Review of Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Deluxe Charcoal and Propane Smoker and Grill

Description

A Smoker and Grill Combo That Means Business

Testing the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Deluxe Charcoal and Propane Gas Combination Smoker and Grill (model 24203005) felt like diving into a whole new world of outdoor cooking. As someone who loves experimenting with grilling techniques, I was genuinely excited to give this dual-fuel beast a try. It promises the best of both worlds: slow-smoking with charcoal and the convenience of propane grilling. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s break it down.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the sturdy stainless steel and painted steel construction made an impression. This thing is heavy—literally. At 203 pounds, it’s not something you’ll want to move around often. Thankfully, the rubber-treaded wagon wheels make mobility manageable, even on uneven terrain. The black finish gives it a sleek, rugged look, and the cool-touch pivoting handles are a thoughtful touch, especially when you’re working with high heat.

One feature that stood out was the flat-bottom storage shelf and the integrated raised shelf. These are perfect for storing wood splits, charcoal, and propane tanks, keeping everything within arm’s reach. It’s clear that the design keeps functionality in mind, though I wish the assembly instructions had been slightly more intuitive.

Key Benefits

This combo smoker-grill has a lot going for it. Here are some of the main highlights:

• Dual-Fuel Flexibility: Switching between charcoal and propane grilling is seamless, offering both the traditional smoky flavor and the speed of gas cooking.
• Large Cooking Surface: With 750 square inches of primary grates, there’s ample space for grilling pork shoulders, burgers, or even a full rack of ribs.
• Adjustable Smoke Control: The dampers on the firebox and smokestack give precise control over heat and smoke levels.
• Integrated Fuel Gauge: The fuel gauge for the propane tank is a lifesaver, ensuring you never run out mid-cook.

Cooking Performance

When it comes to actual performance, this grill doesn’t disappoint. Smoking pork shoulders for a family gathering was a breeze. The indirect heat from the horizontal firebox delivered that slow, even cook you need for tender, fall-apart meat. Adding wood chunks to the mix infused the food with a rich, smoky flavor.

Switching to the propane side, I grilled up some burgers, and the 36,000 BTU burners heated up impressively fast. The heat distribution across the cooking surface was even, avoiding those dreaded cold spots. I also appreciated the upper rack’s 424-square-inch surface, which kept grilled veggies warm while I finished searing steaks.

However, the ash pan on the charcoal side deserves special mention. It’s removable and easy to clean, which is a godsend for anyone who has ever dealt with messy ash cleanups.

Areas for Improvement

As much as I enjoyed the experience, there are a few critiques worth mentioning:

• Size and Weight: While the large size is great for cooking, it can be cumbersome to move, even with the wheels.
• Assembly Process: Putting this together took longer than expected, and the instructions could use a bit more clarity.
• Propane Tank Not Included: This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting you’ll need to purchase a 20-pound propane tank separately.

Alternative Offerings

Compared to other combination smoker-grills on the market, the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Deluxe holds its own. For instance, Weber offers some excellent propane grills, but they lack the dual-fuel flexibility this smoker-grill provides. Traeger pellet grills, on the other hand, specialize in smoking but come at a much higher price point without the propane grilling option.

What sets this product apart is the combination of features—adjustable dampers, a large cooking surface, and a versatile design—at a reasonable price. That said, if you’re looking for something more portable, you might want to consider Weber’s compact models, though they won’t offer the same cooking capacity.

Price Performance

When you think about the features packed into this smoker-grill, it’s hard to argue against its cost efficiency. You’re essentially getting two cooking methods in one unit, making it a smart investment for serious grill enthusiasts. While it’s priced higher than basic propane grills, the added versatility and cooking space justify the cost. For anyone who enjoys both grilling and smoking, this product offers true value.

Final Words on the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Deluxe

After testing this smoker-grill extensively, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic option for backyard chefs who want versatility and performance. The combination of charcoal smoking and propane grilling gives you the flexibility to cook a variety of dishes with ease. While it has a few minor areas for improvement, the durable design, large cooking surface, and thoughtful features make it a standout in its category.

Whether you’re slow-cooking ribs or quickly searing steaks, this grill has you covered. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn close.

Additional information