The media could not be loaded. For earlier models, I can't say if there was a design flaw but on this model, the hinge folds internally and screws to the offset box with the door open. It will fit perfectly and latch correctly. It doesn't lay outward like other reviews show. Also, ALL bolts and screw
s should be attached by hand initially and barely tight to avoid cross-threading. Once things are in place and square for a section, then tighten with a screwdriver. A power driver may strip threads or warp the metal leading to cracked paint and finish failure upon burn-in. Hope this helps. Happy smoking! I will update after a few uses. I can see the possibility of having to apply grill seals in certain areas to prevent smoke loss. First use update: Followed burn in explicitly-lightly oiled interior, single layer of coals, temp not over 400°, two hours, then cool down. While waiting for charcoal to get ready in the chimney starter, realized the ash pan hangs from the bottom of the hanging charcoal grate, not clear in the instructions. First smoking update: Bacon wrapped shrimp cheese jalapeno poppers! Turned out great! One hour smoke with 15-20 briquets (6 in the offset with 2 chunks of pecan wood and 9 in the main pit), then 5 more to crisp up the bacon for a few minutes. Shrimp was juicy, bacon was crispy and smoky. Post use update: After cool down, removed ashes completely and wiped down grill inside and out. No rust or flaking paint and it was very humid!. Possibilities for why others are having this issue: Overheating the grill during burn in, leaving ashes in the pit (they absorb moisture from the air) The instructions say NEVER to let the grill exceed 400°. I would say If you do, make sure it's for grilling or searing only with the lid open. Side note: Still considering grill seals or high temp caulk. Some smoke escape but still plenty to smoke with. Update 2: Smoked a brisket Thanksgiving weekend. Still no rust or flaking paint. Did an awesome 12 hr cook on it with a mix of pecan wood and briquettes. Will need to clean ashes out half way thru. They were keeping my fire from staying hot during the last half of cooking. Didn't add grill seals, smoke flavoring is fine even with the excess leak. No complaints so far. Totally recommend an inserted thermometer. The included lid thermometer is about 50° higher than the temp an inch away from the meat. Each time, clean ashes out completely, wipe it clean and re-oil inside (at least till it's seasoned good). Only issue was the dripping grease from the brisket drained to the outside right seam instead of the drip hole but that was most likely leveling and operator error. It has been well worth the small price it cost overall. I'd have spent more buying the brisket already smoked from a pit place and I can control the smoke, salt and flavor. Next project: baby back ribs and a smoked chicken for Christmas. Update following... Didn't get to ribs until New Year's day. Have my first sign of any rust. It's on the door to the offset, where the most heat is. I've sanded it down and sprayed it with oil to hold till I have time to clean and cover with high heat grill paint. The main pit is still holding up great, no problems. Full rack of baby back ribs, smoked cabbage and cream cheese and my brisket boats for New Year prosperity and good luck! Update 2/28/23: Haven't gotten around to repainting the area that has started to rust but after steel-wooling off rust and spraying with Pam oil, it hasn't started rusting again.
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 5, 2022 by DR DR
