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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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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