Anyone who loves outdoor cooking knows the frustration of being limited by their equipment. Maybe you live in a smaller space but still crave the smoky flavor of charcoal, or perhaps you have a larger grill but want to dabble in true Texas-style offset smoking without buying a whole new setup. I’ve certainly been there, feeling stuck with just one way to cook outdoors. Not addressing this limitation means missing out on different cooking methods, limiting the variety of food you can prepare, and ultimately diminishing the full potential of backyard or on-the-go barbecues. A versatile solution could make a huge difference.
- CHARCOAL BBQ GRILL - Portable charcoal barbecue grill that also attaches as a side fire box to most Char-Griller outdoor grills & smokers
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch grilling area with thick cast iron cooking grates, can cook up to 12 burgers at once
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION - Made from heavy-gauge powder coated steel for maximum durability and heat retention when grilling and smoking
Things to Ponder Before Investing in a Charcoal Grill and Smoker Attachment
A charcoal grill or a side fire box attachment primarily addresses the desire for that distinct charcoal flavor and the ability to do low-and-slow smoking. People seek these items when they want more control over heat and smoke compared to gas grills, or when they want to add offset smoking capabilities to an existing setup. The ideal customer for a product like this is someone who values versatility, has limited space but doesn’t want to sacrifice flavor, or is a charcoal grilling enthusiast looking to expand into offset smoking. It’s great for apartment balconies, small patios, tailgating, camping, or pairing with a larger grill.
Who shouldn’t buy this? If you only ever cook for huge crowds and need a massive primary cooking surface, this might be too small as a standalone grill. If you prefer the instant on/off convenience and precise temperature control of gas and have no interest in charcoal or smoking, this isn’t for you; you’d be better off with a dedicated gas grill. Before buying, you need to consider the space you have, how many people you typically cook for, your desired cooking methods (grilling, smoking, or both), your budget, and the importance of portability and ease of cleanup.
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker
- This Weber kettle grill has space to hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; The durable-plated steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel, offers a resilient surface that stands up...
- Main Smoking Area: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook large cuts of meat.
Introducing the Char-Griller E82424
The Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box Attachment, Model E82424, is a clever two-in-one solution. It promises the ability to enjoy charcoal grilling in a compact, portable form factor while also serving as a side fire box to convert many existing Char-Griller barrel grills into Texas-style offset smokers. When you purchase it, you get the main unit, which includes the body, lid, cast iron grates, legs (if using standalone), and the ash pan, along with the necessary hardware for assembly and attachment. While I don’t have specific data to compare it directly to every market leader or previous iterations, its key differentiator is this dual functionality at a reasonable price point. This specific Char-Griller E82424 unit is ideal for someone who wants flexibility – either needing a small, capable charcoal grill for small cooks or on the go, or owning a compatible Char-Griller barrel grill and wanting to add the art of offset smoking to their repertoire. It’s likely not the best fit as the *only* grill for someone who routinely hosts large backyard parties, unless they plan on using it purely as a side fire box.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Highly versatile: Functions as a standalone grill and a side fire box.
- Portable and compact with convenient handles.
- Thick cast iron cooking grates provide excellent heat retention and searing.
- Heavy-gauge steel construction feels solid for its size.
- Easy Dump Ash Pan simplifies cleanup.
Cons:
- Primary grilling area is limited for larger gatherings.
- Exterior paint may flake off under high heat, particularly when used as a side fire box.
- Can be a bit heavy for some users despite being “portable” (around 42 lbs).
Exploring the Capabilities: Features & Benefits
Having used the Char-Griller E82424 for a while now, its standout features truly shine, especially when you consider its dual identity. Let’s dive into what makes this little powerhouse so effective.
Portable Design and Sturdy Build
Right out of the box, the solid feel of the heavy-gauge powder-coated steel construction is apparent. This isn’t a flimsy, tinny grill. The robustness contributes significantly to heat retention, which is crucial for consistent cooking temperatures, whether you’re grilling burgers or attempting a long smoke. Measuring around 21″L x 18″W x 20″H and weighing in at about 42 lbs, it strikes a balance. While 42 lbs isn’t feather-light, the convenient handles integrated into the design make it genuinely portable. I’ve easily moved it from my patio to the garage, taken it camping, and even brought it along for a tailgate. The benefit here is obvious: your ability to grill or smoke isn’t tied to one location. If you have a small patio or balcony, it’s a perfect fit. If you love getting out, it comes with you. This portability opens up a world of possibilities that a larger, stationary grill simply can’t offer.
Dual Functionality: Standalone Grill and Side Fire Box
This is arguably the most compelling feature of the Char-Griller E82424. As a standalone charcoal grill, it provides a 250 square inch cooking area, which is ample space for cooking about 12 burgers at once – plenty for a family meal or a small gathering. The performance as a grill is excellent; it gets hot quickly with charcoal and maintains temperature well thanks to the steel body and cast iron grates. But its true magic lies in its ability to attach to compatible Char-Griller barrel grills (models like 5030, 5050, 5650, 2121, etc.) and transform into a side fire box for Texas-style offset smoking. This means you burn your charcoal and wood in the E82424, and the heat and smoke flow into the main barrel chamber where the meat sits. The benefit? You get authentic low-and-slow barbecue with that deep, smoky flavor that only offset smoking can provide, all without needing a dedicated, bulky smoker. It adds incredible versatility to an existing setup or provides an entry point into smoking for those with limited space or budget for a large smoker. It effectively gives you two major cooking methods for the price of one compact unit.
Superior Cooking Surface: Cast Iron Grates
The cooking grates are thick cast iron, which is a significant step up from thinner wire grates often found on portable grills. Cast iron has exceptional heat retention capabilities. Once it’s hot, it stays hot, leading to more even cooking temperatures and those coveted grill marks that scream “perfectly cooked.” This also means less temperature fluctuation when you add food. For searing steaks or chops, the cast iron provides a fantastic surface to develop a beautiful crust. Furthermore, cast iron, when properly seasoned and maintained, is incredibly durable and provides a naturally non-stick surface over time. The benefit is not just durability, but enhanced flavor and cooking performance that’s hard to beat in this category.
Precise Temperature Control with Dual Dampers
Effective temperature management is key to successful grilling and absolutely essential for smoking. The Char-Griller E82424 is equipped with adjustable dual dampers – one on the fire box body and one on the lid. These dampers control the airflow in and out of the unit. More airflow means hotter temperatures; less airflow means cooler temperatures and more smoke production (ideal for smoking). Learning to use the dampers in conjunction with managing your charcoal fire allows you to fine-tune the heat for anything from high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking. This level of control, combined with a reliable temperature gauge (I’d recommend adding an accurate probe thermometer for smoking), empowers you to achieve consistent and predictable results, which is incredibly beneficial for mastering charcoal cooking.
Effortless Cleanup with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
Cleaning up charcoal ash can be one of the less enjoyable parts of charcoal grilling. The Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill features a removable Easy Dump Ash Pan at the bottom. After your cook and once the ashes have cooled, you simply slide out the pan, dump the ashes, and slide it back in. This eliminates the need to awkwardly scrape out the inside of the grill body, which is a huge time and effort saver. The benefit is a significantly streamlined cleanup process, making you more likely to use the grill regularly. While the exterior may require occasional cleaning and potential touch-ups on the paint (as mentioned in the cons), the interior ash management is very user-friendly.
Adding to an Existing Setup
For those who already own a compatible Char-Griller barrel grill, the E82424 unit easily attaches as a side fire box. The attachment process is straightforward, involving removing a plate from the main grill body and bolting the side fire box on. This integration turns a standard barrel grill into a dedicated offset smoker setup, allowing you to cook larger cuts of meat (like briskets or pork butts) indirectly in the main chamber while managing the fire and smoke in the attached box. This provides the space needed for larger smoking projects while still giving you the control and flavor profile of offset smoking. It’s a cost-effective way to get into serious barbecue smoking without investing in a whole new, massive smoker rig.
The combination of sturdy construction, versatile functionality, quality cooking grates, and thoughtful design features like the ash pan make the Char-Griller E82424 a compelling option for anyone looking to expand their outdoor cooking horizons, whether through portable grilling or authentic offset smoking.
Listening to Other Users (Social Proof)
Looking around online, it’s clear many users are quite pleased with the Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box. Many highlight its solid construction, appreciating that it feels much more durable than cheaper portable grills. The ease of assembly is frequently mentioned as a positive point. Users also praise its performance both as a standalone grill, noting its ability to get hot quickly and cook well, and as a side fire box for smoking, confirming it effectively delivers Texas-style results. While a few users have noted concerns about the external paint’s durability under high heat over time, the overall consensus points to a well-functioning, versatile, and valuable unit for charcoal grilling and smoking enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve felt limited by your current outdoor cooking setup, either lacking portability or the ability to achieve true smoky flavor through offset smoking, the consequences are missed opportunities for delicious meals and versatile entertaining. The Char-Griller E82424 Portable Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box Attachment stands out as a fantastic solution. Its dual functionality provides incredible value, allowing you to grill on the go or elevate your existing Char-Griller setup for authentic smoking. The robust build and quality features like cast iron grates ensure excellent cooking results. To learn more and get your own versatile Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box Attachment, click here.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API