Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I used to own the large Char-Griller smoker/grill with firebox and it served me well for over 13 years with maybe 3 paint jobs (pictured at over 10 years old). These product are well made and will last you a long time if you take care of it, i.e., clean out the ash promptly and repaint as necessary. So it was an easy decision to purchase the patio version when I moved and sold my old unit. I did not buy from Amazon. PROS: -Does a good job grilling and barbecuing -Quality materials -Cast iron cooking grate (though it feels like a lighter and lower quality than my old unit) -Small size -Fairly easy to assemble by 1 person -Easy empty ash draw - Attractive appearance CONS: -The lid sits far from flush, so heat and smoke readily escapes around the door. The fit on my old Char-Griller firebox was much much better. -There is no grease hole or design accommodation for grease, so grease collects in the right and left sides and drips on the floor through the poorly sealed seams. This has become more annoying with time (I've used it for about a month now and have discovered no easy fix.) -No temp gauge (but this is an easy $8 fix.) ***Update After 1 Month*** I have to downgrade my rating from a 3 to a 1. The more I use the grill the more I hate it due to the grease drip situation. Upon close evaluation grease leaks through the bottom at the seams and from the sides through the leg bolt holes. Its an absolute mess. See pics.