Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980 Grill + Smoker Starter Bundle with Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal

Lasted three years

Three years in as my primary outdoor cooker, and soon it's headed for the curb. Pros: •Capable of adding good smoke flavor at higher temperatures than most other set & forget smokers. •Good amount of cooking space •Easy to start (though not as easy as pellet grills) Cons: •Actual temperatures have always been MUCH lower than the controller says, especially at lower temps •Not good at searing, even with custom grillgrates •Smart connectivity is a joke, app sucks and it constantly disconnects...

DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT

I cannot state it any simpler than that, and if you need more convincing, please check the online groups on Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, etc. I do not care what you saw on YouTube or from other reviews that have used this product a handful of times, let me tell you how this REALLY is with any degree of use. For starters, if you're paying attention during assembly, you will see the poorly attempted effort to hide the cheap, junky parts that this grill relies upon for proper function. When I sa...

Great grill, but slightly temperamental

I've had this grill for a couple of seasons but didn't get into much regular use until recently. Without a doubt, the grill - when functioning as designed - produces great BBQ, with minimal effort. I layer the hopper with chunk charcoal and hardwood - light the fire - set the temp and watch it go...wonderful! I understand the temperature is not going to be EXACT. If you want exact, get an oven. For me, close in BBQ is close enough. I have dealt with the "ErF" problem, but it is usually jus...

Average when it works, but often fails mid-cook

Wanted to love this. Waited until this came out due to all the issues with the Masterbuilt gravity series hoping Char-Griller was watching the fall-out. So, bought it as soon as it arrived at Lowe’s. I’ve had it going into the 3rd grilling season. I’ve had to replace the following: - Primary temp sensor - Fan wiring, two times (sigh) - Fan - Fan air-flow flap - Meat probes failed within the first 2 months, replaced with 3rd party - Power adapter failed first month, replaced with 3rd party ...

I am not convinced

I've only used this three times. the first time, the grill just kept getting hotter and hotter, even with the fan not blowing. they said it was the flapper (that cheap piece of garbage). They sent me another one, just the flap, you may think they may put together a little how-to to send with it, but nope. the second time i used it, it did not get hotter, but because i don't trust the grill, i put two different thermometers in the cook chamber. I normally cook at 275, so i set it for that, but ot...

DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT

I cannot state it any simpler than that, and if you need more convincing, please check the online groups on Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, etc. I do not care what you saw on YouTube or from other reviews that have used this product a handful of times, let me tell you how this REALLY is with any degree of use. For starters, if you're paying attention during assembly, you will see the poorly attempted effort to hide the cheap, junky parts that this grill relies upon for proper function. When I saw t...

Do Not Buy

Was a really good product when I first bought it, it has since become problem after problem. The infamous rubber flap that controls airflow has warped/melted causing the temp to sky rocket every cook I attempt to do. The door buttons have gotten stuck on occasion causing the grill to think they're open or closed when they're not which could be a huge fire hazard. The removable hopper warped and doesn't come out, the fire stones have broke. The stack leaks smoke continuously even after replacing ...

Nice smoker, but can't be controlled wirelessly

I was excited to purchase this smoker but have become very disappointed. After spending a couple of hours putting it together, I tried to download the mobile app from the Google Play Store and learned that the mobile app hasn't been updated since July 2022 and CANNOT be downloaded on my phone (Samsung S22 Ultra) because the app was made for older OS versions. You can't even connect to it via Bluetooth without the app. I contacted Char-Griller support and was assured that the "devs are working ...

1.5 year review

I have had my 980 since the week before Father's day 2021. At first I loved it then I hated it and now I'm back in love with it. So why the change of heart? I replaced the fan flap. That one repair put this item back in the win column for me. See, I got a bit overzealous with the wood chuncks in the ash pan and inadvertently melted my fan flap. it was working great. It literally was a set it and forget it grill. But, in my desire to up the smoke flavor, which it didn't need, I overloaded the ash...

Requires Modifications

Received my 980 for Father's Day in 2022. The "shield" around the charcoal hopper was damaged. Lowe's was VERY good about giving us some money back for the damage. The fan box is to close to the charcoal hopper. The flap between the hopper and fan is rubber and will become warped. The warped flap will cause the temperature within the smoker to vary greatly. When trying to cook smoke "low and slow", it is nearly impossible to do. There is a modification that can be bought to move the fan box back...