Two of the most popular entry-level offset smokers. Both will teach you fire management and produce great BBQ, but the differences in steel gauge and build quality matter more than you'd think.
| Spec | Oklahoma Joe's Highland | Char-Griller Grand Champ |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 900 sq in | 730 sq in |
| Steel Gauge | Heavy-gauge | Standard |
| Firebox Size | Large | Medium |
| Weight | 167 lbs | 113 lbs |
| Dampers | Multiple adjustable | Basic |
| Charcoal Grate | Fixed | Adjustable height |
| Ash Pan | No | Removable |
| Price Range | $350–$450 | $200–$300 |
| Warranty | Limited | Limited |
The Highland's heavier steel is immediately obvious when you touch both smokers side by side. Thicker walls retain heat significantly better, which means more stable temperatures and less fuel consumption over a long cook. In cold or windy weather, the difference becomes even more pronounced.
The Char-Griller's thinner steel will warp slightly over time — particularly the firebox and main chamber lid. It's not a dealbreaker, but it does affect seal quality and temperature consistency after a year or two of regular use.
900 vs 730 square inches is a significant difference. The Highland fits a full packer brisket plus a rack of ribs simultaneously. The Grand Champ can handle a brisket or ribs, but fitting both requires creative arrangement.
If you regularly cook for more than 4-6 people, the extra space matters. For smaller cooks, both have plenty of room.
The Grand Champ has two convenience features the Highland lacks: an adjustable-height charcoal grate and a removable ash pan. The adjustable grate lets you raise or lower the fire for better heat control, and the ash pan makes cleanup dramatically easier.
At 54 lbs lighter, the Grand Champ is also much easier to move around the yard. If portability or storage flexibility matters, it's the practical choice.
The Highland's larger firebox handles bigger logs and provides more room for fire management. Multiple adjustable dampers give you finer control over airflow — which translates directly to temperature control.
The Grand Champ's smaller firebox works fine with charcoal and wood chunks but struggles with full splits. The simpler damper setup means less precision. Experienced offset users will feel the difference.
The Char-Griller Grand Champ at $200-300 is the cheapest way to find out if you like offset smoking. It's tuition for learning fire management. If you discover you love it, you'll likely upgrade within 1-2 years — and that's fine.
The Oklahoma Joe's Highland at $350-450 is the one you keep. It's built well enough to last many years, performs well enough that you won't outgrow it quickly, and it's still affordable. If you're reasonably confident you want an offset, start here and skip the upgrade cycle.
Buy the Oklahoma Joe's Highland if you're committed to offset smoking and want a smoker that'll last. The heavier steel, larger cooking area, and better fire management make it worth the extra $100-150. This is our recommendation.
Buy the Char-Griller Grand Champ if you want to try offset smoking without a big investment, need something lighter and more portable, or are working with a tight budget. It's a solid learner smoker.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.