Customer Reviews

Char-Griller 2123 Wrangler 640 Square Inch Charcoal Grill / Smoker

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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 !

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.

There are a few factors that led me to choosing this grill. (1)Heat source - I am from Jamaica and we use nothing but coal! (2)Price - Bought it for right around the $100 price tag plus free shipping, that to me was a good deal. (3)Size - I didn't want a grill that was too large neither too tiny like the Weber Kettle. This was right in the middle, I could roast fish (seasoned and wrapped in foil)or Jerk chicken on any given weekend without using a whole lot of coal. The last social I hosted had over 40 people and this grill was the champ.. The Grates can hold a 10 lb bag of leg quarters and the warming racks can take quite a number of hot dogs. Its moderate size also meant less space for storage.

Assembly could be challenging for some but if you have the required tools, common sense and can read then you will be fine. I had the box with a picture of the grill on it in the same area I was assembling for reference.

The only concern I had with this grill was (as you can see from the picture) how to haul it. You had to hold onto the side shelf, which is constucted of a thin wood, to move it. Though properly secured with metal support, the wood shelf part feels like it could break off in my had if I wasn't very careful. Since I don't move this around everyday, I only notice it when that time comes.

I am very pleased with my purchase would say to anyone considering it "Go For It!"

I ordered this grill on Thursday morning, used prime to get $4 next day shipping, and sure enough by 1pm on Friday the grill was on my porch. Great job Amazon! Now about the grill.. A friend of mine has the super pro, which is just a little more grill than I'll need most of the time, so I took a chance on this one. The size is perfect, slightly more room than I have on the kettle type grills I wear out every year. Assembly wasn't difficult at all; it went together with no problems in about an hour. After getting it together I brushed the entire exterior of the barrel and the entire inside including grates, with a healthy layer of bacon grease. Then I piled in some charcoal and a few cut pieces of hickory and lit some fire to it for its break in burn. A few times I noticed some smoke leaking out from around the chimney and even around the thermometer, but this doesn't really concern me since I know after a few more uses the smoke residue from the wood I burn will eventually seal the little gaps. I also noticed quite a bit of smoke leaking out of the gaps on the sides of the grill when it was closed, this might be remedied by slightly pushing in the sides of the top piece, but I'll cook on it a few more times to determine if its really even necessary. Compared to the kettles I've had in the past there's just no comparison. I can use less charcoal and wood and it'll burn longer and hotter. The warming rack on the kettles always ends up being a pain in the ass to keep secured and they end up falling down mid grill with the only weight of a few potato's and corn on the cob on it. The rack on this grill is sturdier and seems to be better secured. The iron grates are a huge plus as well since I like to cook some things in a big and heavy cast iron skillet. I have no worries about it being able to hold the weight, unlike on the kettles where I've always been worried about the grate giving in and everything falling into the coals. This is an awesome grill and should last awhile if you take care of it properly. I know I'll be using mine every chance I have until winter gets here and makes cooking outdoors not soo much fun, but right now I just have to decide whats for dinner tonight :)

There are good things to be said. The weight is good, and the grates are excellent. The size is perfect. Unfortunately, I have to agree with an earlier reviewer who talked about execution. The machining on this thing is abysmal. I'm not a novice at putting these together; I've had three others, albeit from different companies. This was not pleasant. I had to chisel out holes that hadn't been punched properly. I had to force the barrel to fit on the frame; it was off by about 1/2". Not surprisingly, nothing fits snugly. I know, you get what you pay for(which was more than what it is now listed for), but my Weber wasn't much more and it's still going strong after 10 years. I doubt I get 2 years with this.

Easy to put together. Cooks very well. I haven't tried the smoke box but did try using a rotisserie. Be warned. Don't skimp on a rotisserie motor! I bought a rotisserie kit (not from Char-Griller) and the motor that came with it had enough power to roast mashmallows. The spit contanstantly fell out of the housing when I tried to rotisserie a chicken. The griller has performed wonderfully and is much easier to use than the Weber Kettle that I had been using for the last 15 years. The Char-Griller is a keeper!

I assembled this myself and found it pretty easy as they separated and labeled the nuts and bolts with the appropriate sections of the grill. I took my time with the assembly over 2 days as I was under a busy schedule. The smokestack was bent at the base so I called the 800 number as well as emailed Char-Griller and requested a replacement. I included Amazon's proof of purchase with the email and they sent my replacement smokestack immediately.

I grilled several meals on it and have found it to be efficient and effective in getting all the food grilled to perfection!

The company has my vote and will continue to be considered the top griller company!

The only issue that I had with assembly was figuring out which way the wheels went on the axle.......finally apparent that the caps had to fit in the recessed area.......the rest of the instructions were just fine.......no issues.

Good instructions on seasoning the grill.........anyone that doesn't do that will be disappointed in the first cook.

REALLY like the way it is put together and having 4 legs versus the 3 on a Weber kettle......that is what I had. Also like the fact of just raising the hood rather than trying to find somewhere to put it on the ground. The ash dump is seriously great.......almost as good as the can under the expensive Webers. Also the ability to control the temp is much better......and there is actually a gauge to read!

Bottom line is this..........versus a Weber......this is much better! And the Burgers are great!!!