The charcoal filter is still the way of the first, even though we used the barbecue in summer every 3-4 days. The trick is simple: empty after cooling the carbon canister (the rest can be well used as fertilizer) and clean with a small brush the grid. It also reaches an old toothbrush. So then no more ash is on the grid and it can not get too hot and thus destroyed the next grilling.
A small disadvantage is we noticed: the inside of the grill is by design of course a bit hotter than outside. That's not a problem when the grill is full, because then the heat is distributed evenly down. If however, you should hang up a few sausages to note the contact and accordingly more, otherwise they are unevenly warm in the border area. Is for us but not a reason to forgive not still full 5 stars.