Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I used a Weber charcoal grill for years. I used it to grill and smoke. I loved the taste of charcoal, but finally got tired of the hassle. When I saw the duo, I thought my prayers had been answered. They were....but not really.
This is definitely the most versatile grill on the market (I added the smoker box) but they could have done so much more to make it a 'great' grill. When I saw the price tag, I was worried about the craftmanship. My worries were justified.
First, the materials that the grill is made out of are pretty good. The steel is heavy, the grills are solid, and the frame is rigid. The problem is the design and craftsmanship. A previous reviewer complained about the wheels being cheap plastic. Chargriller must have taken the advice, because the wheels that I have are fairly solid. It took about 2 hours to put the grill together by myself. While putting it together, I noticed the charcoal side and smoker are far from air-tight, not good for charcoal and smoking. You want a very tight charcoal grill so temperature can be controlled precisely by the dampers (the Weber I had was as tight as a drum). This grill is far from air-tight. The area around the lid has about a 1/4 inch gap and the smoker has many many areas where the pieces don't fit together perfectly. There are also a few holes in the smoker where screws for the feet would have gone (the smoker can also be a standalone grill). All these gaps and cracks make it nearly impossible to control the heat. With all the dampers closed, I should be able to smother the fire/coals/wood, but the grill burns at 400+ degrees even with all the dampers closed!!!
Other Cons:
- When the lids are open, the warming racks go up/back right over the lid. Anything that drips off the warming rack goes right down the lid and onto the ground behind the grill. I found this out the hard way after an afternoon of cooking burgers. What a mess!
- There are no bumpers around the grilling perimeter. One bad spatula or tong move and your meat will slide right off in any direction! They should have at least put a bumper in the back!
- The joints aren't tight. Any grease that drips down on the propane side in the corners between the bottom and side pieces of the grill goes right between the two pieces of metal and drips on the propane tank.
- No natural gas option
Pros:
- Propane, charcoal, smoker, side stove. Nuff said
- Cover that was ordered separately covers everything, including smoker box.
- Lots of grilling surface
- Grill plates are nice, solid, iron.
All in all, I would have paid $500 for this grill if it were of better quality. I'm not to upset, because I feel I got what I paid for, a substandard grill at a low price.
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Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal GrillNo need to keep up with the Joneses--you are the Joneses! With this powerful outdoor grill, the neighbors will love coming to your house for barbeques. A full-size charcoal grill and a full-size gas grill combine for ultimate versatility in one unit and 1260 square inches of total cooking space. The charcoal grill offers an adjustable-height charcoal grate and dual dampers for controlling the heat and an easy-dump ash pan for quick cleanup. The 40,800-BTU gas grill provides electronic ignition, three burners, and a 12,000-BTU side burner for cooking side dishes while grilling the main course. In addition, the two-in-one grill supplies porcelain-coated cast-iron grates for even heating, a stainless-steel heat gauge, and a chrome-plated warming rack for keeping buns and cooked food warm. Other highlights include an airtight, flanged hood for greater heat control; durable steel construction with a powder-coated finish; smooth-rolling wheels; and large round legs for sturdy support. Add the side firebox (sold separately) to the grill for great Texas-style smoking. The grill measures 60 by 25 by 50 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
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