Char-Broil Double-Door Smoker BBQ and Grill

The time had come for me to break down and purchase an additional grill. Not because my other grill is falling apart but because I needed one that would allow me to smoke and BBQ my food without the bottle. Yes folks, I bought the Char-Broil Double-Door Smoker BBQ and Grill. A great, non-competition backyard smoker/grill. Let me tell you, when the instructions say to find a buddy to help you put it together, go find a buddy! This bad boy is very heavy which is okay because it’s a sign of good workmanship.

The Char-Broil Double-Door Smoker wasn’t exactly a snap to put together (mainly because of the weight) and I wasn’t expecting it to be easy, but I also had another handicap working against me — namely beer and the lack of light. I ended up dropping a couple of nuts in the lawn (no not those). That’s when I decided to move this project inside my screened-in pool area where there is plenty of light and no grass. I called Char-Broil about the nuts I lost and they are sending me a whole new set of hardware for my grill. Now I will have backup for all nuts and bolts! Luckily I had a couple of nuts laying around and I used them (they don’t fit exactly but they will do until I get the new ones in). So the ones I lost were not totally essential. However, I am looking forward to the right ones coming in the mail.

After my wife (my smoker engineering buddy) and I fiddled with it for a few minutes more under the light, we finally threw in the towel and had to eat. It was late, the kids were in bed and it was so humid and hot outside (we live in southwest Florida). So the next day when the house was quiet (my wife took the kids to Sunday school), I dove back into putting this kick-butt smoker / BBQ / grill totally together. But before I got started, I had to look in the grass one more time to find the nuts I dropped. I even got a magnet out — to no avail, I could not find them in the thick St. Augustine grass.

Not letting this setback stop me, I rolled up my sleeves and finished this project. The instructions were very good and clear so if you purchase this grill, you’ll be happy to know it’s not very hard to put together (as long as you don’t drink too much beer and have light).

If you prefer not put your grill together, I did notice one or two of them already assembled at Lowe’s — where I purchased my grill. However, it did take a few phone calls to find which Lowe’s carried this particular model (Model: 04201004).

The grill came with two chrome plugs for the doors, however I do recommend ordering temperature gauges (Part#: 40003010) instead of the chrome plugs. Having the gauges not only makes the grill look better, they will definitely come in handy keeping the cooking chamber at a steady temperature.

I cannot report on the performance of this grill yet because I am waiting on my temperature gauges, but I will post my experiences using the Char-Broil Double-Door Smoker BBQ and Grill.

If you are like me, I’m sure you’re going to want to protect your investment with a cover. I contacted Char-Broil and found one that will fit this grill — The item number for the cover is #11512813. Char-Broil’s customer service can be reached at 1-800-232-3398 — they are very helpful and knowledgeable. Don’t forget to register your new grill because you will receive free parts for 30 days if they were missing or damaged when you purchased your grill in addition to having the right information just in case you need something for your grill down the road.

Oh, and one more thing… Make sure you read the instructions carefully! I mean the instructions on how to care and maintaining of your grill. There are lots of tips on keeping your new grill in optimum barbecuing shape. Tips such as seasoning your grill before you use it for cooking food, keeping moisture out by removing used charcoal among other great tips and safety info. Happy grilling (and smoking)!