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- Brand
- Oklahoma Joe's
- Our score
- 9.4 out of 10
- Overwhelmingly positive
Selecting an authentic horizontal offset smoker requires a careful look at volume distribution, metal construction, and airflow engineering. The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn is engineered for pitmasters who want traditional wood-fired barbecue through indirect convective heat rather than automated electrical components. Built with a total cooking surface of 1,060 square inches divided between a primary smoking cylinder and a secondary offset firebox, this heavy-gauge alloy steel unit delivers the classic platform needed to smoke briskets, pork shoulders, and ribs over long sessions. If you are assessing whether this charcoal and hardwood rig matches your outdoor cooking space and capacity requirements, reviewing the exact manufacturer measurements and layout distribution is the essential starting step.
This technical overview dissects the oklahoma joe longhorn grill specs across its operational footprint, metal fabrication, airflow dampers, and heat distribution surfaces. We break down the exact dimensional boundaries of the 13201747-05 model number, examine how the cooking surface divides between indirect smoking and direct grilling zones, and assess thermal management features including the lid-mounted gauge and draft damper system. Whether you are migrating from a compact portable charcoal grill such as the weber go anywhere or looking to install a permanent stick-burning station in your backyard, the following breakdown covers every verified metric provided by the manufacturer.
What You Get With the Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn
The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn arrives as an integrated dual-chamber offset cooking unit designed by manufacturer Charbroil to provide dedicated indirect smoking alongside high-heat direct charcoal capability. The package includes the following core hardware components and design features specified by the manufacturer:
- Heavy-gauge alloy steel primary cooking barrel and attached offset firebox chamber
- 1,060 square inches of total cooking area split into primary and secondary zones
- Porcelain-coated wire cooking grates engineered for rust resistance and heat distribution
- Dedicated side firebox door providing fuel loading and ash cleanout access
- Lid-mounted professional temperature gauge calibrated for chamber heat monitoring
- Multiple adjustable draft dampers positioned for intake and exhaust air control
- Integrated exterior front utility shelf for holding trays, cutting boards, and tools
- Heat-resistant cool-touch lid handles on both the main barrel and the firebox
- Heavy-duty wagon-style steel wheels for patio relocation
- Stainless steel interior structural elements supporting internal grates and components
Key Specifications
| Specification Attribute | Manufacturer Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand and Line | Oklahoma Joe’s / Charbroil |
| Model / Part Number | 13201747-05 |
| Total Cooking Area | 1,060 sq. in. |
| Primary Cooking Chamber Area | 751 sq. in. |
| Secondary Firebox Cooking Area | 309 sq. in. |
| Exterior Dimensions (D x W x H) | 36.5″ D x 64.3″ W x 55.5″ H |
| Outer Shell Material | Alloy Steel (Heavy-Gauge Construction) |
| Internal Material | Stainless Steel |
| Grate Construction | Porcelain-Coated Wire Grates |
| Fuel Compatibility | Charcoal Briquettes, Lump Charcoal, Hardwood Splits and Chunks |
| UPC / GTIN | 099143017471 / 00099143017471 |
| Warranty Coverage | 90 Day Manufacturer Limited (2-Year Parts Listed in Description) |
Chamber Volume and Cooking Surface Distribution
The primary advantage of this unit centers on how the oklahoma joe longhorn cooking area is allocated across its two chambers. Out of the 1,060 square inches of total capacity, the main cylindrical cooking barrel accounts for 751 square inches. This horizontal chamber accommodates large cuts of meat, offering enough linear depth and width to lay multiple full-packer briskets or multiple racks of spare ribs flat without overlapping. Because convective airflow sweeps horizontally from the firebox throat toward the smokestack, this primary space serves as the indirect heat zone where meats cook low and slow in a wood-smoke environment.
The remaining 309 square inches of cooking space reside inside the offset firebox chamber. Equipped with its own porcelain-coated wire grates, this secondary zone provides direct heat grilling directly over charcoal embers or glowing wood coals. Having 309 square inches dedicated to direct grilling allows pitmasters to reverse-sear steaks, char sausages, or blister vegetables while larger roasts cook slowly inside the adjoining 751-square-inch chamber. While small charcoal cookers like the smokey joe weber grill focus solely on direct heat over a compact grate, the Longhorn provides two distinct thermal zones running at different temperatures at the same time.
Understanding this spatial division is vital when calculating practical cooking capacity for events or meal prep. The 751-square-inch primary surface operates best when airflow is not choked off by overcrowded grates; leaving space between meat cuts allows smoke and heat to circulate consistently toward the exhaust. The porcelain coating across all grates simplifies surface maintenance, resisting food adhesion and mitigating oxidation when cleaned and oiled properly after high-heat sessions.
Airflow Mechanics and Temperature Control
Successful offset smoking depends entirely on convective draft, and oklahoma joe longhorn temperature control relies on mechanical dampers rather than automated electronics. The Longhorn utilizes an intake damper situated on the side firebox door paired with an exhaust damper on the smokestack. By adjusting the intake damper, the user governs the volume of oxygen feeding the wood splits or charcoal embers in the firebox, while the smokestack damper regulates the velocity at which heated air and combustion gases exit the main barrel.
Monitoring internal chamber conditions is managed via the factory-installed professional temperature gauge mounted directly onto the central cook chamber lid. This gauge gives the cook a continuous reading of ambient heat inside the upper cooking chamber. However, because heat naturally rises and convective currents travel laterally from the firebox inlet toward the chimney, internal temperatures fluctuate along the length of the grate. Managing this draft is the core skill required of an offset operator, calling for minor damper adjustments to steady the internal temperature without choking the fire into an acrid, dirty smolder.
Fuel servicing takes place through the dedicated side firebox door, which is an indispensable design feature for uninterrupted thermal regulation. In an offset system, lifting the main cook chamber lid causes an immediate drop in internal heat and vents accumulated smoke. The Longhorn side door lets you stoke glowing charcoal, introduce seasoned hardwood chunks or splits, and scrape excess ash without opening the main 751-square-inch cooking barrel. This isolated access keeps the indirect cooking zone stable throughout multi-hour cooks.
Steel Build Quality and Operational Dimensions
When evaluating structural integrity, buyers frequently ask about oklahoma joe longhorn steel thickness. The official manufacturer specifications describe the construction as heavy-gauge alloy steel with a heat-resistant black finish and stainless steel internal elements, though the listing does not specify the precise numeric sheet metal gauge. Heavy-gauge alloy steel contributes significantly to thermal mass, helping the walls retain convective heat and dampen sudden ambient temperature swings caused by outdoor breezes or cooler weather.
The exterior footprint is substantial, with confirmed oklahoma joe longhorn dimensions measuring 36.5 inches deep by 64.3 inches wide by 55.5 inches tall. This broad 64.3-inch width demands a dedicated outdoor space on a stone patio, concrete pad, or open deck. The 36.5-inch depth accounts for the curvature of the main barrel, the firebox protrusion, and the exterior front shelf. When positioning the smoker, users must also factor in clearance for opening the weighted barrel lid and swinging open the side firebox door for fuel maintenance.
Despite its heavy structural frame, mobility is supported by two large wagon-style steel wheels mounted on one side of the lower leg assembly. These wide-diameter wheels make it feasible to roll the smoker across flat yard surfaces and patios when repositioning the cooking station. The integrated front shelf spans the length of the primary cook chamber, giving you a firm, accessible staging platform for heavy cutting boards, butcher paper, probe monitors, and basting trays without requiring auxiliary prep tables.
Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn vs Highland Capacity Considerations
Shoppers analyzing the Oklahoma Joe lineup frequently evaluate the oklahoma joe longhorn vs highland configurations before committing to an offset platform. While both models share the traditional horizontal offset layout, heavy-gauge steel philosophy, and side firebox mechanics, the fundamental distinction lies in total volumetric footprint and primary cooking area. The Longhorn represents the larger capacity class, engineered for pitmasters who find standard mid-sized offset barrels restrictive when cooking for large gatherings or handling multi-cut barbecues.
With its 1,060 square inches of combined cooking area and 64.3-inch frame width, the Longhorn provides wider clearance along the primary grate than smaller alternatives. This extra horizontal length allows full-size brisket flats and points to cook with generous buffer space around the firebox throat, minimizing the risk of edge scorching from direct convective radiant heat. For cooks who regularly smoke three or four pork butts simultaneously alongside beef ribs, the Longhorn provides the chamber volume required without stacking meats or crowding airflow channels.
However, running a larger cooking volume naturally requires a greater fuel bed to bring the chamber up to smoking temperatures and sustain them over twelve-hour sessions. The oklahoma joe longhorn charcoal smoker consumes hardwood splits and charcoal in proportion to its 1,060-square-inch footprint. Pitmasters choosing the Longhorn over smaller alternatives must prepare to maintain larger ember beds, making dedicated fuel storage and regular wood sourcing an integral part of the ownership experience.
Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Pros and Cons
Pros
- Expansive 1060 sq in total cooking space
- Separate side firebox door simplifies fuel loading
- Durable heavy-gauge alloy steel shell
- Rust-resistant porcelain-coated wire grates
- Large wagon-style wheels ease patio maneuvering
Cons
- Listing does not specify numeric steel gauge
- Wide 64.3-inch profile requires considerable patio clearance
- Manual charcoal offset design demands active fire management
Is the Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Worth It
Determining whether the oklahoma joe longhorn offset smoker review metrics align with your cooking style depends on your willingness to practice active firecraft. This smoker is built for the hands-on pitmaster who enjoys splitting hardwood, lighting charcoal beds, monitoring drafts, and adjusting intake vents throughout a cook. If your goal is to master authentic Texas-style barbecue with deep smoke rings and wood-fired crusts, the Longhorn delivers the physical volume, steel construction, and airflow layout needed to produce professional results at home.
The value of this unit lies in its balanced design: heavy-gauge alloy steel fabrication, 1,060 square inches of functional multi-zone cooking space, and a dedicated side firebox access door that simplifies fuel handling. Features like porcelain-coated wire grates and cool-touch spring handles enhance day-to-day usability. For backyard hosts who frequently cater to large groups, the 751-square-inch primary chamber eliminates the frustrating spatial limitations common to vertical water smokers and compact direct-heat grills.
Conversely, the Longhorn is not suited for cooks who prioritize automated push-button operation or those dealing with tight spatial limitations. If you prefer automated appliance control or need rapid weekday meals without tending charcoal, an indoor unit such as the ninja smart cook system air fryer is far more aligned with your routine. For dedicated outdoor barbecue purists with adequate patio space, the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn stands as an authentic, heavy-duty offset smoker built for real stick-burning performance.
FAQ
What are the exact exterior dimensions of the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn?
The manufacturer listing states the exterior dimensions are 36.5 inches deep, 64.3 inches wide, and 55.5 inches high. These measurements include the full width of the primary cooking barrel, the attached offset firebox, the smokestack assembly, and the protruding front prep shelf.
What is the official steel thickness of the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn?
The product listing specifies that the smoker is manufactured from heavy-gauge alloy steel with stainless steel internal components. However, the listing does not specify the exact sheet metal gauge or millimeter thickness measurement.
What fuels can be used in this offset smoker?
The Longhorn is designed to burn charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal, and natural hardwood splits or chunks. You can build a charcoal base in the firebox to establish an even bed of coals and add seasoned hardwood splits to produce continuous flavor-enhancing smoke throughout indirect cooking sessions.
How is the 1,060 square inches of cooking space divided?
The total area of 1,060 square inches is split between two distinct cooking zones. The main horizontal smoking chamber contains 751 square inches of porcelain-coated wire grates for indirect smoking, while the offset firebox chamber holds 309 square inches of grates designed for direct high-heat grilling.
What warranty is included with model 13201747-05?
The listing table states a 90 Day Manufacturer Limited warranty, while the manufacturer product description text also notes a 2-year warranty on all parts. For precise warranty processing and claims, refer directly to Charbroil customer service under part number 13201747-05.
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Specifications on this page are read from the product listing. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback.
