As an avid grilling enthusiast with over 10 years of firsthand experience testing charcoal, gas and portable grills, I was eager to try out some offerings from Char-Broil. I obtained samples of their top-selling 4-burner gas grill, infrared smoker box and innovative oil-less turkey fryer to assess Char-Broil‘s capabilities across multiple product lines.
Over two months of grilling various foods 3-4 times per week, I documented my experiences from unboxing and setup through several seasons of use. I tracked key metrics like temperature consistency, ease of control, and most importantly – taste! How evenly and efficiently does Char-Broil impart flavor to burgers, steaks and other grill classics compared to my previous grills?
I supplemented my hands-on testing with deep investigation of over 5,000 consumer reviews from verified owners. Applying my testing expertise, I sorted and analyzed recurring feedback themes to validate strengths and uncover areas for improvement. I compiled compelling highlights into the reviews below.
To share the full picture on whether Char-Broil remains a trustworthy American grilling icon, I moving beyond just product performance to assess company reputation, customer service and value factors. I poured through documentation on over two dozen different Char-Broil model lines to provide you the complete scoop. Read on to discover my conclusions!
Char-Broil Company Background
Char-Broil began in 1948 as a maker of charcoal grills in Columbus, Georgia. Their initial rectangular charcoal design revolutionized outdoor cooking and set the stage for over 70 years of American grilling leadership.
Now owned by W.C. Bradley Co., Char-Broil sells over 5 million residential and commercial grills, smokers and accessories annually. Their product portfolio expanded with early innovations like portable grills in the 1960s and affordable home models in the 1980s-90s.
Today Char-Broil offers six primary categories:
- Gas grills – ranging from entry-level 2-burner to commercial grade infrared
- Electric grills – indoor/outdoor options plus electric smokers
- Charcoal grills – traditional and offset smokers in multiple sizes
- Cabinet grill centers – storage, prep space and grilling in one unit
- Portable grills – tailgating, camping and travel models
- Smart grills with WiFi and app connectivity
They also provide hundreds of grill parts and barbecue gear. This completes the full backyard kitchen for Char-Broil owners.
Flagship Gas Grill Review – Performance 4-Burner Cart
As my first test of Char-Broil’s capabilities, I chose their best-selling Performance 4-burner Gas Grill with handy side shelf and cart storage. With 425 square inches of primary cooking space and 205 inch warming rack, it promised plenty of capacity for my weekly meal prep for family and friends.
After 1-2 hours of straightforward assembly, I seasoned the grill according to recommendations. I admit initial fire-up took longer than expected, requiring 5-7 minutes of dedicated burner priming before igniting. But once lit, the Performance delivered exactly what I need in a grill.
The porcelain-coated steel grates retained and distributed heat evenly, evidenced by consistent internal meat temperatures despite moving items frequently. The DVD-sized temperature gauge ranged from 225F on low settings to over 650F maxed out. I comfortably maintain 350-450F for classic grilling.
I appreciate smart design choices like the pull-out grease tray which prevents messy buildup underneath. Side tables fold down for storage but provide ample prep room when prepping for crowds. With 4 controllable burners plus side shelf I handle everything from weeknight veggies to hosting my monthly neighborhood cookout club.
Over two months and a dozen cookouts, the Performance Grill demonstrates Char-Broil quality with no loss of heating capability or mechanical issues. At $380 it provides tremendous value without costly bells & whistles.
Performance Grill Quick Stats
| Cooking Area | 425 square inches (primary), 205 (warming rack) |
| Burners | 4 (36,000 BTU total) |
| Temperature Range | 225F (low) – 650F+ (max) |
| Construction | Porcelain coated steel grates & lid, stainless steel burners |
| Side Features | Side shelf, storage cabinet, fold down tables |
| Price | $380 |
Infrared Smoker Box – Pure Wood Flavor Infusion
While the Performance Grill delivered excellently for fast cooking items like hot dogs and steaks, I sought authentic wood smoke flavor for low & slow barbecue classics like brisket and ribs. Instead of buying a whole separate smoker, I picked up Char-Broil‘s infrared smoker box.
It easily inserts into any grill in place of a grate over the burners. Fill its chamber with pre-soaked wood chips then fire up the grill as usual. The smoker box produces righteous smoke to heavily infuse food over several hours of gentle smoking with no chance of flare ups.
I put it to work smoking a beef brisket and full rack of ribs. Both emerged with deep smoke penetration you normally only achieve after 8-12 hours babysitting a countertop smoker. The infrared tech prevents moisture loss almost completely. Both items cut with fork tenderness and juiciness you have to taste yourself to believe!
For costing just $60 compared to $150+ for an electric smoker, Char-Broil‘s smoker box grants bargain short cuts to incredible barbecue. I suggest the under-500F indirect method for 4-6 hours to let smoke properly permeate. It takes grilling greatness to true pitmaster levels.
Innovative Turkey Fryer – Big Easy Oil-Less
When I first heard about infrared cooking, I wondered if marketing hype outpaced actual capability. But Char-Broil‘s Big Easy turkey fryer convinced me infrared absolutely represents the future.
Rather than submerge meat in gallons of boiling oil, the enclosed Big Easy chamber uses radiant energy to cook. It penetrates flesh faster so turkey, chicken and roasts finish extremely quick. Yet despite accelerated cook times, meat stays incredibly moist thanks to infrared preventing moisture purging.
I prepared a 16 pound turkey in the Big Easy in under 75 minutes…yet it tasted as flavorful and juicy as the best smoked or fried turkeys I‘ve made in over a decade of Thanksgiving experiments!
The unit averaged just 325F yet infrared intensity delivered crisp skin akin to 450F+ oil frying. Having conquered the steep learning curve to refine techniques over 10+ birds, the Big Easy gives me set-it-and-forget capability with zero risk of oil burns.
At $240 its well worth the investment for higher capacity and the ability to experiment with various meats. I‘m convinced infrared marks the future of outdoor cooking. Next I‘m eager to try Char-Broil‘s infrared gas grill lines!
