Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill

I've had four or five of these over the last 20 years. For the money, I don't think you can beat it. As a grill, it is great, with a large cooking surface, cast iron grates (which I really like), controllable vents, warmer tray and adjustable charcoal tray height. Just lift the tray out to empty the ashes. Like most grills, the thermometer is basic at best. I have left mine out uncovered on the deck year-round and have never had a rust problem, at least on the outside. On average, each has lasted 5 years or so. Certain parts will go first, like the hanging charcoal tray, which will rust out or collapse over time. However, the manufacturer sells these by mail separately, so it is easily replaced. Less easy to replace are the four small metal rungs that the tray hangs from. When those go, you'll need to get innovative and jury-rig a replacement.As a smoker, it is OK for the occasional smoking event, but if you envision smoking a lot, you need to get something better. The heat does not evenly distribute throughout the grill when using the smoker. It is much hotter at the end near the smoker box, and much cooler at the other end, so you are forced to move items around a lot. And in order to move items around, you have to open the grill too often, which increases cooking time significantly. If you plan on doing the occasional rack of ribs, or brisket, or pulled pork, it works just fine, but it is definitely not designed to be a full time smoker. Also, as opposed to the grill, which really resists rust, the smoker box can and will rust. The temperatures from the smoker box will quickly burn off the paint from the box. It doesn't affect the cooking, but it doesn't look great. Additionally, the rails that hold the charcoal/wood tray in the smoker box will eventually rust out.I tend to use the grill three or four times a week, and use the smoker once every month or two. If that is what you envision, you can't go wrong with this. If you intend to smoke several times a week, or smoke a large quantity of food, buy a much better smoker.

First I'll start with the star ratingsTemperature control- with the small woodbox it is not the easiest to control the temp. Once you have used it a while though you can learn to control it a bit better by knowing what wood, charcoal and amount to use.Easy to assemble- no, not really. Instructions tell you that you need 2 people. You really need 3 and the Instructions kind of suck.Heat resistance- the paint on the smoke box started peeling first time it was used.The grates are a pain to keep from rusting. They were already showing signs of rust when we opened the box. I oil them after each use to preserve them as long as possible.The wood shelves are very cheap light wood that is easily dented and seem like they could light up if a spark landed on them.Those are the negative parts of it. Overall though I do love it for the price. I've already used it multiple times for smoking and grilling since I purchased it. When smoking be sure to keep things on the left side of the grill. Too close to the right and your food could end up burnt. The flames in the smoke box easily jump into the grill part. We purchased the grill cover for this specific model so when not in used it can be covered from the elements. The only pic I had of it covered was a pic of my dogs in our late season snowstorm earlier in the week. When tornado season comes I will put the grill in the shed on days they are calling for severe weather.

I bought the CG 1224Pro w/ side fire box primarily for smoking. I wanted as charcoal/wood smoker (not propane or electric) that was easier to clean and larger then the one I was using. This smoker is very well built and not difficult to assemble although it did take a little time. Before planning to use it you need to allow your self enough time to assemble and season the smoker (1 hour plus to assemble and 4 - 5 hour to season). My first pork shoulder came out excellent.The smoking area is large and can accomodate multiple sheets of ribs,pork roast plus, or a large turkey. The fire box is large with ample room for ash fall off. I was able to smoker at 225 degrees for about 6 hours without the ashes impacting the the fire quality. This smoker has a lot of metal so it does take some time to get up to temperature. I also purchased the Char-Griller cover for this smoker, it fits perfect and is easy to get on and off.One review I read said that it leaked smoke, I did not find this to be a problem. It is not an air tight unit but the unit is well built with heavy covers and leakage was no more then I would expect with this type of smoker.The negatives - The packaging (for shipping) should be better. My smoker arrived with a dent in the lid and a bent bottom rack. (When I call Char-Griller they told me to send them a note with a copy of my receipt and they would send me what ever needed to be replaced. The actual cooking grills could have been heavier but have not been a problem to date.The one item in the design I would like to see changed is that you should be able to remove the ash drawer (for cleaning) while the fire is still going. Currently the coals sit on top of the ash drawer.I would purchase this unit again. If you plan on smoking with it make sure you get the side fire box. Good buy for smoking and the price is right.

I am brand new to this whole smoker/grill sort of thing, so my remarks are not based on a lot of experience. So you have to bear with me. For years, I have had this little Weber charcoal grill. I have gotten some really good results out of it. But I wanted to upgrade and really get into a professional type smoker/grill. After researching smokers, I found that this was highly rated. For the price I thought it would be a good deal and I am not disappointed. I bought it at Amazon and it arrived last Thursday. Working part time, I assembled it over a three day period to get it ready for the Fourth of July. I completed the whole thing on July 3. The assembly process was difficult work but I got it done on time. The key to assembling something like this is to get VERY organized. I segregate all the pieces and tools that I will need for each step in a small basket and then I study the instructions very carefully. This was not that easy to assemble, but once I got the legs and frame set up it came pretty easily. A single person can complete the assembly if you learn how to work at different angles and positions. The unit is very well made and is built like a tank. Very heavy quality construction in my opinion. Lots of room for grilling and smoking. I still have to learn better how to adjust the heat, but that will come with time. Right now I am very happy with it and have no complaints.

I have owned this particular grill & brand with smokebox in the past and LOVE IT. It lasted about 7 year, which I was very happy. I bought it from Lowes. I think this is the best grill for the price. The issue that I have was there is a major scratch on the smoke box lid. The shipment was fine with no dents or damage to the cardboard box. The package was in a cardboard box with another cardboard box in it... with the grill in it. I know it's only a grill, but it's also like a new car... I want to make my own scratches. I do have pictures, but I can't find away to attach them. I could have returned it, but if I was to repackage it for return... it would take some magic. I think this company must have hired a "Master Mind" to figure a way to package this for shipping. LOL I've already put it together. I was thinking about just returning the lid, but as you know, it is welled together. Any thoughts? Also I was wondering if you recommend a cover for this model? Thanks, Don**** Just found out that the grill didn't have a warming grill in the box****