Oklahoma Joe's 17202053 Smoker Review
Our verdict
The Oklahoma Joe's 17202053 is a large charcoal smoker in stainless steel, weighing 226 lb at $778.76. Compared to the alloy steel 13201747-05, this model steps up to stainless construction and has a significantly larger buyer base of 510 reviews, making it a more confident purchase at this price tier.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Serious backyard pitmasters who want a durable stainless steel charcoal smoker with a proven buyer track record and do not mind an investment above $700.
Skip if
You want a lighter, more portable unit, prefer gas or pellet fuel, or are working with a budget under $600.
- Fuel Charcoal
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Black
- Dimensions 35.5 X 64.3 X 55.5 In
- Weight 226.0 lb
- Priced 136% above the category median ($329.50 across 122 tracked models)
- Weight of 226.0 lb - heavier than 92% of the 122 models we track
Pros
- Stainless steel construction resists rust better than alloy steel alternatives
- 510 reviews at 4.4 average is solid evidence of real-world satisfaction
- Large 35.5 x 64.3 x 55.5 in frame suits big family or group cooks
- Oklahoma Joe's has a long track record with charcoal smokers
Cons
- At $778.76 it is a significant investment
- 226 lb weight means it stays wherever you set it up
- Charcoal fire management requires time and attention throughout the cook
- No cooking area square-inch spec published in available data
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 510 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.5/5
510 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
["At 226 lb and 35.5 x 64.3 x 55.5 inches, the Oklahoma Joe's 17202053 shares the large-format footprint of others in this line. The stainless steel construction is the meaningful upgrade over entry-level alloy steel Oklahoma Joe's models, offering better corrosion resistance for outdoor placement over multiple seasons.", 'Charcoal as the fuel type puts the cook in control of smoke, temperature, and timing. The learning curve is steeper than electric or pellet smokers, but experienced backyard smokers often prefer this level of hands-on involvement for the flavor results it can deliver. Cooking at USDA safe cooking temperatures for different cuts requires attention to vents and charcoal replenishment during long smokes.', "At $778.76 with 510 reviews averaging 4.4, this is a well-vetted purchase at its price point. The combination of stainless steel construction, Oklahoma Joe's brand reputation, and a substantial review base with a solid rating gives buyers reasonable confidence before purchasing."]
Specifications
| Fuel | Charcoal |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 35.5 X 64.3 X 55.5 In |
| Weight | 226.0 lb |
Performance notes
Fuel type is charcoal, giving manual control over heat and smoke production. Stainless steel construction at 226 lb suggests excellent heat retention and durability over years of outdoor use. Dimensions are 35.5 x 64.3 x 55.5 inches, a large cooking envelope similar to companion models in the Oklahoma Joe's lineup. No BTU or cooking area figures are listed, which is standard for charcoal smokers where output depends on coal quantity and airflow settings.
What buyers say
510 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5 is one of the stronger combinations of review volume and score in this price range for charcoal smokers. It tells you that a large enough sample of real buyers found this unit worth four or more stars. Some variation exists, as it does with any large and complex piece of outdoor equipment, but the aggregate picture is positive.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does stainless steel cost more than alloy steel in smokers?
Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a protective layer that resists oxidation and rust. Alloy steel is strong but requires coatings or regular maintenance to prevent corrosion outdoors. For a smoker you plan to leave outside season after season, stainless steel typically extends the useful life of the unit.
How do I keep the temperature steady in a charcoal smoker during a long cook?
Consistent temperature in a charcoal smoker comes from managing airflow through the intake and exhaust vents. Open vents raise temperature; closing them brings it down. Adding charcoal in small amounts rather than large dumps helps avoid temperature spikes. A quality thermometer mounted at grate level gives you a more accurate read than lid thermometers.