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8/26/2012

Char-Griller Smokin Pro Charcoal Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased one of these Super Pro Grills and the Side Firebox this past week and used it yesterday to make the best pulled pork shoulder I've ever smoked.
The grill was fairly easy to put together, and I was able to do it by myself contrary to the indication on the instructions.
Once we stoked and started it, it proved to be a great buy- it was relatively easy to keep a low, constant temperature around 225 degrees, occasionally adding more fuel and wood to the side firebox. It does need to be watched and checked often, but is worth the effort. It retains the smoke well, even though a good amount escapes around the joints, and produced a truly enviable smoke ring on the meat.
The cast iron grates are easy to clean and really make this model superior to anything I've seen in the price range. One caveat is they MUST be cleaned and seasoned properly to ensure they won't rust, but that being said they're amazing. (One good cleaning tip I got from my grandfather, who's an old hat at smoking and grilling, is to place them in a self-cleaning oven on the clean cycle when they get really cruddy, and they come out perfect with the seasoning intact).
I have only one complaint-- the first time my husband and I tried to move the grill, both of the included plastic wheels cracked around the axle, making it impossible to use them to roll the grill! I looked back over the instructions, but as I suspected, I had installed the wheels correctly. The grill was not rolled over rough terrain, just down our driveway to the backyard.
We LOVE the grill itself, but need to be able to move it to different locations around the house (backyard for parties, driveway for our use). I contacted Char-Griller about this and they were very helpful, offering to send replacements. However, I think we're going to get a set of sturdier wheels from somewhere else, not relishing the idea of replacing THOSE wheels again.
Overall, this is a great buy, and as an avid griller and smoker I'd recommend it as a great first foray into smoking.

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7/07/2012

Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box Review

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(More customer reviews)I agree entirely with the two other reviewers. This is a great grill, but I would like to add some additional comments. I have rated this only 4 stars because of some assembly issues (see below) and because it is not quite as good as a dedicated smoker (such as the Brinkmann Vertical Smoker). However, if you want to be able to both smoke and grill, or if you are not sure you want a smoker (like me) then the Char Griller Smokin Pro with Side Fire Box is for you.
Now that I tried Smoking, I am a convert. It does take longer than grilling, but this slow cooking process results in more flavor and more juicy meat. The intensity of the smoke flavor is increased by using more wood and reduced by using more charcoal. For instance, an all-charcoal smoke will result in subtle, but pleasant smoke flavor. I find it very easy to control the temperature of the Smokin Pro grill when smoking - I add more charcoal or adjust the vents only once per hour. Otherwise, it basically runs itself. Cleanup is easy because the firebox has an ash pan. Furthermore, since smoking is done at lower heat, there is no grease spatter in the cooking chamber. I find it helpful to place a pan directly under the meat to catch all the grease.
ASSEMBLY ISSUES: Assuming that you buy both the Smokin Pro grill and the Side Fire Box, do NOT follow the instructions to first assemble the grill, and then add the fire box. The problem is that installation of the fire box requires punching out a knock-out panel on the side of the grill lower half. Unfortunately, the knock-out panel may not be easy to remove, and this step then will require considerable hammering. This step will be very difficult to do if the grill is already assembled!

INSTEAD, as the first step of assembly, take the lower half of the grill firebox and place it on end with the knock-out panel on top, and the other side on hard ground. Firmly wedge a 2x4 piece of wood between the two sides. This will give firm support to the end of the grill with the knock-out panel. It will help to place the support close to the site of the hammering. Now, follow the firebox assembly instructions to punch out the panel with a hammer and a screwdriver. Use of the 2x4 will prevent damage to the side of the grill body due to hammering. After removing the panel, proceed normally with the assembly of the grill, and finally attachment of the fire box as directed in the instructions.

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The Smokin' Pro is a professional grade grill offering more features than many grills twice it's price. Used by professional BBQ'ers and backyard enthusiasts, it is the most versatile grill on the market. Cooks love its huge grilling area (830 Sq In) and side fire box (250 Sq In) for smoking your favorite meats. The cast iron grates give you an even heat and sears your meat to lock in the flavor. Our adjustable ash pan makes it easy to control the heat and clean out your ashes. Just think, no more tipping over the grill to clean out the ashes! The heavy gauge steel construction and double bottom will give you years of dependable use. Features a built in heat gauge, airtight flanged hood, and 2 shelves. Rotisserie and warming rack adaptable.

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6/29/2012

Medina River Outdoors 67 Jumbo Smoker/Grill Combo Review

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(More customer reviews)I received the Madenia River Jumbo Smoker #67 the other day and assembled it in about two and a half hours. Except for the firebox and two of the legs, I assembled it by myself with relative ease. The installation instructions were very easy to follow and very through. The quality of the packaging materials was exceptional. The smoker arrived in terrific condition. I think some of the other reviewers issues with scratches / damages or materials either missing or loose in the shipping container may have been the result of poor handling by the shipping company and not the original manufacturer. Also, the quality of the construction materials used and the construction of the smoker itself seems to be very good. As a structural engineer, I am very impressed with the construction. I look forward to many years of quality use. This smoker / grill is constructed of MUCH MUCH better material than those sold at your local department stores or home improvement centers --- as you would expect for the additional expense. Again, I'm very satisfied with my purchase. BTW, I messed up the thermometer during installation and the Medina River folks sent me a replacement right away with no issues.

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6/07/2012

Char-Griller 2222 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill & Smoker Review

Char-Griller 2222 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill and Smoker

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(More customer reviews)I have had one of these for 2+ years and use it a lot. Without question this is the best grill I have ever owned. Super-heavy real cast iron grate, loads of cooking space, easy enough to dump the ashes etc., lid sels well etc.
I do not own a cover for it and have kept it outdoors all this time. Still looks decent except the stained wood shelves have lost their finish. Anyone with a tiny bit of ambition could re-stain them. But the painted finish on the grill itself is quite durable.
Space like this gives me a great deal of control. I have room to build a big fire in the middle, keep a cast-iron griddle to one side and use the other edge for "holding" stuff off the direct heat etc. A real winner.
Can be bought cheaper and assembled at Lowes stores.

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6/04/2012

Char-Griller 2123 Wrangler 640 Square Inch Charcoal Grill / Smoker Review

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(More customer reviews)As an avid charcoal BBQer, I was looking to replace my 20 year old Ball-B-Q which I had painstakingly preserved until the bottom had rusted out, so it was time to check out what the market had to offer. I was used to an adjustable height cooking grill and found that most charcoal grills today do not offer this feature. In my mind it's a necessity for those who grill for two or less, otherwise you waste a lot of charcoal and pollute that much more.
So Char-Griller seemed to have all the feature I wanted, especially the airtight hood which has the advantage of snuffing out the coals when you're done. That makes it possible to reuse the coals a second time. Plus the reviews here for other Char-Griller models were positively glowing, so I ordered one blind without seeing it in person.
The grill was straightforward enough to build, but there was some confusion about whether or not the cast iron grates were treated at the factory in China. It turns out they were, but you still have to prime the entire inside of the grill with cooking oil. It then needs to burned off for something ridiculous like two hours before you use it the first time.
The warming rack warped pretty noticeably after this first burn off, and it is clear from the smoke leaking out of the sides and back that the airtight flanged hood is not quite as advertised.
Instead of raising or lowering the cast iron cooking grates, this model has you lift the coal grate up closer to the food. The handles have notches on them that rest on tabs inside the grill body. Fine in theory, clunky in practice...also the handles are metal and get quite hot...mitts are essential.
Dumping the ashes is another pain...you have to remove the 3-piece cast iron grates and then lift the ash pan out using the same handles that adjust the height. Unfortunately, those handles do not lock onto the ash pan, so it's difficult to maneuver it.
I'm not sure if it's because the manufacturer skimped on the gauge of the metal but the grill body bows inward and the hood outward on the sides which creates a 1/4" gap on each side. That lets in a lot of air which makes controlling the cooking temperature difficult. This unit also has a chimney which for some reason is installed from the inside of the hood. That makes it possible for water to leak into the hood and onto the cast iron grills. You will need a cover if you plan to leave this one outside.
Very disappointed with this one, especially since most reviews for similar models were so positive. I'm not sure how long Char-Griller has been manufacturing offshore, but maybe that has something to do with it. Contacted customer service about these issues but their response was indifferent. And of course, once you've used it...you can't return it.
UPDATE 09/2006: Was able to seal leaks and hood with high heat silicone seal caulking. This is the same stuff they use to make those new silicone ustensils and bakewares. However, surface rust has appeared on the hood after 3 months outside. Paint quality seems to be poor as well. Seriously consider getting the cover.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Char-Griller 2123 Wrangler 640 Square Inch Charcoal Grill / Smoker

The Wrangler is the perfect size for decks and patios, it has enough cooking space to feed your family and the neighbors. Over 600 sq. in. of total grilling area will let you feed a crowd! Made from heavy guage steel this grill will last for years. The cast iron grates give you an even heat and sears your meat to lock in the flavor. Our adjustable fire grate makes it easy to control the heat, and our easy dump ash pan makes cleaning up a snap. Just think, no more tipping over the grill to clean out the ashes! The heavy gauge steel construction and double bottom will give you years of dependable use. Features a built in heat gauge, airtight flanged hood, and 3 shelves. Rotisserie and Side Fire Box adaptable.

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5/21/2012

Char-Griller 2137 Outlaw 1038 Square Inch Charcoal Grill / Smoker Review

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(More customer reviews)Unless you want a several hundred pound heavy duty smoker/griller, or a fixed unit, this is the one. I have seen and used dozens of grills and smokers, and at this price, this unit, (with what I consider the mandatory side fire box) beats them all hands down. Where to start? Approaching the unit, the top half lifts up, revealing the entire cooking grid. There's also the slow cook, warming grid that folds back into the top lid when lifted up. It is also easily removable when cooking larger items, say beer can chicken? Then there's my favorite, the original non-stick surface, a cast iron cooking grid-no cheap steel grate. This rocks! I can even put fish on this thing and the fish comes right up, NO STICKING! (Hey! Don't move your food) Cleaning is wicked easy- consists of burning off anything left when you're done, then brushing with a brass brush and wiping down with a crisco covered paper towel-it's SO easy. Already fair offset cooking because it's so big, the side fire box turns this into an honest-to-goodness smoker that will have your neighbours drooling with envy when you throw those four racks of ribs on it for 3-4 hours and have smoke infusing them and the rest of the neighbourhood. The side and front racks give you a ready place to put plates and tools, the inlet and outlet airflows are adjustable, and the temperature probe in the lid shows actual temperature, not just low/med/high. I cannot say enough good things about this grill.
Cons are the usual charcoal caveats, the side next to the side-fire box is hotter and when cooking larger feasts items need to be moved around so all items are equally cooked - gives you a chance to show off for your guests! The side fire box is a little small for regular logs, so I end up trimming logs when using them. The construction is admittedly light but more than acceptable given the price. Overall, this is an excellent grill that cooks big or small, long or short, cleans easily, and of course has that awesome charcoal flavor. I've had this grill for 3 years and you'll never get anything better for the price. It's a no-brainer. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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5/11/2012

Char Broil 435 Charcoal Barrel Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)For those who want to return to Charcoal this is a good first step. The product is MASS produced with the same problems as any MASS produced item. Things are stamped and spot welded. By that I mean the quality is not there. An example is the bracket for holding the fire pit is stamped and spot welded. On my grill it was bent so I tried to bend it back into shape and it broke. Then what can you expect from and entry level product. Do not expect to assemble this product by yourself, I did and it was not a pleasant experience. By myself it required two hours work for a 45 minute project. This grill performed well the first time I used it and I am improving on the use of the smoker. All in all, I am very pleased with this product and again it is a good first step.

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4/30/2012

Char Broil Offset Smoker American Gourmet Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this smoker as a gift and I love it. There are some negative reviews out there, but I have yet to have a problem with it after about a year of use. Here's the issue...
You don't get an offset smoker for under $100.00 and think that it is going to be the best of the best, or even the best for that matter. What you should expect is a small smoker/grill that you can cook enough food for about 4-8 people. If you are using it for a smoker, understand that this isn't a gas smoker or electric smoker, and that it isn't the biggest smoker. You aren't going to smoke an entire pig on here. It takes time and attention to smoke slowly.
Downsides...the paint comes off. Not really a big deal because all you will need to do is buy some spray paint. And it isn't like it just peels completely off of the grill. It chips in some places. More cosmetic than anything.
Clean up isn't as easy as it could be. You will want a small dust pan or hand broom to get the coals.
Up side...for the price, this is a perfect smoker! It retains heat as well as any side smoker will. It is sturdy and will stand up to whatever you can fit in the pit. The side table is perfect for the few items you will need out like a mop, bbq tools, and sause.
Overall, I love this smoker. It is perfect for me and my and the few friends we have over.

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4/08/2012

Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill Review

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(More customer reviews)I used a Weber charcoal grill for years. I used it to grill and smoke. I loved the taste of charcoal, but finally got tired of the hassle. When I saw the duo, I thought my prayers had been answered. They were....but not really.
This is definitely the most versatile grill on the market (I added the smoker box) but they could have done so much more to make it a 'great' grill. When I saw the price tag, I was worried about the craftmanship. My worries were justified.
First, the materials that the grill is made out of are pretty good. The steel is heavy, the grills are solid, and the frame is rigid. The problem is the design and craftsmanship. A previous reviewer complained about the wheels being cheap plastic. Chargriller must have taken the advice, because the wheels that I have are fairly solid. It took about 2 hours to put the grill together by myself. While putting it together, I noticed the charcoal side and smoker are far from air-tight, not good for charcoal and smoking. You want a very tight charcoal grill so temperature can be controlled precisely by the dampers (the Weber I had was as tight as a drum). This grill is far from air-tight. The area around the lid has about a 1/4 inch gap and the smoker has many many areas where the pieces don't fit together perfectly. There are also a few holes in the smoker where screws for the feet would have gone (the smoker can also be a standalone grill). All these gaps and cracks make it nearly impossible to control the heat. With all the dampers closed, I should be able to smother the fire/coals/wood, but the grill burns at 400+ degrees even with all the dampers closed!!!
Other Cons:
- When the lids are open, the warming racks go up/back right over the lid. Anything that drips off the warming rack goes right down the lid and onto the ground behind the grill. I found this out the hard way after an afternoon of cooking burgers. What a mess!
- There are no bumpers around the grilling perimeter. One bad spatula or tong move and your meat will slide right off in any direction! They should have at least put a bumper in the back!
- The joints aren't tight. Any grease that drips down on the propane side in the corners between the bottom and side pieces of the grill goes right between the two pieces of metal and drips on the propane tank.
- No natural gas option
Pros:
- Propane, charcoal, smoker, side stove. Nuff said
- Cover that was ordered separately covers everything, including smoker box.
- Lots of grilling surface
- Grill plates are nice, solid, iron.
All in all, I would have paid $500 for this grill if it were of better quality. I'm not to upset, because I feel I got what I paid for, a substandard grill at a low price.

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No need to keep up with the Joneses--you are the Joneses! With this powerful outdoor grill, the neighbors will love coming to your house for barbeques. A full-size charcoal grill and a full-size gas grill combine for ultimate versatility in one unit and 1260 square inches of total cooking space. The charcoal grill offers an adjustable-height charcoal grate and dual dampers for controlling the heat and an easy-dump ash pan for quick cleanup. The 40,800-BTU gas grill provides electronic ignition, three burners, and a 12,000-BTU side burner for cooking side dishes while grilling the main course. In addition, the two-in-one grill supplies porcelain-coated cast-iron grates for even heating, a stainless-steel heat gauge, and a chrome-plated warming rack for keeping buns and cooked food warm. Other highlights include an airtight, flanged hood for greater heat control; durable steel construction with a powder-coated finish; smooth-rolling wheels; and large round legs for sturdy support. Add the side firebox (sold separately) to the grill for great Texas-style smoking. The grill measures 60 by 25 by 50 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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3/25/2012

Char-Griller 3055 Custom Grill Cover for Char-Griller Grillin' Pro Grills Review

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(More customer reviews)This cover does the job. Be aware that if you have the side firebox attached, and not the the shelf, the cover will not fit well. It still works, but it is a tight fit, and sits a bit crooked.
Mine has faded quite a bit in the 3 months that I have had it, but it does not appear to be falling apart, so hopefully it will make it through the summer.
This cover does beat the cheap Walmart ones, but not by much.

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Made of heavy-duty weather-resistant polyester, this full-length custom-fit grill cover protects the Char-Griller Grillin' Pro Gas Grill from damaging outdoor elements like dust, wind, rain, and snow. Its adjustable design follows the shape of the two smoke stacks and the two side shelves to ensure a secure fit. The easy-to-use grill cover measures approximately 54 by 25 by 50 inches.

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3/15/2012

Char-Griller 2424 Side Fire Box, Fits 2121, 2123, 2137 Review

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10/07/2011

Chargriller 2-2424 Table Top Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought one of these for a standalone grilling use. I was extremely impressed. Assembling The grill DID require me to
CAREFULLY read the instructions as it came with parts for standalone operation as well as for a firebox
application. Hence, parts will be left over depending on the application it is set up for. But, what really impressed me was the grates. They were
made of heavy duty cast iron like I find at public parks. This meant they hold heat and do a great job of
searing meat. The box is constructed of heavier gauge metal than a lot of grills. Making the
grill last does require some PM. I cover ny grill when I leave it outdoors. (I simply use a garden
trash bag), Instructions call for oiling the outside of the grill with olive oil, Doing this
semiannually DOES make a difference in the appearance. Since the wooden handle is not varnished, and even if it was, the
varnish would weather in time, covering with the bag keeps the wooden handle from cracking and splitting.
Great grill!

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