perfect grill/smoker. So far, the only things I have noticed that are missing are a seal around lid to keep the smoke in and a dedicated drip hole for the fats. But, these are small things. The grill preforms very well and it is nice to be able to raise and lower to coals according to the type of grilling you are doing. Great for cooking meats Pittsburgh style/black and blue. It was well thought out, doesn’t include and nonsensical parts. Even the side handles are cool to the touch when the fire is roaring. I especially like the weight of the grill. You don’t have to worry about it accidentally being knocked over. Cleanup is a breeze with the ash tray in the bottom. And, yes, this is also where the fats are going to collect. I’m looking forward to many years of deliciousness. Thank you Oklahoma Joe.

A little more attention to detail in the manufacturing of this product and it would be a strong 5 star rating. I originally had the legs attached and it wobbled while sitting on a flat surface, I loosened the legs on a flat surface and tightened the fasteners, no more wobble. The lid was a little twisted with one corner nearly a half inch open while the other was closed, a screwdriver handle in the closed side while applying friendly persuasion downward on the open side cured this much. One small area of less than professional weld on the left front really doesn't bother me but it is there. This cooker is more efficient than my larger grills after sealing up the stack, lid, ash pan and adjustable vent with the listed product below. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TAJW0QE?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details First was the break in burn to off gas the paint, machine oils... then I went with a chuck roast test. Mildly hot smoked and seared which was excellent! Heat adjustments were no problem with the vent and other cracks sealed up, the coals perked up with added oxygen by opening the vent. The coals seemed freakishly long lasting so some frozen pre-seasoned pork ribs went on for a smoky sear after the roast came off, then the ribs went into the sous vide and onto a glaze broil in the oven. So choice! I've cooked on quite a few grills/smokers/BBQs and this one once is top notch once sealed from unwanted air intrusion. Efficient enough I'm going to have to adjust my usual amount of coals for quick grills and long smokes, yes, this little grill is completely capable of long smokes when set up right. Although not a light weight compact cooker the weight is just part of the heat retention that's a win in my books. Smokes, grills and BBQs like a champ!

Awesome little tabletop charcoal grill! Was easy to assemble, looks great and performs even better! Is a little in the heavy side for a portable grill (nearly 50 lbs). I am keeping my grill on my patio on a rolling cart with stainless steel top. One interesting note… even when doing a full cook, the legs of the grill keep it high enough above the surface of what the grill is sitting on so little heat radiates to the surface below… my stainless steel countertop remains cool to the touch (was surprised to find that - I expected it to get really hot underneath which is why I went for a stainless steel countertop… is not really needed - you could probably safely use this grill on a wooden picnic table.)

This ugly little spud took about thirty minutes to assemble and ended with a hefty weight of about fifty pounds. No problems with parts, or parts mating with other parts. Very simplistic and functional in design. The charcoal tray works well and is designed to be lowered or raised to one of three heights. The idea behind the raising and lowering of the charcoal tray to it's three positions and how it locks the tray in place is proof that this little grill is well designed by those who have learned the lessons of their craft well. The charcoal tray is no light weight piece of 'burn through' sheet metal. It is good heavy stainless steel and will not burn through. The ash tray is sheet metal and is very easily removed for cleaning. The side air vent is designed to move very easily and top stack vent cover is spring loaded, snug and stay's in place. The rather heavy cast iron cooking grates will need to be seasoned. For those of you who may not know how to season iron whether BBQ grates or skillet. The process is very easy. Place a heavy coat of some sort of cooking oil on the iron that you wish to season. Olive oil, peanut oil, or coconut oil. Place the grate over a high heat and let it burn until it stops smoking. Then more oil, and more burning. This is repeated until a nice black glossy coat is built up on grates and iron is sealed. You are done. The size of cooking area is just about right for one large cut up freezer eagle or six good sized burgers. The one thing that you will notice upon construction of parts is that, this is no light weight basement deal BBQ grill. This is heavy duty and will last a lifetime. Or, until you feel a need to upgrade to a larger size. I like this little grill very much and do recommend it to any in need of a small grill that is just right for camping and back yard smoking needs. I even thought that this grill was actually made in Oklahoma. Oh well, thanks joe!

I’d say it’s well made as far as charcoal bbq’s go. Like the size and the design and It’s pretty cool looking. I could see bringing it a long on a picnic if you don’t have to carry it that far. Otherwise have a wagon or another person to help carry it as it’s a bit heavy. I personally think it’s a bit big to bring camping unless maybe you’re in a camper. I personally just bring a cast iron grate and cook over the fire. I bought it for a grill. I use my smoker for real bbq. Even though gas grills are a little more covenant I think food tastes a lot better over coals and for us it’s the perfect size. I can get 8 decent size burgers on it The handle will get hot if you keep the lid open so be prepared for that but not a huge problem for me. There is one review I read stating that the ash tray is a bit hard to get out. But after fooling with it I realized all that you need to do is lift it anbit in the front and slide it out. It’s designed that way.

I bought this based on the reviews, so I expected a lot, and I got it. This thing is a *beast*. It's heavy but very sturdy. I've been using it two or three times a week for a month now, and it does a great job, grilling or smoking. I even did a Hawaiian Kalua Pork wrapped in banana leaves, and it turned out great, almost like what I had when I lived in Hawaii. Also, Korean Bulgogi on the grill (see photos). The dampers give you great control over the heat level when smoking. I'm very impressed and would definitely recommend.