I am a professional caterer and winning competition cooker. My stick burner is my bread and butter. I use a Traeger for small cooks for the family and recently bought the Oklahoma Joe DLX. It beats my Traeger hands down. More consistent temp control, more smoke, more versatile and easier to clean. I tried it for a two brisket order and was thoroughly impressed as was my customer.
Yeah the ok joe is a beast. Hoping they get the bugs out in the next couple iterations, then the control panel will stop having to be replaced every few months.
I bought the Joe, late August and the first 3 cooks were great, then I received a problem. Which I now see was user error. For the price of the smoker it should come with a cover, mine didn’t and I ordered directly from Joe. But the problem was the weather in Michigan. I didn’t let the auger completely empty and got a jam after rain and humidity. Took the entire thing apart to clear and clean. Since then, at the end of a grill session I set to high on grill, empty the hopper and let it run for about 10 minutes and no issues since then. Great product just need to run it correctly. The smoke and flavor is amazing!!!
Ahhh you feel my pain! I've run out a few times, its a pain in the A**. I have a few friends also that have told me that they do the same thing with the auger/pellets after every cook. It really is a beast of a smoker/cooker. Glad you enjoyed the video, left a comment and subscribed!
The taste testing was the best part on this one. I know your family loves these 'vs' challenges. Good labor day when you don't have to labor too much. OK JOE comes through!!! Nice.
I’m glad you liked the tasting, had to switch it up. I’m tired of seeing me eat on, so I’m guessing other people are too. The family is still talking about these ribs 😂😂
I think OK Joe has the potential to be a better smoker once they get their tech upgraded. Better smoke, and a real sear. However, my buddy that bought this off me has had to replace everything on it, tech dash board and parts. Made these videos a year ago, so not sure of the upgrades have been made on them yet. I would research the most recent forums to see if the bugs and other issues have been fixed.
Great info Kevin, hiccups happen with all grills! Love these comparison vids! If we ever decide to get a Traeger or an Oklahoma Joe, we would be torn! They both seem great for different reasons!!! Grill on, BBQ friend!!!💪🔥
Definitely another interesting one Kevin! That ok joe has some serious promise if they can make the electronics reliable, it does turn out some great food. However there’s no way at this point I would trust it without additional temp probes and adjusting what I do, for me it’s not a set it and forget it grill. Still waiting on the other parts so we shall see. Cheers brother!
Yeah, as I plan my next video, that's what i'm going to mention, its not set or forget it quite like the traeger. Hard to walk away for to long on this one. Glad you enjoyed it!
I agree. I am a OJ fan. Had one of their offset smokers years ago and loved it. I really want a pellet smoker for convenience and really want the OJ to shine but man, the reviews are downright scary. Temp problems, paint peeling, cracked cast iron grate, can't smoke on the cast iron grate because it gets too hot and burns the meat. That's about all it takes to turn me away. Real shame. They have a well planned design but it sounds like it just can't deliver. Bummer.
Never used beer on my ribs have to try that...and definitely interesting to see who won has me even considering a pellet grill not sure I can get Mrs approval but who knows. Great video as always 🔥
I have a ok j and it’s the best pellet grill hands down. Smoking and searing. But! You need to clean the ash after a long smoke or 4 or 5 cooks. Also do not use just any pellets on it or you will get jams. Use the same brand. Or pit boss seems to work great.
It’s a beast of a pit and that’s a great price. Probably worth the potential issues some have faced. But I still hear reports that people have bought them and have zero technical issues.
@@ComparisonCooking picked it up today even cheaper $212 forgot the employee discount ,thank you for replying, trying it out tomorrow got me a slab of baby back ribs can't wait.
So I have gotten and error code on my Traeger as well. Got my error smoking a turkey breast. Did the unplug and replay and that worked. I talked to Traeger about it and they said that this happens when some of the pellets are wet. So not sure if this happen to you too. Great video though. Will be trying the beer. 😄
More electronics definitely results in more problems. Luckily with the newer Traeger I haven’t had any issues but user error (forgetting to add pellets 🤦♂️)
Thats some good comparinatin. I'm surprised it was that different for them ribs. These fancy things always got stuff to go wrong with them. People didn't have these problems in the 1800s. They just had different problems.
This is very true, as much as I like the convenience of these things, it still baby sitting your food. You might as well baby sit it properly with a wood fire/charcoal!
I knew by the second stage that Ok Joe was going to win. That color was spot on compared to the Traeger. Long live OK Joe! Do a Dessert cook between the two. Like a apple or blueberry crumble.
I just worry about reviews I've read about how temperatures aren't stable on low settings with the OJ. It's a better looking grill. Certainly a better price. But it's got to perform well with the low n slow.
Exactly, and why I went with my final decision on the Traeger. It was close but too many issue reviews, wanted reliability. I did a whole playlist on the differences so you could make the best decision for you. Hope you enjoy!
@@ComparisonCooking if Oklahoma Joe can nail this one 'deal breaker' issue down, maybe I'll give it a go. Maybe their second addition will do just that. 🤞
I had the same issue with my Joe. Ended up needing a new fire stick, and it was all good. I'm curious how you have the smoke caps, do you have them fully opened or one closed and one opened? I have terrible temperature differences. Thanks!
Oklahoma Joe said "hold my Natty Bo"🤣🤣 awesome vid brother🍻. I'm not sure why I figured Joe would win (I have never used either) but I guessed right lol. Btw I'm watching your award winning rib video while eating a piece of garbage subway bbq rib sandwich 😪😄
Classic line. The OKJ said hold my beer. I’m having some trust issues with my new little grill. It sucks when you don’t know you can count on the equipment.
Kevin from the bbq heaven. How about a seafood broil. Maryland we have good seafood you know that. Reach out to your BBQ GODS and get their blessings. I will supply the beer, water, and or juice.
Traeger won the wings cus they were dry, and ok joe was moist.... Now it's the opposite, ok joe wins cus it's moist ... And traeger loses cus it was dry...
@@EnergizerTX you know when you put it like that, you are 100% correct 😂. I did pick up on that, but with so many variables going on through the series, I forgot. Thank you for watching and commenting!
![ARGENTINA vs. CHILE [3-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 7](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/De3AWmXzhuA/mqdefault.jpg)
Traeger vs Oklahoma Joe - ruclips.net/p/PLlWEJETj_xqNQNVhU4HhBw0cqhL68anb2
Replied
I am a professional caterer and winning competition cooker. My stick burner is my bread and butter. I use a Traeger for small cooks for the family and recently bought the Oklahoma Joe DLX. It beats my Traeger hands down. More consistent temp control, more smoke, more versatile and easier to clean. I tried it for a two brisket order and was thoroughly impressed as was my customer.
Yeah the ok joe is a beast. Hoping they get the bugs out in the next couple iterations, then the control panel will stop having to be replaced every few months.
Thanks for the video. I’ve been trying to decide between the Traeger and Oklahoma Joe. This video settled my decision.
Glad it could help!
I bought the Joe, late August and the first 3 cooks were great, then I received a problem. Which I now see was user error. For the price of the smoker it should come with a cover, mine didn’t and I ordered directly from Joe. But the problem was the weather in Michigan. I didn’t let the auger completely empty and got a jam after rain and humidity. Took the entire thing apart to clear and clean. Since then, at the end of a grill session I set to high on grill, empty the hopper and let it run for about 10 minutes and no issues since then. Great product just need to run it correctly. The smoke and flavor is amazing!!!
Ahhh you feel my pain! I've run out a few times, its a pain in the A**. I have a few friends also that have told me that they do the same thing with the auger/pellets after every cook. It really is a beast of a smoker/cooker. Glad you enjoyed the video, left a comment and subscribed!
The taste testing was the best part on this one. I know your family loves these 'vs' challenges. Good labor day when you don't have to labor too much. OK JOE comes through!!! Nice.
I’m glad you liked the tasting, had to switch it up. I’m tired of seeing me eat on, so I’m guessing other people are too. The family is still talking about these ribs 😂😂
Everyone is saying that the ok joe is a better pellet grill, but traeger is a really well known brand, but just a name.
I think OK Joe has the potential to be a better smoker once they get their tech upgraded. Better smoke, and a real sear. However, my buddy that bought this off me has had to replace everything on it, tech dash board and parts. Made these videos a year ago, so not sure of the upgrades have been made on them yet. I would research the most recent forums to see if the bugs and other issues have been fixed.
Great video Kevin!! And you nailed it on why a pellet grill or 2 is nice to have in the lineup! Ribs looked fantastic! 🍻
Yeah, it’s a great reason to have one, being able to still live your life a little! Glad you enjoyed it👍👊👊
Great comparison! Always fun to see what wins!
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching Sylvia!
Great info Kevin, hiccups happen with all grills! Love these comparison vids! If we ever decide to get a Traeger or an Oklahoma Joe, we would be torn! They both seem great for different reasons!!! Grill on, BBQ friend!!!💪🔥
Both Smokers are making it tough to pick an ultimate winner! Hopefully we'll have answers soon! Thanks for watching!
I was wondering if it would hold temp well enough to do well, and surprise of surprises it ends up winning. Nice video
Thank you, it was definitely a surprise, trying to figure out the next couple cooks to wrap this series up🤔
I have been waiting to see this. Great comparison video, it's probably because it's Oklahoma, that it won the competition. 😃I'm from Oklahoma City.
You know it, good things coming from Oklahoma these days!
Another great video. I may have to try this coconut sugar you speak of.
It's so good! Brown sugar is just a blend of sugar and molasses, this one has a much milder sweetness to it, i'm a fan. Thanks for watching friend!
Definitely another interesting one Kevin! That ok joe has some serious promise if they can make the electronics reliable, it does turn out some great food. However there’s no way at this point I would trust it without additional temp probes and adjusting what I do, for me it’s not a set it and forget it grill. Still waiting on the other parts so we shall see. Cheers brother!
Yeah, as I plan my next video, that's what i'm going to mention, its not set or forget it quite like the traeger. Hard to walk away for to long on this one. Glad you enjoyed it!
I agree. I am a OJ fan. Had one of their offset smokers years ago and loved it. I really want a pellet smoker for convenience and really want the OJ to shine but man, the reviews are downright scary. Temp problems, paint peeling, cracked cast iron grate, can't smoke on the cast iron grate because it gets too hot and burns the meat. That's about all it takes to turn me away. Real shame. They have a well planned design but it sounds like it just can't deliver. Bummer.
Oh, the ribs look great either way. Forgot to mention that. Ribs are my favorite.
TWC they were delicious 🤤 Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing 🙌
Never used beer on my ribs have to try that...and definitely interesting to see who won has me even considering a pellet grill not sure I can get Mrs approval but who knows. Great video as always 🔥
The real boss, the Mrs needs to approve everything for sure! Haha, thanks for watching, let me know if you ever try out the beer.
I have a ok j and it’s the best pellet grill hands down. Smoking and searing. But! You need to clean the ash after a long smoke or 4 or 5 cooks. Also do not use just any pellets on it or you will get jams. Use the same brand. Or pit boss seems to work great.
That sear was incredible on the OK Joe, definitely need to keep an eye on that ash catcher! Thanks for watching.
I almost picked one up today Oklahoma Joe 900 it's on clearance for $235 at my store last one in stock
now i am thinking i should go get it
It’s a beast of a pit and that’s a great price. Probably worth the potential issues some have faced. But I still hear reports that people have bought them and have zero technical issues.
@@ComparisonCooking picked it up today even cheaper $212 forgot the employee discount ,thank you for replying, trying it out tomorrow got me a slab of baby back ribs
can't wait.
That was a good comparison! They looked just like I like them! Nice cook! Cheers!
Right on, they were so tasty! Thanks for watching Craig!
So I have gotten and error code on my Traeger as well. Got my error smoking a turkey breast. Did the unplug and replay and that worked. I talked to Traeger about it and they said that this happens when some of the pellets are wet. So not sure if this happen to you too. Great video though. Will be trying the beer. 😄
More electronics definitely results in more problems. Luckily with the newer Traeger I haven’t had any issues but user error (forgetting to add pellets 🤦♂️)
Damn seems like I can never pick a winner in these head to head competitions.
Very surprised by these results, glad i'm keeping you on your toes!😂😜
Thats some good comparinatin. I'm surprised it was that different for them ribs. These fancy things always got stuff to go wrong with them. People didn't have these problems in the 1800s. They just had different problems.
This is very true, as much as I like the convenience of these things, it still baby sitting your food. You might as well baby sit it properly with a wood fire/charcoal!
I knew by the second stage that Ok Joe was going to win. That color was spot on compared to the Traeger. Long live OK Joe!
Do a Dessert cook between the two. Like a apple or blueberry crumble.
That's a great idea Nicholas! I've never done that so its the excuse i need to make the leap!
I just worry about reviews I've read about how temperatures aren't stable on low settings with the OJ. It's a better looking grill. Certainly a better price. But it's got to perform well with the low n slow.
Exactly, and why I went with my final decision on the Traeger. It was close but too many issue reviews, wanted reliability. I did a whole playlist on the differences so you could make the best decision for you. Hope you enjoy!
@@ComparisonCooking if Oklahoma Joe can nail this one 'deal breaker' issue down, maybe I'll give it a go. Maybe their second addition will do just that. 🤞
I had the same issue with my Joe. Ended up needing a new fire stick, and it was all good.
I'm curious how you have the smoke caps, do you have them fully opened or one closed and one opened? I have terrible temperature differences.
Thanks!
I ran mine fully open, I really didn’t spend the time playing around with them.
So is the Oklahoma Joe about the same thing as the Pit loss? Oops I meant the shit boss. Can't maintain temp? Just wondering. Great video Kevin. 👍👍
Thank you, getting down to a few more videos before a winner is picked!
Thanks For A Great Channel!!
Glad you enjoy it!
Natty bo!!! My man you just got you a new sub!!
Haha, Natty for the win as always!
Oklahoma Joe said "hold my Natty Bo"🤣🤣 awesome vid brother🍻. I'm not sure why I figured Joe would win (I have never used either) but I guessed right lol. Btw I'm watching your award winning rib video while eating a piece of garbage subway bbq rib sandwich 😪😄
lmao, keep chewing on that mcsubway rib sandwich brotha! Its just like the real thing, hahaha!
@@ComparisonCooking the McRib is hands down better than the subway rib believe it or not lol
Classic line. The OKJ said hold my beer. I’m having some trust issues with my new little grill. It sucks when you don’t know you can count on the equipment.
Yeah, its very frustrating to think that i'm going to the pool for an hour i could come back to a cold smoker.
these are amazing looking ribs!!
Thank you, appreciate it, i want round two of ribs already!
No dry rub? Little to no seasoning.
Correct
Pops was in shock
HAha, he was spot on for sure!
Natty Boh!!! Gotta be a MD guy. Love it
Absolutely! About to do some competition chicken experiments with some old bay on them. This is the way.
Nice
Thanks
Uggggghhh pellets!
Rabbit food
So I just got me a Ok Joe. Did you say you smoked them at 200?
Great video!
Thank you, on the Oklahoma joe I had the gauge on 200, but it ran hot for me so it was closer to 220/225F
Dude I love the Apron! Where do I get one
amzn.to/3AsJWNC
Not sure if it comes in tan, but shop around amazon👍
Oklahoma joe smokes right for me
Its definitely a beast of a smoker. I still shocked by this two weeks later!
Kevin from the bbq heaven. How about a seafood broil. Maryland we have good seafood you know that. Reach out to your BBQ GODS and get their blessings. I will supply the beer, water, and or juice.
Haha, we are the land of pleasant living and great seafood! Thank you as always for watching, I appreciate the support!
2nd!
Niceeeee 😎😎
Traeger won the wings cus they were dry, and ok joe was moist.... Now it's the opposite, ok joe wins cus it's moist ... And traeger loses cus it was dry...
Yes, I like crispy wings and moist ribs. Most people do, but everyone has different tastebuds. Thanks for watching Matt!
@@ComparisonCooking oh I do too, but it appears traeger dries meats out
@@EnergizerTX you know when you put it like that, you are 100% correct 😂. I did pick up on that, but with so many variables going on through the series, I forgot. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Same with all those pellet smokers. Hit or miss. Show me 100 people who swears by a Treager, I’ll show you 100 people who had issues with it.
Completely agree, rectec is the only one I’ve seen where 95% positive remarks from owners, but they aren’t douchy about owning one.