I've smoked many a piece of meat on my Brinkmann Gourmet Charcoal Smoker, everything from Turkey, Wild Hog, Venison and more. This little smoker has never once let me down. I've never used it as a grill so I can't comment on that aspect of it's use but I imagine it would work well for that as well. My grilling is done on another nice Brinkmann appliance. Performance Great smoker overall. I've run charcoal through this thing for 13 plus hours at a time smoking Missouri Wild Hog and it's performed beautifully and never let me down. As I stated above I've never used it as a grill however if it performs anything like the two other Brinkmann Charcoal Grills I've owned (one I currently own) they have always held up well even under extreme use and to extreme weather situations as my grill and smoker spend most of the summer outside. The only issue of note, I have found after two or three seasons the finish starts to wear out but that is easily rectified with a can of Rust-Oleum high temperature flat black. Versatility I've smoked tons of meat in this thing as mentioned above. I'm actually looking for a larger smoker at this point, which brings me to the only down side of this little smoker, It's size is the only thing that really holds it back in my book. Ease of Use The Brinkmann gourmet charcoal smoker is a super simple, very well designed and engineered smoker and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable smoker for home use. Ease of Cleaning I love the way this thing breaks down for cleaning and emptying ash. I wish my grill did the same. Durability I figured after a couple of years of use it would start to rust out since it spends most of its time sitting on my deck exposed to the elements in the summer but it really hasn't. As mentioned above I have since repainted it with High Temp Spray paint, however this seems to be fairly common with Brinkmann products as I have had to do this with both the grills I've owned after a few seasons. However if its any testament to their durability both Brinkmann grills I have owned are still in good usable shape, my first one was passed down to my father-in-law 4 years ago when i bought a new one and he's still using it. I expect based on its performance so far this smoker will last much the same. Design There are a few minor things I would improve but overall I am very happy with this smoker and will be checking with Brinkmann to find out if they make a larger version of this great little unit.

glasser3

USA

I don't need an excuse to use my brinkman out door smoker grill. A lot of times I plan my meals around using my grill, and when I go to the grocery I find myself choosing vegies, and meats that  will be flavor enhanced on the grill. Just think, cooking your favorite chops in a layer of grease, or boiling flavor and vitamins out of your fresh vegetables in a pot of water. Would't you rather be searing in juices and flavor of a nice piece of meat, and grilling in tenderness in your pepers,squash, and other fresh vegetables.     The brinkman grill is easy to use, turn on the propane tank, that is stored safetly in the enclosed cabinet, select which one or any of the four cast iron burners you wish to use, and press in on the burner controll to ignite.  The burner  controll knob will allow you to set the flame to low, medium or high.   The brinkman grill has an easy to read thermometer on the lid to use to help regulate the temperature for proper grilling.  With the electronic ignition, you do not have to fumble with matches or lighters or any other flame devise to safetly light the burners.  After the burners are set just close the seal tight lid and wait for desired temperature.      The porcelin burner grates help keep food from sticking, but in some cases you can take a piece of towel with vegetable oil to apply to grate to insure non stick.  The porcelin surface also provides for easy clean up to make your grilling experience more fun than a chore.  When you are don grilling just let the burners cool down, wipe with soapy towel, clean any excess drippings from catch can and you are ready to grill another day.  Be sure to turn of the propane valve on your tank. I hope you enjoy outdoor cooking with YOUR new brinkman grill as much as I love mine.

tampatimex

Comer, GA

I bought the smoker and used for party BBQ. It works very well! The cooking guidance is excellent1! My friends also inquires about its price and functions. The energy-saving is very important for both economic and environment. This Brinkmann charcoal smoker/Grill holds heat well and produces a tender, well-smoked meat with very little effort. I just hope the inner space for baking is larger so that I complete cooking for ten people quicker. Its appearance looks nice. It maybe funny if the painting of the grill includes some cartoon figures. People all like to relax and have a funny atmosphere. If possible, I would like to see the improvement on the energy consumption. I would love to have more parties during the nice weather due to the convenient assistant.

JessicaCeh

Albuquerque, NM

     I've smoked a lot of meat in my day and you just can't beat a Brinkmann smoker for quality and value. Meat comes off my smoker moist and juicy. I will buy another Brinkmann smoker when I wear this one out.

david72155

Crawfordville, FL

I already own the Brinkmann Gourmet Electric Smoker and recently purchased it's charcoal counterpart.  I used the charcoal smoker for the first time yesterday.  Had a couple of steaks I wanted to try on it.  I used it as a grill, taking the bottom part (where the charcoal goes) and setting it on the body part (where the domed lid goes.)  I could have set it on a metal table had one been available.  Once the coals were ready, I put the steaks on the grill, put the lid on and waited about 5 minutes before turning the steaks.  After another 5 minutes, the steaks were done to perfection.   The only thing I don't really like about the smoker is the thermometer only has three settings on it: Warm, Ideal, and Hot.  I might look into purchasing another thermometer that has degrees on it instead.  This weekend I plan to use it as a smoker and if it works as well as the electric one does, the ribs are going to be great!  The smoker comes with a drip pan that you put water in to prevent the meat from drying out.  You can put wood chips wrapped in foil on the charcoal.  My favorite is Mesquite.  There is a door in the front where you can add extra charcoal should you need it, or you can lift the body part off the base and add the charcoal.  I want to add that there is assembly required when you buy the smoker.  I understand that it is not difficult to assemble.  I took the easy way out, went shopping and let my husband assemble it whil I was gone.  I came home to a fully assembled smoker and several leftover nuts and bolts (they were extra ones according to my husband).   

carolinatravlr

Anderson, SC