The Bottom Line

This Char-Broil gas grill uses their Quantum technology and is an innovative approach to an inexpensive, all infrared gas grill. This unit uses a simple sheet of perforated stainless steel to convert the output of a standard gas burner into infrared. This unit has four burners that put out only 32,000 BTUs under 500 square inches of cooking space but can still reach temperatures around 700 degrees F. You also get the standard Char-Broil side burner. Unfortunately this grill is constructed from low quality and thin stainless steel limiting its durability. Each burner has an individual temperature gauge.

Pros

• High, even heatin
• Individual burner temperature gauge

Cons

• Low quality 430 stainless steel and painted steel construction
• Low quality stainless steel burners
• "Infrared" components prone to rusting

Description

• Four 8,000 BTU 400 series stainless steel tubular burners under "infrared" diffusers
• 500 square inches of primary cooking area for a total of 680 square inches of grilling space
• 32,000 BTU maximum output from the main burners
• 13,000 BTU standard side burner under a flush mounted cover
• Unique complete "infrared" design for high temperature cooking
• 430 stainless steel and painted steel construction
• Electric (AA-battery) igniter
• Individual temperature gauges for each burner mounted above burner knobs
• Propane tank and cover sold separately
• Made in China by Char-Broil exclusively for Sears Stores

Guide Review - Char-Broil 4-Burner Infrared Gas Grill Model# 463225312

Infrared remains a priority for Char-Broil and this Infrared Grill, exclusive to Sears stores, is similar to the Quantum infrared grills sold at Lowes. This 4-burner version comes in at a low price (around $500 but frequently on sale for less) and loses some of its stainless steel in favor of cheaper, painted steel. Probably the most unique feature is the individual temperature gauges on each burner. Since heat builds up under the infrared plate this grill can tell you the cooking temperature at the grate level. This isn't an effective way of telling your grill temperature for indirect grilling, but it will tell you how hot your steaks are cooking at.

This four burner gas grill puts out a maximum of 32,000 BTUs under 500 square inches of primary grilling space. This seems low, but because of the efficiency of infrared this grill can still hit temperatures around 700 degrees F. In good working condition this grill can put out a high, even heat that is great for searing. Additionally you get a 13,000 BTU side burner. This is the standard Char-Broil side unit, and while flimsy it is functional. There is no rotisserie burner on this unit, but that really isn't necessary.

There are two primary problems with this grill. First, this model, it is made from low grade (400 series) stainless steel. This limits the durability of the grill and will cause it to discolor and rust early. You can't count on this grill lasting.

The other problem with this grill is the "infrared" system. Basically what makes this grill and infrared grill is a thin sheet or perforated stainless steel (also 400 series). This sheet needs regular "gentle" cleaning according to Char-Broil to keep the holes in it clear. If this sheet gets too dirty the grill will not work properly. You need to be very careful in maintaining this grill to keep it working.

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The Bottom Line

For 2012, Char-Broil has renamed this line of infrared grills to TRU-Infrared, to reinforce their focus on this technology. Aside from a name change, this is the same grill Home Depot and Char-Broil offered last year. Using the "RED" technology, this gas 4-burner grill functions like most standard gas grills, only more efficiently. As a deluxe version, this unit comes with Char-Broil's outdoor oven, side burner that gives versatility and power.

Pros

• High, efficient heating
• Low price all infrared design
• Reduced risk of flare-ups

Cons

• Low quality 430 stainless steel construction
• Cooking chamber trough section prone to rusting and potential failure

Description

• Four 9,250 BTU stainless steel tubular burners
• 580 square inches primary cooking area with a total grilling area of 780 square inches
• 37,000 BTU maximum output from the main burners
• 13,000 BTU Char-Broil "stovetop" side burner under a cover (griddle sold separately)
• Unique "infrared" design produces high temperatures from a low BTU output
• Heavy porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates
• On knob electric igniter (AA battery) with two internal halogen lights
• Low grade stainless steel and painted steel construction
• Propane tank and cover sold separately
• Made in China by Char-Broil exclusively for Home Depot

Guide Review - Char-Broil Gourmet 4-Burner TRU-Infrared Model# 463251012

In the past, Char-Broil's RED technology has had a few problems. The focused heat of the burners on a porcelain painted metal tub caused the protective layer to peel off. This exposed the raw metal to corrosion, greatly limiting the lifespan of these grills. In 2011, Char-Broil made some design changes address the problems of the RED technology. This year, Char-Broil has changed the name on all their infrared grills to TRU-Infrared to reinforce their brand.

To recap (because if you are reading this you probably don't know much about these grills) the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 4-Burner focus the heat of its burners onto a rounded piece of porcelain coated sheet metal called a U-Emitter (or trough on the technical specs). The U-Emitter gets very hot (around 950 degrees F.) and radiates heat at the heavy porcelain coated cooking grates. This gives you 100% infrared cooking power. What that means is high, intense heat for grilling without flare-ups (says the literature).

Two problems with these grills are, first that any drippings into the U-Emitter must be completely vaporized. This produces a lot of smoke (and not the good kind) and sometimes rather intense flare-ups. The other problem is that the heat focused on the U-emitter causes the porcelain coating to flake off and expose the metal to the elements. This will lead to rusting. Once this rusts through the grill will be unusable. Warranty on this part is two years but doesn't cover rusting.

So the big question is, does the changes Char-Broil has made, fix these problems. What I see is that the grill can now heat up faster. The 20 to 25 minute preheat times have been reduced by boosting the burner output. Unfortunately this doesn't solve the problem of the superheated U-emitter loosing its protective coating. As for the smoke and the rare but spectacular flare-ups? Those will still happen.

This grill comes equipped with a multi-function 13,000 BTU side burner. Since the burners are isolated there is virtually no chance of flare-ups and so you won't need a rotisserie burner. Basically, this is a full function gas grill for around $500USD.

The rest of the grill uses a combination of lower grade stainless steel, painted steel with plastic knobs. The stainless steel body parts are prone to discoloring and rusting over time so this grill needs to be kept clean and protected from the elements. If you buy this grill make sure you get a good cover for it.

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The Bottom Line

Char-Broil found success with what they call "Urban" grills. These 2-burner gas grills are perfect for small spaces. The Red urban uses the same RED technology Char-Broil introduced in 2008. By heating a metal U-shaped infrared emitter the grill works by completely separating the flame from the food. This technology can generate high temperatures with less fuel consumption, making it a more efficient way to grill. This 2-burner unit gives you 300 square inches of cooking space and does it for around $270USD. The downside is the limited lifespan of the U-emitter.

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Pros

• High, efficient heating
• Low price all infrared design
• Takes up little space

Cons

• Slow Preheat time
• Low quality 430 stainless steel construction
• Cooking chamber trough section prone to rusting and potential failure

Description

• Two 10,650 BTU 400 series stainless steel tubular burners
• 300 square inches primary cooking area with a total grilling area of 425 square inches
• 21,300 BTU maximum output from the main burners
• Unique "infrared" design produces high temperatures from a low BTU output
• With fold down side tables this grill occupies very little space
• Heavy porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates
• On knob electric igniter (AA battery)
• Painted steel and stainless steel (400 series) construction
• Propane tank, rotisserie kit, and cover sold separately
• Made in China by Char-Broil exclusively for Home Depot

Guide Review - Char-Broil RED Infrared Urban Gas Grill Model # 463250211

This model of the RED is the smallest grill to make use of this technology. With only 2 burners, fold down side tables and pretty much nothing else this grill is specifically design for the person who doesn't have a lot of space but still wants a full sized grill. Because of the design the RED series grills you don't need a lot of fuel to heat up the cooking chamber. On the downside this grill, like all the grill in this series can take a long time to heat up. Preheating time is around 20 minutes to get to full power.

The way this grill works is that the two burners focus their heat onto a rounded piece of porcelain coated sheet metal called a trough. The intense heat can cause the porcelain coating to flake off and expose the metal to the elements. This will lead to rusting. Once the metal rusts through the grill will be unusable. Warranty on this part is two years but doesn't cover rusting.

One point with this technology that you should consider. All drippings from the foods you cook are captured in the U-emitter. Under normal circumstances this will burn off from the heat. If can cause a good deal of smoke as it happens. If you are cooking foods that are particularly high in fat, grease can collect in the U-emitter and spontaneously ignite when the lid is opened. So if you are using this grill or one based on the RED technology please be careful.

The rest of the grill uses a combination of painted steel and low grade stainless steel with plastic knobs. The stainless steel body parts are prone to discoloring and rusting over time so this grill needs to be kept clean and protected from the elements. If you buy this grill make sure you get a good cover for it.

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The Bottom Line

In 2007 Char-Broil introduced their The Big Easy Oil-less Infrared Turkey Fryer and came up with something almost as unique as they think it is. The Electric Smoker & Roaster is their latest effort in this product line. While this electric version gains features like a smoker box and a meat temperature probe it also gains a lot in price. When first introduced the original cooker came in around $100USD. This version tips the scales at $250USD, taking away the best feature this product had. The Electric Big Easy is not a replacement for your backyard grill, but it is priced like one.

Pros

• Good temperature control with 15 preset temperature settings
• Safe Alternative to Deep Frying Turkey
• Wide temperature range
• Meat probe for accurate cooking

Cons

• Some foods require creative solutions
• Limited construction quality
• Smoking ability at low temperatures is limited

Description

• 1,500 watt electric heating element between two layers of steel
• 15 setting electric temperature control
• Temperature probe connects to the control panel to tell you food temperature
• Front mounted smoker box
• Rear mounted drip pan (takes disposable aluminum pans)
• Comes with two cooking baskets and two adjustable cooking racks
• 16-pound food capacity
• Made in China by Char-Broil

Guide Review - Char-Broil The Big Easy 2 in 1 Electric Smoker & Roaster

When asked to explain what Char-Broil's Big Easy cookers are, I have struggled for an explanation. Ultimately I decided to describe it as an infrared cooking bucket. In its original version it is a double layer metal bucket on legs with a gas burner between the layers that produces infrared heat in the center. Since then, Char-Broil has added a lid and made the unit larger. Now they had made an electric version of the same technology.

Since food is never exposed to the actual heat source, it really doesn't matter how the heat is produced. I have to admit that I was skeptical that a 1,500 Watt electric heating element would produce the same heat as an 18,000 BTU gas burner, but this little cooker heats up fairly quickly, reaching cooking temperatures in 15 to 20 minutes. This Big Easy can hold temperatures between 125 to 525 degrees F, has a smoker box in the front, and a meat probe so you can check the temperature without lifting the lid.

To operate all you need do is plug the cooker in, load food into the cooking basket, lower the basket inside, and select one of the 15 preset cooking temperatures. If you want to produce smoke you need to preheat the grill to its highest temperature, load wood chips (about a cup's worth) into the front smoker box. Once the unit is producing smoke, reset the temperature to your desired preset number and add the food. Smoke production is a weakness of this unit, but with virtually no air flow and an electrically heated smoker box you can not expect too much.

This is a Char-Broil and that means a certain awkwardness to how its is manufactured. Pieces don't line up quiet right and the handles that you have to put on are designed for a flat surface but mount to a round surface. However, there is very little assembly required so this isn't a big issue. You can take this out of the box and be ready to start seasoning the stainless steel (low grade) in minutes.

I have two issues this this cooker. First of all it started with a product designed to cook a turkey, and this one can still do that, holding a turkey of up to 16 pounds. Foods that are not turkey shaped, or small can require you to get pretty creative with how you fit them into the unit. On Char-Broil's customer forums I have seen people suspending roasts with long metal skewers and just generally coming up with some unique ways to get food cooked. This is something of a hobbyist cooker, but does have a big fan base to draw ideas from when you want to figure out how you are going to cook a rack of ribs.

The second issue I have with this is that it is simply too much. Great for cooking a turkey or a couple of chickens, Char-Broil has listened to the fans of this product who have figured out how to jury rig it to do so many more things, and have added and added to the idea. The original unit cost about $100USD when it hit the market and can still be found in that price range. This electric version has dropped at $250USD making it one of Char-Broil's more expensive products. This cooker, which won't grill a burger or a steak is simply not a replacement for a grill, but is priced like it is. If you don't have a traditional grill, this won't do many of the things you might want it to, and if you do have a traditional grill, do you want to spend this much on a product you might only use a few times a year.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

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Char-Broil has taken their Big Easy cooker to a whole new level with an electric version of their "oil-less turkey Fryer". Now labeled as a smoker and roaster, this infrared cooking bucket has a smoker box, 15 preset temperature settings, and a meat probe. Find out if this is the right outdoor cooker for you.

Read the review of the Char-Broil The Big Easy 2 in 1 Electric Smoker & Roaster

Image: Char-Broil LLC

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The Bottom Line

Can't have a gas or charcoal grill where you live? This might be the solution for you. The Char-Broil Patio Bistro Electric Grill is one of the largest electric grills on the market. Of course it is still small enough to fit on most balconies but gives you enough space to comfortably cook for four people. The 1,750 watt heating element produces a good amount of heat for the size so you will be able to grill most everything that fits under the lid in this grill. The overall construction of this grill is a little lightweight so this grill will need some care to keep it looking and working well.

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Pros

• Small size fits small spaces
• Full height electric grill
• Good heat output for an electric grill

Cons

• Flimsy, lightweight construction

Description

• One 1,750 Watt electric heat element
• 240 square inches of primary grilling space for a total cooking area of 320 square inches
• Porcelain coated steel cooking grate
• Two wheels for easy moving
• Powder coated steel construction
• Weighs 54 pounds fully assembled
• Made in China by Char-Broil and available through many retailers

Guide Review - Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill Model# 10601578

If you have a small patio or live where you are not allowed the use of a gas or charcoal, then this might be the grill for you. With a small footprint, this grill won't take up a lot of space. Of course, that gives you only 240 square inches of grilling space. This is certainly not like a full sized grill but large enough to do some real grilling. What you get with this grill is a unit you can put almost anywhere (provided there is an electrical outlet nearby) but that won't do a lot beyond basic grilling. As an electric grill is has its limitations. The heat is high but you won't get the intense searing capability you would with a charcoal or even many gas grills. Also, you won't get that authentic grill flavor, although you can place wood chips in this grill to produce smoke.

This grill runs on a standard 110 volt outlet and has a 1,750 watt heat element. This is close to as high as you can go with a standard outlet. It is difficult to generate good grilling temperatures at this voltage on an electric grill, but the design of this unit does a lot to focus the heat it does generate at the food you are cooking. Char-Broil labels this as an "infrared" grill. This is something of a misnomer. All electric grills are infrared, just as the broiler in your oven is. The special grate inside this grill isn't there to make the grill infrared, it is there to protect the heating element and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

The grill uses a single porcelain coated cooking grate. The construction is powder coated steel. The metal used for this grill is thin and a little flimsy. You will need to be careful not to dent or knock this grill over as it can be easily damage. Also, I have gotten reports, though I haven't seen it myself, that the holes drilled in this grill may not line up correctly when you assemble it. I suggest trying to buy an already assembled unit or you might have to do a little extra work to get it together.

This grill is also available in a gas fired design. Look at Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Gas.

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The Bottom Line

This is one of the bottom of the line for the Char-Broil gas grills. This particular version sells exclusively at Sears and K-Mart Stores. What you get is a single burner, dual zone gas grill. While the heat output is okay the evenness isn't. On the other hand this grill sells for around $100USD, which is a price that is hard to beat. These days this is the bottom end of gas grills so if this is the most you can afford you may consider it, but don't expect much. The thin body won't hold in the heat so you can't get a lot of versatility. As a basic burger burner it is an okay grill, but watch out for the flare-ups.

Pros

Cons

• Lightweight, low quality burner
• Cheap construction
• Large amount of plastic
• Limited Warranty

Description

• One dual control low weight stainless steel burner, 13,250 BTUs per side
• 300 square inches of total grilling space (no warming rack)
• 26,500 BTU total output from the main burners
• Single push-button piezoelectric igniter
• Porcelain coated steel wire cooking grates
• Powder coated steel sheet metal body and frame with plastic side tables
• Cover and propane tank sold separately
• Made by Char-Broil in China exclusively for Sears/K-Mart

Guide Review - Char-Broil 2-Burner Model# 463611011

This is a basic, lightweight grill that is not built to last or to be a great grill. In all honest there isn't much that you can say about this grill. If you don't have a lot of money (buy this one on sale for around $100USD) and want a grill you can cook up some burgers and hot dogs on then you might want to pick this one up. Odds are you will be dragging it out to the curb in 2 to 3 years so I wouldn't get attached to it.

From a design stand point this is something of a throw back to grills of the past. The single, dual control burner has lost its popularity. The burner on this grill will probably be the first thing to go and with a replacement price of around $25USD you will probably avoid repair and simply replace the grill in a year or two. This grill gives you a "2"-burner grill that doesn't have a lot of versatility and won't last more than a couple of years, but you can always turn around and buy a new one in two years. Just try and recycle this one.

While this grill is exclusive to Sears Stores (and possibly K-Mart), similar versions can be found in most large retail stores.

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The Bottom Line

The Char-Broil Quantum represents an innovative approach to an inexpensive all infrared gas grill. This unit uses a simple sheet of perforated stainless steel to convert the output of a standard gas burner into infrared energy. This unit has four burners that put out only 40,000 BTUs under 580 square inches of cooking space but can still reach temperatures around 700 degrees F. You also get the standard Char-Broil side burner "oven" with griddle. Unfortunately this grill is constructed from low quality and thin stainless steel limiting its durability. Each burner has an individual temperature gauge.

Pros

• High, even heating
• Complete stainless steel construction
• Individual burner temperature gauges

Cons

• Low quality 430 stainless steel construction
• Low quality stainless steel burners
• "Infrared" cooking system can be problematic and require high maintenance

Description

• Four 10,000 BTU 400 series stainless steel tubular burners under "infrared" diffusers
• 580 square inches of primary cooking area for a total of 810 square inches of grilling space
• 40,000 BTU maximum output from the main burners
• 13,000 BTU side burner "oven" with griddle
• Unique complete "infrared" design for high temperature cooking
• 430 stainless steel construction throughout the grill including grates and burners
• Electric (AA-battery) igniter
• Individual temperature gauges for each burner mounted above burner knobs
• Compatible with Char-Broil's "Dual Fuel" system (you buy the conversion kit ($50USD))
• Manufactured in China by Char-Broil exclusively for Lowes Home Improvement Stores

Guide Review - Char-Broil Quantum 4-Burner Model #463247311

Infrared remains a priority for Char-Broil and this Quantum Infrared Gas Grill, exclusive to Lowes Home Improvement stores, is the replacement of last year's model. Nothing has been changed with this model except the model number. The price remains around $500. Probably the most unique feature is the individual temperature gauges on each burner. Since heat builds up under the infrared plate this grill can tell you the cooking temperature at the grate level. This isn't an effective way of telling your grill temperature for indirect grilling, but it will tell you how hot your steaks are cooking at.

This four burner gas grill puts out a maximum of 40,000 BTUs under 580 square inches of primary grilling space. This seems low, but because of the efficiency of infrared this grill can still hit temperatures around 700 degrees F. In good working condition this grill can put out a high, even heat that is great for searing. Additionally you get a 13,000 BTU side burner oven with griddle for a wide range of cooking tasks. This is the standard Char-Broil side unit, and while the lid is flimsy, it is functional. There is no rotisserie burner on this unit, but that really isn't necessary.

There are two primary problems with this grill. First, this model, like all Commercial Series Char-Broil grills is made from low grade (400 series) stainless steel. This limits the durability of the grill and will cause it to discolor and rust early. You can't count on this grill lasting.

The other problem with this grill is the "infrared" system. Basically what makes this grill and infrared grill is a thin sheet or perforated stainless steel (also 400 series). This sheet needs regular "gentle" cleaning according to Char-Broil to keep the holes in it clear. If this sheet gets too dirty and grill will not work properly. You need to be very careful in maintaining this grill to keep it working.

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