Argentine grilling is its own language, built around a live wood or charcoal fire, a raised grate, and patience. A traditional Santa Maria setup lets you lift or lower the cooking surface with a hand crank or chain, dialing in the heat the way a wood-fired oven does.
This roundup covers that gaucho tradition alongside versatile charcoal and combo grills for shoppers who want the flavor without the full ceremony. If you’re new to the category, think about how much you want to tend the fire and how big your usual cook really gets.
The Lineup, Simplified
Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill 218 sq. in.
Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Offset Smoker and Grill 1093 sq. in.
Captiva Designs Propane and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel Smoker and Grill 1031 sq. in.
Captiva Designs 4 Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner
Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Offset Charcoal Smoker and Grill 1060 sq. in.
Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria Grill with Brasero
BIG HORN Portable Santa Maria Grill with 360° Rotating Grates
GREEN PARTY Argentine Santa Maria Grill with Adjustable Height Grates
Inside Each Recommended Option
The Rambler skips the smoke stack and gauge of bigger offset rigs, keeping things to a small steel tub on legs with a tight 218 square inches of cooking surface. The charcoal tray rides on a threaded rod so you can raise or lower the fire without lifting the lid, which matters more than it sounds when you’re chasing a quick sear on a burger or easing back for chicken thighs.
It won’t replace a primary backyard cooker, but as a grab-and-go option for a car camping weekend or a parking-lot tailgate, the footprint and weight are friendly. Setup is essentially legs and lid, with no propane tank to babysit. If you mostly cook for two and want charcoal flavor at the lake house, this is the one to pack.
Noteworthy Benefits
- Compact 218 sq. in. surface fits roughly 8 to 10 burgers in a single layer.
- Adjustable charcoal tray gives you direct or indirect heat on the same cook.
- Tabletop-style build weighs little enough for one person to carry and store.
Things To Consider
- No lid thermometer, so you manage heat by feel and grate position.
- Ash cleanout takes some care, as the small firebox catches debris quickly.
Made For
Weekend tailgaters, small patios, and anyone cooking for two or three who values portability over capacity.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Shoppers hosting bigger backyard gatherings should look at the Captiva Designs 4 Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill, which offers a far larger prep area and a side burner.
The Highland is a serious piece of steel, with over a thousand square inches split between the main chamber and a side firebox for indirect cooking. The “reverse flow” part means a baffled plate inside routes smoke across the meat and out the stack on the far side, smoothing out the hot spots that plague smaller offsets. Owners commonly report that this setup gives a more even bark on long brisket cooks.
You can also pull the baffles and flip the smokestack to run a traditional offset draft for grilling, which gives you a charcoal sear zone next to the firebox. Compared to the Rambler above, this is a stationary cooker, and it’s heavy, so plan for a level spot in the yard. Fuel costs add up on long burns, and you’ll want a covered shelter to keep the lid gaskets happy through the seasons.
A Strong Showing
- Reverse flow baffles even out heat across the main chamber for long, slow cooks.
- Combined 1,093 sq. in. surface handles multiple racks of ribs or two briskets with room to spare.
- Removable baffles let you switch between reverse flow and traditional offset drafts.
- Side firebox doubles as a direct-heat grilling surface for high-temp sears.
Honest Caveats
- Heavy and bulky, so once you place it, it tends to stay put.
- Thicker steel and gaskets need a cover and a sheltered spot to fend off rust over time.
Feature Snapshot
Right Fit For
Patient pitmasters with a fixed backyard space who want offset flavor and a generous cook surface.
Consider Something Else When
Someone who wants both smoke and propane convenience in one unit may prefer the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo, which adds a three-burner gas side.
Combos like this try to solve a familiar backyard problem: you want the quick sear and weeknight ease of propane plus the smoke and crust of charcoal, without buying two separate rigs. The Captiva Designs unit runs them as two independently lit chambers on a long counter, with a side burner for pots and pans. You can sear a steak over gas on one side and slowly smoke a chicken on the charcoal side at the same time.
The build leans on heavier-gauge steel and porcelain grates, and the footprint is generous, so it’s better suited to a permanent spot than a balcony. Cleanup involves both a grease tray and ash management, which is the trade-off any dual-fuel rig carries. Owners looking to replace a single old grill with something more capable will find this a practical step up.
Bright Spots
- Two fuel types on one chassis eliminate the need for a second grill.
- Side burner handles corn, beans, or a saucepan of glaze without losing burner space.
- Independent chamber controls let you run very different cooks at the same time.
Points To Note
- Two fuel systems mean twice the routine maintenance and two kinds of waste to empty.
- Large frame requires a fair amount of patio space and a level surface.
Best Suited To
Hosts who entertain often and like the option of sear-and-smoke in the same session without juggling equipment.
Skip It When
Someone set on a true gaucho experience with adjustable-height grates will be happier with the Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria Grill.
The Canyon splits the difference between the Highland and a standard gas grill. The charcoal side handles low-and-slow work, while a 3-burner propane side heats up fast and serves as a high-temp sear station. With about 1,031 square inches of total surface, the cavity is wide enough for two pork shoulders and a dozen burgers without feeling pinched.
Compared to the Captiva Designs combo reviewed earlier, this model leans more toward smoke culture, with thicker walls on the charcoal side. The propane tank is sold separately, a small thing to remember at checkout. In most backyards, you’ll want to plan where the lid swings and how the ash can come out before the first cook.
A Favorable Mix
- 3-burner propane side reaches cooking temperature quickly for weeknight meals.
- Charcoal side supports genuine indirect smoking with hardwood chunks.
- 1,031 sq. in. total area covers a full brisket plus sides in a single cook.
Some Limits To Know
- Propane tank not included, so plan for an extra purchase up front.
- Footprint and weight make it a semi-permanent backyard fixture rather than a movable piece.
Quick Facts
Who Will Love This
Cooks who want both a real smoker and a gas grilling station in one footprint for varied weekend menus.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Someone chasing the pure live-fire gaucho tradition will prefer the Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria Grill, which focuses entirely on wood and charcoal.
If the first four picks lean heavily into charcoal culture, this Captiva Designs is the practical weeknight choice: four stainless burners, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, and a side burner for sides or a flat-top sear. The combined 46,700 BTU output gives you responsive heat across the main surface, and the enameled grates are a real upgrade over bare steel for nonstick performance and rust resistance.
It’s a propane unit, so the trade-off against every other pick here is the absence of that charcoal crust and smoke ring. For most backyards running several dinners a week, the easy ignition and quick cleanup matter more than hardwood smoke. Compared to the Canyon Combo reviewed earlier, this grill trades the charcoal side for a larger dedicated gas surface and a friendlier price posture.
What Makes Sense
- Four burners cover a wide cook surface for varied menus at once.
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold and spread heat evenly.
- Side burner gives you a real cooking zone for sauces and sides.
Practical Considerations
- Propane tank not included, and you’ll need a covered space for off-season storage.
- Enameled grates can chip if scraped hard, so plan for a soft grill brush.
Feature Rundown
Perfect Match For
Families grilling several nights a week who want dependable, low-fuss cooking without the charcoal ritual.
Look Elsewhere When
Cooks who prize live-fire flavor and smoke over speed will be happier with the Backyard Discovery Argentine Santa Maria Grill.
The Longhorn is the classic American offset: a horizontal main chamber with a side firebox and 1,060 square inches of total surface, with the secondary rack up top for warming or smaller cuts. It’s been around long enough that the design is well understood, and you can swap parts or find accessories easily. Wood chunks and splits are your fuel, and you manage the fire the old-fashioned way with the smokestack damper and firebox door.
Compared to the Highland, this is a simpler offset without reverse flow baffles, so expect to rotate meat to manage hot spots. For most backyards, the 751 sq. in. main and 309 sq. in. secondary are plenty for a holiday cook. The steel is thinner than premium rigs, so a cover and a dry spot are non-negotiable for any real lifespan.
Key Advantages
- 1,060 sq. in. total area fits multiple briskets, racks, or whole birds at once.
- Side firebox adds direct grilling capacity to the smoke side.
- Traditional offset design is approachable for first-time offset owners.
Some Limits To Know
- No reverse flow, so you’ll rotate meat to chase even bark.
- Thinner steel and gaskets demand a cover and a sheltered location to prevent rust.
Who Should Grab It
Traditionalists who want a familiar offset smoker at a fair footprint and don’t mind babysitting the fire a bit more.
Another Choice May Suit
Someone wanting baffle-driven heat consistency will be better served by the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Reverse Flow Offset Smoker and Grill.
This is the most “real” gaucho experience on the list. A heavy steel frame holds an adjustable-height grate over a brasero, the traditional side wood box that feeds the fire with chunks and logs. You raise the grate to sear a steak close to the coals and lower it to slow-cook a roast with smoke rolling past. Fire bricks line the cook chamber to hold and reflect heat, and the acacia wood table gives you a real prep surface instead of a wire shelf.
It’s also a commitment, since wood-fired cooking takes time and attention that propane simply doesn’t. If your weekends are wide open and the cuisine appeals, the ritual is half the point. Compared to the offset smokers above, this is less about long brisket cooks and more about that open-flame South American flavor on steaks, ribs, and sausages.
Where It Delivers
- Adjustable grate height gives precise control from sear to slow roast.
- Brasero side feeder keeps wood and smoke flowing without opening the main chamber.
- Fire brick lining reflects heat for more even cooking across the surface.
Less Ideal Details
- Wood-fired only, so there’s no fast weeknight option.
- Steel and acacia surfaces need regular cleaning and a cover to handle weather.
Key Product Details
Built With In Mind
Cooks who want the traditional Argentine open-fire experience and have the time to tend a wood-fed fire.
Swap It Out When
Travelers who want the same gaucho style in a portable package should look at the BIG HORN Santa Maria Grill with 360° rotating grates.
The BIG HORN takes the gaucho playbook and breaks it into a portable, modular form. Tool-free assembly means you can have it set up at a campsite or in a friend’s driveway in minutes, and the 360° rotating grates let you swing hot food off the heat and slide raw cuts on without juggling tongs in awkward positions. The adjustable height does the same job as on a full-size Santa Maria, letting you match the grate to the fire you’re building.
It’s smaller and lighter than the Backyard Discovery, so the cooking surface is more suited to four to six people than a full cookout. Owners report the modular frame holds up well to travel, though like any portable steel rig, it wants a dry bag for the trunk. Compared to the Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler above, this is a more authentic Argentine setup with vertical adjustment rather than just a fixed charcoal tray.
Real Benefits
- Tool-free modular assembly makes setup and breakdown fast for travel.
- 360° rotating grates help manage hot and cool zones without moving food by hand.
- Adjustable grate height delivers genuine Santa Maria-style heat control.
Factors To Consider
- Compact grate limits you on large cuts and big gatherings.
- Portable steel construction still needs drying and storage care to avoid surface rust.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Campers, tailgaters, and patio cooks who want authentic Santa Maria heat control in a movable package.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Shoppers wanting a permanent backyard feature with more surface area should consider the GREEN PARTY Argentine Santa Maria Grill instead.
The GREEN PARTY rounds out the list as a friendly entry into the Santa Maria style. The 537 sq. in. surface is roomy enough for a small gathering, and the porcelain-enameled brasero holds up to repeated heating without the bare-steel scaling some cheaper units show. The adjustable-height grate does the heavy lifting here: raise it for a fast sear on skirt steak, drop it low for a slow shoulder that picks up smoke as it cooks.
It’s a fixed backyard piece, lighter in weight than the Backyard Discovery above, which makes placement easier but also means you’ll feel wind more. For most first-time Santa Maria owners, the learning curve is mostly about fire management, not the hardware, and this rig gives you room to learn without a huge footprint.
A Few Highlights
- 537 sq. in. surface suits small to medium family cooks comfortably.
- Adjustable grate height gives real Santa Maria-style heat control.
- Porcelain-enameled brasero resists heat scaling over time.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Open frame means wind and weather can affect cook temperature outdoors.
- Smaller firebox needs refueling on longer, multi-hour cooks.
Spec Overview
The Right Fit
First-time Santa Maria owners who want an approachable rig with the core features of the gaucho tradition at a manageable size.
Not Your Match When
Cooks needing a true travel-ready Santa Maria will find the BIG HORN Portable Santa Maria Grill a better match for camping and tailgating.
What Sets a Great Argentine Grill Apart
A Santa Maria grill, also called a parrilla, is built around an adjustable grate suspended over a wood or charcoal fire. The whole point is heat control by distance, not by gas knob. Three things matter most when shopping this category: the fire source, the grate movement, and the build.
Fire Source and Fuel Choice
Traditional Argentine rigs burn wood, often with charcoal added for steady heat. Modern interpretations mix in charcoal-only or dual-fuel designs. Wood gives the deepest smoke but demands storage, dry seasoning, and patience. Charcoal is faster to light and easier to control. Dual-fuel combos like the Captiva Designs and Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon let you switch between weeknight speed and weekend ritual, but they take up more yard space and require two kinds of cleanup.
Grate Movement and Heat Control
The signature feature on a real Santa Maria is a crank or chain that raises and lowers the cooking surface. The Backyard Discovery and GREEN PARTY models use this to let you sear a steak close to the coals and slow-roast a shoulder with the grate pulled up high. Without adjustable height, you’re stuck with a fixed-position grate and a charcoal tray that does the moving, which works but feels different. Offset smokers like the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland and Longhorn rely on firebox airflow and baffles rather than moving grates, so the heat control story is different even though the flavor goal is similar.
Build Quality and Footprint
Thicker steel, firebrick lining, and porcelain enamel all extend the life of an outdoor cooker, but they also add weight. Plan for a level, sheltered spot, since moisture is the enemy of any open-fire steel rig. A cover is worth the spend on anything in this roundup. For tighter patios, portable or modular units like the BIG HORN let you store the grill in a shed between weekends and keep the cooking surface compact without giving up the core experience.
Practical Pointers For Narrowing Your Choice
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
The most common mistake is underestimating the fuel reality. A wood-fed Santa Maria is not a quick weeknight option, and shoppers who buy one expecting to light it after work on Tuesday will often find themselves reaching for a smaller charcoal grill instead. Match the fuel to your actual schedule. Another trap is grabbing an offset smoker for the smoke ring without planning for a cover, since these rigs are heavy and slow to move once they’ve rusted into a corner of the yard.
Why Top Tier Costs More
The step up in this category usually buys heavier-gauge steel, better gaskets, and refined airflow control. Thicker steel holds heat more steadily, which means fewer temperature swings during long cooks. Better gaskets keep smoke where it belongs, which means more efficient fuel use. Refined baffles, like the reverse flow setup on the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland, smooth out hot spots so you don’t have to rotate meat as often. For a casual once-a-month griller, the basics are enough. For someone running a brisket every weekend, the upgrade is the difference between babysitting and enjoying the cook.