That Char Q is now home with me. It popped up while I was browsing six minutes after it was listed, and thanks to what I've learned here I didn't waste time going for it. It looks much like the one Jon picked up a couple years ago. The seller said her husband found it dumpster diving. I didn't negotiate.
It's showing some age and missing the logo plug.
A DZ, or 2008 model. It seems most that have shown up were the same. Production may have been optimistic the year they were introduced. I'm guessing production dropped off long before they were officially discontinued due to slow sales.
The grates need some attention but I think they'll clean up enough for my use.
The charcoal pan looks bad but feels solid. I expect I'll eventually have to replace it, maybe with a perforated stainless grilling pan that roughly fits.
I was concerned the bottom vent and drip/ash pan were missing or damaged. Good news!
I'm guessing it was left out in the rain for some time with the top vent open. I knew when I brought it home that it had to wait for a bunch of other projects, but it's going to be in use before I start rehabbing the Genesis I picked up this winter. Just a quick cleanup and some grate seasoning and tasty charcoal grilled burgers ahead. A Weber cast aluminum firebox, cast iron grates and charcoal, quirky and perfect. After using only gassers for the last 20 years, this is going to be fun!
I'm thankful to find one of these little gems. I might never get around to painting it let alone adding a thermometer. It wants to get grilling asap.
The only downside is that I'll be on the lookout for a logo plug forever.
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