Product Review | Lodge Sportsman Cast Iron Grill

For some reason, I thought I had already done this review but alas- I have not. For reasons, I was in the market for a new grill this summer. 

I had a large Charbroil grill and I loved the cast iron grates so I knew I wanted something that incorporated cast iron into the build into a charcoal grill. I watched YouTube video after YouTube video (there are a lot of reviews out there) and I settled on the Lodge Cast Iron SportsMan grill. 

I give my honest (unpaid) review below. 

A few things that attracted me from the outset I’ll describe below:

1. The size
2. The price point (less than $200.00)
3. Favorable reviews

Now that I’ve had the grill for a while, I can get into why I’m completely satisfied with my purchase and some things I also purchased that I believe made the purchase worth it.

Here’s what I like about it.

1. It’s small and easy to move around. When I had my larger grill it was a bit of a bother to pull it out of the garage and put on the sidewalk. For me, I’m often looking for something that doesn’t require my Husband to assist like every single time. Now don’t mistake it/ it is still cast iron so it’s HEAVY (not super heavy but it’s not just something you can throw around). It is very easy to move from one place to another. The other part about the size it it is the PERFECT size for small grilling activities. Most of the time when I’m grilling it’s for me and Hubs. The larger grills are more suitable for larger functions- which I do not have very often. So for my small (nuclear) family this is PERFECT!
2. It Packs a PUNCH! It may not be the biggest grill in the world but because it is cast iron it gets the job done and WELL. I have really enjoyed grilling burgers on there as well as steaks. I’ve also grilled vegetables on there which I’ll get into more below.

Here are some things you’ll need in order to TRULY (in my opinion) enjoy your grill

1. A table: It does require some kind of table to set it on. Granted this could be used on the ground but I highly doubt that you want to be bent over grilling anything. For me, I have some wooden trays that we eat on (outside and inside) that serve that purpose. It’s also nice to have the trays to place your items on as well. Which larger grills usually have a tray of some kind you can use. 
2. Seasoning Spray: Just with ANYTHING cast iron you have to season it. I purchased the spray that’s recommended (because: extra).

3. Other Cast Iron skillets: Luckily for me, I already had cast iron skillets but you’ll need a smaller one if you want to saute vegetables. I also used my smaller cast iron skillet to cook the brussel sprouts over the grill.

4. A grill Lid: They sell a lot of accessories for this grill. I wouldn’t get them all- BUT I would absolutely get a lid. For some things, it is helpful to get that ideal temperature so I would encourage you to get a grill lid.

5. Chimney Starter: Starting your fire coals on this grill is super simple if you use a chimney starter.

6. Grilling Gloves: This grill is ALL CAST IRON. Meaning every single part of it gets hot (and stays hot). Once you start your fire, you’ll have to take the grill lid off to insert the coals. Well naturally you’ll have to put your hands over the hot coals. It only takes a second but I quickly figured out I needed some grilling gloves. Just for that extra protection. There are a variety of gloves (grilling is an art). I didn’t pay too much for mine but here’s a good place to look to see the differences.

I cannot say enough good things about this grill. For those who are novice or beginner grillers. Or for those who have been grilling for a while. This is a great grill to have in your collection.