Worst thing is you pay $150 for it, don’t like it, and sell it to some other sucker for $150 …. Err, another nice guy suffering MCS
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I say be Mr. Gallantry and leave the decision up to your wife. If she says yes, try to talk the guy down to $100. If your wife says no, spend the $150 on meat for your existing smokers. Win, win, and everybody walks away happy.Comment
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Far be it for me to pretend I'd talk anyone out of buying a new toy. That said, the question becomes "what do you hope to gain"? If you're curious about the offset experience, and it's perceived better outcomes, it may be worth the small cost (especially the round trip calculation). But then there is plenty of experience based info out there that says the COS outcome is most often way different than the EOS one. But that comes down to taste, and your perception of the process and outcome. Some folks are 100% satisfied with what a decently run COS can do.
On the other hand, those clamps are an indication of the comparatively flimsy construction of that kind of unit. Not having an absolute seal on the lid can be lived with, but will likely make you work harder to maintain your objectives. If that extra and repetitive effort discourages you the typical reaction is to think that all offsets have those issues. That would be an understandable assumption though incorrect. A well built offset can maintain consistent performance with relative ease, as long as the design doesn't fight you, and you don't fight the equipment.Comment
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If you are really interested, I’d say go for it, but don’t make a lowball offer right off the bat without seeing it first. I’ve sold many things over the years on Craigslist, and I’ve sold almost every item I tried to sell. I’d suggest going to see it first before trying to get a lower price. It’s obviously a good deal at $150., and he’s already lowered his price once. One thing that pisses me off when trying to sell something, is someone making me a ridiculous offer, especially without even seeing it first. I’ll either ignore them or send back some type of smart aleck response. One time I was selling something for $200. and someone texts me the first day and says “will you take $75.? I just delete those people without an answer.
The seller is more than likely willing to make a deal if you’re there with him and make an offer in person. He knows he’s got an interested buyer and would like to sell it while you’re there. I’ve sold a few items for less than I wanted because the person was already there, and I didn’t want to let them go without making the sale. Not saying you’re gonna do that, but it’s just my 2 cents…..Good luck and let us know what happens!
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Uncle Bob response has made me think a bit more about this too. While it is a good deal and I can make room for a new smoker on the patio, how much am I going to use it right now?
I’m not throwing in the towel just yet because smokers can sit for a little while and will eventually get in a rotation so I’m just weighing the options.Comment
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I got one and love it. As long as it seals good the draw is very good because of the 5 inch exaust. The fire box is a little small and wood only is not recommended by the manufacturer. It is probably the best cos. I paid $600 for mine. A lava lok gasket set will fix any leak issue. Flimsy is not a word I would use to describe this cooker.Last edited by lostclusters; September 22, 2023, 05:54 PM.Comment
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Meathead says in his book, page 90, to stay away from cheap, lightweight offset cookers. He even mentioned Char-Griller by name. His words are "stay away from them, please." His reasoning is that the end closer to the fire is usually a lot hotter than the other. Plus, they don't have thick enough steel, tight sealing doors, and venting to retain temp properly.Comment
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That was also written years before this model was born. Yes, Char Griller is not a 'top tier' company known for making heavy duty equipment - BUT - they did specifically come out with this one in an attempt to build a 'somewhat' heavier version of their typical COS. -
I'll also add, my Char Griller Duo lasted me like... 11 years? And it still hadn't rusted completely out when I set it on the curb for the next guy to drive by.
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Go for it.Comment
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Welllll? Whassup? Are we cookin or whut?Comment
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I would say go for it! 150 is an absolute steal for any offset. A good gasket will fix any leaks. In reality, if it doesn’t seal perfect it probably won’t matter too much. I think franklin’s first book had a chapter devoted to modding cheap offsets.
I have cooked on almost every type of smoker (only exception is a kamado). You just can’t replicate the profile of an offset. My weber kettle comes pretty close, but still not the same. The learning curve is steep, and it’s challenging to get fire management down. But I’ve learned a few lessons and cooks on my offset are so much fun.
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We couldn’t line up a time to meet up. Still working on it. I’m heading out of town this week too so I may not be getting this. Dumb reason to miss out on a smoker…Comment
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Regardless of which quality level offset a person might be interested in, the key to success is fire management, particularly (but not only) the coal bed. Here's a YT vid by a guy who does a lot of work in the offset world. While his review of this particular brand/model is the focus, I find his commentary throughout about the wide range of fire management outcomes from many different offsets to be very valuable; (61) The Coolest Pit on the Market | Mad Scientist BBQ - YouTubeComment
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Great review, I watched most of it and he makes some really good points a lot of reviewers might gloss over, or skip entirely. Pointing out the fact this model requires a small fire bed was one of them. I also like the way Jeremy Yoder is always upfront and honest about any affiliation he might or might not have with the mfgr., his attention to detail and the way he presents it….always a well done review. I’m a big fan……
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