Yearning for authentic BBQ on the go or on the back porch? Check out this tabletop charcoal grill that makes grilling possible at every spot!
There are more grills out there than meets the eye! Check them out all!
- Outdoor Grill – Electric – Ninja OG701 7-in-1
- Outdoor Grill – Liquid Propane – Weber Spirit II
- Tabletop Charcoal Grill – Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler
- Round Charcoal BBQ Grill – Weber 18″ Smokey Mountain Cooker
- Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker – Masterbuilt® 30
- Vertical Charcoal Smoker – Realcook 17″ Steel BBQ Grill
Oklahoma Joe’s® is a name synonymous with smoky, succulent barbecue. But the journey from a humble brand to a grilling powerhouse is a story fueled by passion, innovation, and a dedication to the art of Texas-style BBQ.
The exact origins of Oklahoma Joe’s® remain a bit shrouded in smoke, but the brand’s journey is believed to have begun in 1987. Back then, the focus was on crafting high-quality smokers and grills, designed specifically for the low-and-slow cooking techniques that define Texas barbecue. These early products prioritized durability, allowing pitmasters to achieve that coveted smoky perfection with confidence.
The success of Oklahoma Joe’s® smokers and grills wasn’t confined to backyards. Their reputation for quality and performance quickly spread throughout the barbecue community. This growing demand led to a significant milestone in 1994: the expansion of their facilities and a subsequent increase in production. Oklahoma Joe’s® was clearly on the rise.
However, the year 1998 marked a turning point for the company. They were acquired by Char-Broil, a major player in the outdoor cooking industry. This acquisition proved to be a strategic move. Oklahoma Joe’s® unique designs and focus on Texas-style barbecue were combined with Char-Broil’s extensive manufacturing capabilities. This allowed Oklahoma Joe’s® to reach a wider audience while maintaining their commitment to quality and tradition.
Following the acquisition, Oklahoma Joe’s® continued to innovate and expand its product line. While the exact date remains unknown, it was likely sometime after 1998 that the Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill was introduced. This portable option further cemented their place in the barbecue community by offering a taste of Texas-style flavor to grillers on the go.
Today, Oklahoma Joe’s® offers a comprehensive range of smokers, grills, and accessories, catering to both seasoned pitmasters and enthusiastic grillers alike. Their legacy lives on in every smoky masterpiece created using their equipment, a testament to their dedication to the art of barbecue.
What to Watch Out for When Shopping for Outdoor Grill
Fuel Type
- Gas
Convenient, easy to use, and heats up quickly. Good for searing steaks. Consider propane (needs refilling tanks) or natural gas (requires a hookup). - Charcoal
Classic smoky flavor, requires lighting coals beforehand. Requires more attention while cooking. - Electric
Smokeless and easy to clean, but may not get as hot as gas or charcoal grills. May not be ideal for searing. - Pellet
Uses wood pellets for smoke and heat, requires electricity. Set-and-forget option but can be pricier.
Size and Cooking Area
- Measure the space
Make sure the grill will fit comfortably on the patio or balcony. - Consider how many people is typically cook for
More people means more cooking space needed.
Build Quality
- Look for durable materials
Stainless steel is a good choice for resisting rust and wear. - Check construction
Welded seams are stronger than bolted ones. - Warranty
A longer warranty indicates manufacturer confidence in the product’s durability.
Additional Features
- Side burners
Great for preparing side dishes while grilling. - Rotisserie
Perfect for slow-cooking whole chickens or roasts. - Sear plates
Intensify the sear on steaks. - Warming rack
Keeps cooked food warm while we finish grilling other items.
Budget
- Set a realistic budget
Grills can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. - Consider extra costs
Factor in fuel (for gas or charcoal grills), grill covers, and accessories.
Disadvantages of Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill
- Limited Cooking Space
With only 218 square inches of cooking area, the Rambler is ideal for small cookouts or searing a few steaks, but it wouldn’t be suitable for feeding a large crowd. - Temperature Control Challenges
Some users report difficulty maintaining consistent temperatures due to a loose-fitting lid and air intake vents that don’t seal perfectly. This can make achieving low-and-slow cooking, a hallmark of Texas-style BBQ, more challenging. - Limited Portability
While it’s portable compared to larger grills, the Rambler is still not ultra-lightweight due to its steel construction. This might be a concern if we need a grill for backpacking or frequent camping trips. - Price
The Rambler falls into a mid-range price point for tabletop grills. Consider if the features and potential drawbacks align with our budget.
Benefits of The Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill
Portability Powerhouse
- Compact and Light (for its category)
Compared to full-size grills, the Rambler is a lightweight champ at around 48.5 lbs. Sturdy side handles make it easy to transport to parks, campgrounds, or even tailgates. - Compact Footprint
This grill is ideal for balconies, patios with limited space, or even taking on the go. Its tabletop design allows for easy placement on a sturdy table or stand.
Texas-Style BBQ on the Go
- Durable Construction
The Rambler boasts heavy-duty steel construction, ensuring it can withstand the heat and wear and tear of charcoal grilling. This is a major advantage compared to flimsier, portable grills. - Thick Cast-Iron Grates
These grates deliver the perfect sear, a hallmark of Texas-style BBQ. Cast iron also retains heat well, perfect for achieving consistent cooking temperatures. - Adjustable Charcoal Tray
This allows us to control the distance between the coals and the food. We can raise the tray for high-heat searing or lower it for low-and-slow cooking, giving us some versatility in our grilling techniques.
Additional Perks
- Easy Cleaning
The Rambler features a full-size, removable ash pan for quick and easy cleanup after grilling. No more scraping a messy firebox! - Temperature Gauge
A built-in temperature gauge helps us monitor heat levels for more precise cooking.
Value for Money
- Mid-Range Price
The Rambler falls into a mid-range price point for tabletop grills. This makes it an attractive option for those who want a quality charcoal grill without breaking the bank.
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Why Buy Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill
Craving the smoky magic of barbecue but lack the space for a hulking grill? Longing for perfectly seared steaks and juicy burgers but our balcony feels more prison cell than culinary haven? Fear not, barbecue enthusiast, for the Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill is here to liberate us.
This isn’t the average, flimsy portable grill. The Rambler’s heart lies in its heavy-duty steel construction, ensuring it can withstand the heat and wear and tear of charcoal grilling like a champ. But unlike its bulky brethren, the Rambler is crafted for portability. Lightweight and boasting cool-grip handles, it transforms any balcony, patio, or even campsite into a potential barbecue paradise.
Now, onto the good stuff: flavor. The Rambler utilizes charcoal (sold separately) to fuel our culinary creations. Lump charcoal or briquettes become our tools for infusing food with the rich, smoky essence of true Texas-style barbecue. The adjustable charcoal tray allows us to play maestro of the heat, searing like a pro or slow cooking to juicy perfection.
But a great grill is more than just heat. The Rambler’s thick cast-iron grates are the secret weapon for achieving those coveted grill marks that make our food look restaurant-worthy. These grates excel at even heat retention, ensuring perfectly cooked burgers, brats, or even delicate fish.
The Rambler doesn’t stop there. Convenience meets functionality with a built-in temperature gauge, complete with glow-in-the-dark accents for easy monitoring, even in low light. Adjustable dampers become our airflow fine-tuners for even greater temperature control. And cleaning up after our barbecue adventures is a breeze thanks to the removable ash pan.
The Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill isn’t just a grill; it’s a gateway to delicious adventures, all condensed into a compact and portable package. It’s the perfect solution for anyone craving smoky, delicious barbecue, anywhere. So ditch the balcony blues and embrace the backyard bliss – the Rambler is waiting to fuel our next grilling masterpiece.
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Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill
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Since 1987, Oklahoma Joe helped pit-masters everywhere hone their craft and develop their own special barbecue flavors. Made from 12-gauge black oil pipe, Oklahoma Joe’s smokers are all about Texas-style barbecue. Durable and heavy-duty, these smokers are built tough- and built to last.
Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill
The Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill is tough enough to be the at-home grill & versatile enough to hit the road too. It takes the best parts of a heavy-duty charcoal grill & reworks them for maximum portability. Steel construction ensures supreme durability, while the height-adjustable tray & large air dampers let us create the ideal temperature and airflow. Full-size, removable ash pan offers a quick & easy clean-up, while thick cast-iron grates deliver sizzling sears.
Key Features
218 sq in Cooking Surface Two-piece, removable cast-iron grates are thick and produce a perfect sear on foods such as steaks or chops. Grilling surface is large enough to accommodate up to 10 burgers at once. | Adjustable Charcoal Tray Height-adjustable charcoal tray can be raised or lowered across 3 fixed settings using the side handles. Raise the tray to grill at high heat, or lower to cook low and slow. | Front-Access, Removable Ash Pan Full-size, removable ash pan catches any grease, ashes or drippings for mess-free cleanup. Ash pan slides out from the front of the grill for easy access. |
Additional Features
Professional Temperature Gauge Professional temperature gauge with glow-in-the-dark accents mounted on the lid of the grill. Lid-mounted smoke stack helps aid in airflow and temperature control. | Large Air Dampers for Airflow Control Large air dampers on the side of the grill allow for airflow control and maintaining an ideal temperature inside the grill. | Sturdy Side Handles Sturdy side handles allow for easy transport of the durable, heavy-duty Rambler. Lid features an easy-to-grab rubber grip handle which stays cool to the touch. |
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