Welcome from SE Georgia! I own the Grid Iron and posted a review here: http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=7160.0
Since then I added the downdraft hood and it has made a large difference in temp swings. I also added some high heat gaskets around the lid.
Hey Mike.............. I posted the below earlier but, I posted to the wrong member! Duh..... well I am a NEWBIE!
Read your post before joining the Forum and just finished reading it again. Awesome Post! The pictures you added to the post were really made your post a great read for this newbie to pellet smoking.
FYI............ The price for the Grid Iron is now $1449.00 and shipping to East Coast of Florida was $239.00.
You also mentioned the downdraft. So I read your post and others on using a downdraft and ordered from Don Godke's website.
Wayne
Wayne