Update: It was operator error on the wobbly base, in my zealous assembly I "overtightened" the nuts. Once loosened it straightened right up. Check this make your own charcoal video that also has LSG Pro cooking in it, you see the base is stable now: ua-cam.com/video/vLMpGfcdo0Q/v-deo.html
Honestly, probably one of the best no BS reviews I've seen in a long time! Those steaks and burgers looked so delicious. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video. Liked and subscribed.
Great Review! Thank you very much for for the shout out. I’m glad to know that the BSR shallow fish fryer still fits. I also have the Kickoff grill, I like it because it’s round and Dutch ovens and skillets fit it quite well. I also have a set of those Tupperware burger containers. The steaks and burgers looked wonderful.
Great Review! Thanks for taking the time to really go through the parts and highlight the changes. Lodge never really showed us a walk around in their release video, NOW I'm ready to buy!
That wobble on the unit was a concern for me as well. I do use the Lodge dutch oven steel table for my Sportsman's Grill. Very nice having the three sides shielded. It's completely portable and you can get a carrying case as well. So glad they removed the Lodge logo in the middle. That has always driven me crazy!
Great review! Best I've seen for any product. Straight to the point and very informative. I'm sure I will be getting the new grill in the future. I have the old one, but I like the simplicity of the new one (and the rectangular shape). I'm sure I will miss the door on the front. Also, glad to know my old BSR shallow fish fryer and my Lodge deep fish fryer (the one with the duck scene on the lid) will still fit. Thanks for showing the ash drawer in detail. My wife will be alot happier. On the old one, I line the bottom with aluminum foil and, once the ashes have cooled, I dump the foil/ashes in the trash. The process of bringing it in from the deck, and through the kitchen, usually results in me spilling some ash on the kitchen floor. I tell her it's a small price to pay for great steaks.
Thanks for the tips. Just got the Kickoff and I really like it. Only two pieces plus two handles. A little less cooking space, but enough for two to four pieces. What I like most is the coals last longer with less flare ups and a lower temperature at the grill top. Great for slow cooking larger pieces and perfect for things like kabobs. All in all, love both my lodge grills and all of their cookware. More tips please.
I have the Kick Off grill. Very versatile. I has a griddle option and grill side like the Double Play griddle, Easily vented and easy to clean, A #8 pan sits on it perfectly.
Great Review. The steaks look great! I purchased the grill today. Initially i tightened the two bolts too much. It wobbled quite a bit. I found that loosening them allowed the grill to sit more flat.
I think it was Big Lews video I saw that you need to back off the bolt on the leg so I will level back into place. By over tightening you turn the leg cattywampus
Yeah, Big Lew and I have been in contact. I tried that with mine and it didn't resolve. Lodge and I have been talking about it, I'm thinking they'll make it right.
I do see a hot spot in the center after you turned those steaks. If you notice the out sides of the steaks are more charred after flipping that's because they were to the center before flipping. That is due to the air vents being centered on both sides. I'd move the charcoal a little more to the sides and a bit less in the middle. But thats the fun of it, finding the quirks and then bringing ones skills to achieve balance.
When I heard they were going to roll out the sportsman's grill again. I came back to the channel to hear the review, oh and you still sound like Marty Stouffer lol, great vid.
Sir. You have like all the cool accessories. Cast iron skillet spatula. Hamburger molds. Tomahawk axe. Great video. I may buy a Sportsman Grill for our overnight fishing trips.
Very nice Matt! Great review, my brother. It looks like Lodge addressed a few issues we had with the older style. The steaks and burgers looked great, too, buddy! Have a great weekend, my friend!
Very nice review. The steaks and burgers looked fantastic. I have been waiting on this to come out for 2 years. I purchased the Kick Off grill when I was unable to get a Sportsman grill. I do like the fact that a skillet and a dutch oven fits the Kick off so well. Still going to have to get one of these though.
I have the kickoff grill and I’m going to try it out for the first time tomorrow. I’ll let you know how I like it. I do like the fact that it’s only two pieces.
I will miss the "front door". I like access to the coals in operation. I often use the flat of my spatula to tamp lump charcoal so I get the best of high heat and a uniform surface, and the secret to flare ups in high heat is about 5 seconds of diverting the fat drop with a flipper between the culprit (usually a burger or a newly burst sausage) and the coals.
Great pick up on that, I can totally agree with this. I also add coals in through that door during some of the longer slower cooks. I'll miss it, but it is a floppy PITA as well.
High praise! Thank you and I'm glad you got something from it. You should check out our cast iron steak too, it'll ruin restaurant steak for you. Everything else is a let down after you eat it.
I just got the small "kickoff" hibachi style grill because they didn't have the sportsmans available yet........my main critiques of that one is it's heavy and does take a good bit of time to come up to heat.....great for four big burgers at a time........but I would recommend cooking more than just that because of the investment in charcoal, time, effort and cleanup so you get your money's worth with each use.......I gonna start looking for this one at the factory outlet.......don't know if they will have seconds on this one because it is soooo new.
Finally! I procrastinated on the original and lost. Thanks to ur video I know one like it is available and ordered it. Did it take a whole chimney? Can’t wait and thanks for the review.
Enjoyed the review - ordered a couple of items from your list since my LSG is on the way! Excited to get started. Did you cut your Griswold spatula yourself?
I came across a vid of someone having the same leveling issue as you. He said the two bolts were too tight. He loosened them and that fixed the issue. I must say I don't like the new grill. If you look carefully you really can't damper the grill. It is made to have the damper half open when the ash tray is fully under the grill grate. If you adjust the damper you will cover some of the coals blocking them from getting air. I don't know who thought this thing up!
Thanks for the review vid. Looks to be a really neat grill. For this week, Lodge is having a nice sale on this grill, so I jumped on youtube to check for reviews. Yours was top of the list. I love your diy Griswold spatula! So cool! Did you craft that yourself? 👍
Oh yeah! It was a fun build from a busted up nickle plated. I loved the repurpose. Thx for watching and giving the feedback. ua-cam.com/video/GCTlpMHo0uc/v-deo.htmlsi=QmVbe2MDRSLxi7vp
Yeah, that was Big Lew BBQ, he and I talked about too. It didn’t fix mine, but Lodge is working to make it right. Sounds like they’re sending a new bottom.
I believe the website stated that the new grill is "Crafted in America", but does not confirm that they are "made in USA". Can you tell us where they are manufactured? Thanks, as always for the informative videos. I have been waiting for this new grill to come out. Now i just need to locate one at the best price.
All the information I've seen says their foundry is in Tenn. I'd be shocked if they were pouring in another country. I could invision the small incidentals like handles and fasteners are supplied from overseas. If I have another interaction with them I will confirm.
Looking at Lodge's website just now and it says "Made in the USA"...I would be surprised if the castings were made somewhere other than South Pittsburgh. Not sure about the sourcing for the hook and carry handles, though I consider it sort of trivial
If you put the grill in its normal setting position while cool of course and loosen the bolts then level the legs up and tension them down evenly going back and forth and not doing one very tight and then the other one tight it will prevent your problem. You tightened the bolts unevenly and too tight. Lodge should have put four bolts instead of two on opposite sides. Re torque the bolts evenly and it will fix your problem.
BlackIronMedic: excellent review video. Lodge should have used this instead of that crappy livestream with horrible audio. Love that you showed the grate footprint being the same and the fish fryer sitting on top. I can’t believe after 60+ years they didn’t learn from the past that a 3 footprint is better than 4 for stability outdoors. Like that it has less parts but I will miss adding coals or poking the fire through that access door. Funny how the launch video touted the extra sq inches of cooking space but shown side by side it’s literally nothing. I won’t miss that lodge medallion in the middle either. Love the Gris spatula, made a few myself but none that nice.
Excellent comments. I thought about the door too, I’m not sure I’ll miss the door too much. They’ve made it easy to lift off the grates. We’ll see though in the side by side cook video in the future. That spatula was a fun video too, I’ll grab a link.
HOW do you prepare and cook your hamburgers so they don't shrink up and finish to the size and shape of a tennis ball?? I've tried the hole in the center trick, thick, thin, hot coals, not so hot coals, room temp, cold from the refrigerator, making the pattie larger than the bun so it shrinks to fit the bun! Yours look really good. What is your super secret, secret? So, to comment about the 4 legs of the new design. I do not know how true the 4 legs are to a flat surface, but that isn't a difficult problem to correct. What is a problem for both the old and new design is setting up the grill so it's level. I use the Lodge 16-3/4"x9-1/2" griddle on my LSG to cook bacon and scrambled eggs. If the griddle isn't level, the bacon grease runs off too, and over, the lowest point, making one mell of a hess! Scrambled eggs and pancake batter do the same until they've cooked enough to not run away. This is just a suggestion. Get yourself a steel plate big enough for the grill body to sit on plus a few extra inches. Drill thru the corners of the steel plate and weld in some 1/2-13 or 3/8-16 nuts on the 4 corners. Use 1-1/2" or longer hex/carriage head bolts, bolt head down. I use a bullseye level and it's really quick and easy to get my grill setup and level. And I'm a lot less grumpy about the mess!
Nice... I watched the “introduction” video yesterday.... I wonder if the value of my old Sportsman’s grill just went up! 😂👍🏻😂... Hey, if the feet of your kabob rack fit both grills, the cooking grate of the new grill should fit the base of the old grill, right?
Liked ur video, Looks like the whole cooker gets super hot.? How long does the coals last on a full fill ? Saying it’s not a windy day, I am guessing this kinda cooker is stay in place till cooled down? And the coals have to all burn out in time to be safe?
The handles run a little cooler and it has the lifting springs. The base gets hot, but not awful. I do. Let it sit until it settles down to move it. A full load will last 1+ hour.
Would you recommend it as a tail gate grill to take daily or would you keep it as a table top grill at home also could you use small pieces of wood in it(obviously just for more smoke while having coal)
Don't know if the best part of this video is the solid technical evaluation....or the inspirational music as the perfect steak is sliced...or the free burger tips . As for the new Lodge - some pros and cons with that odd entire sliding base - which has to serve as the vent adjustment as well. Fine as long as it slides smoothly, but the old side vent flap was simpler. For significantly less money, the Gigantex or the Ironmaster looks virtually as good. All these hibachi grills do an amazing job, can be moved, and take up minimal space on a deck or table. Much appreciate the product test.
Hi, at 21 seconds you show an overall cast iron pan, can you tell me please, is it lodge and what exactly is it please as it looks like a perfect match for the Pro grill. Thanks for your help
Great Video Mark, Great Product, shame about the unstableness of it. I was contacted about receiving one of these, but not sure if they where willing to ship to the UK ☹️. Stay Safe 👍🇬🇧
Easier to manufacture and 50% more. I love my old one I just really want that old roasting pan that sat on it and the lid doubled as a griddle. Used they want a pretty penny for them. I love steaks and pork chops on that hibachi though. I use foil roasting pans to dome it when cooking larger cuts like bone in split breasts. My carrying bag is a military surplus black canvas bag.
@@TeachaMantoFish not sure exactly, bought it at my local surplus store. It's around 30" long and maybe 18" wide. I keep it in that, then can slide it under the toolbox in the bed of the truck.
I have one of the older Lodge Sportsmans grills. Don’t care much for it because the coals burn out too quick. Have you experienced that with either model?
Not really. The older model keeps coals better than the newer. You also don’t use as many coals as something like a Weber. Maybe try slowing things down with the damper door partially closed?
@@TeachaMantoFish I’ve tried it closed, open, partially open, wind blocker placed behind the grill (blocking back and sides) and found some tricks to using it. I know it won’t burn for as long as it would in a full sized grill, but a full chimney full of charcoal just seems to go quicker than I’d think. I mainly use Kingsford charcoal but I’ve also tried Royal Oak and some others. All seem to have about the same burn time. I was just wondering what tricks you may have found during your use of this type of grill.
@@johnafleenor2986 hmmm, I guess my first comment is that I never use a full chimney. That’s a lot of coals that aren’t ever needed for what I’m cooking. It would burn to a crisp. It does well with a 1/2 chimney and after about 20-30 minutes if it was a longer cook I’d add in another 5-10 briquettes or lumps to extend. If I need more heat, I just flip the grate and get closer. I view this grill actually as a charcoal miser, I use much less than a bigger grill. Maybe with a full chimney it’s burning too hot and fast?
@@TeachaMantoFish now that’s a thought. I can’t fit the whole chimney full in there, but I usually start off by having a chimney full and just leave it sitting on standby. It possibly is burning too hot and I never thought about flipping the grate until I saw you do it in the video. Great idea!!!
Question: is the product any cheaper, now that they have reduced the manufacturing process? I.e. Have they passed on any savings or is the profit greater?
Hard yo say the way inflation is, I’d say the price is down. You also used to be able to find grills on sale at the end of season for super cheap. I haven’t seen that come back yet.
I bought a Kickoff grill last year, and find few faults with it. One of the only issues I've never seen addressed with any of these open grills, is, how do you handle wind? The Kickoff grill is advertised as a tail gate grill, but I find it almost useless if there's wind blowing the heat away from the burgers etc. I'm on the fence about buying another open top grill, although I'm a big Lodge fan. The Black Lock line rocks!
Lodge has a small melting pot. Holds just about two cups. That would have fit on the grill better than your small pan. I quite often use it for small size can of baked beans.
I wanted a cast iron fry pan for at least 40 years. It happens to be your brand I got and it sticks like crazy. Was going to throw it out, but here I am writing to you. What can I do?…..
#1 be patient - you've been cooking a different way your whole life and you've got to learn a new way. EVERYONE starts somewhere with cast iron. #2 watch this video ua-cam.com/video/I6ZLfSSihHE/v-deo.html - then ask questions on that video and we'll step through the door on this journey for you together.
Great review! It should get an award. Just wanted to mention that if you hadn’t already seen Big Lew bbq’s recent upload regarding the sportsman pro grill. He talks about this very problem. The 3 screws in the base are over tightened which results inch the wobble. Check his video out, it’s informative. Consider making a video that would correct this one. Many folks might not consider picking up one of these grills based on that information. I personally wouldn’t for the price. However, knowing that it’s just a over tightening problem, I absolutely plan on buying this thing! Thanks for all that you do. You rock bro!
I have a question I live in a condo and I need to know what's the best table to put the lodge on to so it would not melt the table I live in a small community so I'm kind of limited so I don't know what to look for on the internet do you have any ideas for my Lodge to be put on to
Thinking about using a high heat spray paint on the shell of my sportsman grill. Of course not the grill grate itself. Any thoughts?? Is this considered a moral sin??
No it is not a sin nor unheard of, I don’t know how successful it is. I’ve never had much luck with high temp paint, but I can run a grill pretty high heat. Frequent layers of canola spray oil seasoning works for me. Check out our LSG maintenance video. I keep mine out of the rain only.
BBQ Tomahawk by a friend of mine Dylan McCoun with McCoun Tomahawks. There’s a link in the description to get in touch with him. American forged here in Virginia.
I’m all for having an Arsenal of grill’s and smokers. I have a cast iron 1/4” thick smoker that can fit 8 racks of ribs, and a Weber kettle grill. I also have a lodge cast iron skillet. while this is definitely cool and great engineering to improve on their design, I don’t see any way you could cook chicken on this without having a fire extinguisher in hand. Therefore I don’t see a reason to purchase this. if you needed something for camping trips, going to the beach, or deer lease it would be good because it’s small and compact. But still…. how would you cook chicken, BUT! If they made something to compete with a Weber kettle then I’m more interested in that
🤣🤣🤣 Couple of reasons: 1. It’s fun and a good conversation piece for people I entertain 2. A friend forges tomahawks (McCoun Tomahawks) and I like to promote their business 3. Life is short, why be boring and the same as everyone else 4. It generates UA-cam comments and most people like it, some people seem to be irritated with it for some reason I don’t fathom 😉 Thanks for commenting!
@@TeachaMantoFish I'm just impressed that you got it sharp enough to cut a steak like that. Also, saw your video on how to cook a steak in a cast iron skillet and it worked great.
One qualifier, I've not had this in my hands so my opinion is purely based on a strategic view. Short answer? No, not worth it. Reason #1: If I needed that kind of portability and convenience I'd probably go with a tabletop gas, it is the most convenient "on the road" grill. Like this style: amzn.to/3HGwtF8 Reason #2: I hate buying printer cartridges. Sounds strange, but that is where the racket is. You buy the grill and are supposed to come back to them for your supplies unless you go through some hokey work around like hookah bamboo smoke pucks. Yuck, no thank you. Reason #3: If I'm mobile and I want really good wood smoke flavor, I'm bringing a cast iron grill like this one or one of the smaller chinese knock offs if I want to get super portable. Check out my video on the Giantex Cast Iron Grill. Totally portable... Just a few quick thoughts from me, understanding that I haven't used this. They'd have to send me on to trial, I'm not buying one for the reasons above.
@@janstewart2041 Agreed. If I was hiking, I would carry a grate, grab to stones for a bridge and build a small coal bed fire out of surrounding wood. I just can't see this being worth it.
@@TeachaMantoFish yeah it’s the grill equivalent to an easy bake oven. But it looks like it works. It’s made for easy tail gating or grilling at the park. It’s staring to grow on me but the price is way too steep
No need to grind the supports to get it level, just loosen the screws holding it together a little, you don't think Lodge could make a straight casting after over 120 years?
How to PERFECT Reverse Sear Steak: ua-cam.com/video/XZlUPe517LE/v-deo.htmlsi=pF8sRW9WhduDZ-XT
Update: It was operator error on the wobbly base, in my zealous assembly I "overtightened" the nuts. Once loosened it straightened right up. Check this make your own charcoal video that also has LSG Pro cooking in it, you see the base is stable now: ua-cam.com/video/vLMpGfcdo0Q/v-deo.html
Honestly, probably one of the best no BS reviews I've seen in a long time! Those steaks and burgers looked so delicious. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video. Liked and subscribed.
Wow, high praise. Thank you 🙏
The UPS driver delivered an open package. A little bs is ok sometimes. 🙂
Great Review! Thank you very much for for the shout out. I’m glad to know that the BSR shallow fish fryer still fits. I also have the Kickoff grill, I like it because it’s round and Dutch ovens and skillets fit it quite well. I also have a set of those Tupperware burger containers.
The steaks and burgers looked wonderful.
Great Review! Thanks for taking the time to really go through the parts and highlight the changes. Lodge never really showed us a walk around in their release video, NOW I'm ready to buy!
Great! Please let us know your experience too.
That wobble on the unit was a concern for me as well. I do use the Lodge dutch oven steel table for my Sportsman's Grill. Very nice having the three sides shielded. It's completely portable and you can get a carrying case as well. So glad they removed the Lodge logo in the middle. That has always driven me crazy!
Great video, Mark! You did a really good job with a fair and honest review.
Great review! Best I've seen for any product. Straight to the point and very informative. I'm sure I will be getting the new grill in the future. I have the old one, but I like the simplicity of the new one (and the rectangular shape). I'm sure I will miss the door on the front. Also, glad to know my old BSR shallow fish fryer and my Lodge deep fish fryer (the one with the duck scene on the lid) will still fit. Thanks for showing the ash drawer in detail. My wife will be alot happier. On the old one, I line the bottom with aluminum foil and, once the ashes have cooled, I dump the foil/ashes in the trash. The process of bringing it in from the deck, and through the kitchen, usually results in me spilling some ash on the kitchen floor. I tell her it's a small price to pay for great steaks.
There usually is a price for greatness! LOL Thanks for the feedback, let's hope Lodge is listening...
Love the video and the shout out to Big Lew. I am liking what you are showing us. Really appreciate the walk through.
Glad you got something good from the video, Big Lew is one of my role models from a ways back, he does great work.
@@TeachaMantoFish Thank you Chris
I just received my new LSG. I don’t have the uneven issue that you did. I tightened the bolts to just firm and the grill sits level.
Excellent news!
Thanks for the tips. Just got the Kickoff and I really like it. Only two pieces plus two handles. A little less cooking space, but enough for two to four pieces. What I like most is the coals last longer with less flare ups and a lower temperature at the grill top. Great for slow cooking larger pieces and perfect for things like kabobs. All in all, love both my lodge grills and all of their cookware. More tips please.
I have the Kick Off grill. Very versatile. I has a griddle option and grill side like the Double Play griddle, Easily vented and easy to clean, A #8 pan sits on it perfectly.
Great! Thanks for the feedback. I’m hoping to get a kickoff soon.
Great job Matt! Glad to see you're getting some recognition for all that work on those Grills!
Thanks Scott!
Great Review. The steaks look great! I purchased the grill today. Initially i tightened the two bolts too much. It wobbled quite a bit. I found that loosening them allowed the grill to sit more flat.
that was my issue too. Lodge should warn the customers to not over tighten.
I think it was Big Lews video I saw that you need to back off the bolt on the leg so I will level back into place. By over tightening you turn the leg cattywampus
Yeah, Big Lew and I have been in contact. I tried that with mine and it didn't resolve. Lodge and I have been talking about it, I'm thinking they'll make it right.
@@TeachaMantoFish might’ve got a lemon
@@TeachaMantoFish might’ve got a lemon
I do see a hot spot in the center after you turned those steaks. If you notice the out sides of the steaks are more charred after flipping that's because they were to the center before flipping. That is due to the air vents being centered on both sides. I'd move the charcoal a little more to the sides and a bit less in the middle. But thats the fun of it, finding the quirks and then bringing ones skills to achieve balance.
Yeah, but nothing like the classic LSG. Not really even worth mentioning IMO, and in fact if I pushed the coals out a bit...
Great review, just purchased one. Before watching
Hope you enjoy it!
When I heard they were going to roll out the sportsman's grill again. I came back to the channel to hear the review, oh and you still sound like Marty Stouffer lol, great vid.
Glad you came back! Not a bad voice to sound like.
Sir. You have like all the cool accessories. Cast iron skillet spatula. Hamburger molds. Tomahawk axe. Great video. I may buy a Sportsman Grill for our overnight fishing trips.
Cooking is an adventure and adventurers need gear! That’s my story to my wife and I’m sticking to it. 😁
love the classic design, but this one looks more high tech some how. might pick one up next year.
It definitely ditches the 90 year old Art Deco design from the 1930s.
Very nice Matt! Great review, my brother. It looks like Lodge addressed a few issues we had with the older style. The steaks and burgers looked great, too, buddy! Have a great weekend, my friend!
Thanks brother! I loved the seasoning video you just did. Great strategy! ua-cam.com/video/41loCl08TLI/v-deo.html
Very nice review. The steaks and burgers looked fantastic. I have been waiting on this to come out for 2 years. I purchased the Kick Off grill when I was unable to get a Sportsman grill. I do like the fact that a skillet and a dutch oven fits the Kick off so well. Still going to have to get one of these though.
I like how you worded that, "have to".
LOL I understand...
I have the kickoff grill and I’m going to try it out for the first time tomorrow. I’ll let you know how I like it. I do like the fact that it’s only two pieces.
Looks like a Great Upgrade.
I will miss the "front door". I like access to the coals in operation. I often use the flat of my spatula to tamp lump charcoal so I get the best of high heat and a uniform surface, and the secret to flare ups in high heat is about 5 seconds of diverting the fat drop with a flipper between the culprit (usually a burger or a newly burst sausage) and the coals.
Great pick up on that, I can totally agree with this. I also add coals in through that door during some of the longer slower cooks. I'll miss it, but it is a floppy PITA as well.
I own the old style and would like to get this new grill. Thanks for the review video great job.
First timer to your channel. Great review and cooking tips. That butter is MAGIC wow thank you for the great camera work and editing 10/10. Rich
High praise! Thank you and I'm glad you got something from it. You should check out our cast iron steak too, it'll ruin restaurant steak for you. Everything else is a let down after you eat it.
Do you have a link for that spatula?
Super excited! I ordered one today!
Hope you enjoy it!
I just got the small "kickoff" hibachi style grill because they didn't have the sportsmans available yet........my main critiques of that one is it's heavy and does take a good bit of time to come up to heat.....great for four big burgers at a time........but I would recommend cooking more than just that because of the investment in charcoal, time, effort and cleanup so you get your money's worth with each use.......I gonna start looking for this one at the factory outlet.......don't know if they will have seconds on this one because it is soooo new.
Great strategic cooking input! Thanks
I have the older original grill, it still works great. For those looking for a grill to take camping, you can’t go wrong with both versions.
Finally! I procrastinated on the original and lost. Thanks to ur video I know one like it is available and ordered it. Did it take a whole chimney? Can’t wait and thanks for the review.
Congrats! You won’t regret it. Yes, it does burn more coals than the OG. Maybe 3/4 chimney for a try.
This is awesome I have been wanting one for a while. I also love how you use an old cast iron skillet for a spatula
You won’t regret it, a fun way to cook for sure.
Enjoyed the review - ordered a couple of items from your list since my LSG is on the way! Excited to get started. Did you cut your Griswold spatula yourself?
I did! Video ua-cam.com/video/GCTlpMHo0uc/v-deo.html
Thanks for your sharing and I from Hongkong and I use cast iron skillet also
I’m drooling! Looks amazing!
I came across a vid of someone having the same leveling issue as you. He said the two bolts were too tight. He loosened them and that fixed the issue. I must say I don't like the new grill. If you look carefully you really can't damper the grill. It is made to have the damper half open when the ash tray is fully under the grill grate. If you adjust the damper you will cover some of the coals blocking them from getting air. I don't know who thought this thing up!
Thanks for the review vid. Looks to be a really neat grill. For this week, Lodge is having a nice sale on this grill, so I jumped on youtube to check for reviews. Yours was top of the list. I love your diy Griswold spatula! So cool! Did you craft that yourself? 👍
Oh yeah! It was a fun build from a busted up nickle plated. I loved the repurpose. Thx for watching and giving the feedback.
ua-cam.com/video/GCTlpMHo0uc/v-deo.htmlsi=QmVbe2MDRSLxi7vp
Love the steak "pig tail " flipper... instructions???
It is fun to use, better than tongs IMO. It does take a little getting used to.
Same issue with the crooked stand. Have to hand tighten the nuts in orders for them balance right
Yeah, I think that is a design flaw. Wouldn't be an issue if that had stuck with 3 feet or put 4 bolts in.
Can you share the link to get the lid and koabob holder and other accessories in your video? Thank you so much.
another UA-cam or a did review on one and if you loosen the bolts just a little bit on the bottom it takes away the wabble
Yeah, that was Big Lew BBQ, he and I talked about too. It didn’t fix mine, but Lodge is working to make it right. Sounds like they’re sending a new bottom.
For leveling, take off the two screws and put the nut on the top and only hand tighten. It worked for me.
Yeah, I got it worked out. It was pretty much operator error.
I believe the website stated that the new grill is "Crafted in America", but does not confirm that they are "made in USA". Can you tell us where they are manufactured? Thanks, as always for the informative videos. I have been waiting for this new grill to come out. Now i just need to locate one at the best price.
All the information I've seen says their foundry is in Tenn. I'd be shocked if they were pouring in another country. I could invision the small incidentals like handles and fasteners are supplied from overseas. If I have another interaction with them I will confirm.
Looking at Lodge's website just now and it says "Made in the USA"...I would be surprised if the castings were made somewhere other than South Pittsburgh. Not sure about the sourcing for the hook and carry handles, though I consider it sort of trivial
If you put the grill in its normal setting position while cool of course and loosen the bolts then level the legs up and tension them down evenly going back and forth and not doing one very tight and then the other one tight it will prevent your problem. You tightened the bolts unevenly and too tight. Lodge should have put four bolts instead of two on opposite sides. Re torque the bolts evenly and it will fix your problem.
Yeah, a design flaw IMO.
but not insurmountable or a deal breaker for me.
Accessories the bail handles from the old one actually fit the new one
Awesome Review! That’s very Awesome!
That's crazy! I was just watching your Char-Griller Gravity videos today. Good video series.
You've got a sub from me.
BlackIronMedic: excellent review video. Lodge should have used this instead of that crappy livestream with horrible audio. Love that you showed the grate footprint being the same and the fish fryer sitting on top. I can’t believe after 60+ years they didn’t learn from the past that a 3 footprint is better than 4 for stability outdoors. Like that it has less parts but I will miss adding coals or poking the fire through that access door. Funny how the launch video touted the extra sq inches of cooking space but shown side by side it’s literally nothing. I won’t miss that lodge medallion in the middle either. Love the Gris spatula, made a few myself but none that nice.
Excellent comments. I thought about the door too, I’m not sure I’ll miss the door too much. They’ve made it easy to lift off the grates. We’ll see though in the side by side cook video in the future.
That spatula was a fun video too, I’ll grab a link.
Link to spatillet video ua-cam.com/video/GCTlpMHo0uc/v-deo.html
Nice, I wanted one but all I had seen was the "kickoff" which did not interest me.
HOW do you prepare and cook your hamburgers so they don't shrink up and finish to the size and shape of a tennis ball?? I've tried the hole in the center trick, thick, thin, hot coals, not so hot coals, room temp, cold from the refrigerator, making the pattie larger than the bun so it shrinks to fit the bun! Yours look really good. What is your super secret, secret?
So, to comment about the 4 legs of the new design. I do not know how true the 4 legs are to a flat surface, but that isn't a difficult problem to correct. What is a problem for both the old and new design is setting up the grill so it's level. I use the Lodge 16-3/4"x9-1/2" griddle on my LSG to cook bacon and scrambled eggs. If the griddle isn't level, the bacon grease runs off too, and over, the lowest point, making one mell of a hess! Scrambled eggs and pancake batter do the same until they've cooked enough to not run away. This is just a suggestion. Get yourself a steel plate big enough for the grill body to sit on plus a few extra inches. Drill thru the corners of the steel plate and weld in some 1/2-13 or 3/8-16 nuts on the 4 corners. Use 1-1/2" or longer hex/carriage head bolts, bolt head down. I use a bullseye level and it's really quick and easy to get my grill setup and level. And I'm a lot less grumpy about the mess!
Don’t over cook, leave the burgers tender. That simple…
Good advice on the level.
I like it. BUT I want to know about your GRISWOLD CAST IRON SPATULA!
🤣🤣🤣 ua-cam.com/video/GCTlpMHo0uc/v-deo.html
thanks
Nice... I watched the “introduction” video yesterday.... I wonder if the value of my old Sportsman’s grill just went up! 😂👍🏻😂... Hey, if the feet of your kabob rack fit both grills, the cooking grate of the new grill should fit the base of the old grill, right?
He also demonstrates that Chris, in this video.
What Big Lew said, I was pleasantly suprised to see that too. The "feet footprint" is the same.
@@TeachaMantoFish - Dang... I didn’t catch that part...sorry
Is the top grill reversible? So the grill is closer to the charcoal?
It is
Pretty neat little grill but I can’t think of anything that this does better than the PK GO except for maybe the ash system.
Yeah, ya kinda need to be a cast iron and lodge fan to get geeked out on just these grills and the history.
So, I have my oval fish fryer filled with two gallons of 375 degree oil, I need to add charcoal to keep the party going.
I’d guess you’d have to glove lift off or squeeze coals under. You’d miss the coal door for sure.
I'm thinking between this and the pkgo hibachi...
How would you control the flare up / fire if you do not have a cover? Curious
Fewer coals and totally close the damper
@@TeachaMantoFish thought that, but wondered if you had a trick. Lol. Been hesitant on buying one, but this video convinced me. Thanks!
@@collectivevids5188 takes a little bit of learning because it does run different, but that’s the fun.
Geez, actually learned a lot here and good review/comparison to the previous generation. Thanks dad!
Glad you got something from it.
Do you season the sportsman grill after a cook or after it cools off?
I go a really easy route ua-cam.com/video/fSkLRkKCR0E/v-deo.html
Needs a cover of some type to block wind and increase cooking temp
I use a portable shield in some videos, but only when the wind is really kicking up. Otherwise, it does really well.
Where did you get that spatula. Looks great
Made it, fun build. I’ve made a few.
ua-cam.com/video/GCTlpMHo0uc/v-deo.htmlsi=quGirvXKZRD44QE6
Liked ur video,
Looks like the whole cooker gets super hot.?
How long does the coals last on a full fill ?
Saying it’s not a windy day,
I am guessing this kinda cooker is stay in place till cooled down?
And the coals have to all burn out in time to be safe?
The handles run a little cooler and it has the lifting springs. The base gets hot, but not awful. I do. Let it sit until it settles down to move it. A full load will last 1+ hour.
Do they sell just the grate so I can use it like a Tuscan grill in a wood fired oven?
If they don't, they certainly will later. They will sell them as replacement parts. That's an interesting concept too.
Would you recommend it as a tail gate grill to take daily or would you keep it as a table top grill at home also could you use small pieces of wood in it(obviously just for more smoke while having coal)
@@adrianrodriquez4157 I would totally take it on the go.
Great review. BTW, it is possible your table has become warped making your Pro grill rock.
It was a combination of both some warping in the table and I over tighten the screws. Loosening up the screws pretty much took care of it.
Where did you get that lid you showed in your video. It looked like aluminum or steel. I didn’t see it in the details. Great video very informative
It’s an old school industrial kitchen roaster. You can find them in thrift stores.
Don't know if the best part of this video is the solid technical evaluation....or the inspirational music as the perfect steak is sliced...or the free burger tips . As for the new Lodge - some pros and cons with that odd entire sliding base - which has to serve as the vent adjustment as well. Fine as long as it slides smoothly, but the old side vent flap was simpler. For significantly less money, the Gigantex or the Ironmaster looks virtually as good. All these hibachi grills do an amazing job, can be moved, and take up minimal space on a deck or table. Much appreciate the product test.
Another solid thoughtful input! Thanks for watching.
Hi, at 21 seconds you show an overall cast iron pan, can you tell me please, is it lodge and what exactly is it please as it looks like a perfect match for the Pro grill. Thanks for your help
BSR Fish fryer. That one is an antique but this one will work amzn.to/3N9YasD
Save your grate and use the kabab holder for your griddle when using your griddle
Good advice
Everyone who put this grill together had the same problem with the leveling. They just backed one screw off a quarter turn in that solved the problem.
Great Video Mark, Great Product, shame about the unstableness of it. I was contacted about receiving one of these, but not sure if they where willing to ship to the UK ☹️. Stay Safe 👍🇬🇧
I hope you get one Duchy.
That would be great to you hear your take on it too.
Looks like a good cooking grill. Just strange how it won’t sit level?🤔
It was a bit of user error. Over tightening the screws causes this. It is better now.
Is there a reason why you don't light the charcoal in the grill itself? I noticed you preheated the charcoal before dumping in the grill.
I prefer a chimney for speed and no lighter fluid flavor. However, in the grill would be fine too.
Easier to manufacture and 50% more. I love my old one I just really want that old roasting pan that sat on it and the lid doubled as a griddle. Used they want a pretty penny for them. I love steaks and pork chops on that hibachi though. I use foil roasting pans to dome it when cooking larger cuts like bone in split breasts. My carrying bag is a military surplus black canvas bag.
Sounds like a great set up. I'd love to know which surplus bag you've got. Can you post a google searched link?
@@TeachaMantoFish not sure exactly, bought it at my local surplus store. It's around 30" long and maybe 18" wide. I keep it in that, then can slide it under the toolbox in the bed of the truck.
Steaks look really good
I have one of the older Lodge Sportsmans grills. Don’t care much for it because the coals burn out too quick. Have you experienced that with either model?
Not really. The older model keeps coals better than the newer. You also don’t use as many coals as something like a Weber. Maybe try slowing things down with the damper door partially closed?
@@TeachaMantoFish I’ve tried it closed, open, partially open, wind blocker placed behind the grill (blocking back and sides) and found some tricks to using it. I know it won’t burn for as long as it would in a full sized grill, but a full chimney full of charcoal just seems to go quicker than I’d think. I mainly use Kingsford charcoal but I’ve also tried Royal Oak and some others. All seem to have about the same burn time. I was just wondering what tricks you may have found during your use of this type of grill.
@@johnafleenor2986 hmmm, I guess my first comment is that I never use a full chimney. That’s a lot of coals that aren’t ever needed for what I’m cooking. It would burn to a crisp. It does well with a 1/2 chimney and after about 20-30 minutes if it was a longer cook I’d add in another 5-10 briquettes or lumps to extend.
If I need more heat, I just flip the grate and get closer. I view this grill actually as a charcoal miser, I use much less than a bigger grill. Maybe with a full chimney it’s burning too hot and fast?
@@TeachaMantoFish now that’s a thought. I can’t fit the whole chimney full in there, but I usually start off by having a chimney full and just leave it sitting on standby. It possibly is burning too hot and I never thought about flipping the grate until I saw you do it in the video. Great idea!!!
I wish they left the removable coal grate in
Agreed, but with a grill grate key like used in the video it is not a deal breaker IMO.
Question: is the product any cheaper, now that they have reduced the manufacturing process? I.e. Have they passed on any savings or is the profit greater?
Hard yo say the way inflation is, I’d say the price is down. You also used to be able to find grills on sale at the end of season for super cheap. I haven’t seen that come back yet.
@@TeachaMantoFish thanks for the reply. Need to see if I can get one over here in the UK - Amazon maybe.
@@rogan70 does this work? amzn.to/3VCpKE8
Shout out to You, Big Lew and Backwoods Gourmet! Oh and Lewis cast iron
Luis J cast iron*
I bought a Kickoff grill last year, and find few faults with it. One of the only issues I've never seen addressed with any of these open grills, is, how do you handle wind? The Kickoff grill is advertised as a tail gate grill, but I find it almost useless if there's wind blowing the heat away from the burgers etc. I'm on the fence about buying another open top grill, although I'm a big Lodge fan. The Black Lock line rocks!
I’ve got a collapsible wind break I use: amzn.to/35ZZ0HW
Lodge has a small melting pot. Holds just about two cups. That would have fit on the grill better than your small pan. I quite often use it for small size can of baked beans.
Yeah, I’ve seen that. Someday I’ll get one.
I wanted a cast iron fry pan for at least 40 years. It happens to be your brand I got and it sticks like crazy. Was going to throw it out, but here I am writing to you. What can I do?…..
#1 be patient - you've been cooking a different way your whole life and you've got to learn a new way. EVERYONE starts somewhere with cast iron. #2 watch this video ua-cam.com/video/I6ZLfSSihHE/v-deo.html - then ask questions on that video and we'll step through the door on this journey for you together.
I’m so happy he posed for you 🤣
Where did you get that kabob holder?
Or did you make that?
Made it ua-cam.com/video/Js3s12jMaAM/v-deo.html
Great review! It should get an award. Just wanted to mention that if you hadn’t already seen Big Lew bbq’s recent upload regarding the sportsman pro grill. He talks about this very problem. The 3 screws in the base are over tightened which results inch the wobble. Check his video out, it’s informative. Consider making a video that would correct this one. Many folks might not consider picking up one of these grills based on that information. I personally wouldn’t for the price. However, knowing that it’s just a over tightening problem, I absolutely plan on buying this thing! Thanks for all that you do. You rock bro!
I did see that. Big Lew and I are in contact frequently. His solution did help with mine.
@@TeachaMantoFish That's good to hear and something I will be careful not to do when I get mine. Thank you!
I have a question I live in a condo and I need to know what's the best table to put the lodge on to so it would not melt the table I live in a small community so I'm kind of limited so I don't know what to look for on the internet do you have any ideas for my Lodge to be put on to
Best option - amzn.to/3uoiCi0
Thinking about using a high heat spray paint on the shell of my sportsman grill. Of course not the grill grate itself. Any thoughts?? Is this considered a moral sin??
No it is not a sin nor unheard of, I don’t know how successful it is. I’ve never had much luck with high temp paint, but I can run a grill pretty high heat. Frequent layers of canola spray oil seasoning works for me. Check out our LSG maintenance video. I keep mine out of the rain only.
Here is the video from awhile ago ua-cam.com/video/fSkLRkKCR0E/v-deo.html
Also a Facebook group that is good for questions and ideas/recipes facebook.com/groups/CastIronGrill/?ref=share
That’s a good looking steak 🥩 Mike got one at The National Cornbread Festival so he’s planning a video soon! Great job & love all your accessories!
Those are going to be some great videos.
What kind of ax/knife is that?
BBQ Tomahawk by a friend of mine Dylan McCoun with McCoun Tomahawks. There’s a link in the description to get in touch with him. American forged here in Virginia.
can anyone tell me the average weight of this product please??
I’m all for having an Arsenal of grill’s and smokers. I have a cast iron 1/4” thick smoker that can fit 8 racks of ribs, and a Weber kettle grill. I also have a lodge cast iron skillet.
while this is definitely cool and great engineering to improve on their design, I don’t see any way you could cook chicken on this without having a fire extinguisher in hand. Therefore I don’t see a reason to purchase this. if you needed something for camping trips, going to the beach, or deer lease it would be good because it’s small and compact. But still…. how would you cook chicken, BUT! If they made something to compete with a Weber kettle then I’m more interested in that
It takes some practice and skills to develop but it is totally doable. One of our favorites is boned out thighs and they throw some grease.
Someone has to tell me what the deal is with the hatchet.
🤣🤣🤣 Couple of reasons:
1. It’s fun and a good conversation piece for people I entertain
2. A friend forges tomahawks (McCoun Tomahawks) and I like to promote their business
3. Life is short, why be boring and the same as everyone else
4. It generates UA-cam comments and most people like it, some people seem to be irritated with it for some reason I don’t fathom 😉
Thanks for commenting!
@@TeachaMantoFish I'm just impressed that you got it sharp enough to cut a steak like that. Also, saw your video on how to cook a steak in a cast iron skillet and it worked great.
@@paulschwartz2464 it wasn’t far off straight from Dylan, just needed polishing. Keeps an edge like a champ.
Curious of your thoughts on the hero grill, is it worth it?
One qualifier, I've not had this in my hands so my opinion is purely based on a strategic view. Short answer? No, not worth it.
Reason #1: If I needed that kind of portability and convenience I'd probably go with a tabletop gas, it is the most convenient "on the road" grill. Like this style: amzn.to/3HGwtF8
Reason #2: I hate buying printer cartridges. Sounds strange, but that is where the racket is. You buy the grill and are supposed to come back to them for your supplies unless you go through some hokey work around like hookah bamboo smoke pucks. Yuck, no thank you.
Reason #3: If I'm mobile and I want really good wood smoke flavor, I'm bringing a cast iron grill like this one or one of the smaller chinese knock offs if I want to get super portable. Check out my video on the Giantex Cast Iron Grill. Totally portable...
Just a few quick thoughts from me, understanding that I haven't used this. They'd have to send me on to trial, I'm not buying one for the reasons above.
@@TeachaMantoFish I can see the use for avid hikers who want to grill. But it’s just a grate. Why can’t you make a tray and use your own charcoal?
@@janstewart2041 Agreed. If I was hiking, I would carry a grate, grab to stones for a bridge and build a small coal bed fire out of surrounding wood. I just can't see this being worth it.
@@TeachaMantoFish yeah it’s the grill equivalent to an easy bake oven. But it looks like it works. It’s made for easy tail gating or grilling at the park. It’s staring to grow on me but the price is way too steep
@@janstewart2041 I can understand that it has a niche and the tool that would work for them.
I wanted then old one now I want the new one!
They both have their strengths and weaknesses
i live in the uk, do u have a website i can buy it from?
There is a link to Amazon in the description, you should be able to see if they are selling it in there.
Dont like the base at all ! Try camping with uneven ground and the huge flat base wobbles all over . The hand grips are flimsy too. Good video though.
Damascus Beef love it
At 11:37 I see a huge crack in the grate.
Trick of the camera, no crack in this one. But I do have one that cracked when it dropped on my old LSG.
No need to grind the supports to get it level, just loosen the screws holding it together a little, you don't think Lodge could make a straight casting after over 120 years?
I know right?