Char-Broil 06701289 Charcoal Water Smoker Review

As it comes out of the box, you will have a hard time keeping the temperature up into the cooking range (200 F) on this smoker, unless you add hot coals every 30 to 45 minutes.The problem is that the fire doesnot get enough oxygen with the fire pan provided. To increase air flow, Idrilled about 30 half-inch diameter holes in the bottom of my fire pan. Then, I bought a charcoal grate from Home Depot. I set on top of a 3 inchtall collar made of aluminum flashing that sits in the drilled out firepan.Many of the barbecue sites on the web have other detailedinstructions for modification of water smokers.
As the fire burns, ashwill drop through the fire grate into the fire pan.Eventually enough ashwill accumulate to block the air holes, so it is important to keep theseopen by poking a stick around to keep the air paths open.Be careful ofhot coals dropping from your smoker and starting a fire.I use a shallowpan filled with moist sand to protect my deck.Also, I heat up the waterto boiling on the stove before adding to my smoker. With thesemodifications, I can keep the fire in a reasonable temperature range byadding wood chunks and cold briquettes a few at a time.
I think a productshould work without the buyer having to extensively modify the equipment. However, very good barbecue can be produced on this unit after themodifications have been made.If you want to give smoking a try withoutinvesting much money and can make the necessary modifications, this unitwill work ok.If you want a water smoker and can invest $180, buy theWeber Smokey Mountain Smoker.I will probably buy a large smoker with anoffset fire box in a few years, but this one will work for now.

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Product Description:
Enjoy slow-cooked barbecue and authentic smokehouse flavor with this charcoal water smoker. Perfect for large gatherings, it comes equipped with two chrome cooking grates that can hold up to 50 pounds of food. Cook a ham on one level and a turkey on the other. Both the top and bottom grill levels cook at about the same temperature, so when cooking different types or cuts of meat at the same time, place the meat that cooks the fastest on the top grill for convenient removal. The unit's domed lid supplies a heat indicator for checking the temperature at a glance, while its front-hinged door allows for adding more charcoal or water during the smoking process. Other highlights include a 6-quart porcelain water pan, an 8-quart charcoal pan, high-grade wooden handles that stay cool to the touch, and an easy-to-clean lightweight design. An instruction manual comes included. The charcoal water smoker measures approximately 17 by 17 by 32 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Brinkmann 810-2100-0 Smoke'N Grill Single Charcoal Smoker and Grill, Black Review

The grill itself is solid and a good size.It just arrived with no instructions or photos for assembly and I have a ton of leftover screws without any other holes and am not sure if its assembeld correctly.The grill itself is good, the packaging left alot to be desired.

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Product Description:
Enjoy slow-cooked barbecue and authentic smokehouse flavor with this portable charcoal smoker and grill. Weighing 15 pounds, the unit works great for picnicking, tailgating, and beach cookouts where rolling a conventional grill from car to cook site would be too much of a hassle. The unit provides a domed lid, a spacious interior, and a chrome-plated steel cooking grill that can hold up to 25 pounds of food. Other highlights include porcelain-coated steel water and charcoal pans, high-grade wooden handles that stay cool to the touch, and an easy-to-clean design. The charcoal smoker and grill measures 17 by 17 by 24 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box Review

I agree entirely with the two other reviewers.This is a great grill, but I would like to add some additional comments.I have rated this only 4 stars because of some assembly issues (see below) and because it is not quite as good as a dedicated smoker (such as the Brinkmann Vertical Smoker).However, if you want to be able to both smoke and grill, or if you are not sure you want a smoker (like me) then the Char Griller Smokin Pro with Side Fire Box is for you.

Now that I tried Smoking, I am a convert.It does take longer than grilling, but this slow cooking process results in more flavor and more juicy meat.The intensity of the smoke flavor is increased by using more wood and reduced by using more charcoal.For instance, an all-charcoal smoke will result in subtle, but pleasant smoke flavor.I find it very easy to control the temperature of the Smokin Pro grill when smoking - I add more charcoal or adjust the vents only once per hour.Otherwise, it basically runs itself.Cleanup is easy because the firebox has an ash pan.Furthermore, since smoking is done at lower heat, there is no grease spatter in the cooking chamber.I find it helpful to place a pan directly under the meat to catch all the grease.

ASSEMBLY ISSUES: Assuming that you buy both the Smokin Pro grill and the Side Fire Box, do NOT follow the instructions to first assemble the grill, and then add the fire box.The problem is that installation of the fire box requires punching out a knock-out panel on the side of the grill lower half.Unfortunately, the knock-out panel may not be easy to remove, and this step then will require considerable hammering.This step will be very difficult to do if the grill is already assembled!

INSTEAD, as the first step of assembly, take the lower half of the grill firebox and place it on end with the knock-out panel on top, and the other side on hard ground.Firmly wedge a 2x4 piece of wood between the two sides.This will give firm support to the end of the grill with the knock-out panel.It will help to place the support close to the site of the hammering.Now, follow the firebox assembly instructions to punch out the panel with a hammer and a screwdriver.Use of the 2x4 will prevent damage to the side of the grill body due to hammering.After removing the panel, proceed normally with the assembly of the grill, and finally attachment of the fire box as directed in the instructions.

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Product Description:
The Smokin' Pro is a professional grade grill offering more features than many grills twice it's price. Used by professional BBQ'ers and backyard enthusiasts, it is the most versatile grill on the market. Cooks love its huge grilling area (830 Sq In) and side fire box (250 Sq In) for smoking your favorite meats. The cast iron grates give you an even heat and sears your meat to lock in the flavor. Our adjustable ash pan makes it easy to control the heat and clean out your ashes. 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 2 shelves. Rotisserie and warming rack adaptable.

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