Dyna-Glo DGD381BNC-D Compact Charcoal Grill, Black

Our 15-year-old Weber kettle charcoal grill is still in great shape. However, newly-retired DH decided to perfect his char-broiled steak technique. So we needed a new charcoal grill that allows one to adjust the distance between the coals and the meat. So... we needed a new charcoal grill.We had steep requirements: 1) it must be charcoal not propane (hence a limited selection), 2) it must have a height-adjustable charcoal tray (selection VERY limited!), 3) it must be light enough to be easily maneuverable (our HOA requires that we not leave grills outdoors), 4) it must be reasonably sturdy (2 or 3 models on display at local hardware stores were tissue-paper thin and shaky) and 5) must cost less than $150 (selection? HA! What selection??!). So we bought the Dyna-Glo Compact charcoal grill.This grill is great. It's exactly what we wanted. It meets all of our criteria. Plus isthas additional features like adjustable air vents, split grilling grates, coal adding door, removable ash tray, thermometer, etc. The shipping weight is 60 pounds, but that includes a lot of packaging; the assembled grill is more like 50 pounds which is quite maneuverable because of its wheels. The nearest competitor is more like 88 pounds. The few other-height charcoal grills cost almost twice as much as this one, so we were happy with the cost.However, as several Amazon reviewers have said, there are some cons, too. First is the complex assembly required. We had no trouble assembling this grill because we were forewarned that it is complex and time-consuming We took our time, read the instructions carefully, and planned to give ourselves a couple of days to do the whole thing a little at a time. So the assembly was slow but successful. The finished product is quite sturdy and very pleasing.Amazon reviewers also complained that the item arrived damaged (ours was perfect), that the charcoal tray had large holes that allowed chunks of coal to fall through. This wasted fuel and made it difficult to remove the ash tray. In addition, the charcoal tray could not be removed to be emptied or replaced. Other reviewers complained that the paint on the inexpensive steel sheet metal outer surface burned off., leading to rusting We know that we purchased an inexpensive model-- that was one of our fundamental requirements. So we are prepared to compensate for that.First, we purchased two inexpensive stainless steel vegetable grilling trays to place in the charcoal tray (see photos). These two trays will extend the life of the original (non-replaceable) charcoal tray. Their smaller holes will prevent large chunks of coal from falling through and they can be removed, emptied and replaced at any time. We also plan to maintain the exterior surface of this grill every Spring by tightening the screws, removing any rust and re-painting with heat-tolerant grill spray paint where needed.It is not fair to criticize an inexpensive item because it is not as strong as a similar item that costs a lot more. If you choose to get a cat, don't complain later that it's not a dog. This is a great grill for the price. It fits all of our needs, and we plan to give it a little TLC to keep it happy and healthy for quite a few years. No complaints here, folks!

My Dyna-Glo grill meets all my expectations... This compact grill is great for Apartment living.... not too big... not too small

The grilling rack is porcelain coated heavy gauge wire not cast iron as I prefer. So take extra precautions to not crack it's finish.It assembled fairly easy in about hour and a half by myself. I did apply red lock tight to every thread.Don't tighten lid hinge screws until it's completely assembled and even then you still may have to tweak the top to straighten it with the grill.And there is no was to remove the coal rack. You have to brush the ashes through the holes onto the ash tray below to clean it out.Grills just fine and sure it'll last some years with care and out of the weather.

I love this grill, we just used it for the first time and it's amazing. I would say the same as everyone else here that putting it together takes quite a bit of time. It took two of us a couple of hours and some of the instructions were a bit off. it is smaller than what you see in the pictures, but I anticipated that from other reviews and that was an attraction as my girl and I aren't very tall.it does have a really nice amount of surface area. My biggest complaint is that the lead was scratched and a bit dented when it came out of the box but since it takes so long to put together, I really don't want to have to take it apart, send it back, wait for a new one, and build a new one. The picture for my review really shows the scratch on the front right.

Went together well--seems study--I had to get a replacement temp gauge-great service got a new one in a couple of days. I have only used it 6 or 7 times--no complaints--easy to clean out

I have an elemental approach to grilling and smoking. Charcoal is my only way to grill. And the simpler the grill, the better. This grill has the tools to get the job done well. Two things stand out for me. First, the adjustable grill level makes it easy to move the heat closer to the meat. It really makes reverse searing and mixed grill loads easier and smoother. Second, the ash tray is so darned easy for clean up. TIP for all charcoalers: paper grocery bags are awesome firestarter material in a chimney. I'm getting hot coals consistently and quickly. Happy grillin'!

This looks like a propane grill but is charcoal. Even heat and burns brickets completely. Easy ash removal.

So far very pleased with this grill. Wasn't hard at all to assemble! The lid is a little lopsided, but I'm sure it will settle and straightin out.

The media could not be loaded.  It seems to be more durable than the last charcoal BBQ I purchased. The coal tray especially. Would have liked to see the cooking racks/grill to be a little heavier round bars.

My partner loves his grill. It’s easy to assemble and fits well on our deck. A tip…get the cover and a charcoal mat as well.

Hubby uses it all the timeJust need a bigger one

Great product

Excellent BBQ