Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker 1280

Very Disappointed in the quality of the Char-Broil smoker. There was a dent, bent metal or warp in all the major pieces. It took me hours to hammer the dents and bends in the metal just to get it to fit together. Quality of material is minimal.

This is a good starter pit. Had the exact same model before until it completely rusted out in less than two years. Got the same one again and I have learned not only how it cooks but also how to maintain it. I've had this now for three years and I am now able to cook anything I want on it. Once this smoker is done with I will move up to a smoker that is built with a thicker gauge metal or even to a custom-made pit, which means a way more expensive pit.( usually 10 to 15 times the price) So for someone starting out or trying to learn, this will be a good smoker for you to try out.

Good, inexpensive smoker. It does have issues with some leakage, as others have noted, and that hurts its ability to keep a steady temperature, but otherwise it is a good, versatile offset smoker and grill.

Metal is too thin and doesn't hold heat well so it requires extra coal/wood to keep temp up for cooking. Design is good and the price is good if you are on a budget and want an off-set cooker.

I just bought the American gourmet offset smoker 1280 on June 18th. Gave it to my husband on Father's day the 19th. Putting together was a breeze, thank you for that! However the paint on the firebox is almost completely flaked off, while we were seasoning the grill. Pictures are with in the first hour of seasoning. I understand that it is high temperature but would it be too difficult to put a high temperature paint on that side?! I realize that, eventually, the grill will experience wear and tear but for the first use is unacceptable. My husband and I have always bought char-broil grills, we have a gas char-broil grill as well. I would recommend putting a high temp paint on before use if you would like it to remain "new" looking for longer than a day. If not, grill is easy to assemble and cooked meat great. Ultimately, we will be looking into a different brand on our next purchase.