Char-broil American Gourmet

--I read all the reviews and checked out many grills of this type both online and in stores before I chose to buy it. I was glad to read someone else commented about taking it along in an RV as I plan to do. --I bought it through site-to-store which eliminated shipping costs. Although they had a similar model in the store, I like the feature on this one of having the chimney on the far end of the smoker instead of the back. I felt the smoke would travel the whole distance of the grill before exiting. --Components were packed and protected nicely, assembly was quick and easy. --I did find the national barbecue news forum site online prior to purchasing this unit and followed their suggestion to coat the whole unit INSIDE and OUTSIDE with cooking oil or fat prior to its first firing. I used the cheapest shortening I could find and then built a small fire in it (200 - 250) to burn off any manufacturing oil and to add protection (much like seasoning a dutch oven). The instruction booklet that comes with the grill also mentions doing this to the inside. Doing this occasionally to the outside may help prevent rust. --I First used it to smoke 8 pounds of pork ribs on Father's Day. The ribs had a rub applied to them the day before. Smoked them using natural wood charcoal (also called Lump Charcoal) instead of briquettes, adding a homemade foil packet of hickory chips on top of the fire after an hour. Results were fantastic. Web tip: Never close the chimney damper when in use, control the heat of the fire with firebox damper! --There are quite a few similar types of offset smoker grills for sale, many bigger and built with thicker walls but this was cheap and light and pretty portable for my needs and it can still smoke up a great meal.

I purchased this online - unfortunately - 2 years ago. What a waste of money! Its far too small, giving the appearance of a much larger grill. Even keeping it covered during foul weather, the grill rusted terribly, with large pieces of rusted coating falling off onto our deck. I bought it thinking it would last quite a while, instead I now have to buy a new grill.

Once you learn how to use the dampers and keep the temperature consistent it is a excellent small smoker. I was able to take 3rd place at a bbq cookoff using this smoker and two boston butts. Just have to be mindfull of the dampers and use the grates in the firebox in tiered fashion to keep the fire consistent. Recomend using a oven thermometer in the smoking chamber to get the correct temperature. When the outside themometer reads about 350 I find the temperature in the smoking chamber is about 240. Hope this helps.

Bought this smoker after looking at several similar models at various retail stores. Decided on getting an off set fire box over the tower style versions. Good decision. As stated in previous reviews this one is a little small if you plan on doing large amounts of food, but it is a great value and its size and portability works just right for preparing meals for my wife and I and a few friends. 2 racks of ribs or a big brisket is no problem, but can't go much larger than that. Although there are some issues like the paint peeling off and the smoke box door needing to be tightened for the money you really can't beat it. It's perfect for the novice BBQer and I'll probably upgrade in a year or so to a larger model, but not before I get lots of practice wit this little guy. Here's to great BBQ at home for you and yours!

I used this product the very first time I smoked. It is a great size to learn how to control temp., smoke, and lenth of cook time. It was easy to assemble and seems very sturdy. I recommend this grill to anyone who is learning the basics of BBQing/smoking.