Purchased November 2021. I have an Offset Smoker and wanted something I could use for southern style barbeque. Other options I looked at were flimsy. The Judge is heavy and sturdy. The fire grate can be lowered far enough away from the cooking grate for low/mid-temp barbeque. The fire door makes adding fuel so easy, which is key in cooks longer than an hour. With the Judge, I don't have to move the food to add fuel and lowering/raising the fire grate is super easy. Yes, you can smoke with the Judge and it does a fine job but I prefer using a smoker to smoke and a grill to grill. See it in action on my youtube channel where I put it to the test. tonytonebbq Thanks Oklahoma Joe for making an awesome charcoal grill!

I had put a lot of time and effort into building a patio built in grill base and wanted to replace the cheap grill with a quality "forever" grill. I prefer charcoal over gas, but finding a good charcoal grill for a built in is not easy. I kept coming back and looking at the Judge, even though it is a stand alone model. I really like the look and features. I decided that I could make it work. Uppon arrival, the first thing that impressed me was just the weight of the box, this grill is built like a tank. I will admit, it was a bit unnerving to assemble a very nice grill like this and immediately make permanent modifications before even using it. I don't recommend doing this, and I think the manufacturer would agree. They say to measure twice and cut once, I think I ... MoreI had put a lot of time and effort into building a patio built in grill base and wanted to replace the cheap grill with a quality "forever" grill. I prefer charcoal over gas, but finding a good charcoal grill for a built in is not easy. I kept coming back and looking at the Judge, even though it is a stand alone model. I really like the look and features. I decided that I could make it work. Uppon arrival, the first thing that impressed me was just the weight of the box, this grill is built like a tank. I will admit, it was a bit unnerving to assemble a very nice grill like this and immediately make permanent modifications before even using it. I don't recommend doing this, and I think the manufacturer would agree. They say to measure twice and cut once, I think I measured 8-10 times at least. It was worth it. I have been cooking on it frequently all spring/summer. Making everything from ribs and whole chickens to burgers and dogs. It has fed as few as two people, and as many as 50. This is the best, most versatile charcoal grill I have used. The heavy duty construction holds heat and makes for consistant temperature control. Uses less charcoal because of the efficiency. I am certainly not suggesting that other customers make modifications like this, but maybe it would be worth it for Oklahoma Joe's to think about offering a built in version of the Judge.One last thought, I also bought the cover and just like the grill, it is very heavy duty and fits perfect.

Great grill! I was looking at some more expensive options for doing an Argentine asado-style setup (being able to modulate the distance between the coals and meat during the cook, adding coals directly below meat during cook) and cane across this option from Oklahoma Joe. While it may seem expensive for a simple charcoal grill, it holds its value in build quality, features, and capacity. I have also purchased the smoker box built for it, and have used it with great success. One caveat for using lump with this guy - the charcoal grate gaps are pretty wide, so smaller pieces will inevitably fall through. I think I’m going to get some sort of flat steel plate with circular holes punched to set on top of the charcoal grate to combat this issue. At the end of the day, ... MoreGreat grill! I was looking at some more expensive options for doing an Argentine asado-style setup (being able to modulate the distance between the coals and meat during the cook, adding coals directly below meat during cook) and cane across this option from Oklahoma Joe. While it may seem expensive for a simple charcoal grill, it holds its value in build quality, features, and capacity. I have also purchased the smoker box built for it, and have used it with great success. One caveat for using lump with this guy - the charcoal grate gaps are pretty wide, so smaller pieces will inevitably fall through. I think I’m going to get some sort of flat steel plate with circular holes punched to set on top of the charcoal grate to combat this issue. At the end of the day, it’s very usable as-is, and wouldn’t give you any problems if you use briquettes. Aside from the smoker box, I recommend two additional accessories: the branded cover and any 24” charcoal rake. The cover fits great, and you’ll want a rake for manipulating coals through the firebox door while cooking. Make sure to get a long one, not the short ones made for kamado cookers. Buy this grill! You won’t be disappointed!