Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro Model Grill

Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro Model Grill Review

Yep, the other reviews complaining about the assembly instructions are right! The instructions are terrible, but hey, you pretty much only use them once, and then lose them :) You've also got to rely on thinking in addition to the printed instructions so things go together correctly. So once that's out of the way, it turns into a charcoal grill that you can use to cook. In the latter case, it's a great grill. Fit and finish on mine was excellent. Had some left over hardware, particularly two cotter pins, and cannot find anywhere on the grill to use them. And there were two or three missing split lock washers. Fortunately I had some at home to use. A few tips on assembly:
1. Before installing the hardware on the legs and stand "tubing", put the pieces together (except the braces). This will help you get the wheels on the correct side of the grill. It will also help you get the holes lined up "inwards" for the barrel/grill to mount correctly.
2. For the damper bolts, I put a little blue Loctite on the bolts before putting the washers and nuts on them. This may help to keep the nuts on, as they cannot be too tight, or the dampers will not rotate for adjustment. If this doesn't work out, I will get longer bolts and double-nut them for the dampers.
3. There cast iron grates come with instructions that are slightly different than those in the manual. The grate instructions say to first heat them up to 200 degrees to melt off the protective wax coating, if it exists (on mine it did). And to do that before seasoning the grates. The instruction manual says to apply vegetable oil to the grates and season without mention of the wax coating. Probably not a big deal as the wax coating will still melt off. Just re-seasoned the grates a 2nd time afterwards.
4. Use "Goo Gone" to get the adhesive label off the lid, before first use of the grill.
5. Remove the plastic coating "strip" that protects the Char-Grill logo plate on the lid before first use.
Fit and finish were OK. No gaps, bends, or anything awkward (other than the instruction manual). I ordered the grill from Amazon on a Sunday, and it arrived the following Friday. It was shipped in the manufacturers box, with all the fancy marketing and printing on it. It weighed about 50 pounds.
In summary, this grill gets 5-stars for its main purpose, being a charcoal grill. However the instructions get 0-stars, ok, maybe 1-star because they give some minimal guidance. We were looking for a smaller charcoal grill because we like the flavor enhancement to meats, something we just don't get with our gas grill. Got tired of replacing cheap hibachis, and didn't want a kettle, even a small one. So this Char-Griller was perfect.
Hope this review is helpful. Enjoy your grill purchase!

Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro Model Grill Feature

• Side Drawer, Cast Iron Cooking Grates, 250 In. Grill Area
• Stay Cool Wood Handle, Side Shelf
• Double Steel Bottom
• Side Air Vent
• Wheels for easy mobility

Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro Model Grill Overview

This portable charcoal grill features heavy steel construction for lasting use. The double-steel bottom retains heat and prevents coals from burning out. A hinged lid offers quick access to the cooking area.

Product Features:

• 250-sq. in. grill area provides plenty of grilling space
• Cast-iron cooking grates heat evenly for optimal grilling results
• Heavy steel construction provides lasting strength
• Double-steel bottom holds in the heat and prevents burnout
• Wood handle conducts heat less quickly than metal
• Side air vents help regulate the heat
• Side drawer provides easy access to coals and ashes
• Hinged lid provides comfortable access to the cooking area
• Fire grate holds coals off the bottom for better heat distribution
• Side shelf offers a convenient prep area
• Easy-dump ash pan offers hassle-free cleanup
• 2 wheels for easy mobility
• Assembly required
• Dimensions: 21"l x 31"w x 44"h
• Warranty: 1 year parts; 5 years for burned- or rusted-through body (lid and bottom half)

(Model 1515)

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 13, 2009 10:04:04