My favorites are my regular Sportsman’s Grill and my Kickoff Grill. I like the coal access door of the regular Sportsman’s. Big Lew, thanks for the heads up on the 14” Tote Bag fitting the Kickoff. Buying an extra 14” tote bag today!
It fits the kick off great, but you have to point the handle holes toward the corners. So that the bottom piece and the top piece are rotated 90° and are diagonal from each other.
I am really loving the Kick Off grill. As you know I had to buy it because Lodge discontinued the Sportsman grill. While I might eventually buy one of the new ones I am very satisfied with with the Kick Off Grill and it is half the price. I also am with you and think that they need 4 bolts instead of just the 2. It is just to bad that Lodge didn't have the Sportsman's Pro ready to hit the market when they discontinued the original. I know that a lot of us are die hard Cast Iron fans but as of now I can't see paying twice the price for something that a fill in product has already filled in for. Just my option. Thank you so much for showing the difference in the two of them.
I agree with you, the Pro can also leak grease, something that I have found out since making this video. I will address this issue soon in a follow up video.
Actually Big Lew, its 4 pieces to keep up with. The bottom draft slider, the top grill and two handles. So its exactly the same amount of pieces to keep up with before the redesign. You didn't have to keep up with the handles on the old version because they were attached to the grill. I like the Original better. Seems like February is when they release the new grills. Maybe next February the will bring the Original back. I have a feeling they may have plans to in the future. Because they named this grill "Pro Soortsman" and didnt call it Sportsman as if its the replacement for the Original. Fingers crossed they bring the Original Back!🤞🏿
I hope they do too. And your right you do have to keep the steel handles, but they are not cast iron so, I didn’t include them as a casting. The replacement handles are about ten bucks a pair
Great review, Big Lew! I don’t have either of these as of now, but I sure have my eye on them. One thing for sure, I like the ash tray of the new Sportsman compared to my older model. Grill on, brother… grill on!
And here we are roughly a year later and I have two of each and a 14 in skillet. When cooking for a group it’s cheaper than building a outdoor kitchen. Lodge really does it well.
Thank you Mister big Lew,plan is to pick up sportsman pro Monday, pick up expensive ribeye on way home, sit in backyard and count my blessings, And ,God bless America, Thank you, I enjoyed the video.
Fewer parts is a good thing, because it means there are fewer parts to break or lose. The draft door on the Sportsman grill was infamous for breaking. The Sportsman grill was certainly a good product, or else it wouldn't have lasted for decades; but it did have some problems. Hopefully Lodge's new design helps to resolve some of them.
Watched this video early this morning when you first aired it, couldn't comment, watched on the giant screen! But here! I like the Pro, the ash tray/air vent allows one to dump the ash without worry compared to the older Sportsman. The Kickoff, I love it, want to get one, but one really has to be careful as to where to place it when in use. Not a show stopper though. Thanks for the great video!
I like the kickoff grill. Just wish it had a lid. Do they even make some with lids? I’m looking for a grill with a lid that will last forever. I haven’t found a cast iron grill with a lid yet.
Thanks for the great video! I am sorry to say they should not call this the Sportsman Grill. They changed it so much it should be called the Lodge cast iron grill. And I think they should also sell the old true Lodge cast iron sportsman's grill along with the Pro and the kickoff. Weber grills have their Smokey Joe and Smokey Joe jumbo grill, why can't lodge have 3. And if the sales on one go down drop that one. As for me, I only like the true Sportsman's grill. It has history and provenance. It's like having a piece of History. Sorry to say I think large is making mistake with this new pro version of grill
The Pro version is a very good grill. I do agree that they should offer all three. Let the market decide if they should get rid of it. In my next video I will be comparing the new with the old.
@@BigLewBBQ Thank you for the thumbs up. Please if you think like I do that they should have three on the market mention that in your video. Maybe others will see it and think the same way. And maybe Lodge will see it and get the idea. They said the new grill was what they got in comments from people. Maybe if enough people ask for all three they'll do it... Again thank you so much for all the videos you do and the thumbs up....
@@waynethebarber1095 Wayne I said exactly that in my previous video. Check out what I said at the 25:49 mark of this video. Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill / Demonstration / Piri-Piri Wings & Carne Asada. ruclips.net/video/eDVi1OOsp2c/видео.html Furthermore, my next video I will be comparing the old and the new. I have already shot that video. In it I also mention The possibility of Lodge having three grills.
Well I no longer have the kick-off. Not by choice mind you, but it now resides at an ex-girlfriend’s house. Getting it back isn’t worth the trouble of ever speaking with her again. I do miss the Kick-Off Grill but not her. I’m satisfied with how things are now, with only the Sportsman’s pro. Yet if it was the o the way around I would be happy with the kick-off too. If I had neither, and knowing that I usually only cook for one or two people now days I would by the Kick-Off. I can’t speak for you, but if usually cook for a family, then you would be better off with the Sportsman Pro.
I got the kickoff and very satisfied with it. Was thinking it was too small but with care can grill 5 burgers. I did lose one to the ground so that taught me a lesson on how to flip…. Definitely glad I got it versus the Weber large grill. Especially with just two of us.
I really like having it. Not only does it store it well, it allows you to tote it around one handed. That way you can turn a door knob or carry something else in the other. I have conveniently provided a link to the bag in the description box to this video. Click “show more”.
What actually concerns me about this grill is the one piece “charcoal grate/body”… if the grate wears out (and it we know it will), the grill is ruined…
For what it's worth, I've been checking out quite a few of these Lodge Kickoff Grill and one thing I've yet to see is someone using an 11.5 Lodge Griddle on one. Maybe use the Kickoff/Griddle combo for pancakes 🥞 in the wonderful out of doors... ?
I’ve seen a few videos of it. It may be good, but to me, to be honest, it seems to be a bit more of gimmick grill, than a serious piece of equipment. I’ve never seen one person, so my skepticism may be unfounded. It does seem to have good reviews on Amazon. If my skepticism is warranted and it is a gimmick, then it is also over priced.
@@BigLewBBQ I can see it for a a couple people who like to hike high up into the mountains and want a charcoal meal. I don’t see why you need to buy their own charcoal tho. Isn’t it just a grill? Why can you make a tray and use your own charcoal?
Not liking either of these new grills. My old one I could feed fuel to by just opening the door, A snap to heat up coffee. One big stick... So glad I have my old one. Hope you find a new top for yours.
I didn’t ask you to watch. I didn’t ask you like, subscribe or comment. However, I appreciate you wasting your time to watch and comment. This is MY SHOW! It’s called BIG LEW BBQ & OTHER THINGS I WANT TO DO. One of the other things I want to do is talk! I don’t do this show for you. I do this show for me! There is a little red line at the bottom of the screen you can use it to skip ahead. You can also close the window. There are some cooking channels where the host doesn’t talk at all you have to read the recipe while listening to music and viewing scenes of food close ups. I despise those types of videos, so I don’t watch them. There are others that just talk, some even just talk about cooking, but don’t cook. I’m sure you can find a channel you like to watch better than mine. My channel sucks anyway. Certainly if it’s not for you, then don’t go away mad, just go away!
My favorites are my regular Sportsman’s Grill and my Kickoff Grill. I like the coal access door of the regular Sportsman’s. Big Lew, thanks for the heads up on the 14” Tote Bag fitting the Kickoff. Buying an extra 14” tote bag today!
It fits the kick off great, but you have to point the handle holes toward the corners. So that the bottom piece and the top piece are rotated 90° and are diagonal from each other.
I am really loving the Kick Off grill. As you know I had to buy it because Lodge discontinued the Sportsman grill. While I might eventually buy one of the new ones I am very satisfied with with the Kick Off Grill and it is half the price. I also am with you and think that they need 4 bolts instead of just the 2. It is just to bad that Lodge didn't have the Sportsman's Pro ready to hit the market when they discontinued the original. I know that a lot of us are die hard Cast Iron fans but as of now I can't see paying twice the price for something that a fill in product has already filled in for. Just my option. Thank you so much for showing the difference in the two of them.
I agree with you, the Pro can also leak grease, something that I have found out since making this video. I will address this issue soon in a follow up video.
Good advice on adjustment of the screws to level grill. I love my old Sportsman grill but hope to try the new grills some day.
Actually Big Lew,
its 4 pieces to keep up with. The bottom draft slider, the top grill and two handles. So its exactly the same amount of pieces to keep up with before the redesign. You didn't have to keep up with the handles on the old version because they were attached to the grill. I like the Original better.
Seems like February is when they release the new grills. Maybe next February the will bring the Original back. I have a feeling they may have plans to in the future. Because they named this grill "Pro Soortsman" and didnt call it Sportsman as if its the replacement for the Original. Fingers crossed they bring the Original Back!🤞🏿
I hope they do too. And your right you do have to keep the steel handles, but they are not cast iron so, I didn’t include them as a casting. The replacement handles are about ten bucks a pair
I'm very impressed with those grills. Cheers, Big Lew!✌️
Thanks for watching Dwayne.
Great review, Big Lew! I don’t have either of these as of now, but I sure have my eye on them. One thing for sure, I like the ash tray of the new Sportsman compared to my older model. Grill on, brother… grill on!
Great explanation on how the 2 grills work. I like that new pro version
Thank you for watching and your input Louis.
And here we are roughly a year later and I have two of each and a 14 in skillet. When cooking for a group it’s cheaper than building a outdoor kitchen. Lodge really does it well.
Looks to me like you have kick off grill up side down
Thank you Mister big Lew,plan is to pick up sportsman pro Monday, pick up expensive ribeye on way home, sit in backyard and count my blessings, And ,God bless America, Thank you, I enjoyed the video.
Really good showcase of these 2 grills Big Lew! This was very informative!
Thanks Rob.
This was an excellent comparison review Big Lew many thanks for sharing this information!
Thank you
Thanks Big Lew love the head to head. Lodge is doing some good stuff look forward to more cooks!
I do enjoy both grills.
Fewer parts is a good thing, because it means there are fewer parts to break or lose. The draft door on the Sportsman grill was infamous for breaking. The Sportsman grill was certainly a good product, or else it wouldn't have lasted for decades; but it did have some problems. Hopefully Lodge's new design helps to resolve some of them.
Thank you so much for taking time to watch this Eric. I love your channel.
Watched this video early this morning when you first aired it, couldn't comment, watched on the giant screen! But here! I like the Pro, the ash tray/air vent allows one to dump the ash without worry compared to the older Sportsman. The Kickoff, I love it, want to get one, but one really has to be careful as to where to place it when in use. Not a show stopper though. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you, Paulie For coming back to comment.
World Market has the Kickoff for $50 if you can still find it.
I like the kickoff grill. Just wish it had a lid. Do they even make some with lids? I’m looking for a grill with a lid that will last forever. I haven’t found a cast iron grill with a lid yet.
Great competition awesome video thank you I love the pond in the back ground
Thank you as always Jason.
Thanks for the show, not sold on the kick off grill.
Lew you have quite the collection of Lodge grills my friend.
Awesome as always, keep on cooking 🧑🍳 like you wouldn’t 😁👍🏻❤️🔥🙏🏻🤟🏻
Thanks for the great video!
I am sorry to say they should not call this the Sportsman Grill. They changed it so much it should be called the Lodge cast iron grill. And I think they should also sell the old true Lodge cast iron sportsman's grill along with the Pro and the kickoff. Weber grills have their Smokey Joe and Smokey Joe jumbo grill, why can't lodge have 3. And if the sales on one go down drop that one. As for me, I only like the true Sportsman's grill. It has history and provenance. It's like having a piece of History. Sorry to say I think large is making mistake with this new pro version of grill
The Pro version is a very good grill. I do agree that they should offer all three. Let the market decide if they should get rid of it. In my next video I will be comparing the new with the old.
@@BigLewBBQ Thank you for the thumbs up. Please if you think like I do that they should have three on the market mention that in your video. Maybe others will see it and think the same way. And maybe Lodge will see it and get the idea. They said the new grill was what they got in comments from people. Maybe if enough people ask for all three they'll do it...
Again thank you so much for all the videos you do and the thumbs up....
@@waynethebarber1095 Wayne I said exactly that in my previous video. Check out what I said at the 25:49 mark of this video. Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill / Demonstration / Piri-Piri Wings & Carne Asada.
ruclips.net/video/eDVi1OOsp2c/видео.html
Furthermore, my next video I will be comparing the old and the new. I have already shot that video. In it I also mention The possibility of Lodge having three grills.
I'm ordering both now.
Oh, wow! Thank you. Amazon links are below. They cheaper there than the Lodge website. I hope Lodge notices this comment.
@@BigLewBBQ, pro sold out. I'll keep going back to look when it's in stock. I really want that pro.
@@62dobie it may only be listed on the Lodge website.
So if you had to buy only one which would you pick?
Well I no longer have the kick-off. Not by choice mind you, but it now resides at an ex-girlfriend’s house. Getting it back isn’t worth the trouble of ever speaking with her again.
I do miss the Kick-Off Grill but not her. I’m satisfied with how things are now, with only the Sportsman’s pro. Yet if it was the o the way around I would be happy with the kick-off too.
If I had neither, and knowing that I usually only cook for one or two people now days I would by the Kick-Off. I can’t speak for you, but if usually cook for a family, then you would be better off with the Sportsman Pro.
I got the kickoff and very satisfied with it. Was thinking it was too small but with care can grill 5 burgers. I did lose one to the ground so that taught me a lesson on how to flip…. Definitely glad I got it versus the Weber large grill. Especially with just two of us.
I need one of those covers/carrying case for my kickoff
I really like having it. Not only does it store it well, it allows you to tote it around one handed. That way you can turn a door knob or carry something else in the other. I have conveniently provided a link to the bag in the description box to this video. Click “show more”.
Great video! This might be a silly question but what sort of table is safe to have the Lodge Hibachi on? I don't want to ruin my Mum's table!
One that is heat resistant.
Love the video Big Lew need to get the kick off grill now.
I really enjoy it.
I ordered both. Ordered the covers as well. I think the on for the LSG is a bit different
Well the one I have her was designed for the old LSG but it fits the new one.
@@BigLewBBQ does it come with a cover?
@@janstewart2041 no, mine didn’t I don’t think it does.
Great video Lee have you found a cover Cajun classic?
No I don’t have a cover for that one.
@@BigLewBBQ Thanks Lee for responding.
Had me at cast iron. Love the stuff.
Another great review BL👍 gonna have to save my pennies to get one. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, for watching and thee we kind comment.
Nice review Big Lew, you sure know your Lodge cast iron cookers!
I enjoy my cast iron collection.
You can buy a 14 inch snare drum case In all types of material for that kickoff that’s what I would do
Well that is a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Big Lew your cast iron always looks brand new! How do you keep it looking so good? Maybe you could do a video on grill maintenance - do's & don't's.
It looks used, but I do try to maintain it. The Pro grill has only been used twice. The kickoff a whole lot over the past year.
I like have the fire door on the original to access the coals.
Yes it was convenient.
I have a BSR grill and Sportsman's and a lodge Outpost
Cool!
What actually concerns me about this grill is the one piece “charcoal grate/body”… if the grate wears out (and it we know it will), the grill is ruined…
Well I’ve had my old sportsman’s a long time at the charcoal grate has never worn out yet.
@@BigLewBBQ well in this case, there’s no concerns anymore… and man, this baby looks astonishing!!!
For what it's worth, I've been checking out quite a few of these Lodge Kickoff Grill and one thing I've yet to see is someone using an 11.5 Lodge Griddle on one. Maybe use the Kickoff/Griddle combo for pancakes 🥞 in the wonderful out of doors... ?
I don’t have a griddle like that, but I have several videos using a 12” and 10” skillet on it.
@@BigLewBBQ Yep, have checked them out 😊
@@jonny9884 my last video is a charcoal review. In it I cook a spatchcocked chicken on the kickoff
Curious of your thoughts on the hero grill
I’ve seen a few videos of it. It may be good, but to me, to be honest, it seems to be a bit more of gimmick grill, than a serious piece of equipment. I’ve never seen one person, so my skepticism may be unfounded.
It does seem to have good reviews on Amazon.
If my skepticism is warranted and it is a gimmick, then it is also over priced.
@@BigLewBBQ I can see it for a a couple people who like to hike high up into the mountains and want a charcoal meal. I don’t see why you need to buy their own charcoal tho. Isn’t it just a grill? Why can you make a tray and use your own charcoal?
@@janstewart2041 Yeah, the need for buying their proprietary charcoal, is the reason I described it as a gimmick.
@@BigLewBBQ 10$ a cook adds up
@@janstewart2041 Wow! I didn’t know it was that expensive! The coals are only advertised to last an hour. Yeah I think it is a gimmick.
Not liking either of these new grills. My old one I could feed fuel to by just opening the door, A snap to heat up coffee. One big stick... So glad I have my old one. Hope you find a new top for yours.
I do have a new top for it now.
When they make a kickoff mini with a safe bucket inside for the charcoal. I will jump in.
It’s only 12” diameter now.
👍
Like
"Kickoff" = "Crapped On".....
I love my kickoff grill. It now resides at my girlfriends house. I used it last Friday evening for ribeyes. It doesn’t flare up. It is wonderful.
Ya all talk too much..... get on with the show!
I didn’t ask you to watch. I didn’t ask you like, subscribe or comment. However, I appreciate you wasting your time to watch and comment. This is MY SHOW! It’s called BIG LEW BBQ & OTHER THINGS I WANT TO DO. One of the other things I want to do is talk! I don’t do this show for you. I do this show for me! There is a little red line at the bottom of the screen you can use it to skip ahead. You can also close the window. There are some cooking channels where the host doesn’t talk at all you have to read the recipe while listening to music and viewing scenes of food close ups. I despise those types of videos, so I don’t watch them. There are others that just talk, some even just talk about cooking, but don’t cook. I’m sure you can find a channel you like to watch better than mine. My channel sucks anyway. Certainly if it’s not for you, then don’t go away mad, just go away!