Oklahoma Joe's Rider 600 Review: A Smoker Brand's Pellet Grill

The Oklahoma Joe's Rider 600 brings a respected smoker brand's build-quality focus to the pellet world — with direct-flame searing that most pellet grills can't match.

Who It's For

The Rider 600 is for the cook who wants more than a basic budget pellet grill: better build, real searing ability, and a brand with smoking pedigree. If you want the absolute lowest price or the slickest app, look elsewhere — but for sturdy, sear-capable mid-size grilling, it's a strong pick.

Key Features

• Direct-flame access for searing over open flame — a real edge versus indirect-only pellet grills.
• Reliable PID controller for steady temperatures.
• ~600 sq in of cooking space — comfortable mid-size capacity.
• Sturdy build and hardware from a brand known for smokers.

Performance

The Rider 600 holds temperature reliably and produces good smoke, but its standout is searing — the direct-flame access gives steaks and burgers a better crust than typical pellet grills. Build quality feels a step above budget rivals. The trade-offs: a less-polished app experience and a heavier, bulkier body. In deep cold it uses more pellets, as single-wall grills do.

Verdict

Oklahoma Joe's brings its smoker pedigree to pellets with the Rider 600 — a well-built, sear-capable grill that's a strong pick for cooks who want more than a basic budget model. See where it lands among all brands in our best pellet grills roundup, or how it compares head-to-head in our Traeger vs Oklahoma Joe's breakdown.