I bought one and I absolutely love it!!! I did all the research before my purchase so I already knew about the flap. On Thanksgiving, I smoked a 12 lb turkey. I added pecan wood chips to the catch pan and added water to the pan with chips. I also layered some pecan wood chunks within the hopper along with the B&B lump charcoal. PHENOMENAL smoked turkey! I set the temp at 325 degrees and about 5 1/2 hours later I had the juiciest best testing smoke turkey I have ever cooked! I sold my BGE 3 days later to a friend. Everyone exclaimed to me that this was the best-tasting turkey they had ever had in their life so not only was I impressed but my guests were very impressed as well. Good vid, keep up the good work. LOVE my Chargriller 980!
Hi Kenna! for the ErF: Fan Malfunction -> If unplugging it and plugging it back in doesn't work -> Check to make sure no ashes or debris are blocking the fan / stuck in the fan. That's usually the problem.
The pros are the same cons to pellet/gravity fed grills, being able to monitor control the cook electronically is great but I've had a few 3am error codes that have nearly killed a few cooks
Well done Kenna! I only layer chunks if my hopper and haven’t had any issues with the flap. Based on how much smoke I want I put more chunks in with the lump. I have 7 grills/smokers and the 980 is by far my favorite. I really enjoy the info your share in your videos so please keep them coming!
Yeah, that’s what I’ve been doing now and haven’t experienced any more issues. I have 4 grills and the gravity is definitely my go-to. And thank you so much! Glad you like the videos:))
If you put the steel hopper/grill divider back in when you are done and close the fan door it cuts off the air and it puts the charcoal out and doesn't burn it all.
@@KennasKitchen I use Lava lock high heat insulation tape on all the BBq doors, on ALL my BBQ's. Works great sealing the units and chokes out air supply for shutdown
Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear that. Hope you reached out to char-griller…or just returned the unit. I’m glad I got a rather good unit (so it seems) but have heard other stories like yours. Hope all things turn out good!
I’m getting erF codes right off the rip. .. I haven’t cooked a single thing on it, cause I get that code 20-30 mins in… not sure what to do. I’ve contacted CR and I’ve already replaced the fan on my own dime . If it isn’t wiring or the controller itself… it’s just getting returned
I’ve gotten it a few times and just unplugging it and replying it has fixed the issue. But if you just got it, and it’s not fixable, I’d return for a new unit as well!
Checkout steelmade USA? They made a custom griddle topper for my indoor stovetop by just giving them dimensions. Maybe they have grill options! Alternatively, you could probably just google griddle topper attachments for grills!
Thank you for including the info about the fan flap warping and adding wood chips (NOT chunks) in the hopper instead of the firebox (5 min 16 sec). Unfortunately, Char Griller was NOT awesome to me. Lowe's was awesome to me so I didn't lose $600 on a grill. You really highlighted the problems and solutions with the grill. Thank You
Thanks for the feedback! I’m sorry to hear about that. What a bummer! I’m glad Lowe’s was able to help you out though! It’s an awesome grill if you don’t have issues/issues can be fixed. Hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving!
its sad that this channel has only 2.5k subs. When Iam looking at youre videos Iam like this are professional videos like better content then youtubers with 10 milion subs. SOOOOOOO!!!! keep it up with this good content and you will get like 2millin subs easily. good luck bye!!!!!
The 980 is my favorite by far. I recently bypassed the limit switches so I don't' have to worry about the "OPEN" error when a switch goes bad that keeps the system from working.
Agreed! It’s such an easy and awesome grill. And I’ll have to look into that. I’ve heard people doing that because of the switches going bad, but thankfully haven’t had to worry about it. But I should know how incase I’m in the middle of a cook and have an issue. Thanks!
@@KennasKitchen It's actually very easy. The wiring has the connector for the fan and the wires for the limit switches. Ignore connecting the limit switches and connect the two wires from the controller together instead. Thanks for a very informative video BTW.
Thanks for the video. The 1st time I used the grill I added a few pieces of wood in the ash tray as the directions stated. For the 2nd time, I added a few pieces of wood in the ash tray but this time the silicone cover leading to the fan burned. This caused the digital display to show "Open." By this time, I had a brisket on the grill. Because the grill was malfunctioning, I lost a $57 brisket. I called Char Griller for guidance. After buying the grill at Lowe's and having them assemble it, I'm pissed that Char Griller would NOT reimburse me for the brisket. If I had been using the grill multiple times before this malfunction, I would not think of asking them for a refund. This was the 2nd cook in 2 weeks! Char Griller is going to send me the parts and now I have to make the repair instead of Lowe's which is NOT my thing. Nov 21, 2021 Update Do NOT buy your grill directly from Char Griller! Buy it from Lowe's or another store that wants to satisfy their customers. If your grill malfunctions, simply return it to the retail outlet within the return policy dates and they will exchange it for a new one. Do NOT follow Char Griller's manual guidance to contact them instead of the store you bought it!!! After researching complaints against Char Griller, it seems everything boils down to "Operator Error." The so called "warranty" is worthless. They make you pay for the parts to repair the grill. Since I am getting a new grill from Lowe's, I will follow Grill and Smoke BBQ's guidance on getting the "new" flap so it doesn't ruin grill #2.
So personally, I have basically forgotten and ditched the slider. I have found that when I put it in, the heat makes the metal expand and then it’s sometimes near impossible to get back out. I think just learning to judge the amount of charcoal you need is a way better method than sticking that metal in there. Additionally, it still has to burn through the remaining charcoal, regardless if you use the slide, because gravity 🤷🏻♀️
The proper way to shut down is to insert the slider and close all doors to the hopper including the fan door. I do this every time and the unit is cool within 20 minutes. Cut the oxygen out fire goes out. Don't insert the slider if you intend on powering it back up immediately after shutting down. Love my 980!
@@rudylopez1102 the only reason I don’t is because when I began doing that, it would be almost impossible to get out…days later. Rather watch my charcoal then never be able to get that piece out again! I’m glad yours work the way it’s intended:) I love mine too!
@@P3ak930 I beg to differ..... I own a Yoder and there are plenty of other reviews out there from notable smokers that will tell you even Yoder has it days... of mediocrity
I bought one and I absolutely love it!!! I did all the research before my purchase so I already knew about the flap. On Thanksgiving, I smoked a 12 lb turkey. I added pecan wood chips to the catch pan and added water to the pan with chips. I also layered some pecan wood chunks within the hopper along with the B&B lump charcoal. PHENOMENAL smoked turkey! I set the temp at 325 degrees and about 5 1/2 hours later I had the juiciest best testing smoke turkey I have ever cooked! I sold my BGE 3 days later to a friend. Everyone exclaimed to me that this was the best-tasting turkey they had ever had in their life so not only was I impressed but my guests were very impressed as well. Good vid, keep up the good work. LOVE my Chargriller 980!
Glad you are loving it! I can say the same. The smoked meats I get on this unit are unlike any others! Thank you for watching the video:)
Hi Kenna! for the ErF: Fan Malfunction -> If unplugging it and plugging it back in doesn't work -> Check to make sure no ashes or debris are blocking the fan / stuck in the fan. That's usually the problem.
Thanks for the tip!
The pros are the same cons to pellet/gravity fed grills, being able to monitor control the cook electronically is great but I've had a few 3am error codes that have nearly killed a few cooks
Well done Kenna! I only layer chunks if my hopper and haven’t had any issues with the flap. Based on how much smoke I want I put more chunks in with the lump. I have 7 grills/smokers and the 980 is by far my favorite. I really enjoy the info your share in your videos so please keep them coming!
Yeah, that’s what I’ve been doing now and haven’t experienced any more issues. I have 4 grills and the gravity is definitely my go-to.
And thank you so much! Glad you like the videos:))
How about soaking your wood chips or chunks in beef tallow or butter, it would burn
If you put the steel hopper/grill divider back in when you are done and close the fan door it cuts off the air and it puts the charcoal out and doesn't burn it all.
I’ve tried it, and it was almost impossible to remove days later. I just have gotten really good at my charcoal guesstimate ☺️
@@KennasKitchen I use mine like 3 times a week and it slides right out. Never had a problem, and I only have to add charcoal every now and then.
@@MEANSBC that’s awesome! Glad you are using it and it works as intended. Happy smoking!!
@@KennasKitchen I use Lava lock high heat insulation tape on all the BBq doors, on ALL my BBQ's. Works great sealing the units and chokes out air supply for shutdown
I love mine!! Just made a brisket Saturday and it came out awesome!
So great to hear! I love making briskets on mine:)
Love your videos but I've already melted the fan flapper and need 2 new sensors. I've owned it 1 month. Hoping for better days to come.
Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear that. Hope you reached out to char-griller…or just returned the unit. I’m glad I got a rather good unit (so it seems) but have heard other stories like yours. Hope all things turn out good!
Liked your honesty... The cons... Greatly appreciated....
Thanks!! Hope it was helpful :)
I’m getting erF codes right off the rip. .. I haven’t cooked a single thing on it, cause I get that code 20-30 mins in… not sure what to do. I’ve contacted CR and I’ve already replaced the fan on my own dime . If it isn’t wiring or the controller itself… it’s just getting returned
I’ve gotten it a few times and just unplugging it and replying it has fixed the issue. But if you just got it, and it’s not fixable, I’d return for a new unit as well!
Great summary. Thank you.
Great review. Any chance of you knowing where you can purchase a griddle for the 980?
Checkout steelmade USA? They made a custom griddle topper for my indoor stovetop by just giving them dimensions. Maybe they have grill options! Alternatively, you could probably just google griddle topper attachments for grills!
Love the Gravity 980!
Very insightful thanks for the info
Glad it was helpful!
The 980 is nice. I'm still partial to the Masterbuilt 1080.
Thank you for including the info about the fan flap warping and adding wood chips (NOT chunks) in the hopper instead of the firebox (5 min 16 sec). Unfortunately, Char Griller was NOT awesome to me. Lowe's was awesome to me so I didn't lose $600 on a grill. You really highlighted the problems and solutions with the grill. Thank You
Thanks for the feedback! I’m sorry to hear about that. What a bummer! I’m glad Lowe’s was able to help you out though! It’s an awesome grill if you don’t have issues/issues can be fixed. Hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving!
well done
Do it use all the charcoals you put in it or do it just use a portion of the coals
its sad that this channel has only 2.5k subs. When Iam looking at youre videos Iam like this are professional videos like better content then youtubers with 10 milion subs. SOOOOOOO!!!! keep it up with this good content and you will get like 2millin subs easily. good luck bye!!!!!
Thank you so much! We are fairly new, so we appreciate the positive feedback! Crossing our fingers we get there one day ☺️
@@KennasKitchen you will good luck again
The 980 is my favorite by far. I recently bypassed the limit switches so I don't' have to worry about the "OPEN" error when a switch goes bad that keeps the system from working.
Agreed! It’s such an easy and awesome grill. And I’ll have to look into that. I’ve heard people doing that because of the switches going bad, but thankfully haven’t had to worry about it. But I should know how incase I’m in the middle of a cook and have an issue. Thanks!
@@KennasKitchen It's actually very easy. The wiring has the connector for the fan and the wires for the limit switches. Ignore connecting the limit switches and connect the two wires from the controller together instead. Thanks for a very informative video BTW.
@@southerntommygun1353 thanks for that! Good to know:) and no problem! Glad you found it useful ❤️
So wait for V2...
Thanks for the video. The 1st time I used the grill I added a few pieces of wood in the ash tray as the directions stated. For the 2nd time, I added a few pieces of wood in the ash tray but this time the silicone cover leading to the fan burned. This caused the digital display to show "Open." By this time, I had a brisket on the grill. Because the grill was malfunctioning, I lost a $57 brisket. I called Char Griller for guidance. After buying the grill at Lowe's and having them assemble it, I'm pissed that Char Griller would NOT reimburse me for the brisket. If I had been using the grill multiple times before this malfunction, I would not think of asking them for a refund. This was the 2nd cook in 2 weeks! Char Griller is going to send me the parts and now I have to make the repair instead of Lowe's which is NOT my thing.
Nov 21, 2021 Update
Do NOT buy your grill directly from Char Griller! Buy it from Lowe's or another store that wants to satisfy their customers. If your grill malfunctions, simply return it to the retail outlet within the return policy dates and they will exchange it for a new one. Do NOT follow Char Griller's manual guidance to contact them instead of the store you bought it!!! After researching complaints against Char Griller, it seems everything boils down to "Operator Error." The so called "warranty" is worthless. They make you pay for the parts to repair the grill. Since I am getting a new grill from Lowe's, I will follow Grill and Smoke BBQ's guidance on getting the "new" flap so it doesn't ruin grill #2.
Sorry to hear about that! And bummer about the brisket, I bet it would have been phenomenal 🥲
Lost a brisket? You don't have an oven??? Sorry to hear about grill.
Isn’t the slider supposed to snuff out the charcoal ?
So personally, I have basically forgotten and ditched the slider. I have found that when I put it in, the heat makes the metal expand and then it’s sometimes near impossible to get back out. I think just learning to judge the amount of charcoal you need is a way better method than sticking that metal in there. Additionally, it still has to burn through the remaining charcoal, regardless if you use the slide, because gravity 🤷🏻♀️
The proper way to shut down is to insert the slider and close all doors to the hopper including the fan door. I do this every time and the unit is cool within 20 minutes. Cut the oxygen out fire goes out. Don't insert the slider if you intend on powering it back up immediately after shutting down. Love my 980!
@@rudylopez1102 the only reason I don’t is because when I began doing that, it would be almost impossible to get out…days later. Rather watch my charcoal then never be able to get that piece out again! I’m glad yours work the way it’s intended:) I love mine too!
@@rudylopez1102
I know. She just mentioned she stopped using it because of the slider warping
Lol @ not turning the grill off as intended by snuffing the flame and just saying "oh man it needs to burn the rest of the charcoal". Wut.
Mine failed soon after warranty expired due to a bad sensor that was impossible to replace.
Char Griller was worthless to help.
Awww I’m sorry to hear that! If you join some of the Facebook pages they haves tips & tricks on their to override problems like that!
I wish a high quality brand like weber or recteq would make one of these.
I’m sure they’ll be jumpin on the bandwagon soon!
High quality would be yoder, pitts and spitts…not rec…no need for it for true smoking nor would it replace pellet grill.
@@P3ak930 I beg to differ..... I own a Yoder and there are plenty of other reviews out there from notable smokers that will tell you even Yoder has it days... of mediocrity