is the Chargriller worth the money?

[workoutchamp]

I hear the Chargriller is worth the money, but is it a decent grill? Will I cus it every time I use it?

It feels flimsy - will it last?

Dang Brad, that's a lot of questions.

[Richtee]

Guess I can't speak for "new" ones, but my bro has one he inherited from his FIL, gotta be 20 years old. Still in decent shape. He dosen't use it for a grill tho, and has a charcoal basket to replace the long gone charcoal grate. I would imagine a basket will greatly contribute to the SFB's life. That and cleaning out ash when finished every time, as ash is corrosive.

[workoutchamp]

Thanks for this Richtee.

There are mods that need to be done for it to be a full out smoker, correct?

[curious aardvark]

I got a chargriller outlaw.

First used one nearly two years ago in wyoming.
Fell in love with it.
So much so that I bought one when i came home in england for (wait for it) £289 !!!!!
And at the exhange rate at the time that worked out to about $580

It's a superb bit of kit. I haven't seen anything to match it anywhere in the uk.
The new model (couple of years old now) are much better built than the old pics - larger leg tubes, stronger wheels, better shelves etc.
For the pittance these things cost in the states there's no reason not to get one.

Best damn grill around :-)
Add the side basket thingy (it was an extra $200 and i had no idea what it was for at the time) and you've got a serious smoker as well.

The only thing that sucks is the cover that chargriller make. Although even with a huge rip in it mine it weathered the english winter (lots of gales and rain and even ice and snow this year) with impunity.
The cast iron grill plates are heavy duty and easily seasoned.
After the winter I'd put it away with some grease on to inhibit rust.
Just scrubbed the crud off couple of weeks ago with a wire brush, fired up a full load of leftover charcoal and coated with olive oil - looks good as new :-)

I'd advise to get the outlaw (biggest model) as you can the cook for 3 people or up to 20 odd.
Huge cooking area and the warming rac (bigger tha the cooking area on most grills) works great for low and slow.

As rich says no reason why it shouldn't last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
I reckon I can probably use it for offset smoking as well, since the side baskets haven't come down in price any, now I know what they are for lol

My advice - buy one :-)

[Richtee]

Check out Hawg's (and others) Sticky in this section...

http://www.smoked-meat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=287

[workoutchamp]

they are like 140 bucks here - so I hear you - why not? Then add the 69 side box and poof - not a bad deal.

There is one called the Royal Oak HD Charcoal Grill - they want 300 for this one, then add 90 for the side box. hmmmmm. and it is smaller, but heavier duty.

decisions..... thoughts?

[HawgHeaven]

I own three of them, one of which I am giving to a friend. They are smokin' machines with the proper amount of mods, which are not difficult.

As far as longevity, I bought my first one about 5 years ago, and it is still rockin' and rollin'. You have to stay after the SFB and keep it clean like Rich said, and either paint it occasuionally or baste it with oil on the outside surfaces.

Go for it!

[Gunslinger]

as ash is corrosive.

Rich, I wonder how many folks know this? This is what lye is made from. By leaching wood ash we get potassium hydroxide (potash lye) which is very caustic. Our ancestors made soap and other cleaning products out of this. A strong batch will strip everything off the bone. EVERYTHING, skin, muscle, tendons, etc.
I may not always clean the grease off my grates or off the bottom of the smoker, but I ALWAYS clean the firebox and the bottom of my grill.

[smokin365]

Dude, go with the C.G. You wont be dissapointed with it.

[Richtee]

Rich, I wonder how many folks know this? This is what lye is made from. By leaching wood ash we get potassium hydroxide (potash lye) which is very caustic. Our ancestors made soap and other cleaning products out of this. A strong batch will strip everything off the bone. EVERYTHING, skin, muscle, tendons, etc.
I may not always clean the grease off my grates or off the bottom of the smoker, but I ALWAYS clean the firebox and the bottom of my grill.

I dunno, Gunny, but it IS nasty stuff. Especially when it gets wet. Keep those fireboxes CLEANED OUT folks! Your smoker will love you longer time!

[teeotee]

CG is a good deal IMO

I've had mine for probably close to 4 years now. Mine is used mainly as a grill, i think it is awesome. Really like the cast iron grates, if doing a long grill i move food around and can add more coals easily.
Mine is outside year round with no cover and is holding up just fine. It could do with a coat of paint but it still grills and smokes just fine so i'm not too worried about it.
I'm figuring that by the time this thing wears out i'll be ready for something bigger or better.

[blues_n_cues]

I hear the Chargriller is worth the money, but is it a decent grill? Will I cus it every time I use it?

It feels flimsy - will it last?

Dang Brad, that's a lot of questions.

go to hawg's mods- yep- now matter what ya cook on there's a learning curve- & even then mama nature throws ya curves