The Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Charcoal Grill is a portable tabletop grill. It’s versatile and promises great grilling experiences. You can use it at home or on a camping trip. Our team decided to test this grill to see if it lives up to its reputation. This review will cover every aspect of the grill, from its design and build quality to its performance and usability.
Design and Build Quality
Rugged Construction
The first thing you notice about the Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler is its robust steel construction. This grill is built to last, with a heavy-duty feel that assures durability. The steel body and cast iron grates contribute to its sturdy design, making it a reliable choice for home use and outdoor adventures.
Portability
Despite its solid build, the Rambler is designed for portability. It features sturdy side handles with easy-to-grab rubber grips that stay cool, allowing you to transport it effortlessly. Whether heading to a campsite or moving it around your backyard, this grill is easy to carry and store.
Assembly
Easy Assembly Process
Our team found the assembly process to be relatively straightforward. The grill has clear instructions, although some users might find the picture-based guide challenging. We recommend laying out all the parts and following the steps methodically. One minor hiccup we encountered was with the rod/hinges for the domed lid, which required a bit of jiggling to fit correctly. Overall, assembly took us about 30 minutes.
Cooking Performance
Cooking Space
The Rambler offers a 218-square-inch cooking space to accommodate up to 10 burgers at once. This size is ideal for small families or a couple of friends. The thick two-piece removable cast iron grates produce the perfect sear on steaks and chops. These grates are also height-adjustable, allowing you to raise or lower them across three fixed settings to control the cooking temperature.
Temperature Control
One of the Rambler’s standout features is its temperature control. The adjustable tray and significant air damper make creating the ideal temperature and airflow easy. We found that it heats up quickly, and the temperature gauge, which glows at night, is a nice touch for nighttime grilling. However, we recommend using high-quality charcoal briquettes to maintain consistent heat, as cheaper brands may affect performance.
Cooking Versatility
We tested the Rambler with various types of food, including burgers, steaks, ribs, and chicken. The results were impressive across the board. The cast iron grates provided excellent heat retention and distribution, ensuring even cooking. The adjustable charcoal tray allowed us to grill different foods at optimal temperatures, making it a versatile choice for any enthusiast.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Removable Ash Pan
Cleaning the Rambler is a breeze, thanks to its full-size, removable ash pan. This feature allows for quick and easy cleanup, essential for maintaining the grill’s performance and longevity. The ash pan is made of sheet metal and is designed for durability.
Seasoning the Grates
Regularly seasoning the cast iron grates is crucial to keeping them in top condition. We recommend using a vegetable oil spray to coat the grates and then heating them until the oil burns off. This process should be repeated several times to build a protective, non-stick layer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rugged Construction: Built to last with heavy-duty steel and cast iron materials.
- Portability: Easy to transport with cool-to-the-touch handles.
- Temperature Control: Adjustable tray and air damper for precise cooking.
- Cooking Space: Sufficient for small families or groups.
- Removable Ash Pan: Simplifies cleanup.
- Nighttime Grilling: Temperature gauge glows in the dark.
Cons:
- Assembly Instructions: Could be more detailed.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Cheaper charcoal brands may affect performance.
- Weight: At about 50 pounds, it’s heavier than portable grills.
- Lid Fit: Some users reported the lid doesn’t close tightly.
User Reviews
To provide a balanced perspective, we looked at user reviews on Amazon:
- Experienced Griller: One user with 40 years of grilling experience praised the Rambler for its durability and performance. He noted that it heats up quickly and maintains high temperatures but recommended using a high-heat gasket to keep the smoke in.
- Camping Enthusiast: Another user highlighted the grill’s portability and ease of use for camping trips. He appreciated the adjustable charcoal tray and solid build quality but mentioned that the assembly instructions could be improved.
- Apartment Dweller: A user living in an apartment found the Rambler perfect for his small balcony. He was impressed with how well it smoked food but noted that the lid had a slight gap.
Our Verdict
Our team tested it thoroughly. We can confidently say the Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Charcoal Grill is a top-notch portable grill. It offers excellent value for its price. Its rugged construction, efficient temperature control, and versatility make it a wonderful home and outdoor use choice. Minor drawbacks, such as the weight and assembly instructions, exist. Still, the Rambler’s performance and durability make these issues less influential.
In conclusion, the Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Charcoal Grill is reliable and versatile. It meets the needs of both casual grillers and seasoned BBQ enthusiasts. Its sturdy construction, portable design, and excellent cooking performance make it a standout choice in the portable grill market. Whether you’re grilling in your backyard or at a campsite, the Rambler is sure to deliver delicious results every time.
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