I just backslid into cheap stickburner world!

[Chasdev]

I've been driving a gravity feed Masterbuilt for a few years but had to put it out to pasture this summer as it just wore down to nothing.
That and as much as I liked the flavor profile from buring oak in with the charcoal, it just never did deliver stick burner flavors.
After watching way too many Youtube videos on BBQing I ran across one on the Char-Griller Grand Champ smoker.
The guy doing the video was like I, a former Old Country Pecos driver, and he ticked off all the points where the Char-Griller beat the Old Country.
As I happen to still own a decent pile of seasoned oak sticks, I figured out that a low cost stick eater would be right up my alley, so I ordered one!
Now I can complain about how much time and attention my hobby costs me, again and again...

 

[chopsaw]

Enjoy . Been thinking about it myself lately . I almost loaded up an old Char Griller pro last weekend .
Get it fired up and let us know how it cooks .

 

[fxsales1959]

I've been driving a gravity feed Masterbuilt for a few years but had to put it out to pasture this summer as it just wore down to nothing.
That and as much as I liked the flavor profile from buring oak in with the charcoal, it just never did deliver stick burner flavors.
After watching way too many Youtube videos on BBQing I ran across one on the Char-Griller Grand Champ smoker.
The guy doing the video was like I, a former Old Country Pecos driver, and he ticked off all the points where the Char-Griller beat the Old Country.
As I happen to still own a decent pile of seasoned oak sticks, I figured out that a low cost stick eater would be right up my alley, so I ordered one!
Now I can complain about how much time and attention my hobby costs me, again and again...

I've had my fully modified OK Joe highland reverse flow on Marketplace for $250 for a few weeks.
I'm really tired of DF questions and idiot offers.

 

[JLeonard]

As the big box stores are starting to mark stuff down for end of season I start to think about a COS. Doing my best to resist, but......

Jim

 

[JLeonard]

I've had my fully modified OK Joe highland reverse flow on Marketplace for $250 for a few weeks.
I'm really tired of DF questions and idiot offers.

View attachment 678309

Wanna deliver to Southaven?

Jim

 

[Redicans]

I have had the Grand Champ for a few months now. I really enjoy it and it cooks up some Delicious meals. I did make a few mods to it. I put in two lava lock thermometers and lava lock gasket on both chambers. The gasket it comes with is pretty cheap. Also I extended the stack to a total length of 38 inches. I used a cheap 5" air ducting I got from Lowes. There are vids on YT for some great mods to the Grand Champ. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine!!

Here is a pic of mine with the extended stack. Feel like it works very good.

 

[Chasdev]

Freaking thing was heavy!
I had high hopes but the wall thickness is pretty thin.
Firebox is heavier than the cook chamber.
I'm going in with eyes open, I don't expect it to cook like a $5000 rig.
I think it is way better than the toy ones I see all over internet though.

 

[Redicans]

Freaking thing was heavy!
I had high hopes but the wall thickness is pretty thin.
Firebox is heavier than the cook chamber.
I'm going in with eyes open, I don't expect it to cook like a $5000 rig.
I think it is way better than the toy ones I see all over internet though.

Yeah fire management is key on the Champ. You can see the size of my splits in the pic. In the beginning I was struggling with it but I have found my groove and very happy with the way it works. I’m in a warm climate and think that helps with my fire management. I would love a $5000 pit but that is not in my Budget and this works good for me.

 

[Chasdev]

Yeah fire management is key on the Champ. You can see the size of my splits in the pic. In the beginning I was struggling with it but I have found my groove and very happy with the way it works. I’m in a warm climate and think that helps with my fire management. I would love a $5000 pit but that is not in my Budget and this works good for me.

I thought there was a gasket between the burn box and cook chamber, but mine did not come withn one.
Does yours have one or did you use lavalock?

 

[Smokin Okie]

I'm curious what the YT fella found with this cooker that was better than the Pecos ? Pecos would be my top choice in a COS.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

I have had the Grand Champ for a few months now. I really enjoy it and it cooks up some Delicious meals. I did make a few mods to it. I put in two lava lock thermometers and lava lock gasket on both chambers. The gasket it comes with is pretty cheap. Also I extended the stack to a total length of 38 inches. I used a cheap 5" air ducting I got from Lowes. There are vids on YT for some great mods to the Grand Champ. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine!!

Here is a pic of mine with the extended stack. Feel like it works very good.


View attachment 678323

I would jump on that

 

[Redicans]

I thought there was a gasket between the burn box and cook chamber, but mine did not come withn one.
Does yours have one or did you use lavalock?

No I used a food safe silicone sealant between the two chambers. I am not sure it made a huge difference but I had no leaks. I think with out it it would have sealed up anyways. Not sure though.

 

[Chasdev]

Agree, mine does not leak, or if it does it's a tiny leak..
Just launched the first cook an hour ago, I thought I had a handle on the hot/cold zones so I decided to go nuts and do two point end brisket and two plate ribs.
Now I'm timing the need for mini-splits and clean smoke.

 

[Redicans]

Looking good!! Going to be some happy bellies today!!

 

[Chasdev]

Looking good!! Going to be some happy bellies today!!

Lile they say, without pictures, it didn't happen!

 

[Redicans]

Making my mouth water!! Looks Delicious!

 

[JLeonard]

Lile they say, without pictures, it didn't happen!

Dang it! Y'all gonna have me shopping for a COS! Looks good.

Jim