Char-Griller Gravity 980 Charcoal Grill 6 Month Honest Review / What Works, What Doesn’t ?
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- Опубликовано: 8 окт 2021
- Let’s do a 6 Month Review of the Char-Griller Gravity 980 Charcoal Grill!
Here’s the Review Video… • Char- Griller 980 Grav...
Here’s the Assembly Video… • The New Char-Griller G...
Here’s Temp Gauge Video… • Char-Griller 980 Gravi...
Here’s the Rotisserie Video… • Char-Griller Gravity 9...
Here’s the Wood Chunk in the ash pan video… • Char-Griller 980 Gravi...
Here’s a Brisket Video… • How to Make Brisket On... 
Хобби
Picking up one of these this weekend from Lowe's. Thanks for the great reviews and videos.
Thanks for watching Mike!
Thanks Tom I’m about to pull the trigger on this one and I always trust your reviews !
Thanks for Watching! It well worth it! You will enjoy!
What a journey with you about this Grill. So, I am definitely getting an upgrade of my grill…….. Thanks a Million
Thanks for Watching Tyrone! More to come!
Nice review Tom. I also had problems with Lowes "trying to build" the griller. I built their replacement, and there were parts missing, so I called Char-Griller and they gave me another one that was already built, in exchange. I live close to the main office in the Atlanta area. Talk about service. Wow!!! It had some problems with an air leak in the burner area and would get too hot. Char-griller was great and very patient with me calling, sending pictures, and talking to me over the phone. I am very pleased with the company, the construction, concept, and price. I have been using mine for several weeks now and find that it doesn't like to smother the charcoal when I close it down. It burns the excess charcoal for some time very slowly until it is almost gone, so I am trying to figure the right amount of charcoal to use. Difficult because different charcoals burn at different rates. I think it will self heal as soot and creosote accumulate in the tiny air leaks. I have used it to smoke cheese and nuts by using a perforated tube and apple pellets with no charcoal heat. It really holds the smoke inside well.
Thanks for Watching Clive Scott! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks for long term review!
Thanks for Watching!
Great review, I have had similar results and have also not experienced the common problems reported. Love my 980!
Thanks for Watching! Yes I too haven’t had the issues reported…
Glad I finally got around to watching this video today. I like the idea of waiting for the next model. Lovee the rotisserie mod. I know how much I love using my Onlyfire rotisserie on my Weber Performer. Awesome Chicken!
Thanks for Watching Thomas! Can’t wait for the new model!
Great review Tom. I'm loving my 980 also. Good grilling to you my friend
Thanks for Watching Mike! I know you love your 980 too!
Great review and I will definitely wait til spring!
Thanks for Watching Robert! I can’t wait!
Excellent review 👍. Very detailed.
Thanks for watching Sergio! Appreciate the feedback
Always love your vids Tom. Unbiased and to the point of the consumer. Good job man. Love the land of grills!
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback! Thank you
These are nice grills. I did a throw down during a "guys" campout with this grill (not mine) and my Z Grills 7002C2E. We cooked pork butts at 275 F. He added wood chunks to the charcoal hopper. If I recall correctly, he used hickory and apple. At the start, he was getting a lot of white smoke from the 980, but it settled down a couple hours into the cook. He said he usually doesn't get that heavy white smoke like he did during this cook. I used Pit Boss Competition Blend pellets in the Z Grills. We wrapped both butts at ~160 F and finished them in the Z Grill.
The product from the 980 definitely had a stronger smoke flavor and a darker bark. The grill owner thought it was borderline bitter, but I thought it was okay. The Z Grills product had a mild smoke flavor. We added the separated drippings back into the shredded product and added a little Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce and refrigerated overnight.
We reheated both versions of the pulled pork and served for lunch the next day. The consensus from the judges ............. no clear winner. Both versions got rave reviews. One thing I have found in the past and held true for this throw down is the flavor of both (IMHO) was better the next day, in particular the taste of the vinegar sauce. The tart flavor of the vinegar is much more perceptible right after adding it. I don't know what happens as the sauce rests with the pulled meat, but the overall flavor is so much better given time to absorb.
Performance of the Z Grills was good except the temperature control went a little haywire after wrapping the roasts. I had a Thermoworks Signals ambient probe (this monitor and app are awesome) at the grate level and the temperature was more erratic and about 25 deg F higher than set point after the wrap phase. It actually spiked at 320 F and took a long time to get below 300 F. I dropped the set point to 250 F and it seemed to control at about 275 F the rest of the way. Z Grills thinks there is an issue with the probe and they are sending a replacement.
When I bought the 7002 I was also considering the 980. I chose the 7002 because I keep it in a storage shed at my permanently parked RV. The 980 wouldn't have fit in the shed. Since I already have a pellet grill at home, I probably would have chose the 980 if not for the storage limitations. The owner who brought the 980 to the campout is very happy with the smoker and has many outstanding cooks under his belt with it.
Thanks for Watching Ted! Appreciate your feedback! Both butts sound like they were awesome!
Thx Tom, very good video today😀
Thanks for Watching Eric!
Great honest review Tom. Thank you. I will take your advice and wait until the spring of 2022 for the updated version, but this was very helpful.
Thanks for watching Gary!
Is there an Updated model coming soon
That’s the rumor, although I’ve heard nothing.
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQit's coming out this year
Thanks for watching! Where did you see that?
Great Review, Unfortunately I have had few issues, But I recommend after my experience do not have Lowes put it together. It was bad enough first one they didn't even attach the legs and multiple other issues like they used an impact so I returned it and because of my personal situation I decided that after speaking with management I thought that I would of had a better experience with the 2nd one. I do believe that the issues that I had were probably related to instilation. Will say Char-griller customer service is amazing parts were replaced quickly and I know that they powder coat the hood but asked what they recommended because Lowes dinged the hood and wanted to prevent rust and they sent me a new one
This is an amazing smoker/grill I absolutely love it. it does have a few quirks but being paralyzed I am able to enjoy smoking foods again at an affordable price while using charcoal and wood but it's more than just a smoker.
I do wish the grease pan would fit a disposable loaf pan or have a disposable option. but would recommend this to anyone
Thanks for Watching! I’m glad that you are able to use it! Enjoy!
Great review Tom. Thanks for the video. What is the dimensions of the grill grate you use and how many do you use to cover whole surface? Thanks in advance
Thanks for Watching! Here’s the video for the Grill Grates….ruclips.net/video/-8Ld3Cd76qU/видео.html
Love your videos and Bless your Wife!!! I have 1 Weber kettle and 1 kamado and mine is like, “ do you really need another grill???”🙎♂️
Thanks for Watching Eric! She’s an Angel!
My chimney lid also warped, yet works great still. I'm 6 months in on my grill also
Thanks for watching! Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Tom. Just found your channel and you changed my mind from buying a MB to a Chargriller. Question, do i have enough room to slide some disposable alum drip trays under the bottom grate? Like you, trying to keep the grill as clean as I can. thanks again for ur informative video again.
Thanks for Watching and subscribing Anthony! I have the shelf extension from LSS mods that makes it possible to put drip tray on the main grate and low and slow on the upper www.lssmods.com
Just got mine for Father’s Day. Very excited to burn it off and season it tomorrow.
Thanks for Watching! Enjoy!
I’ve had 2 issues. While waiting for it to cool down after an evening cook, it got rained on before I could cover it. Next day screws started to rust. Also had the flap the blocks air in the fan box burn up, when that happens, no matter what temperature you set, it’s going to go up to 600+ degrees. They sent a replacement and it’s back working properly.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback
throw your videos for this gill I haven't found where you mentioned about the heat characteristics inside the chamber. does it have hot spots throughout the chamber ? and how's the air flow though the chamber during low and slow? if the fans not running does the air still flow though ? and what's the temperature curve with low and slow? i guess my question is. does it keep a small fire going or does it stoke a large fire and let it burn down. thanks for your reviews
Thanks for watching Chris! Once the fire is ignited it stay ignited until you put the blade back in and shut the the fan door then it slowly snuffs out the fire. The fan is variable speed and runs when the controller calls for heat of you change the temp string up. There is still some flow thru the grill when the fan isn’t on just thru natural convection. In many other videos I’ve shown how consistent the temp is at grate level. Thanks again for watching!
Good job and Thank You
Thanks for Watching Jim!
Thank you for the follow up review and the tip about the up coming model. I'll put off my purchase till next year.
Thanks for watching Trey! Remember it’s a rumor…no confirmation from CG
Warranty Schmarranty!
We love you Tom!
Thanks for Watching! Agreed!
If there was one thing that I would change, that would be having the controller easier to disconnect for fast and easy removal to store in a dry place. I have my grill covered, but it would be nice to have the option of removing the electronics.
Thanks for Watching! Never thought of that, That’s a great idea!
Thanks!
Thanks for Watching Derrick!
Thanks, make shopping grills easier!
Thanks for watching Tom! Glad it helped
Great video! Do you know if they released the model with the improvements?
Thanks for watching! To my knowledge, no
With the LSS extension in the top rack, could you cook ribs on both racks? Wondering what the capacity would be? You mentioned cooking four butts. What would you say about ribs?
Thanks for watching Robert! 8 ribs very comfortably. If you rib racks on the bottom you could get more
When you put the tin foil on the heat plate, did you notice a temperature difference from what the bbq says vs ur thermostats in the lid? I put some on for the first time, cut the slits, and notice a major gap in temp from the grill to a temp prob
Thanks for Watching! As long as you cut open the vents and push the aluminum foil in you shouldn’t see any differences in temp control
Hey Tom, I just bought a Char-Griller 980 and I'd love to replace the bottom grates with grill grates. Do you have a link to the exact size that fits this grill or can you let me know what size to get? Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching Chris! I would measure what you need and then go the to the grill grates website to see if they have what you need. Here’s a video I did but it was 2 summers ago.
ruclips.net/video/-8Ld3Cd76qU/видео.htmlsi=3wnj7rWWTgb6L04V
Great review Tom. I've been considering both the Masterbuilt and this 980. I have a friend who owns the MB 560- I feel like the charcoal flavor is lacking. That said, maybe my expectations are too high since I am solely a Weber Kettle Griller. Are you happy with the amount of charcoal flavor?
Thanks for watching Michael! Everyone’s taste is different, I believe I get better smoke from either my CG or MB Gravity over a kettle. But that’s just me
Well honest opinion which overall would you choose chargriller 980 or masterbuilt 1050??i been cooking on xxl and L green egg for 15 years and custom built 250 gallon offset reverse flow for big events..love my hickory wood,I bought a rectec RT-700 and not going to talk about problems but Nal the pellet smoking is just not for me or my family and friends,but thought it would be easier for my wife to use but nope the flavor is just not there..so looking into the gravity feed we’re I can still use good lump charcoal with some hickory wood and the wife can use with no problems..help me make decision so wife can be happy…
Thanks for Watching! They both will work fine. I do give a slight edge to the CG 980 because of the better fire box design. Better back vent, grease collection and front shelf.
I've smoked before but not much. Doing more learning and this video poped up. If I obtain a charcoal/wood smoker I'd like a vertical, a good sturdy one. Does any one know of any around about $2,500.00 or less??
Thanks for Watching! I’ve not used one
Hi Tom just got done assembling my new 980 and can't find where you bought that cord wrap mod....... any chance you could post a link to it? Thanks for all you do a d love your channel.
/r, Jeff in T'rivers
Thanks for Watching Jeff! I got it from Klote’s Mods, klotesmods.com
Tom, Do you know this grill holds up when stored outside year round? Not sure if and powered grill should be stored outside or how they hold up. Thanks
Thanks for Watching Dean, They do sell a cover for it, if stored outside it should be covered. Haven’t heard of anyone saying that it doesn’t work after being stored outside
I believe you did a mod on the shelf for the master built 1080 if so can I get the information
Thanks for Watching Howard! Here it is!….ruclips.net/video/zqckd5F6Lxc/видео.html
I apreaciate your review of this grill. Have any of you gotten the LRH code for over temperature? the only way I was able to use make it work was to unbolt the temp probe and just stand it up and I dont get that code anymore. let me know if you all are having that problem?
Thanks for watching Lonnie! I haven’t had that issue. I usually set at 650 which leaves a buffer in case it over shoots
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ hey Tom thought I would let you all know it looks like the jeat probe on the left side of my grill has gone bad. Chargriller troubleshooting said to clean it when I touched it went crazy giving me an erh and erp code and temp spikes of over 100 degress. Just waiting on there reply of they send me the new part.
Hope it all works out well Lonnie!
So I used my parents pellet grill and wasn't happy with lack of smoke flavor. I have been using Charcoal for several years now do you still get the good smoke flavor with this like a traditional charcoal grill??? Thanks Tom
Thanks for Watching Adam! Yes, plus you can mix in wood chunks
Currently 88degrees out right now. Damper is open. Temp is set at 220 but the grill is around 262 bout a hour into it.. any advise to get it down for smoking?
Thanks for Watching! Try closing door by fan but not latching just leave it cracked open and see if that helps
Good review, hope the new model rumor is true.
Thanks for Watching Mario! Me too!
What gasket is everyone using. I tried a felt one that wouldn't stick and a tube of lavalock which was just annoying to apply. Any suggestions?
Thanks for watching Devon! I use Fireblack peel and stick from Amazon. Haven't had any issues
Hey Tom, where did you get the attachment for your power cable? Thanks
Thanks for Watching Ronald! Got it from Klote’s Mods. klotesmods.com
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Always welcome and thanks again for the info
Wouaw superbe 👏🏼
Thanks for watching!
Tom, where did you get the wire management mod for the plug?
Thanks for Watching Bryan! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J6NYVJV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I really like this grill but I’m concerned about quality is there another brand this style that is better I’m mainly using for grilling chicken indirect
Thanks for Watching Jimmy! The only other brand for this type is Masterbuilt
I couldn't make out the name you mentioned where you purchased the cord wrap bracket on your 980. Could you send me a link or a name? Love your videos!
Thanks for Watching Chris! Here you go..klotesmods.com/collections/1050-mods/products/cord-wrap
Do you know if they ever did the upgrades to the 980?
Thanks for watching Chad! Not yet
Was always kind of surprised they didn’t do a green for Menards instead of the red.
Thanks for Watching! Good Question!
Do you have any issues getting a good sear or slight char on meat with the flame not directly under the meat?
Thanks for Watching! Sears ok, works better with grill grates
Regarding 5g vs 2.4g Wi-Fi, that's par for the course with devices. Any decent Wi-Fi router or modem should do both. I've some times had to disable 5g for set up, but once set up all is well.
Thanks for watching Michael! Appreciate the feedback
How do you like this compared to the Master Built gravity flo?
Thanks for watching John! Here’s the video, after 6 month I’m still agree. ruclips.net/video/IABy66bSp_E/видео.html
When adding wood, do you use pellets, chips, small chunks? Could you use wood only? Tia
Thanks for watching Terry! Here’s a video showing how to add wood ruclips.net/video/p8nzMEzSAuw/видео.html
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ thanks. I'm just wondering if you could use the char griller with charcoal (for the intense smoke flavor) or wood chunks (for the subtle smoke flavor like pellet grills).
Terry, it designed for charcoal, wood can be added, but not used alone
Ps Tom, i’m not near as mechanically inclined as you are. I like the simplicity of the gas grill.
Thanks for Watching Bill! Gas Grills work very well
I'm having crazy temp swings, 100+ degrees. Have you experienced these and remedied them?
Thanks for Watching! I have not had that issue
It takes about a hour an a half for mine to reach 400 and it doesn't go much higher than that. Fan works all electric parts work fine. Any ideas whats wrong?
Thanks for Watching…. The slider is out? I always take and tap on the underside of the charcoal grate before starting so all the ash falls into the ash bin. Fan door open? Other than that, I’d call one email customer service
@Tom Horsman yea the slider is out. I do have some leaks but i don't think it's that drastic. Probably will be sending a email. Thanks for the feedback.
I have the issue with the grease dripping too
Thanks for Watching Alisha! Appreciate the feedback
Tom does chargriller make a smaller version of this grill
Thanks for watching! They do not
Would you still recommend this one over the MB series??
Thanks for Watching Cooper! Yes
So all cards on the table..... Assuming we live in a fantasy land.... If cost were the same (or no object) do you take this Char-Griller or the MODDED Masterbuilt 1050?
Thanks for Watching! I still lean toward the Char Griller
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ I appreciate it. I think I'm just gonna do the opposite. LOL
I think they both have some strong points and the char griller definitely wins out of the box. Unfortunately no amount of modding will change the Char Griller cooking chamber. The way the space is handled on the 1050 with the bread box is just incredible.
My temps were way off and then my fan quit on me about a month after owning it. After going back and forth with Char-Griller for 2 months it still didn’t work. Returned it to Lowes and got a Pitboss. Loved the grill but seems like I got a lemon.
Thanks for Watching Tyler! Appreciate the feedback
How much charcoal will you go thru during a cook? 6hrs doing ribs etc?
Thanks for watching Josh! About 1/2 to 3/4 of the hopper
Tom in your opinion which is the best charcoal gravity fed smoke . If you could only have one...
Thanks for watching Mark! They both cook well and perform what is expected of them. Depending upon price since I’ve seen some great deals on MB which could be a factor to. Apples to apples I’d probably stick with the CG
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Tom you're the best 👍🙂
Thanks for watching and supporting!
if it helps the reason I went CG vs MB was to me it seemed the MB needed alot of mods and I get it was a first and they made some changes but to me it seemed like CG listened to the complaints and suggestions and the mods available and they made one and no smoker/grill will ever be 100% but for the $ I personally think the CG was best for the money also great size. I may get a pellet smoker in few years when I can afford to get the one I want
Thanks again appreciate your feedback!
Where do you buy the gasket you installed on the chimney?
Thanks for Watching! Amazon…www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TAJW0QE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ thank you
Mine drips right where yours did. I might have to calk it.
Thanks for Watching!
Tom..where exactly did you get the cord wrap?
Thanks for watching Geoff! www.klotesmods.com
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ thanks!
What rumored improvements have you heard?
Thanks for watching Paul! Improving the WiFi and controller. Possibly a rotisserie, fixing flapper issue
WE BOUGHT THE 980 GRAVITY FED GRILL A FEW WEEKS AGO AND THE ELECTRONICS AND WIFI ARE JUNK!! THE STRUCTURE OF THE GRILL IS GOOD BUT, WE USED THIS TWICE AND BOTH TIMES WE GOT ERROR MESSAGES ABOUT THE SWITCHES ON THE HOPPER DOOR AND THE OTHER DOOR AND COULD NOT CORRECT IT!!! WE HAD TO FINISH COOKING ON ANOTHER GRILL BOTH TIMES!! ALSO, THE WIFI ON THIS GRILL STINKS!! THE BOX CAME WITH DENTED PIECES TOO! I THINK THE ENGINEERS NEED TO WORK ON THESE PROBLEMS. THE COMPANY WASN'T MUCH HELP EITHER ! WE SENT OURS BACK, AND I WILL NOT GET ANY OF THEIR PRODUCTS. THE COMPANY WASN'T MUCH HELP EITHER !
Thanks for Watching Bruce! Sorry that you had a bad experience, after almost 2 years, mine is working fine. I agree that the WiFi isn’t the best only works on 2.4ghz.
After watching a number of RUclips videos on gravity fed Charcoal Grills, charcoal is continually startup igniting as it moves down the hopper. I'm wondering if you have noticed any unpleasant startup charcoal smoke flavour on any food grilled or smoked in a gravity grill...there's no where for ongoing startup smoke to escape?
Thanks for watching Jim! I would always wait until you are up to temp before adding your meat. The start up smoke is gone by that point
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Thanks Tom... bye the way, thanks for your great RUclips videos.
Jim
Thanks Jim!
lots of people have won bbq contests using the 'minion method', where there is always some charcoal starting up. It doesn't leave a nasty taste on anything (unless you're using matchlight of course).
Thanks for Watching! Same answer here…
How many half pans do you think you can fit in there?
Thanks for watching! I’m not sure what a half pan is
Like a hotel pan
It’s just shy of 4’ long
Thank you
Another great video - but you links are not working.
Thanks for Watching Joe! My fault, they should be there now! Thank you
I waited too long to buy one. The price went from $600 to $750! I understand inflation but 25% increase!?
Thanks for watching! You are correct
No upgrade grill as of June 2022. Char-grill has no plans for the Gen-2 grill. I asked....
Thanks for Watching Ray!
My biggest concern is the electronics and the fact most people keep their smokers outdoors where that is going to be exposed to the elements. How long will that last before issues start to happen and is the smoker usable if the electronics fail. If not then you have a nice useless piece of metal. I'm interested and know you can cover them but anytime there's added features I always wonder how long those will last and how useful will the product be without those added features
Thanks for watching Ron! Those are valid concerns. There are allot of people who store them outside covered without issues
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ Thanks Tom. I'm still wondering how long the electronics will work. I'm sure personal care comes into the mix as well as other variables
All I can say is, Time will tell Ron. Thanks again for Watching
Waiting for the improved model......
Thanks for Watching Ray!
I heard they don’t have a gen 2 in the works…
I'll note again as I've said before, 5g is not what you are saying. 5g is a cellular tech. 5ghz is what it doesn't support, which is a wifi frequency.
Thanks for watching! Appreciate the feedback, you are correct as always
Fan keeps melting
Thanks for watching! Maybe try the less mod fan extension
I already have put one on ,I've done had to replace the fan 4 times
@user-by8un2ll7n sorry I don’t have the answer for you. I’ve not had that issue ever with the CG
@@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ ok thanks anyway
It looks so darn CLEAN, though. You sure you used it? LOL
Thanks for Watching Bradley! Lol,,, cleaned after every use, like all the grills, In The Land Of Grills!
Thats....a lot of grills...
Thanks for watching Cody! Yes it is!
Thanks!
Thanks for Watching!
Thanks!
Completed my first few rookie seasons with the Weber Smokey Mountain. The 2nd edition chargriller might be our next stop on the way to the pros. The 18” WSM just can’t quite handle a brisket properly. Thanks, Tom!
Thanks for Watching Michael!