4 EASY Grand Champ Offset MODIFICATIONS | Char-Griller XD Grand Champ Offset Smoker Grill!

[@CjsQue]

Amazon Affilate Links to the Items used for the modifications: Titanium 1 1/4 Drill Bit: amzn.to/3tN8cqE Thermometer and Probe Gromments: amzn.to/3q9OseB Lava Lock Silicone: amzn.to/3p4nvHK Lava Lock Temp Gauges: amzn.to/3jL9E8k BBQ Smoker Gasket: amzn.to/3aXyaiv

[@shammy9]

got my Grand Champ arriving tomorrow. Very excited! Good vid. Some of these mods might need doing if it helps perfect the cooking. Going to do my first brisket in the next few days, probably on Christmas day as its going to be a mild one here in the UK. Wish me luck y'all!

[@ghod666]

Good luck from Texas!😊

[@hksrmediagroup24]

Just got mine for father’s day. Your video has been very helpful. Great video

[@CjsQue]

Thank you!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Excellent video and even more excellent topic. I predict this video will have legs for a long time.

[@CjsQue]

Thank you sir! And hopefully!

[@SnSGrills]

@@CjsQue I've been recommended this video every time I've logged in even though I've already watched it end to end. The algorithm gods bless you.

[@JA-rc4uy]

Good video, loved the grommet mod. Now you got me doing it to my grand champ XD LOL. I did not have any of the other issues with it though. Another thing I discovered is that if you flip the ash pan upside-down in the main cook chamber, it aligns perfectly with the firebox opening and acts as a great baffel to distribute the heat evenly throughout the entire chamber. You might just need to do a little adjustment side to side to get the heat flow right. The temperatures are now within 1-2 degrees different between the fire box side and the stack side.

[@CjsQue]

Thanks! Yeah I’ve turned the ash pan over on most of my cooks too.

[@underach1ever834]

​@@CjsQue Hey CJ, did you drill small to large holes in your ash pan (smaller holes near the fire box, getting larger the further away)?

[@keepamerica2astrong280]

South Carolina Coast here. Those are great mods thanks. Keller"s grillzebo vid has a really cool mod for the steel wheels. He went to a patio furniture chair site and got rubber overlays for the steel wheels. Just slip them on over the steel wheels. Love the grill hate the noise and scratches it leaves on my stamped concrete around my pool. Check it out . Ordered some today, hope they work out since the grill is so heavy. He used one each wheel I am going to use 2 per wheel for extra coverage. Love your channel bro always great content, subbed...

[@mannyguerra866]

First time smoker, taking all your upgrades and applying to new grill. Thanks for the videos, helped me to chose this smoker.

[@CjsQue]

Thank you!

[@mannyguerra866]

Even getting a DALSTRONG BBQ Pitmaster & Meat Knife - 8" - Gladiator Series - Forked Tip & Bottle Opener - High-Carbon ThyssenKrupp German Steel - G10 Handle - w/Sheath as a gift from my father after he watch one of your videos! That was a surprise!

[@mikemosley4865]

Great job on the mods. I bet you make the neighbors hungry lol .

[@CjsQue]

Lol ya I’m sure! Thanks brother!

[@chewy71]

The quick fix for the warped firebox lid isn't more gaskets you need to stick a screwdriver under the lid between the left hinge and the cooking chamber and shut the lid a couple times. That corner gets warped and holds the hole lid up

[@CjsQue]

I’ll give it a try

[@ryangoring]

It works

[@carlosmartinez-ix8gj]

Mr CJ It looks like the weight of the doors resting on the hinge when open is warping its round shape leaving a gap at the fire box and smoke chamber. Solution for another mod, maybe weld support brackets for door support to relieve pressure off the hinges. Thanks for sharing your 4 mods......

[@CjsQue]

Hey thanks. I’ll look into that. Appreciate ya watching. Cheers

[@RicsBBQSpecialties]

Great job on the mods! I’m getting ready to do a cleanup on my stick burner and will do the same things you did here. 👊🏼

[@CjsQue]

Thanks brother! Cheers

[@BOBFudge]

I just got a grand champ and it's my first Offset Smoker coming from a Weber smokey mountain 18. I used the liquid gasket when attaching the smoke stack and firebox to the main chamber. Worked great. I have a leak on the top right side of the main door and I've seen others having this same problem. Now 3 years from this video, was doubling up the felt gasket around the door the end-all fix to the door leaks for you? Great content, keep it up!

[@chaiveyreid]

Thanks for the thermometer links..I’ve been looking for that!! Great videos as well

[@CjsQue]

Appreciate it brother. Cheers!

[@TOn-sk8mc]

This video is greatly appreciated my dude. Thanks.

[@CjsQue]

Cheers

[@josenalvarado]

Those are some great mods. Stay grilling ♨️

[@CjsQue]

Thanks brother! Cheers

[@Spoons7414]

When you’re drilling into steel like you did for your pilot hole always drill slow and push hard. Use some kind of lube to help the bit cut and keep the bit cool. Oil or wax. When you’re using the step bit to open your hole a little more sometimes a small little rocking action will help.

[@KingShaka_daGreat]

What type of oil? Or does it matter? My first thought was olive oil but I wanted to make sure I wasn't way off in my assumption

[@TheCrazyPop]

Great Mods, I can't wait to see how much better it will do now!!

[@CjsQue]

Thanks Butch! Cheers brother!

[@GetOutNerd]

Looking to buy my first offset smoker sometime next year, debating whether or not to get this unit as a starter or if I save up and get an old country Brazos. Just wanted to see what your thoughts were and how the char griller has worked for you Ive had a vertical smoker for about a year, but looking to dive into the world of offset smokers

[@dingdongdaddy589]

I am in the middle of the same debate. I’m in the northeast so my access to a decent offset is limited. There is a brazos about 2 hrs from me for $1,599. Which is pretty steep… especially since they were under a thousand bucks not too long ago. Found this GC recently and it’s looking better and better. Seems better than the Oklahoma Joe. Chargriller website says $549, but then when you go to home depot site it says $599. If I buy, I will call HD direct and ask them to price match… Over a decade ago I randomly bought a Char Griller Akorn Kamado on clearance at walmart for under $100. It was such an awesome grill/“smoker” that later on I thought it would be a good upgrade to get a big green egg. I did, gave the Akorn to my bud and later regretted it. Shoulda kept for a second grill. It was as good as the egg, PLUS two side tables. My bud still has it and uses all the time - over ten years later. I think ya gotta be honest with yourself with usage(like I have to be with myself). Is it worth nearly an extra grand if you are just backyard dabble smoking a dozen times a summer, probably not. Regardless, good luck. 👊🏽

[@dingdongdaddy589]

I had enough. I just pulled the trigger - contacted home depot via text option and they said as a one time courtesy they would honor the $549 from char grillers site. I told them great, but since it’s exclusive to home depot, it’s ridiculous the web sites don’t jive. Anyway - I like buying the best stuff when I can. Can’t justify it in this case, as much as I tried. Don’t want to wait any longer, I have been nominated for memorial day family party and the BGE won’t handle the volume I need, of course. I’ll probably need a few weeks to seal/bend season and get a few smokes in before then. Thanks for letting me talk all this out. U helped me decide! 👊🏽🤣👍🏽

[@GetOutNerd]

@@dingdongdaddy589 Haha not sure how much I helped, but glad to hear you got yourself the GC in the end! Going to hold off until next year when I find out where our family will be moving to. That's my entire philosophy too, I need a smoker to handle a large volume of food all at once because I want to be able to host large cookouts for my family and experiment with different recipes. Let me know how the memorial day cook goes!

[@dingdongdaddy589]

@@GetOutNerd - Just your question and the fact that you were considering the brazos, I suppose. I literally have a half dozen emails to this BBQ supply store 2 hrs away over their brazos/pecos and have watched half dozen hours of vids on just the brazos. Seeing my thoughts written out to you and a re-read was helpful for me. I appreciate it and hope your move goes well and you find something suitable to your needs when the time comes. 🙏🏽 I will try my best to remember to come back and let you know.

[@Joeblade1966]

Do you have a video with results with the ashtray flipped ? You mentioned it in a video. Ty

[@mattro4902]

Nice mods. How good is the cooker's ability to smoke protiens? I ask becase I am considering one of these as their seems to be a good value when comparing to other more expensive/less expensive pits.

[@saulsanchez1153]

Great video CJ! Once I get my Grand Champion, I'm going to do those mods as well. Going to hookup my other Chargriller like that as well! 👍👌

[@CjsQue]

Very cool brother! Cheers!

[@paulmarsdensr1095]

A great video brother. I love my Chargriller. The best BBQ pit I have ever owned.

[@CjsQue]

Thanks brother!

[@bigromesbbq3927]

Good mods bro . Thanks for sharing

[@CjsQue]

Thanks Big Rome!

[@bigmikeb23]

Anyone have any issues with drilling the grommet hole on the sample stack side? I cannot get it to go past 1”. Thought my step bit was the issue bought another one same issue

[@92greenebeen]

Did the lava lock guages come 2 in a pack??? Or was it only one for $18??

[@apsvend]

👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾🙌 You're the boss

[@james10739]

You don't have to predrill with those uni bits but I usually do makes it easier and saves the tip if for some reason I had to use it one day

[@arturoramirez3718]

Nice video, i will order the parts like you and seal her up. Thank you.

[@CjsQue]

Right on! Thanks!

[@djrtime1398]

Have you tried flipping the main cook chamber lower charcoal plate over? Back it off 1” from the firebox end. I’ve heard doing this gives great even temps.

[@CjsQue]

Yessir! I do it all the time now. Found that out after I shot the video.

[@gumbo4life506]

Did the gasket on the firebox work after the initial application? My firebox also fits like this and I use 1 or 2 bricks on the handle to seal the gap. I’ve had this smoker for 6 months now and love everything except the firebox fit. Made my best brisket ever this holiday weekend! Thanks for the videos.

[@CjsQue]

You know the gasket that came with it and the gasket I added have both came off. But I’ve found it hasn’t really affected it that much. I just keep a couple logs on it, to hold it down a bit too and it works fine. I dig the smoker for sure, but it’s a beast. Thanks for watching! Cheers

[@chewy71]

Open the lid and put a thin screwdriver under the lid between the left hinge and the cooking chamber then shut the lid slowly a couple times. Shuts like new

[@bobbicatton]

Nice work CJ👍

[@CjsQue]

Thanks Bobbi!

[@frediamond]

do you still use your grand champ

[@jeremydelira7422]

Great video bro! Can't wait to get this for an early father's day present😎. On the temp gauges did you get the 2 in or the 3 in? Thanks my man and keep the videos coming!

[@CjsQue]

Thanks brother! I got the 2 inch gauges. Appreciate ya watching!

[@amax4409]

Appreciate the video

[@joeramos6794]

Just got one thanks for the info Cj’s Que

[@CjsQue]

Right on! Thanks

[@whasumara73]

Hey Cj thank you very much for the tips. I bought my Grand Champion a month ago, and I tested the chamber temperature close to the firebox (approximately 6" to 12" away) with a digital probe and did the same on the opposite side (by the stack) simultaneously and found quite a bit of temperature variation which is understandable since one side is closer to the firebox, but have you tried smoking without the smoke shield? I wonder if removing the smoke shield would make a difference in better heat distribution? I hope my question makes sense. Thank you, Joseph

[@BluePiggy97]

CJ sportin the Nike Monarchs!!!!! Dad alert!!!! Don't think I didn't catch that dude.....haha

[@CjsQue]

You know this! Dad life brother!

[@jeffbrown2901]

Just curious on your temp gauge you have a wing nut but on your link witch shows an expensive one shows a nut. Then your high temp sealant only goes to like 450 degrees is that high enough temp. Just curious

[@daddydutchbbq]

Nice mods. I have one question, did you calibrate the temp gages before installing them ? Nice work .

[@CjsQue]

Thanks Dutch! I have not yet, but will do.

[@jimmyg3855]

I noticed the smoke flavor on the upper rack is better than the bottom I think the vent needs to be dropped down also will draw the heat through the lower rack get more efficient and need a baffle to even it out you have issues with lack of smoke flavor

[@CjsQue]

I haven’t noticed the flavor change from top to bottom, but I’ll definitely pay attention next time.

[@benmiller7274]

I’m trying to drill the holes for the grommets and can’t get to 1 1/4 inch..

[@howardduran4148]

where can i get a basket like you have in the fire box?

[@CjsQue]

It came with the pit

[@joel84481]

I would like an honest opinion. Is this smoker really worth the buy and after doing mods on it. I’m pretty much a beginner on smoking meat. Eventually would like to get a trailer size smoker.

[@CjsQue]

Yeah I think so, it’s good for first timers. It’s better than the crapy ones from discount stores. But not out of bounds wise as far as cost goes.

[@jimabbott5427]

What size temp gauges did you get? Did they screw into the threads or just ones with nut on the inside of door? Would the tel tru ones work?

[@CjsQue]

2 inch, there’s a wing nut that holds it on and I’m not sure about the tel tru ones.

[@ronlapniewskijr3366]

@@CjsQue tel tru do not fit. Have to replace the plug with a 3/4" by 1/2" black pipe bushing. Cutting and replacing

[@wes-yt]

Thanks for the video! Question: does your Grand Champ leak smoke on the sides of the main chamber where the side are welded to the main chamber ( metal tube / pipe )? Thanks in Advance.

[@CjsQue]

Hey thanks. Not so much. I have it pretty sealed up.

[@g.kenleygoins5985]

Dude's Lauderdale back like me.. That's a good quality.

[@kevinx4402]

Questions how often do you dump ashes having trouble keeping wood burning what the problem

[@CjsQue]

In the beginning it was after the cook and they’re cooled. But I’m finding with a long cook you need to do it a couple times. Best to have a ash pan near so you can dump them.

[@goodashbbq]

Nice video! I got one of these rigs about 2 months ago, finding it hard to maintain lower temps (225-250). Even a smallish split with some charcoal can push the temps pretty high (275-300+). Is that common or user error? Hoping to see more of your cooks on this beast!

[@CjsQue]

I haven’t heard it being an issue. Spikes happen sometime, but I can keep it between 250-275 most of the time.

[@goodashbbq]

thanks for taking the time to answer pretty much every single question on your videos!

[@wtgphoto]

James - I've had this pit for about 6 months and initially had the same struggle, couldn't get the splits small enough, would easily to go 300 degrees! By accident I pushed the fire over to the side closest to the door, farthest away from the cook chamber, and found it is quite easy to maintain 225-250 in the center. I actually put thermometers on both ends like Cj showed and typically only look at the temp closest to the stack. When it gets to 190-200 I'll put another small split on or briquets just depending on what is needed. I do use a brick on the firebox handle to keep it closed, if it is cracked you won't be able to keep the temp down. Have fun, it is a great cooker overall.

[@GregSmith-fh6xh]

How did your firebox door get so warped did it come like that or did the heat do it? I just bought one and haven't used it yet and I hope my door doesn't end up like that

[@CjsQue]

I think it came like that. I’m going to work on trying to bend it back a bit.

[@GregSmith-fh6xh]

@@CjsQue my firebox door fits perfectly that's why I was asking I like the smoker it looks great haven't had a chance to use it yet

[@dbscratcher]

Nice idea brother

[@CjsQue]

Thanks brother!

[@El_Gato718]

How many inches is the thermometer?

[@rr.c1570]

Have you tried the tel tru 300? Just wondering if it fits.

[@ronlapniewskijr3366]

It doesn't fit. I'm welding in 3/4" by 1/2" black pipe bushing to fit the tel tru 300

[@AnthonyMaske]

Those LavaLock Thermometers, do they fit in the threads?

[@CjsQue]

No, they have a wing nut to hold them on.

[@papalarrysbbq9857]

Nice job bro..

[@CjsQue]

Thanks brother!

[@tsuniecey]

A part of me died while you were drilling those holes.....lol I've got my new gasket seal. Most of the original seal has already detached itself. Any idea what I can use to clean and degrease my lid to prep it for the new gasket?

[@CjsQue]

Lol it was a little nerve racking. Use some of that googone stuff.

[@avantmarine4011]

Disc grinder to bare metal, paint...silicone and new gaskets

[@cavyboy99]

Is there a way to turn this into a reverse flow

[@hokmed4787]

Yes with adding a piece of steal in the bottom then you will need to cut new whole for chimney on other side of smoker. The best way is to go look at a reverse flow smoker so you can see the differences

[@frediamond]

have you had any issues with the grommet.

[@CjsQue]

No nothing

[@akirasrequiem]

How even/uneven are you finding the cook chamber?

[@CjsQue]

It’s pretty off by 25-50 from the fire to the stack. I turned the ash pan in the cooking chamber over and that had helped a bit.

[@frediamond]

what size guage did you use 2 in or 3 in

[@CjsQue]

2 inches

[@frediamond]

@@CjsQue thanks

[@BrisketMedic]

good ideas

[@CjsQue]

Thanks Bro!

[@lawrencebecht660]

Loss of a little smoke in a smoker does not mean a thing you got to realize especially with the XD it's a thin cheap smoker😮

[@rafaelyanez3818]

You'd think that chargriller moniters videos on their products and would address them with quantity control before they leave the factory 😂

[@vanhenderson3802]

Thanks earlier birthday present.

[@james10739]

Those (nuts) are what we in the biz call bolts

[@Charlie-dz7jt]

Part of the smoke leaking out is because the grate isn't pushed in all the way. The bottom grate has to be lifted up and pushed in all the way.

[@CjsQue]

Yeah that’s happened a couple times. Gotta shove it in!

[@dmc3079]

You on twitter brother?

[@CjsQue]

Yessir. @cookingwithcj_

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

👍👍

[@CjsQue]

Thanks LT!

[@fracman55]

That’s not a leak on your firebox ,the hinges on your firebox and lid is bent ,you need too have a welder. heat up the hinges on your lid .that is a factory defect when you bought. The unit from Chargriller.

[@chrisanderson9542]

I would weld it

[@octpod3923]

8:54 thats what she said

[@blue81blue81]

I think for the money this should come with better fit and finish than what is shown here. Absurd having those factory fire box gaskets peel off like that.....why bother with them.? And the poor door fit right out of the box.....no excuse. Mods should be for increasing the functionality....not repairing what should have been done correctly by the factory in first place.

[@stevenmaynes5413]

door clamps

[@CjsQue]

Yes!

[@dondiesel1100]

I mean you seriously need a fire gasket on a firebox wouldn't a little air flow be good I mean you got to open the door and you got to open the vent all the way so what's the big deal happy smoking

[@CjsQue]

Really didn’t need to, just wanted too. No big deal at all. Appreciate you watching

[@viorio1]

Nice work CJ, but Chargriller should be embarrassed by this video! That firebox door awful.

[@CjsQue]

Hey thank you!

[@tsuniecey]

Quality control issue for sure. My firebox is perfectly aligned.

[@johnmclaughlin9004]

Sir, sir, i have to say. Your "nuts" definitely look like bolts to me.

[@ELVISRN1]

char griller in my opinion needs to get with it in their quality department. shame.

[@fracman55]

A quality offset smoker will not have those kind of issues,they sell those Chargriller Smokers at Home Depot,it is a decent stick burner for under 600 bucks ,but like most offset will need too modified unless you buy a high quality offset like a yoder or lang which are over 2 grand but least a lifetime..all the places were you used that high heat goop is a waste of money,you need too find a welder man in your area where you live and have him weld up all your leaks .,