@@RobsBackyardBBQ yeah I’m beyond excited. Have been going back and forth on this one. And kept talking myself out of it due to what I can do on the Weber kettle premium I have put time and accessories into. Not retiring that one, but definitely adding this as a tool to the arsenal.
I just picked one up today at Lowe's. They had the display model on clearance for $160. Picked it up, took it home and found that the fire box was missing. Took it back and they swapped me out for a brand new one in box. SCORE!!
Cheaper than a ceramic heat deflector, an 18" pizza pan works perfectly. I took a 14" water pan, set it on the lower grate and put the pizza pan on top of the water pan. Fits perfect under the main cooking grate. Super cheap KJ slow roller.
I have had NOTHING but issues with this thing. It wouldn't even raise to seasoning temp. Every time I walk away there's always an error when I come back, which has caused it to drop to usually around 160°. I want to love it, but I'm about to sell it for nothing. Maybe, I got a lemon. I buy the recommended lump. I'm telling you, I am COMPLETELY underwhelmed by this thing. I have a Traeger, a Weber Kettle, a Blackstone, a Weber Spirit, and a Weber Q 1000, that all are far superior to the Auto Kamado, that I purchased. I almost feel embarrassed that I spent money on this thing. Change my mind, without mods or spending any money to "fix" this thing.🤷🏽♂️ Anyone else?
I just bought one from Walmart for $225. Crazy price including delivery for this Monday Morning. (bought it Saturday Night) I do have a Kettle Joe but it leaks from everywhere, going from Low n Slow to searing is too much. Smokes & Sears with Great results, but hard to run at steady temps. So for $225 WTF I’ll get yet another grill….Please, someone stop me before I get to Tom Horseman status. LOL HaHaHa !
Nice! I picked up another also at 225 a week or so ago. Still boxed up though and not sure what i'm going to do with it lol. You're going to love it - I have an assembly video in the playlist on the pinned comment here that might be interesting for ya!
Great video. Buying the other ash pan in case of a power failure just sold me. That was my concern. Also, have you ever tried to see how low of a temperature you can maintain without the heat deflector in place? Thanks again. 👍😋👍
Great video, same issue with top vent. I ended up breaking off the plastic tab trying to get it open and can't seem to find a replacement tab anywhere.
Thank you for this video. I was on the fence about buying the auto kamado. I went ahead and pulled the trigger. I have the orginal Akorn and love it. Can wait to use my new grill.
Love it Rob!!! I was catching up on some of your newer vids this morning (which are great) and I'm sold I need to get a Kamado!! I'm going to do a bit more research but appreciate your starting me down the right path =) It may be a few months or maybe tomorrow... I don't know, but I will own one sometime in the not too distant future!! Keep up the great work!!
Great video Rob! I've got the 980 and I love it but I burn way to much fuel with it. I've been contemplating this one for several months. I wonder how the wood smoke in this compares to the 980? Also I've been thinking about getting a pizza oven. I kinda feel like this thing would give me as good a pizza with constantly having to turn it plus give me all the perks of a kamado? I'd love to know your thoughts.. thanks in advance!!!
Someone that wanted a Big Joe for so long, this is on sale right now for just over $200 really thinking on it. I am willing to bet that the electronics just being a fan and a few displays and sensors that it would run for a long time on a little inverter I have from Ridgid so I dont need to have it plugged into the wall.
Con: customer support. After only 5 weeks of moderate use, I get the erp error code (heat sensor) as soon as I power up. Did all the troubleshooting steps as provided in the manual but the problem persisted. Emailed customer support and was sent the same info that was in the manual from some bot.. even though I detailed that I did all of those steps. No way to contact a real person. Hosting a bbq in a little over a week and I have no confidence the issue will be resolved...I guess we'll all stand around looking at the non-functioning char-griller. Con: the app does not have audible alarms just the sound of a notification on your phone. Also triggers way too often as it tends to drop and reconnect frequently.
@@RobsBackyardBBQ thanks, Rob, but just got a email from them and they're sending a new sensor. I understand the need to triage, and maybe I'm just old and cranky, but I'd rather talk to a person. What could have been handled in 5 minutes took almost a full day with no feedback loop.
Very thorough well done review. I do have a question. How good of a job does it do of bringing the temp down if you want to change mid cook from lets say 350 down to 250? I'm sure it will take a little time, but hoping not more than 15 minutes or so.
Believe it or not, you can actually use a electric grill without electricity. The electricity is basically for the digital display. But you still use charcoal or wood.
Thanks for the video..I just bought regular acorn..Since you are an ambassador for chargrill , I cannot find the adjustable fire grate ash pan ...😢 can you tell me if they have quit selling it all together ? Your help would be appreciated ! Thanks..t dwayne BBq
Hey there! I left Char-Griller about 6 months ago, but looked around a little bit. Found dead listings on amazon and lowes unfortunately. I'd just email them support@chargriller.com and i'm sure they'll help you out. I still have and use my CG grills, I just wanted to be on my own for a bit. :)
I saw that and actually ordered one this afternoon after shooting the video! I figure i'll keep it boxed up until I need it - or just sell it for $350 next summer ;)
Bro I just looked it up and your spot on with the price!!! I have the Kamado Big Joe and Love it , but totally love all the features and the blower for the flame kicks ass!! Though if i buy another smoker / Grill my wife will divorce me lol... I have 4 now and totally want this!! Great video Brother !!!!
@@RobsBackyardBBQ saw your pork steaks, they looked amazing! I cut meat for a living and most people won't even pick up the pork steaks , I will cut then when the Boston butt goes on sale witch isn't to often with the inflation now. But man I love cooking them on the big joe, so juicy and tender!! hopefully more people will buy them or ask us to cut them. Ask your local butcher to cut you some thick ass chuck eye steaks, usually you can get 2 good thick steaks off the boneless chuck. I consider the first 2 steaks the best! most guys know the chuck eye steaks are great being they're next to the rib and cheaper the the bone in rib steak or a boneless ribeye steak.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am looking into getting this grill as my 1st charcoal smoker/grill. So while the auto set and forget helps, but i agree with the last Con, it does take the fun away......However, if you buy that 2nd ash tray with manual lever..can you just not switch it and the grill becomes similar to your manual traditional model??
Biggest "con" might be the same as the Gravity 980...controller only goes down to 200 degrees. I have the original Akorn (use a Weber bottom grate with a pizza stone for my deflector) and the 980. I use the Akorn 80% of the time at least, maybe more. 980 is a charcoal EATER, and that's even in the Texas summer!
I just pulled the trigger on one from Walmart for $223.00 including shipping! Great video! Is there a way I can use my ThermoWorks temp probes with this?
Keep getting error ERP only works again when I move the wire for the temp sensor. I probably will have to make a claim on the warranty hoping this is not a regular occurrence.
I have had 2 warranty claims already for mine. Not too mention the delivery nightmare I had to go through. If I could do it all over, I would not get it again. Just the other day mine would not even turn on.
I so want to buy one of these here in New Zealand but it doesn't look like it's available yet. With regards to the power, can you hook it up to an external power source or is it only mains power it works on?
A question, well . . . more like a concern. I recently bought the Char Griller Auto Kamado and attempted to season it at 350 degrees. I used a chimney as a "measuring cup," DID NOT prelight or prestart the coals. I started the Kingsford blue bag briquettes with two all-natural firestarters. I set the temp at 350 and it went WAY over, by like one hundred degrees. How do I control the temp, especially if I want to smoke a brisket, low and slow around 250 degrees?
Hey James, thanks for watching. Here's what i'll normally do when I'm planning a low-and-slow cook.. ~250ish .. - dump some charcoal in (i use lump, but shoudn't matter) - dig down a big in the center, drop in a firestarter, light it and place some coals over it - give it max 5 minutes, then open the vents and close the lid. Longer than this might get the fire too hot and you'll be fighting to get it lower - when you choose temp on the display and it tells you 'd-1' or 'd-2', put it just under the line so it's actually .75 or 1.75. - if it's looking like it's going to overshoot, close the top vent a little more
No mention of the overshooting Temps during the cons? I understand a swinging temp over and under by 10 or so but over by 60*F or more when using the controller and top damper settings per chargriller instructions needs to be addressed.
Wood, will catch fire, that is a fact we have to live with, actual fire causes... heat, no amount of computerization, can stop that. Do what the rest of us do. Keep an eye on your cook, I liked Ron Popeil, and while this thing really looks killer, there is NO, set it, and forget it, in Barbeque. That's a Showtime Rotisserie Grill thing, And yes it still works, perfectly. Merry Christmas!!
Yeah I just pick one up at Walmart for $225. No brained. I love my OG Akron and it use it 90%. I have the Vision Kamado but the Akron my everyday. I do have one Con on my OG. The top air outlet is stuck and I broke the little side handle. Yet it’s still in use and my 1st choice of grill
You mentioned buying an ash pan from a traditional Char Griller Kamado, I looked for it on the Char Griller website and didn’t see it, where can I buy one? Thanks for the review, it was very helpful.
Hey there! I spoke to support to find the correct one (www.chargriller.com/products/gray-ashpan) but they also said that using the manual ash pan will void warranty.
I was watching a Tom Horseman 1 year review video. He mentioned having trouble with temp control at lower (low-slow) temps, what has been your experience at low temperatures as far as control and consistency?
Hey there. If i'm cooking between 200-250 instead of putting the damper at 1, i'll usually put it a little bit less and it seems to stick pretty well to the temps i'm shooting for.
Thanks so much for this review! I've been looking at this one and others. Matter fact stopped by Home Depot today & they didn't have it only to find out though your video that it's on clearance today! $239 with tax/free shipping. How do you beat that? Once again Thank you!
Hey thanks for watching! Yes, i've seen people use those phone charger pack things in the past as well as battery packs. There are some youtube videos but you'll find more if you search for powering a pellet smoker I bet.
Great video! I noticed the extension cord running under your shelf,How do you have your factory power cord secured under the shlef? Thank you for your help
Thanks for watching! Actually I think here it's just hanging off the back, wrapped around the cord-wrapper. I normally have it sitting on a piece of wood on the ground hiding under the lowest shelf. Protected from the rain and any water that may be coming through under the grill. When not in use though, I'll have the cover on it.
After a year plus, how are you still liking this? My pellet grill is dead and I want something charcoal based and want the set and forget feature. I like watching the grill do the work for me. The gravity ones seem to suck fuel like my Jeep so not a great option. This grill seems great other than the mountain of issues people have with the controller dying. Bu I assume that is warranty and maybe something they have addressed with the manufacturer by now. I hope. So thoughts? Do you use it a lot or are you back to the more manual ones?
I still use it all the time and would recommend it. I know it was on sale recently for $350ish at home depot, but not sure if the sale is still going on. The only gripe I have is the top vent gets sticky with creosote. I use a propane torch to light the charcoal anyway, so I just heat up the inside of the vent with it when i'm lighting the akorn and it operates smoothly.
@@RobsBackyardBBQ Thank you! Yes Lowes has them for that price which I think is the normal price now. Crazy low for such a grill. I have heard a lot about the vent issues but I had that on my pit boss pellet as well. There are ways of dealing with it. The controller seems to be hit and miss. Hope I get a hit one. Thanks again and great content!
I got one a while back, actually seen one of your videos and it helped me decide to get one. Damn shame I paid full price though😆 I agree though, I'm a fan of mine, use it at least 2 times a week and have done a lot on it. I've not had the top vent get stuck on me at all (yet), but the tip for cleaning is great, thanks! The biggest (and only) con I have is the app. While it works if I use Bluetooth, it can't hold the WiFi signal at all, which means I need to be in particular rooms in the house for it to work. Checking the reviews on the Apple store, everyone seems to have the same exact issue. I really hope they can fix that up. Great review Rob, thanks!
Hey Terry, thanks for watching! The only issue i've had with the app was having both the auto-kamado and the gravity connected at the same time, though, I haven't reached out to support about it at all lol.
Awesome! I actually ordered one from walmart earlier today because of the price haha. Hey, if you're getting rid of your other akorn keep the stuff that you can use on the new one.. heat deflector, ash pan in case the power goes out, etc..
Rob, unfortunetly I just missed the sale. It would be great if you let us know when there's an amazing sale like this again. Maybe you can use your Ambassador powers of persuasion to to get Char-Griller / Walm-Mart to have that sale again. That would awesome!
Great video Rob. I got mine in yesterday. Did a first burn and season of the grate. One con that I had was the wheels or table. Kind of my fault, I built it inside and due to not having all castors and/or the tables not folding, I had to basically lift it up and walk it though the door. I enjoy the doing fire control as well, so I will most likely be buying the ashpan from the regular akorn (part# 900025), as well as the flat stone. Looking forward to all the wonderful food this grill is gonna turn out for me.
Haha - I hope you videod that :) But, now that it's outside, you prob appreciate the bigger wheels up front lol. Ah, nice - thanks for the part # of the ash pan - i saw they had different colors also? That'll prob help others. Yeah man you're gonna love it!
Nice video, Im really leaning towards getting this one instead of the more expensive ones. Have you thought about putting like a half dome/moon deflector or grill on it like the divide and conquer style on the Kamado Joe's?
Hey there - Yes, generally I'll keep them covered when I'm not using them. The first one I had a few years back I never covered and the section between the body and ash pan started rusting (since the ash pan would fill with water, etc.. sometimes). Totally worth $35 to get a cover.
Thanks for the update. I just got mine today and I agree on each con so far aside from the set and go lol. I may feel the same soon but we'll see. They need to work on a way to charge the digital gauge and fan instead of needing to keep it plugged in.
Oops.....you answered my question at the end of the video. I figured the metal caused too much radiation under the meat on a low n slow cook. Thanks again.
![NOSFERATU - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters December 25](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nulvWqYUM8k/mqdefault.jpg)
Check out my Akorn Auto-Kamado playlist! ruclips.net/p/PLHIaU2TvJ9WNw_UVMHDtTKkTD6Bt6iLgD
Can I have your char griller 980 please? lol
HOLY SMOKES - You saved me $225. Just ordered from Walmart. Thanks a million 😊
Nice - thanks for letting me know! You'll love it!
Me too
Did I miss the sell? 😕
@@boobills718 I think so. I think it was a clearance sale making room for holiday items.
@@rickcormier9160 thanks..😔
Got one that will be delivered tomorrow. Looking forward to doing some cooks. Thanks for the video!
Hey man, thanks for watching! Awesome - I just ordered one from walmart today also - couldn't beat the price!
Man, I really want one... But the wife might murder me if I bring home ANOTHER smoker haha. Great video breaking it down!
Haha doooooo ittttt :) You can't beat that $224 deal! Thanks for watching man!
I just got mine delivered today when I saw it yesterday!!!!! So excited!!
Awesome! I have an assembly video if you're interested - it'd be in the playlist linked above ^ .. You're gonna make some great food on it!
@@RobsBackyardBBQ yeah I’m beyond excited. Have been going back and forth on this one. And kept talking myself out of it due to what I can do on the Weber kettle premium I have put time and accessories into. Not retiring that one, but definitely adding this as a tool to the arsenal.
I just picked one up today at Lowe's. They had the display model on clearance for $160. Picked it up, took it home and found that the fire box was missing. Took it back and they swapped me out for a brand new one in box. SCORE!!
Cheaper than a ceramic heat deflector, an 18" pizza pan works perfectly. I took a 14" water pan, set it on the lower grate and put the pizza pan on top of the water pan. Fits perfect under the main cooking grate. Super cheap KJ slow roller.
I have had NOTHING but issues with this thing. It wouldn't even raise to seasoning temp. Every time I walk away there's always an error when I come back, which has caused it to drop to usually around 160°. I want to love it, but I'm about to sell it for nothing. Maybe, I got a lemon. I buy the recommended lump. I'm telling you, I am COMPLETELY underwhelmed by this thing. I have a Traeger, a Weber Kettle, a Blackstone, a Weber Spirit, and a Weber Q 1000, that all are far superior to the Auto Kamado, that I purchased. I almost feel embarrassed that I spent money on this thing. Change my mind, without mods or spending any money to "fix" this thing.🤷🏽♂️ Anyone else?
I just bought one from Walmart for $225. Crazy price including delivery for this Monday Morning. (bought it Saturday Night)
I do have a Kettle Joe but it leaks from everywhere, going from Low n Slow to searing is too much. Smokes & Sears with Great results, but hard to run at steady temps. So for $225 WTF I’ll get yet another grill….Please, someone stop me before I get to Tom Horseman status. LOL HaHaHa !
Nice! I picked up another also at 225 a week or so ago. Still boxed up though and not sure what i'm going to do with it lol. You're going to love it - I have an assembly video in the playlist on the pinned comment here that might be interesting for ya!
To loosen the top vent run the grill up to 600F. Take the cast iron grate out if you care about losing the seasoning.
Great video. Buying the other ash pan in case of a power failure just sold me. That was my concern. Also, have you ever tried to see how low of a temperature you can maintain without the heat deflector in place? Thanks again. 👍😋👍
Same here, I've been looking for reviews or comments on this, but this is the first person who's brought this up. Well done sire!
You can still tell the wife you can’t mow cause your barbecuing she doesn’t know it’s sit & forget! 😉
Great video, same issue with top vent. I ended up breaking off the plastic tab trying to get it open and can't seem to find a replacement tab anywhere.
Plug-in....? Get a car battery....ac/DC inverter. Battery on base, portable and good to go!!!!
Do you need to have it connected to electricity of you are using high heat for hamburgers?
A con you forgot: fixed side tables. The auto Akorn takes up more space than the original.
Thank you for this video. I was on the fence about buying the auto kamado. I went ahead and pulled the trigger. I have the orginal Akorn and love it. Can wait to use my new grill.
Nice! That original akorn ash pan may come in handy if you lose power also! Thanks for watching!
Set and forget is a CON??? SMH!!!😒😒😒
Thanks brother!
Love it Rob!!! I was catching up on some of your newer vids this morning (which are great) and I'm sold I need to get a Kamado!! I'm going to do a bit more research but appreciate your starting me down the right path =) It may be a few months or maybe tomorrow... I don't know, but I will own one sometime in the not too distant future!! Keep up the great work!!
All I keep reading about it is the temperature and fan (the main heat control) all negative reviews they all fuck up and they dead wait
Man Rob you really had to dig for those cons 😂 I'm really looking forward to using my new Auto kamado. Thanks for the video I enjoyed it. 😎
Haha thanks Mike!
Crank it up to 700° it’ll burn all that stuff out of the top bent
Nice video. I have the regular Acorn and love it. If It ever breaks, I'll get another.
Yeah, I love my regular akorn - i use that quite a bit also. Thanks for watching!
Great video Rob! I've got the 980 and I love it but I burn way to much fuel with it. I've been contemplating this one for several months. I wonder how the wood smoke in this compares to the 980? Also I've been thinking about getting a pizza oven. I kinda feel like this thing would give me as good a pizza with constantly having to turn it plus give me all the perks of a kamado? I'd love to know your thoughts.. thanks in advance!!!
Someone that wanted a Big Joe for so long, this is on sale right now for just over $200 really thinking on it. I am willing to bet that the electronics just being a fan and a few displays and sensors that it would run for a long time on a little inverter I have from Ridgid so I dont need to have it plugged into the wall.
Con: customer support. After only 5 weeks of moderate use, I get the erp error code (heat sensor) as soon as I power up. Did all the troubleshooting steps as provided in the manual but the problem persisted. Emailed customer support and was sent the same info that was in the manual from some bot.. even though I detailed that I did all of those steps. No way to contact a real person. Hosting a bbq in a little over a week and I have no confidence the issue will be resolved...I guess we'll all stand around looking at the non-functioning char-griller.
Con: the app does not have audible alarms just the sound of a notification on your phone. Also triggers way too often as it tends to drop and reconnect frequently.
Hey Steve, that's no good! Shoot me an email rob@homeownerbbq.com and i'll see if i can help. I've only heard good things about CG's support.
@@RobsBackyardBBQ thanks, Rob, but just got a email from them and they're sending a new sensor. I understand the need to triage, and maybe I'm just old and cranky, but I'd rather talk to a person. What could have been handled in 5 minutes took almost a full day with no feedback loop.
@@RobsBackyardBBQ update: just received a replacement sensor. Kamado is working again and the weekend cookout is saved. Thanks for the help.
Very thorough well done review. I do have a question. How good of a job does it do of bringing the temp down if you want to change mid cook from lets say 350 down to 250? I'm sure it will take a little time, but hoping not more than 15 minutes or so.
It takes a long time. I don’t recommend trying to go down unless you have to
A little bias but great review.
Believe it or not, you can actually use a electric grill without electricity. The electricity is basically for the digital display. But you still use charcoal or wood.
Thanks Rob after seeing your charcoal test, and this video. I will be getting one 👍🍻cheers
Awesome Jimi! You're going to love it - thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video..I just bought regular acorn..Since you are an ambassador for chargrill , I cannot find the adjustable fire grate ash pan ...😢 can you tell me if they have quit selling it all together ? Your help would be appreciated ! Thanks..t dwayne BBq
Hey there! I left Char-Griller about 6 months ago, but looked around a little bit. Found dead listings on amazon and lowes unfortunately. I'd just email them support@chargriller.com and i'm sure they'll help you out. I still have and use my CG grills, I just wanted to be on my own for a bit. :)
@@RobsBackyardBBQ Thanks Rob..just found your videos..thanks again tdwaynes Bbq
Walmart just put them on clearance for $224
I saw that and actually ordered one this afternoon after shooting the video! I figure i'll keep it boxed up until I need it - or just sell it for $350 next summer ;)
Bro I just looked it up and your spot on with the price!!!
I have the Kamado Big Joe and Love it , but totally love all the features and the blower for the flame kicks ass!!
Though if i buy another smoker / Grill my wife will divorce me lol... I have 4 now and totally want this!!
Great video Brother !!!!
@@brad4527 Ohhhhh just get it lol - Get rid of one of the others?
@@RobsBackyardBBQ saw your pork steaks, they looked amazing!
I cut meat for a living and most people won't even pick up the pork steaks , I will cut then when the Boston butt goes on sale witch isn't to often with the inflation now.
But man I love cooking them on the big joe, so juicy and tender!!
hopefully more people will buy them or ask us to cut them.
Ask your local butcher to cut you some thick ass chuck eye steaks, usually you can get 2 good thick steaks off the boneless chuck. I consider the first 2 steaks the best!
most guys know the chuck eye steaks are great being they're next to the rib and cheaper the the bone in rib steak or a boneless ribeye steak.
I love my Akorn!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am looking into getting this grill as my 1st charcoal smoker/grill. So while the auto set and forget helps, but i agree with the last Con, it does take the fun away......However, if you buy that 2nd ash tray with manual lever..can you just not switch it and the grill becomes similar to your manual traditional model??
Biggest "con" might be the same as the Gravity 980...controller only goes down to 200 degrees. I have the original Akorn (use a Weber bottom grate with a pizza stone for my deflector) and the 980. I use the Akorn 80% of the time at least, maybe more. 980 is a charcoal EATER, and that's even in the Texas summer!
I have a really hard time keeping mine around 200 - 225 the temperature always gets away from me.
I just pulled the trigger on one from Walmart for $223.00 including shipping! Great video! Is there a way I can use my ThermoWorks temp probes with this?
Keep getting error ERP only works again when I move the wire for the temp sensor. I probably will have to make a claim on the warranty hoping this is not a regular occurrence.
I have had 2 warranty claims already for mine. Not too mention the delivery nightmare I had to go through. If I could do it all over, I would not get it again. Just the other day mine would not even turn on.
The top mine was gunked up and hard to move, I got a degreaser grill cleaner and sprayed around it several times and now it’s moving east again.
you just answer my main question regarding the heat shield! Appreciate you! Do we need to do mods for heat leakage like the acorn kamodo?
I so want to buy one of these here in New Zealand but it doesn't look like it's available yet. With regards to the power, can you hook it up to an external power source or is it only mains power it works on?
Excellent follow up vidoe :)
been looking at this for a few months but didn't want to sppend $450 - awesome deal - Thanks
I've had my Auto Kamado for about a month. Went to use it today and got the dreaded ErP code.
There are three sizes of WSM. 14.5", 18.5" and 22.5"
Been waiting 3 weeks for a heat sensor the not in stock wow.
A question, well . . . more like a concern. I recently bought the Char Griller Auto Kamado and attempted to season it at 350 degrees. I used a chimney as a "measuring cup," DID NOT prelight or prestart the coals. I started the Kingsford blue bag briquettes with two all-natural firestarters. I set the temp at 350 and it went WAY over, by like one hundred degrees. How do I control the temp, especially if I want to smoke a brisket, low and slow around 250 degrees?
Hey James, thanks for watching. Here's what i'll normally do when I'm planning a low-and-slow cook.. ~250ish ..
- dump some charcoal in (i use lump, but shoudn't matter)
- dig down a big in the center, drop in a firestarter, light it and place some coals over it
- give it max 5 minutes, then open the vents and close the lid. Longer than this might get the fire too hot and you'll be fighting to get it lower
- when you choose temp on the display and it tells you 'd-1' or 'd-2', put it just under the line so it's actually .75 or 1.75.
- if it's looking like it's going to overshoot, close the top vent a little more
Thanks to let me know about Walmart still 224
No mention of the overshooting Temps during the cons? I understand a swinging temp over and under by 10 or so but over by 60*F or more when using the controller and top damper settings per chargriller instructions needs to be addressed.
Wood, will catch fire, that is a fact we have to live with, actual fire causes... heat, no amount of computerization, can stop that. Do what the rest of us do. Keep an eye on your cook, I liked Ron Popeil, and while this thing really looks killer, there is NO, set it, and forget it, in Barbeque. That's a Showtime Rotisserie Grill thing, And yes it still works, perfectly. Merry Christmas!!
The tip with the smoking stone and drip pan is an epic hack
Yeah I just pick one up at Walmart for $225. No brained. I love my OG Akron and it use it 90%. I have the Vision Kamado but the Akron my everyday. I do have one Con on my OG. The top air outlet is stuck and I broke the little side handle. Yet it’s still in use and my 1st choice of grill
Thanks for watching Timmy! You're going to love it - remember that OG ash pan fits right on if you lose power! ;)
You mentioned buying an ash pan from a traditional Char Griller Kamado, I looked for it on the Char Griller website and didn’t see it, where can I buy one? Thanks for the review, it was very helpful.
Hey there! I spoke to support to find the correct one (www.chargriller.com/products/gray-ashpan) but they also said that using the manual ash pan will void warranty.
I was watching a Tom Horseman 1 year review video. He mentioned having trouble with temp control at lower (low-slow) temps, what has been your experience at low temperatures as far as control and consistency?
Hey there. If i'm cooking between 200-250 instead of putting the damper at 1, i'll usually put it a little bit less and it seems to stick pretty well to the temps i'm shooting for.
Thanks so much for this review! I've been looking at this one and others. Matter fact stopped by Home Depot today & they didn't have it only to find out though your video that it's on clearance today! $239 with tax/free shipping. How do you beat that? Once again Thank you!
Nice! Yeah, I can't believe that price and that it's still going on after a few days!
Acorn has the best second rack system. I loved it. The one on my vision grill is useless besides smoking on it and setting a drip tray under.
I actually liked my acorn better for the record. Bought it one December at Walmart for $200. Best money I've ever spent.
Yes, tab snaps off :( ask me how I know
I get the auto kamado delivered this week. Could it be a way to battery power hack the electronics. Thank you for your videos.
Hey thanks for watching! Yes, i've seen people use those phone charger pack things in the past as well as battery packs. There are some youtube videos but you'll find more if you search for powering a pellet smoker I bet.
Great video! I noticed the extension cord running under your shelf,How do you have your factory power cord secured under the shlef? Thank you for your help
Thanks for watching! Actually I think here it's just hanging off the back, wrapped around the cord-wrapper. I normally have it sitting on a piece of wood on the ground hiding under the lowest shelf. Protected from the rain and any water that may be coming through under the grill. When not in use though, I'll have the cover on it.
After a year plus, how are you still liking this? My pellet grill is dead and I want something charcoal based and want the set and forget feature. I like watching the grill do the work for me. The gravity ones seem to suck fuel like my Jeep so not a great option. This grill seems great other than the mountain of issues people have with the controller dying. Bu I assume that is warranty and maybe something they have addressed with the manufacturer by now. I hope. So thoughts? Do you use it a lot or are you back to the more manual ones?
I still use it all the time and would recommend it. I know it was on sale recently for $350ish at home depot, but not sure if the sale is still going on. The only gripe I have is the top vent gets sticky with creosote. I use a propane torch to light the charcoal anyway, so I just heat up the inside of the vent with it when i'm lighting the akorn and it operates smoothly.
@@RobsBackyardBBQ Thank you! Yes Lowes has them for that price which I think is the normal price now. Crazy low for such a grill. I have heard a lot about the vent issues but I had that on my pit boss pellet as well. There are ways of dealing with it. The controller seems to be hit and miss. Hope I get a hit one. Thanks again and great content!
Walmart is selling them for $224 online. That’s half off. I got one last weekend.
Yeah, I actually bought one also - getting delivered tomorrow! Can't pass up that deal!
I got one a while back, actually seen one of your videos and it helped me decide to get one. Damn shame I paid full price though😆 I agree though, I'm a fan of mine, use it at least 2 times a week and have done a lot on it. I've not had the top vent get stuck on me at all (yet), but the tip for cleaning is great, thanks!
The biggest (and only) con I have is the app. While it works if I use Bluetooth, it can't hold the WiFi signal at all, which means I need to be in particular rooms in the house for it to work. Checking the reviews on the Apple store, everyone seems to have the same exact issue. I really hope they can fix that up.
Great review Rob, thanks!
Hey Terry, thanks for watching! The only issue i've had with the app was having both the auto-kamado and the gravity connected at the same time, though, I haven't reached out to support about it at all lol.
Just ordered mine today to replace the standard Akorn I had for a few years.
Awesome! I actually ordered one from walmart earlier today because of the price haha. Hey, if you're getting rid of your other akorn keep the stuff that you can use on the new one.. heat deflector, ash pan in case the power goes out, etc..
Just bought two for the price of one. Can't beat that deal.
Nice! You're gonna love em! I have an assembly video if you're interested.. should be in the playlist in the pinned comment here
Rob, unfortunetly I just missed the sale. It would be great if you let us know when there's an amazing sale like this again. Maybe you can use your Ambassador powers of persuasion to to get Char-Griller / Walm-Mart to have that sale again. That would awesome!
Ah geez, did the sale end? I posted a community post a few weeks ago when I noticed it to try and get the word out :/
Back on sale today! Just ordered mine
Well done, Rob. You make a lot of great points👍😊🍻 cheers!
Thanks Bobbi! Good seein ya!
Great video Rob. I got mine in yesterday. Did a first burn and season of the grate. One con that I had was the wheels or table. Kind of my fault, I built it inside and due to not having all castors and/or the tables not folding, I had to basically lift it up and walk it though the door. I enjoy the doing fire control as well, so I will most likely be buying the ashpan from the regular akorn (part# 900025), as well as the flat stone. Looking forward to all the wonderful food this grill is gonna turn out for me.
Haha - I hope you videod that :) But, now that it's outside, you prob appreciate the bigger wheels up front lol. Ah, nice - thanks for the part # of the ash pan - i saw they had different colors also? That'll prob help others. Yeah man you're gonna love it!
I paid $212.89 from lowes
That's the best deal yet - congrats!
Nice video, Im really leaning towards getting this one instead of the more expensive ones. Have you thought about putting like a half dome/moon deflector or grill on it like the divide and conquer style on the Kamado Joe's?
Great idea Ren - Haven't thought of that for 2-zone cooking. I'll find something and give it a shot!
@@RobsBackyardBBQ Awesome, looking forward to your results.
Great review, Bought one for 223-
Thanks for watching man! Yeah, it's a great deal - I actually ordered one also at that price!
Do you cover your Akorns? Any rust issues?
Hey there - Yes, generally I'll keep them covered when I'm not using them. The first one I had a few years back I never covered and the section between the body and ash pan started rusting (since the ash pan would fill with water, etc.. sometimes). Totally worth $35 to get a cover.
Mine broke while doing a brisket and my third ever cook. What the heck?
hmm .. not common. Try unplugging and plugging back in? Let's figure it out
@@RobsBackyardBBQ I actually fixed it by doing exactly that. The instructions mentioned to unplug the wire. Have you had any errors? Also thanks!
I just bought one today from Walmart for $225!!!!
Awesome! I did also lol. You'll love it!
@@RobsBackyardBBQ I've been wanting one for a while, I bought the 980 last year and although it can be finicky it has been a great grill as well
As for the top vent. Get you a gas torch and heat it underneath. Works like a charm.
Hey Ed - thanks for watching man! This is true - i've done that on others in the past and i'll give it a shot!
I’ll try that too. I also just got a steam machine. That’s plan too. Plan 3, buy a new top TGat if I can get the old one off.
Nice review Rob!
Thanks Geoff! Congrats on the move! :)
Here from Reddit 🤙🏻
Hey man - thanks for watching!
Thanks for the update. I just got mine today and I agree on each con so far aside from the set and go lol. I may feel the same soon but we'll see. They need to work on a way to charge the digital gauge and fan instead of needing to keep it plugged in.
Thanks Nathan! Yeah, that'd be a great idea! I do want to look into portable battery power for it one day.
Hope you didnt buy from Walmart because its currently $224
Very good video brother, 💯👍
Thanks man!
got mine delivered today lol
Awesome! I have an assembly video (it's on the playlist in the pinned comment above) if that'd help you at all!
Well you talked me into it. I just ordered one
Awesome! THe walmart deal for $224?
@@RobsBackyardBBQ yes the Walmart deal. I was thinking about getting one next year but man that deal is too good to pass up!
Hey Rob great job showing the pros and cons of this grill. I watched another channel this week that mentioned the Wakmart sale. Definitely worth it.
Nice grill.....What is your preference between the metal diffuser or the ceramic diffuser and why?
Oops.....you answered my question at the end of the video. I figured the metal caused too much radiation under the meat on a low n slow cook. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching! Yep, I just like the ceramic one because the other is curved.