If you are anything like me, the day after Christmas, you start preparing for summer. Let’s face it, winter is great for holidays, but summer is where it’s at. For most people, the one thing that makes it summer is that backyard barbecue. The must need for the summer staple is a grill.
January through March is the best time to shop for a great new grill because it is available at off-season prices. Depending on who you ask about grilling, a lot of old-timers prefer the good old charcoal method, while your seasoned griller loves a gas grill.
There is excellent news, everyone. The Char-Griller 505 Duo Gas-And-Charcoal Grill is your answer. If you want the best of both worlds, this grill is the answer to your prayers. Of course, if you don’t want to take my word for it, check out this article. But, stick around, I’ll break down the goods on this backyard treat for you.
?Check Out Current Price & Customer Reviews On Amazon?
What Is the Char-Griller 5050 Duo?
The Char-Griller 5050 Duo is exactly what it says. It is a more compact version of a charcoal grill on one side while giving you the versatility of a three-burner gas grill on the other side. It even offers a 12,000 BTU burner on the side like other popular gas grills to allow for cooking while you grill.
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Specs
The Duo offers a 438-inch charcoal grilling surface, along with a 438-inch gas grilling surface. You have about 40,000 BTU at your disposal for grilling, and a battery-operated igniter to ensure you get a smooth start every time. There are also 12000 BTUs available on a side burner that regular gas grills have as well.
The grates are porcelain-coated iron, which will ensure sustainability and ease of cleaning when you are done.
What is unique about this grill as well is that the barrel shape of the allows for excellent airflow and helps maintain a consistent temperature for cooking.
Duo has also painted the steel barrel with thermal paint to ensure you don’t have to deal with peeling and wear. The steel construction also ensures that your grill will stand the test of time.
Who Is the Duo 5050 For?
Whether you are a seasoned griller or just starting out, this grill is a great buy. For those who like to use charcoal and smoke their entrees, you can smoke or slow cook your food on the charcoal side. It is a great choice as well if you like to smoke with flavor like hickory or apple.
The gas option allows you to whip up other entries that do not require all-day smoking. It is a good option as well because it provides you over 1200 inches of cooking surface that allows you to please all your guests young and old.
This grill is also easy to use. There are no complicated components that make it difficult to assemble and use either. With the side burner, you can cook everything from your vegetables, meats, and side dishes.
What Are the Benefits of the Char-Griller 5050 Duo?
Aside from the benefits of having the option to have charcoal and gas in one grill, the construction of the barrels optimizes the ability to hold heat in while cooking. This grill also has the thermometer on the outside of both grills so you can monitor your food’s progress is also convenient.
This particular grill also comes with the option to buy a side box strictly for smoking. Many customers have purchased this option and are pleased how easy it is to attach and are given the ability to have three great cooking options in one compact assembly.
Factors to Consider
When purchasing the Duo, you can be rest assured the company will back their product. Along with a one-year warranty for parts, the company also offers an overall five-year warranty for the unit itself.
Customer service is available if you have any issues with the assembly. Their reps are knowledgeable about the product and will be happy to walk you through any problems you have.
Advantages
Although you are getting two grills in one, the assembly process is not extremely complicated. The instructions are easy to follow and self-explanatory.
If you want to have a relaxing, laid back day out in the yard, you have found the right grill. You can put your food on and let it slow cook on the charcoal and not have to worry about the heating temp fluctuating.
The grill is easy to move if you want to move it to accommodate guests. The sturdy construction allows the grill to be put to the test and not fail.
Disadvantages
If you use this grill a lot, some of the components of the gas grill are plastic and may break. Depending on how much you cook, the 40,000 may not be enough for your liking. The charcoal side of the grill is exactly like you would expect to stand along with charcoal grills.
Space may be a bit small, depending on how many you are feeding. Using both grills together though will accommodate larger crowds. The heating rack in the lid is not removable like other grill models. It can cause some of your drippings to fall on the ground when you open the lid if you do not remove the food.
Pricing and Other Extras
Duo offers a cover that is custom made for this grill for an affordable price, which will allow for better preservation as it is made for this grill specifically.
The charcoal side can also be used to add heat to the gas side of the grill. While the BTU’s can handle your food, some grillers prefer to have the added heat to help the food get done quicker.
After reading some customer reviews, many say that the purchase process was smooth and no fuss. The assembly comes with very easy to follow instructions. If you are just starting out and want a great grill on a budget, the Duo is a perfect choice because the process is a simple one, and you can have your grill ready to go within two hours of getting it.
The steel construction of the grills allows for sustainability and preservation.
The grates that come with the grill for the cooking surfaces are built to last and will ensure your foot doesn’t get that burned and charred taste unless you want it.
Customer Feedback About the Duo
So, you don’t have to scour site after site, I reviewed some feedback on Amazon and the company website. When I research a product, I always read about customer service and warranty issues. The good news in customers is raving about the flexibility and options that come with the Duo.
Many customers love the side box smoker option. They have stated that not only can you have a meal going, but you can also feed a large crowd as well as provide extra heat for meals you are cooking on your charcoal or gas grill.
The ability to travel with the Duo is excellent. The compact, sturdy design allows for easy transport if you love to camp or attend family reunions. The perfect back yard and campsite grill that allows you the fun in the sun even if you travel outside of your back yard
Many novice grillers rave about the easy assembly as well as the ability to cook with ease and easy cleanup.
The ability to buy accessories for this grill is an easy process as well. The company offers custom-made cover for the grill as well as a side box strictly made for smoking.
Many customers are raving about the quantity of food you can cook on this combo as well. One woman raved because she was able to cook four steaks, corn, potatoes, and even prepare fried rice on the side burner. She was excited because half the work with grilling outside is continuously going in and out. Her husband was pleased as well because they could do all the prep inside and then make one trip outdo.
Conclusion
It is a pretty significant purchase for the average working family. You may think to yourself, why would I do this? I asked myself the same thing. What could a company do to compel me to spend that much money on a product that I may not use every day?
?Check Out Current Price & Customer Reviews On Amazon?
Well, Duo has answered that question for me. When I price a decent size charcoal grill and a regular gas grill with a side burner, the answer is pretty self-explanatory. I would happily get this grill combo, and to boot, I can spend a few more bucks and have a smoker as well.
Amazon offers the best price that I have found so far after some research. All in all, for an affordable option that will allow you the versatility of charcoal, gas, and smoker, The Char-Griller 5050 Duo is a great choice.
