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.Terrible Grill! ERF Error despite fan change
Would Not RecommendThis has been the worse experience I have ever had! The fan does not work. The wireless connection does not work. I bought it for two parties around fourth of July and it was embarrassing because I did not have a grill to use period. I plan on returning it after I spend another 2 hours disabling it.
Amazing product but be careful with truck delivery
Would RecommendJust a quick disclaimer when ordering for truck delivery from your local store to give your store delivery manager a call if you want to ensure you receive a boxed or made model. Apparently my local store hires outside companies to build the smokers for customers because people were sending the boxed models back to the store to be built. Unfortunately my model came poorly assembled with parts missing, and it was a bit tedious to ensure I had a new boxed one delivered. Ultimately, my local store ...
Disappointed with Lowe's but not the grill.
Would RecommendLove the grill but Lowe's put it together and delivered. It's missing a screw that holds the front shelf in place. It's also missing the wooden scraper. Disappointed in Lowe's.
LOVE this smoker... You must have one...
Would RecommendI got this almost a year to the day. It was a brand new model. I have smoked pork butt, ribs, whole chicken, chicken wings, sausage and more. I could NOT be happier with its performance. 3 minor issues: - Put casters on ALL 4 wheels and not just 2. It is annoying to have to back up, push it, back up again, direct it, etc. 4 casters would be a HUGE improvement ESPECIALLY at this price point. - Wifi connectivity does NOT work. Bluetooth DOES work and the app is great at controlling. ...
The smoker for real smoke and flavor
Would RecommendIt's exactly what i've been looking for in a grill. The control of a pellet smoker with the smoke of a charcoal/wood smoker. Infinitely superior to my old Traeger.
From Gravity Fed 980 38-in W Blue Barrel Charcoal Grill Verified Purchaser
Controller
Would Not RecommendHad problems from the beginning controller would fault and to unplug the get to reset now will not reset
Stay Away
Would Not RecommendI’ve had this grill since December and the fan to OPERATE the grill has been replaced TWICE. I have only used this grill 3/4 times and the blade on the fan has burnt. Char-Griller is saying because you can’t use the grill when it’s windy. I stay in Texas we always have some wind…..this is ridiculous!!! So now I have to grill and be a meteorologist to see if it’s windy! This grill cost way too much for the manufacture to make something so cheap! Lowes should stop selling this grill and Char-Grill...
Back Vent Misaligned During Assembly
During assembly of the grill at step 11. Was unable to find the back vent cover. Had to angle the grill to slide it back. But it's misaligned and I can close or even slide the back vent. Now I have an expensive grill sitting in my kitchen taking up space.
Amazing concept with extremely poor QA/Shipping
Would RecommendThis review is a tough one due to bad QA and shipping problems. My local Lowes really came through for my grill and allowed me to swap damaged parts in order to make the grill whole. The first grill had a damaged hopper. The lower section was bent and made it impossible to join the two halves. Luckily I was able to swap the hopper with a display model, but then I found the rear damper was completely missing and ultimately had to swap the entire grill out. From there, the second grill was nearl...
Over time
Would Not RecommendBought this for the smoker part for my husband almost a year ago. Within a few months the side where the charcoal goes began to crack off metal pieces it appears to be from the heat as well as the flap for the fan it broke off and melted portions so we had to rig something to make it work. Since then the temperature has been hard to maintain. Ita a good grill just hard to maintain.
Best Grill EVER
Would RecommendIt does everything GOOD... no flare ups, you light it and let it do the work
From Gravity Fed 980 38-in W Blue Barrel Charcoal Grill Verified PurchaserVerified Pro
you can find a better grill
Would Not RecommendI have had this unit for a few months and when it works, it works great, but ours keeps breaking. We've probably only been able to use the smoker 4 or 5 times. After the second time, one gauge broke and new parts were needed and after the 5th time a temperature guage broke and the fan does not run. The part I need has been out of stock for weeks. For the price, the unit should last much much longer and the components should be made with better materials.
Great Grill!
Had this for about a year now. Still just as great as the first day I fired it up.