Char-Griller CG30281224 Smoker
- Smoker
- 1260 sq in
- Charcoal
- Cast Iron, Metal
A large capacity charcoal offset smoker for cooks who want real cooking area and don't mind tending charcoal and airflow by hand.
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How it ranks among the 122 smokers we track
4.4★ across 19 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
19 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
Modest tracked demand last month.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 122 smokers we track - how the scorecard works · full smokers data report. Confidence: limited - limited rating history.Last refreshed Aug 4, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
The Char-Griller CG30281224 is a charcoal smoker with 1260 square inches of cooking area, built from cast iron and metal in black. Its 66 inch length points to an offset style firebox and chamber layout, a format Char-Griller is known for.
Char-Griller built its reputation on offset charcoal smokers, and the 66 inch length here fits that layout, a firebox at one end feeding smoke through a long chamber. 1260 square inches is a large cooking area, enough for smoking multiple racks or a full brisket alongside other cuts. Cast iron components typically show up at grates or fireboxes, adding heat retention where charcoal smokers most need it.
- 1260 sq in cooking area
- Charcoal fuel
- Cast iron and metal construction
- Black finish
Who it's for
Suits someone smoking for a crowd or cooking multiple large cuts at once, and who is comfortable managing charcoal and airflow rather than a dial in pellet or gas system. Not the choice for anyone wanting set and forget temperature control.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- 1260 sq in handles large cooks
- Cast iron components aid heat retention
- Offset style layout typical of Char-Griller
- Charcoal fuel needs active temperature management
- At over 5 feet long, needs real patio space
Performance notes
Charcoal smokers depend on the cook managing airflow through vents to hold temperature, which takes more attention than a pellet or electric unit but gives more control over smoke flavor. Cast iron parts hold heat longer than plain steel, which helps smooth out temperature swings as vents are adjusted.
Specifications
| Brand | Char-Griller |
|---|---|
| Model | CG30281224 |
| Cooking Area | 1260 sq in |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
| Material | Cast Iron, Metal |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 27.8 × 66.3 × 45.3 inches |
Other Char-Griller smokers
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in smokers.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller CG30281224 SmokerThis product | 4.4 / 5 | 19 | 2.7 / 5 |
| PolyScience BSM600AWC SmokerPolyScience | 4.7 / 5 | 1,100 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Charbroil 14101550 SmokerCharbroil | 4.7 / 5 | 3,008 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Mr. Bar-B-Q Mr-Bar-B-Q-Smoker-Chips-Variety-3PackMr. Bar-B-Q | 4.7 / 5 | 2,800 | 4.0 / 5 |
| recteq Ultimate Blend 40lb Smokerrecteq | 4.8 / 5 | 2,300 | 4.0 / 5 |
Similar smokers from other brands
Questions about the Char-Griller CG30281224
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
What fuel does the CG30281224 use?
Charcoal.
How much cooking area does it have?
1260 square inches.
What is it made of?
Cast iron and metal.