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Oklahoma Joe’s Rider Deluxe
Specifications
- 175 to 650 degree F temperature range
- Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grate
- Upper cooking grates adjustable
- 20-pound hopper capacity
- 1,234 square inches of total cooking space
- Simple dial temperature control
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Direct searing capability
- Fire Pot ash cleanout
- Total weight of 242 pounds
- Made in China by Oklahoma Joe’s a division of the WC Bradley Company
Full Review – Oklahoma Joe’s Rider Deluxe Pellet Grill
PROS
- Solid Construction
- Easy Pellet Dump
- Very Large
- Versatile Cooking Surface
- Wide Temperature Range
CONS
- No WiFi
- Spring Loaded Pellet Dump
- Weak Fasteners
Oklahoma Joe’s has been taking a more innovative and aggressive stance in the outdoor cooking market. After 2019’s introduction of the Oklahoma Joe’s Bronco Drum Smoker, they have now turned their eye on the very hot pellet grill market. At around $650USD, this is a simple yet competitive grill. Certainly one worth looking at in the under $1,000 price range. There are few bells or whistles on this grill, but it does have a movable deflector plate that promises direct grilling at temperatures over 600 degrees F. The Oklahoma Joe’s Rider Deluxe Pellet Grill can go toe to toe with any of the lower-priced pellet grills on the market.
Okay. It’s inexpensive. It isn’t really cheap though. This is a big, bad, and heavy pellet grill. You get 1,234 total square inches of cooking space in solid steel, 242-pound grill. You don’t get WiFi or Bluetooth with this pellet grill. There is no smart-device app. What you do get are some nice features, however. Outwardly, this looks like a typical pellet grill. There is a barrel-shaped body and a side-mounted controller.
It is in the details that this grill stands out. Aside from the cooking temperature range, however, these are small features. They are convenient though. Most pellet grills these days have a way to dump unused pellets out of the hopper. Typically this is done through a door in the side of the hopper. Unfortunately, it can leave behind a lot of pellets. With the Oklahoma Joe’s Rider Deluxe Pellet Grill, the door opens under the auger, making it possible to remove all the pellets except those directly on their way to the firepot. This grill also comes with a sealable bucket to drop those pellets into and that bucket fits into a bracket. You can empty the hopper with one hand.
The main cooking grid is heavy porcelain-coated cast iron and has a removable center section that can be replaced with a number of accessories, like a griddle or deep cooking dish. These are sold separately and I am sure that more accessories are on the way. There is even a tool for removing this section if the cooking grate is hot.
Bottom Line
There are a lot of little design innovations in this pellet grill. It is huge and inexpensive, which is its main selling point. In this price range, it is one of the largest pellet grills on the market. Add in the wide range of cooking temperatures and this pellet grill can sear and smoke and switch between the two without even lifting the lid. It has the versatility and power to do everything that a good pellet grill should. If you don’t really care about WiFi, then I seriously suggest you consider this grill.
Unpacking and Assembly
Features and Operation
Cooking on the Oklahoma Joe’s Rider DLX Pellet Grill
Cleaning and Maintenance
Why You Should Trust Me
I have been writing about Barbecue & Grilling for 25 years. I have cooked on almost every grill or smoker ever built. In that time, I have endeavored to match people with the grill or smoker that is right for them. I believe that the right product is the one that you find easy to use, capable of doing everything you want, and reliable for the long haul. If you have a good first experience, you will be back for more. In this way, we grow barbecue for the next generation. I want you to make the memories that your children will cherish.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article and the website it appears on use sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you choose to purchase a product through the links provided, a portion of that sale will go to me. It helps me create content, so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers over the years that have been so kind as to assist me in my exploration of outdoor cooking. Thank you.
