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, especiallythe 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.
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Char-Griller 2123 Wrangler 640 Square Inch Charcoal Grill / SmokerProduct Description: The Wrangler is the perfect size for decks and patios, it has enough cooking space to feed your family and the neighbors. Over 600 sq. in. of total grilling area will let you feed a crowd! Made from heavy guage steel this grill will last for years. The cast iron grates give you an even heat and sears your meat to lock in the flavor. Our adjustable fire grate makes it easy to control the heat, and our easy dump ash pan makes cleaning up a snap. Just think, no more tipping over the grill to clean out the ashes! The heavy gauge steel construction and double bottom will give you years of dependable use. Features a built in heat gauge, airtight flanged hood, and 3 shelves. Rotisserie and Side Fire Box adaptable.
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....but ripped about a month after we got it.Not sure why you would create a cover designed to protect a grill from the outdoor elements that deteriorates (sp?) so quickly.
Someone does need to rewrite the instructions as they are somewhat vague, although if someone has common sense he can figure it out. The most that needs improving is at the start with the legs. If one slips the leg cross bars on, then he can see which holes to use when attaching the legs.Also when installing the wheels, use a small block of wood and hammer to get on properly.When ready for the grill body I tightened up all the bolts on the stand as they will be much easier to reach and much lighter to tip upside down. All the rest was pretty good except the ignighter wires, they need a needle nose pliers to get them on (they are very tight and could bend them or not get them on at all or loose and fall off later)
We purchased this grill cover with our grill last summer.It is attactive and fits our Charbroil smoker grill with smoker box very well.However, it faded considerably more than expected with the summer sun and it has not held up well in the cold weather.The material is very brittle and cracked and split when we took the cover off to grill on a 40 degree day.I'm now searching for another cover to fit our grill and will not purchase this one again.
Unless you want a several hundred pound heavy duty smoker/griller, or a fixed unit, this is the one. I have seen and used dozens of grills and smokers, and at this price, this unit, (with what I consider the mandatory side fire box) beats them all hands down. Where to start? Approaching the unit, the top half lifts up, revealing the entire cooking grid. There's also the slow cook, warming grid that folds back into the top lid when lifted up. It is also easily removable when cooking larger items, say beer can chicken? Then there's my favorite, the original non-stick surface, a cast iron cooking grid-no cheap steel grate. This rocks! I can even put fish on this thing and the fish comes right up, NO STICKING! (Hey! Don't move your food) Cleaning is wicked easy- consists of burning off anything left when you're done, then brushing with a brass brush and wiping down with a crisco covered paper towel-it's SO easy. Already fair offset cooking because it's so big, the side fire box turns this into an honest-to-goodness smoker that will have your neighbours drooling with envy when you throw those four racks of ribs on it for 3-4 hours and have smoke infusing them and the rest of the neighbourhood. The side and front racks give you a ready place to put plates and tools, the inlet and outlet airflows are adjustable, and the temperature probe in the lid shows actual temperature, not just low/med/high. I cannot say enough good things about this grill. 
I purchased one of these Super Pro Grills and the Side Firebox this past week and used it yesterday to make the best pulled pork shoulder I've ever smoked. 
I ordered, received in perfect condition the ordered item.It was described as heavy-duty, weather-resistant, polyester, but the item is actually vinyl, and thin and light.I generally would just go to Lowes but since Lowes does not carry model 4000 grill, they do not have the cover.I saw the cover for the duo grill and it appears to be thicker material.
Ok, so this is for the grill, NOT the price. Amazon's price on this item is WAY too high but that isn't what the review is for... I got mine at a sporting goods store for under $250 so shop around.
Fit great over entire grill even optional firebox. Only dislike was no way to secure to grill