Finally, a Smoker That Won't Break the Bank?
Let me tell you something—I'm no pitmaster. While I've dabbled in smoking everything from ribs to salmon over the years, it's not exactly a weekly ritual at my place. I'm more of a weekend warrior who wants the option to smoke when the mood strikes, but also needs a grill that can handle a casual Tuesday night burger session.
So when I got my hands on the Oklahoma Joe's Laredo Deluxe, I had one burning question (pun absolutely intended): can you really get solid smoking results without spending a fortune?
Spoiler alert—mostly yes. But let me walk you through what I discovered.
First Impressions: What's Going On Here?
Before I get into the good stuff, let's talk about what you're actually getting. The Laredo Deluxe is a horizontal, barrel-style grill that runs on charcoal. No fancy electronics, no gas lines, no pellets—just good old-fashioned coals and wood chips.
At around $300 (often less when it's on sale), it's firmly planted in the "beginner-friendly" price range. And here's the thing about that range: manufacturers have to cut corners somewhere. The body is made of powder-coated stamped steel, which works fine but won't last forever if you live somewhere with harsh winters or constant rain. A good cover and dry storage will be your best friends here.
The Features That Actually Matter
Here's where things get interesting. The Laredo Deluxe isn't just a basic barrel with a lid—it's got a few thoughtful touches that make both grilling and smoking genuinely enjoyable.
That Three-Position Charcoal Tray
Okay, this sounds boring, but hear me out. Having the ability to raise or lower your charcoal tray changes everything. Want a hot sear for burgers and steaks? Crank it up. Ready to do a low-and-slow smoke at around 250°F? Drop it down low. It's a simple adjustment, but it transforms this from a one-trick pony into something you'll actually reach for no matter what you're cooking.
The Sliding Front Door
This was a game-changer for me. There's a little door at the coal level that slides open, giving you direct access to adjust your coals without removing grates or disturbing your food. I used this constantly—spreading coals out when things got too hot, adding more when temperatures dropped. It sounds minor, but constantly juggling hot grates is annoying and potentially dangerous. This design just makes sense.
Built-In Thermometer
You get a thermometer to monitor the smoker's internal temperature, which is essential for smoking. I found myself glancing at it regularly, making small adjustments to the airflow by tweaking the side vent. It's not fancy, but it works.
Putting It to the Test: Smoked Brisket Time
Enough talk about features—let's get to the real test. I seasoned a 3-pound brisket with a dry rub the night before (because patience is a virtue in smoking), loaded up some wood lump charcoal, and lit it up.
I added apple wood smoking chips for extra flavor, closed the lid, and let it do its thing.
The results? Pretty delicious, honestly. After a few hours, I pulled out a brisket with a gorgeous bark (that's the crusty, flavorful exterior that BBQ fans obsess over). My coworkers demolished it at lunch—I didn't even get leftovers.
Was it perfect? There was some smoke escaping where the hood meets the base and around the coal tray lever. Not enough to ruin anything, but worth noting. And yes, you do need to keep an eye on the temperature and make adjustments. This isn't a set-it-and-forget-it model like some electric smokers. But honestly? I kind of enjoyed the hands-on process.
One Minor Grumble: Assembly
I need to be honest about assembly. The legs were genuinely difficult to attach, and one screw just... never made it on. I also had to tighten the side vent with a screwdriver because it kept sliding open on its own. These are annoying QC issues that nobody wants to deal with fresh out of the box.
Once everything was together, though, it felt sturdy enough. I could see myself using this for several years before feeling the need to upgrade.
Who's This For?
If you're a casual backyard chef who wants to experiment with smoking without dropping $1,000 on a high-end offset smoker, this is a solid choice. You've got 940 square inches of cooking space—plenty room for burgers, hot dogs, and yes, a nice brisket or rack of ribs when you're ready.
It'll teach you the fundamentals of temperature control and smoke management without the pressure of a fancy setup. Think of it as training wheels that actually produce delicious food.
Is it the last grill you'll ever buy? Probably not. But it's a fantastic starting point that won't leave you frustrated or disappointed.
The Bottom Line
The Oklahoma Joe's Laredo Deluxe isn't trying to be something it's not. It's a budget-friendly charcoal grill/smoker combo that delivers real results with a little patience and attention. The thoughtful design features (that charcoal tray, the front door) make it genuinely enjoyable to use, not just tolerable.
If you're curious about smoking and don't want to commit big bucks, this might be exactly where you should start. Your next backyard BBQ will thank you.