Oklahoma Joe’s Reverse Flow Smokers Explained
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Oklahoma Joe’s is known in the smoker category for heavy-gauge steel offset smokers, the barrel-shaped cookers with a small firebox on one side where you burn charcoal and wood. Its reverse flow models are the brand’s answer to the biggest complaint about basic offsets: one end of the cooking chamber runs much hotter than the other. For a first-time pitmaster or someone buying a gift for a barbecue lover, the Highland and Longhorn reverse flow smokers are the two names you will see most.
This guide covers three smokers and three covers: the new Highland Offset Reverse Flow, the Longhorn Reverse Flow and the original Highland Reverse Flow, plus two third-party covers from Blackhoso and one official Oklahoma Joe’s cover, each matched to the smoker it is listed to fit.
Oklahoma Joe’s Reverse Flow Smokers Compared
| Model | Type | Cooking area or fit | Made by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Offset Reverse Flow (24203003) | Smoker | 619 + 474 sq in grates, plus 281 sq in firebox grate | Oklahoma Joe’s |
| Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset (17202053) | Smoker | 751 + 309 sq in | Oklahoma Joe’s |
| Highland Reverse Flow (17202052) | Smoker | 619 + 281 sq in (900 total) | Oklahoma Joe’s |
| Grill Cover for Highland | Cover | Highland 17202052 | Blackhoso |
| Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker Cover | Cover | Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset | Oklahoma Joe’s |
| Grill Cover for Longhorn | Cover | Longhorn 17202053 | Blackhoso |
So what does reverse flow mean? In a traditional offset smoker, heat and smoke leave the firebox, travel across the food and exit through a chimney at the far end, so the side nearest the fire is hottest. In a reverse flow smoker, metal plates called baffles sit under the grates and force the heat and smoke to travel to the far end first, then turn around and flow back over the food to a chimney on the firebox side. The result is more even heat across the whole grate. All three smokers here let you move the smokestack and, on most, remove the baffles to switch back to traditional offset cooking.
Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Reverse Flow for Big Batches
Oklahoma Joe's
Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker, Charcoal, Porcelain Coated Wire, Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker
Best for: First-time pitmasters in the Highland size
Pros
- 900 sq in total cooking area
- Stainless steel fuel basket
- Porcelain-coated grates
- Four removable baffles
Cons
- Heavy at 180.8 pounds
- Smaller than the Longhorn
Best for: Big-batch cooks wanting the newest Highland
Pros
- 1,093 sq in main and secondary grates
- 281 sq in firebox grill grate
- Switch reverse flow or offset
- Removable ash pan
Cons
- Only a user manual included
- No matching cover in this list
The Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Offset Reverse Flow smoker (model 24203003) is the newest take on the Highland. It pairs a 619 square inch primary grate with a 474 square inch secondary grate for 1,093 square inches of cooking space in the main chamber, which the listing says can smoke up to 5 briskets, 10 chickens or 7 pork shoulders. There is also a 281 square inch grate over the firebox for grilling wings or burgers directly over the fire.
Four removable baffles spread heat and smoke evenly, and adjustable smokestack positions let you switch between reverse flow and traditional offset. The firebox holds a large-capacity charcoal basket for longer cooks, adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers control airflow, and a removable ash pan simplifies cleanup. It uses heavy-gauge steel with a high-temperature finish and rolls on large rubber-tread steel wagon wheels. Charcoal and wood splits or chunks are sold separately, and the listing names only a user manual as included.
This model suits someone who cooks for large gatherings and wants the extra secondary grate. Note that the Blackhoso Highland cover below says it is not compatible with the Highland Offset Smoker, so check dimensions carefully before buying any cover for this model.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset for Feeding a Crowd
Best for: Longhorn owners wanting the official cover
Pros
- Made by Oklahoma Joe’s
- Custom Longhorn fit
- Hook and loop straps
- Fade and water resistant
Cons
- Listing gives no dimensions
- Fits the Longhorn only
Oklahomajoes
Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1060 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset
Best for: Largest main grate for crowds
Pros
- 751 sq in primary grate
- Switchable reverse flow
- Temperature gauge
- Bottom storage shelf
Cons
- 90-day limited warranty
- Needs a large patio
The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset smoker (model 17202053) has the largest main grate in the lineup: 751 square inches of primary space plus 309 square inches of secondary space, 1,060 square inches in total. Four baffles locked beneath the grates distribute heat and smoke, and optional smokestack locations let you switch between reverse flow and offset.
A professional temperature gauge helps you monitor the chamber, a large charcoal basket supports a steady burn, and a firebox door allows fuel loading and ash access without opening the main chamber. A bottom shelf holds utensils, wood and extra charcoal. It is built from heavy-gauge steel and comes with assembly instructions and a product manual. The listing gives a 90-day limited warranty.
Choose the Longhorn if you regularly smoke several large cuts side by side and have room on the patio. For more background on the brand’s other cookers, see our Oklahoma Joe’s smoker guide.
Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker for First-Time Pitmasters
The Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Smoker (model 17202052) is the original Highland reverse flow design and the most common starting point. It offers 900 square inches of total cooking surface: 619 in the main chamber and 281 in the firebox chamber.
A series of four baffles guides heat and smoke through the main chamber, and removable baffles with optional smokestack locations allow a customizable setup. The firebox has a large stainless steel fuel basket and a clean-out door for easy ash removal. It uses heavy-gauge all-steel construction with porcelain-coated cooking grates and multiple dampers. It measures 33.5 by 57 by 53 inches and weighs 180.8 pounds, so plan for two people during setup. The spec table lists the outer material as stainless steel, which conflicts with the black steel body described elsewhere; we would rely on the “heavy-gauge all-steel” description.
It suits a newcomer who wants a proven reverse flow smoker without the extra secondary grate of the newer Highland. If you need more space, the Longhorn gives way more main-grate area. Our Oklahoma Joe charcoal grill guide covers simpler grilling options, too.
Grill Cover for Oklahoma Joe’s Highland for the 17202052 Model
Best for: Budget-minded Longhorn 17202053 owners
Pros
- 600D oxford fabric with PVC lining
- Listed dimensions for checking fit
- UV resistant
Cons
- Third-party, not Oklahoma Joe’s
- Fit depends on careful measuring
Blackhoso
Grill Cover for Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Smoker
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Grill Cover for Oklahoma Joe’s Highland
Best for: Covering the Highland 17202052
Pros
- 600D oxford fabric with PVC lining
- Waterproof and UV resistant
- Easy to rinse clean
Cons
- Third-party, not Oklahoma Joe’s
- Not for the Highland Offset
The Grill Cover for Oklahoma Joe’s Highland is made by Blackhoso, a third-party brand, not by Oklahoma Joe’s. Its listing says it fits the Highland Reverse Flow Smoker model 17202052 and is not compatible with the Highland Offset Smoker because of the chimney orientation.
It is made of 600D high-density oxford fabric with an internal PVC coating, and the listing claims waterproofing, UV resistance, color fastness and resistance to cracking in cold weather. It measures 59.5 by 33.5 by 49.5 inches, cleans with water and uses a hook and eye closure.
It suits owners of the original Highland (the model above). Measure your smoker and compare with the listed size before buying.
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker Cover for an Official Fit
The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker cover is the brand’s own custom cover for the Longhorn Reverse Flow Offset Smoker. It uses heavy-duty rip-stop material, is fade and water resistant, and has built-in hook and loop straps for a secure fit.
It cleans with soap and warm water. The listing does not give dimensions or fabric weight, so you rely on the model-specific fit.
This is the pick for Longhorn owners who want the manufacturer’s own cover and the easiest fit decision.
Grill Cover for Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn for a Third-Party Option
The Grill Cover for Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn is another Blackhoso cover, listed for Longhorn model 17202053 and similar-size grills. It uses the same 600D oxford fabric with PVC coating and claims waterproofing and UV resistance.
It measures 67.5 by 49.5 by 35.75 inches. Unlike the official cover, it gives dimensions so you can check the fit yourself. It suits Longhorn owners comfortable with a third-party cover.
How to Choose the Right Oklahoma Joe’s Reverse Flow Smoker
Capacity. The Longhorn has the biggest main grate (751 sq in). The Highland Offset Reverse Flow adds a large secondary grate. The original Highland suits smaller households.
Reverse flow vs offset. All three let you switch between the two by moving the smokestack. Reverse flow gives more even heat; traditional offset gives a hotter zone near the firebox for searing or finishing.
Weight and space. The original Highland alone weighs 180.8 pounds. These are patio-based cookers, not portable grills.
Pick a cover that matches the model number. The Blackhoso Highland cover fits 17202052, the Blackhoso Longhorn cover fits 17202053, and the official cover fits the Longhorn.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Highland and Longhorn?
The Longhorn has a larger main grate (751 vs 619 sq in) and a temperature gauge and bottom shelf named in its listing. The Highland is the smaller, more common starter model.
Can I switch back to regular offset smoking?
Yes. All three smokers list adjustable smokestack positions, and the Highlands list removable baffles.
Does the Highland cover fit the new Highland Offset Reverse Flow?
The Blackhoso listing says it is not compatible with the Highland Offset Smoker, so do not assume it fits model 24203003.
Is fuel included?
No. Charcoal and hardwood splits or chunks are sold separately.
Which cover is made by Oklahoma Joe’s?
Only the Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker Cover. The other two are made by Blackhoso.
