Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill

Since you asked...

Yes, I wanted to buy a product that was made in the USA out of cast iron and would last for a generation or two. I just received an emailed request from Amazon to review my purchase and happened to fire it up to grill some chicken tonight. To my dismay, I found a crack that went clear through one edge of the cooking surface. I am not too pleased. I have only had this Lodge Sportsman's grill for a matter of weeks and can count the number of times I have used it on my fingers.

I have not abused the grill in any way. So what will Amazon or Lodge do to make this right? I would give the product more than just 2 stars if something can be done. Maybe this is just a casting flaw but I wouldn't want to give one of these grills as a gift and find out later that the thing broke after just a few uses. As heavy as it is, I would think that it would be sturdier.

The grill does what it is supposed to, be portable and provide high temp grilling. The fact that it fits inside a Weber kettle grill is also handy. I leave mine inside of the Weber to keep it out of the weather. The main cons are that if you pick it up by the bail (handle) it is very off balance towards the door side. Another design item I don't like it the fact that there is no raised rim around the edge of the grilling surface. If the grill is not completely level, round items like hot dogs or brats will tend to roll off of the grill.

I am reasonably well pleased with the function, but there is a structural member that runs above the air vent and below the door and one side of it cracked completely through the first time I used it. For the time being, it still works. But it is only a matter of time before the other side cracks and the major structural piece and the door will fall off. It will still be usable, but will look kind of stupid with a big hole in the side of it.

My husband had been wanting a small charcoal grill ever since we made the switch to propane grilling. We both love the no-waiting advantage of propane, but my hubby is a die-hard charcoal lover at heart. I finally got it for him and if it hadn't been so late he would have fired it up immediately! This is a heavy item and has a place of honor on its own concrete block pillar. The coals hold usable heat for a long time and the grill surface is big enough for several burgers and brats. If you're looking for something that is more portable than a large charcoal grill, and if you don't need room to cook for a dozen people, we really recommend this grill and fully expect it to live up to Lodge's great reputation!

We love this little hibachi. The cast iron grate does a great sear on meats and veggies. Works great for boneless chicken, steaks, burgers, kebabs & grilled veggies. For thicker items, we put a strip of foil on top of the food (NOT the grate) to help cook through the middle. It uses only a small amount of charcoal. It's joined our list of keeper grills.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1C61F5V3FGINX Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill