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List Price: $179.00
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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.
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OK people, here's the deal. No other product on the market cooks as well as a Char-Griller. Get the side box, and you have one of the best smokers on the market, too. These grills do have a few issues and, if you are the type that wants to put a grill together and never touch it again, stick to fancy overpriced stainless propane jobs. If you understand that proper charcoal/wood grilling takes work, this thing is great. I barbecue as a part time job, so I know what I'm talking about here, people. This thing is easy to regulate heat and doesn't take much practice to make the best damn BBQ you ever had. I use one at home, occasionally take it to small catering jobs, and use it to pre-smoke chicken for my popular roadside BBQ.
Here are some complaints I've noticed that I feel I need to address in my own special and eloquent way...
#1, you need to oil it and light yourself a big old fire for a while to protect it and get all the casting oil and what not out of the cast iron grates. It's cast iron, it needs done on any grill. before you use it. (noticed some complaints on other reviews).
#2, The grates have advantages and disadvantages. there's a couple of them that lift in and out with a handy dandy little tool. when you lose the tool, you have to use a fork. It's not hard, but I'd like them to be a little bigger. When they eventually crack and break (it takes years), you can order new ones from Char-Griller or find them at Lowe's. They are cheap.
#3, Rust. These grills rust, eventually. An annual $7.00 ban of heat paint, re-oiling, and baking before it starts cures this problem right quick.
#4, Fire. These things will catch on fire if you put them away greasy. Simple solution don't put it away greasy. If you do, drag it out in the yard, pull the ash pan, scrape all the crap in the bottom, douse it with lighter fluid, leave the lid open, and light it up. let it burn. knock the burnt crap in the yard when the fire goes out, and it's clean. Hit it with degreaser and a hose if you want to, but you will have to re-oil and heat treat it again when you're done.
#5, Stuff comes loose. Pretty simple solution there, tighten up all the bolts every once in a while.
#6, Wheels. This is the only design flaw. Cheapo wheels that don't last long. if you don't move it, put it up on blocks. If you do move it, go get some decent wheels off of a lawnmower, and put them on. New, they're 10 bucks. If you have a broken lawnmower, they are free.
#7, Thermometer. This thing will not take long to break. Learn to build your fire and feel the grill for heat. watch the thermometer the first few times you use it. Become one with the grill like any good BBQ cook is, and you won't need it anymore, anyhow. If you use the smoker a lot, and want to watch it out the window, they are cheap to replace anyhow.
#8, Dumping. It's hot and a little bit dirty. You're cooking with fire, people. there's ash. fire is hot. Deal with it. It's got a lift out tray that catches most of it. If ash and dirt is a problem for you, get a gas grill.
#9, Grease. Yes, it will leave a grease stain on your deck or porch from grease that drips down the back of the lid when you open it. You definitely want to set this grill on something hoseable. Be extra careful with any grill on a composite deck. They stain really easy.
#10, Cheesy wooden shelving. When it eventually broke after a few years, I replaced it with some old cutting boards. Wish I would have done it right out of the box. You could use some 5/4 deck boards or whatever scrap wood you can find. Pretty easy.
If you take care of your Char-Griller, and use it pretty often, you will have it for 10 years. If you let it sit out, and don't take care of it, it will rot out and fall apart pretty quickly. This is not the perfect grill for everyone, but for the true BBQ enthusiast, it's absolutely the best choice out there. Several sizes are out there to fit your needs, and there is even a duo model that's propane on one side and charcoal on the other. I will be putting my current model in the garage soon, using it only for catering, and giving that one a whirl. As die hard as I am, I must say that propane has a place when you work 2 jobs and just want to make a quick dinner (especially if you already smoked it on the other side and froze it). My old gas grill finally died, and I figured I'd write a review on old faithful as I order it's fancy new replacement. For the record, though, My current charcoal Char-Griller, though slightly modified and upgraded over the years as previously mentioned, is 10 years old, heavily used, abused, and still in great shape thanks to proper maintenance.
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I bought Char-Griller 2123 from Amazon about 3 months ago. I recently moved to new apartment and intstalled that grill on one of my balconies. I disagree with other reviewrs opinions maybe becase it is my first charcoal grill and I think the grill is absulutly great for 5-6 people family or even small parties. I cook at least 2-3 times a week and love it love it love it !
Honest reviews on Char-Griller 2123 Wrangler 640 Square Inch Charcoal Grill / Smoker
This is a very nice grill but there's not much of a reason to buy it when the Super Pro is only $10.00 more. I bought it based on the advertised size of 640 sq in grilling area which is mis-leading. This is the size of grill PLUS warming rack. the main grilling area is only 435 sq in.
But if you REALLY want a smallish grill (in fairness its not THAT small, the main grilling area is slightly larger than a Weber 22 1/2" Kettle grill) its perfect. Features are great, contruction is heavy duty, and the cast iron grills are the best.
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I am very happy with this grill. I looked at both the Patio Pro Model and the Super Pro model as well. I chose this one based on it's size, and that I wanted to be able to easily cook for myself or for a group of friends.
The grill arrived with a few dents in the body. I contacted Char-Griller and they shipped replacement parts to me immediately they arrived within two days.
The set-up was fairly easy. The instructions recommend 2 people, but I was able to set it up by myself.
I seasoned the grill, and I have grilled 3 4 times on it now. Every time I learn a little bit more about grilling, and controlling the temperature on a charcoal grill.
Overall, I think this was a great decision for me. Sure, you can spend $10 more and get the Super Pro but that is just more grill to heat.
