What To Know
- The Competition Pro offers a generous 1,260 square inches of cooking space, including a 750-square-inch main grilling area and a 510-square-inch warming rack.
- Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard grilling enthusiast, the Char-Griller Competition Pro and the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn offer exceptional grilling experiences.
- The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn has a compact design and a wheeled base, making it more suitable for transportation and camping trips.
When it comes to premium grilling experiences, two brands stand out: Char-Griller and Oklahoma Joe. Their flagship models, the Char-Griller Competition Pro and the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn, offer exceptional features and capabilities. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these grilling powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Construction
Char-Griller Competition Pro
The Competition Pro boasts a durable steel construction with a porcelain-coated exterior for easy cleaning. Its offset smoker design allows for indirect heat cooking, while the adjustable firebox provides precise temperature control.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn
The Longhorn features a heavy-duty steel body with a cast-iron cooking grate. Its reverse-flow design ensures even heat distribution, and the adjustable chimney damper enables fine-tuning of the temperature.
Cooking Surface
Char-Griller Competition Pro
The Competition Pro offers a generous 1,260 square inches of cooking space, including a 750-square-inch main grilling area and a 510-square-inch warming rack. Its two adjustable cooking grates allow for customization of cooking zones.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn
The Longhorn has a spacious 1,060 square inches of cooking area, with a 750-square-inch primary grilling area and a 310-square-inch warming rack. Its cast-iron grates provide excellent heat retention and searing capabilities.
Heat Management
Char-Griller Competition Pro
The adjustable firebox allows for precise temperature control. Char-Griller’s unique charcoal basket system ensures even heat distribution and reduces the need for constant adjustment.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn
The reverse-flow design and adjustable chimney damper provide superior heat management. The charcoal basket and baffle distribute heat evenly, resulting in consistent cooking temperatures.
Features and Accessories
Char-Griller Competition Pro
The Competition Pro comes with a side firebox door for easy charcoal loading. It also features a removable ash pan for convenient cleaning.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn
The Longhorn includes a built-in thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring. It also has a large side shelf for storage and preparation.
Portability and Storage
Char-Griller Competition Pro
The Competition Pro has a relatively large footprint and is not designed for portability. However, its heavy-duty wheels make it easy to move around the yard.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn
The Longhorn features a wheeled base for easy transportation. Its compact design makes it suitable for smaller spaces or camping trips.
Price and Availability
The Char-Griller Competition Pro is typically priced between $500 and $700, while the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn ranges from $700 to $900. Both grills are widely available at major retailers and online stores.
Which Grill is Right for You?
The best choice between the Char-Griller Competition Pro and the Oklahoma Joe‘s Longhorn depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Char-Griller Competition Pro
- Ideal for large gatherings and serious grilling enthusiasts
- Excellent value for its price point
- Customizable cooking zones and precise temperature control
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn
- Perfect for those seeking a portable and versatile grill
- Superior heat management and even cooking
- Durable construction and premium features
Wrap-Up
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard grilling enthusiast, the Char-Griller Competition Pro and the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn offer exceptional grilling experiences. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements, budget, and grilling style. By carefully considering the factors outlined above, you can make an informed decision and embark on a memorable grilling journey.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which grill has a larger cooking surface?
A: The Char-Griller Competition Pro offers a slightly larger cooking surface with 1,260 square inches compared to the Oklahoma Joe‘s Longhorn’s 1,060 square inches.
Q: Does the Char-Griller Competition Pro have a side firebox?
A: Yes, the Char-Griller Competition Pro features a side firebox door for easy charcoal loading.
Q: Which grill is better for reverse-flow cooking?
A: The Oklahoma Joe‘s Longhorn has a reverse-flow design that ensures even heat distribution and consistent cooking temperatures.
Q: Can I use both charcoal and wood chips on these grills?
A: Yes, both the Char-Griller Competition Pro and the Oklahoma Joe‘s Longhorn can accommodate charcoal and wood chips for added flavor and versatility.
Q: Which grill is more portable?
A: The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn has a compact design and a wheeled base, making it more suitable for transportation and camping trips.
