Ratings & Reviews for Char-Griller Gravity Fed 980 Charcoal Grill 38-in W Red Barrel Charcoal Grill
Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.
What Customers Are Saying
The Char-Griller Gravity 980 has received mixed reviews. Many customers praise its ability to produce great smoke flavor, even cooking, and easy temperature control, resulting in delicious meats, ribs, and other dishes. However, a significant number of customers have experienced major issues with the fan, temperature control, and electronic components, requiring part replacements or returns. The build quality and durability also seem inconsistent, with some reporting damaged or flimsy parts. Additionally, the mobile app connectivity has been a letdown for many, as it is not compatible with newer devices.
Customer review summary generated by AI, including incentivized reviews.This thing would be ok except it burns thru fans like crazy and they are impossible to find and chargriller doesn't do the best job of supporting it.
From Char-Griller
Don’t waste your money like I did.
Would Not RecommendThis is supposed to be an upgrade to the Masterbuilt series yet there is no app to control the cook from my phone? Even the entry level MasterBuilt 500 series has this important feature yet it’s not an option on what is supposed to be an upgraded model?? I’m very disappointed with this purchase and I encourage you to do your homework before wasting your money on this product.
From Char-Griller
Thank you for your review. The Gravity 980 is designed to deliver a grilling experience with dependable temperature management and cooking performance...
Design flaw and dont have the part to fix!!!!!
Would Not RecommendI bought this grill a few years ago, more than I wanted to spend but I wanted the charcoal flavor . I have smoked countless pork butts, ribs, wings, brisket, and chicken on this grill. I loved the grill at first but then it wouldn't regulate the heat, it was getting to hot. Did my research and found that it was the flapper that controls air flow. I ordered 2. I have used those 2 so that makes 3 that I have gone through. I was going to build a bracket to set the fan box back a few inches to hopef...
From Char-Griller
Thank you for your review on the Gravity Model 9804. To assist with the issue regarding your fan flap, please ensure that you follow the lighting inst...
Worst smoker I've ever owned
Would Not RecommendHave had this grill for 3 years, it has never worked right. Last night's cook was the straw that broke the camel's back. Grill can not regulate temperature!!!! Do not buy!!!! Can ruin your food. It has never been able to hold temperature consistently, temperature flare ups of 40-50 degrees hot on a 225 smoke. I have replaced all of the parts that are recommended when people have this issue. It held temperature better for about a month, then right back to normal. Last night, the temperatur...
From Char-Griller
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Maintaining consistent temperature is important for optimal performance. The controller is des...
Awesome Smoker
I bought this grill several years ago, hands down best smoke flavor. So much flavor, I’ve smoked ribs in a foil boat for the entire smoke and lost no flavor, I smoke butts in a foil pan, no loss in flavor. This makes for greaseless smokes. No issues with controller or tflap. I exclusively use it for long smokes. It grills fine, but(IMHO) the start-up time and clean isn’t worth it for grilling. Quick Weber for steaks, chicken and burgers.
From Char-Griller
Great product
Would RecommendPurchased my gravity 3 years ago and loved it from day one. Enjoy smoking and grilling on it. Best smoker out there.
From Char-Griller
Love it!
I bought mine about 2 years ago, its been a great addition to my arsenal.
From Char-Griller
Junk product
Would Not RecommendI have had my Gravity Fed 980 for a couple of years and it is incredibly unreliable. I have replaced the door sensors because I was getting the "OPEN" alert and for a short time could actually use my grill. Then the heat probe went bad. Replaced that. Now the door sensors are again acting up. So either replace them again, or just admit this device is faulty? NOT WORTH THE MONEY.
From Char-Griller
Thank you for sharing your feedback and experience with the Gravity Series 980. The grill is designed to deliver consistent performance over time, and...
Can do some good smoking
Would Not Recommend[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I had a Gravity for about 2 years. There are lots of folks on Facebook who can help give tips on how to seal it better. There is definitely a learning curve and some tweaking to do. If you put the time in, you can do some good smoking.
From Char-Griller
Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Gravity Fed 980. We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying the grill and putting it to great use for some deli...
Best grill
Would RecommendI been using my grill 980 gravity over 4 years I do slow cooking, grilling I cook pizza on the grill. After I did turkey 25 lbs on this grill for thanksgiving dinner you just have to find good charcoal. I'm using devil hardwood charcoal keep temperature plus minus couple degrees.I love this grill and really recommending if you like cooking and grilling like me
From Char-Griller
I cook everything on It
Would Recommend[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I use my 980 all the time. You name it, I've cooked on it. Easy set up with no issues at all. I've used all types of charcoal and woods. Food comes out great!
From Char-Griller
like the level of control with this unit.
Would Recommend[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have always been a fan of the offset smokers. When my last smoker was reaching its end of life I started thinking about a pellet grill for the ease of use and the level of temp control, but it seems not to give the smoke flavor I like on my pork. then I found the gravity fed 980 so I can use hard woods and charcoal with the and the level of control that comes with the pellet grills. my only complaint is i have had it about 1 year and have had...
From Char-Griller
My grill is the best
Would Recommend[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I got my new grill for father's day last year and I love it
From Char-Griller
Awesome product!
Would RecommendI have 2 of these and the masterbilt 580. This is far more supreme compared to the masterbilt! I've had mine since they first came out with no flareups and consistent temps! .
From Char-Griller
Terrible
Would Not RecommendI have owned this grill for over a year now. I have had to fix it more times that I’ve been able to use it. I wouldn’t recommend this product to anyone. I just replaced the fan now I need a controller. All of the electronics are a terrible design. Honestly, if I could, I would give this grill zero out of five stars.
From Char-Griller
Thank you for your review of the Gravity Fed 980. We recommend trying the following troubleshooting steps: Reset the Controller Power OFF the cooking...
100 percent recommend!
Would RecommendThis is an amazing grill. I have used offsets, pellets, and everything in between. This is hands down my favorite. I have had mine for 2 years and not one issue with it. I always am sure to clean the ashes out after each use and keep it in the garage, roll it out when I am ready to use it. Smokes low and slow and have had this up to 650 degrees with ease.
From Char-Griller
Thank you for your review your Gravity 9804. To help keep the unit operating properly, we do recommend shaking the hopper charcoal grate before each c...