Char-Broil Performance Grill Review
Introduction
Tired of unevenly cooked burgers and chicken? Frustrated by grills that flare up constantly or struggle to maintain a consistent temperature? The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Grill aims to solve these common grilling frustrations. This isn’t your flimsy, disposable grill; it’s built to handle weekend barbecues and weeknight dinners with reliable performance and a touch of sophistication.
Many grills promise performance, but fall short when the heat is on. This Char-Broil model focuses on delivering a controlled and consistent grilling experience, minimizing flare-ups and maximizing flavor development – all while remaining accessible for grillers of all skill levels.
Overview
The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Grill is a propane-fueled grill designed for backyard enthusiasts who want a balance of performance, convenience, and durability. Its cabinet design offers a sleek aesthetic and provides practical storage, while the convective cooking system helps distribute heat evenly across the primary cooking surface. It’s ideal for families and individuals who grill frequently, appreciate quality construction, and desire a straightforward yet effective grilling solution.
Built with a combination of stainless steel and durable painted components, this grill offers a level of rust resistance and longevity often lacking in budget models. It’s more than just a grill; it’s an investment in countless summer evenings filled with delicious food and good company.
Features
Illuminated Control Knobs: Beyond their functional purpose, the LED-illuminated control knobs add a touch of modern style to the grill. They provide clear visibility, even in low-light conditions, making nighttime grilling safer and more enjoyable.
Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron Grates: These durable grates retain heat exceptionally well, contributing to that coveted sear and beautiful grill marks. The porcelain coating makes them resistant to rust and significantly easier to clean, unlike uncoated cast iron which requires meticulous seasoning and maintenance.
Removable Grease Tray: The full-width, removable grease tray simplifies cleanup and prevents messy flare-ups. The ability to line the tray with aluminum foil further reduces maintenance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your food and less time scrubbing.
Side Shelf: A large side shelf provides a convenient workspace for preparing food, resting cooked items, and keeping grilling tools within easy reach. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall grilling experience and reduces clutter on your patio or deck.
Convective Cooking System: The strategically designed heat baffles create a convective cooking environment, promoting even heat distribution across the entire 300 square inches of primary grilling space. This minimizes hot spots, ensures consistent cooking, and reduces the need for constant rotation of food.
High-Heat Burners: These two stainless steel burners deliver a total of 24,000 BTUs, offering ample power to quickly reach grilling temperatures and sear food effectively. The increased BTU rating translates to faster preheating and the ability to cook a wider variety of foods, from delicate fish fillets to hearty steaks.
Benefits
Consistent Heat for Perfect Results: Say goodbye to unevenly cooked meals. The convective cooking system and high-BTU burners work together to provide a remarkably consistent heat distribution, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked food every time.
Durable and Long-Lasting Construction: Built with quality materials and a sturdy cabinet design, this grill is engineered to withstand years of regular use.
Effortless Cleanup: The porcelain-coated grates and removable grease tray dramatically reduce cleanup time. Spend less time scrubbing and more time relaxing with family and friends.
Enhanced Grilling Experience: The illuminated control knobs and spacious side shelf add a touch of convenience and style to your outdoor cooking routine.
Increased Versatility: From searing steaks to slow-roasting chicken, the 24,000 BTU power and even heat distribution provide the versatility needed for a wide range of grilling techniques.
Usages
Backyard Barbecues: Host memorable gatherings with perfectly grilled steaks, ribs, and vegetables for a crowd.
Searing Steaks and Kabobs: The high heat burners and even heat distribution make it ideal for achieving a beautiful sear on steaks and flavorful kabobs.
Weeknight Family Dinners: Quickly grill up burgers, hot dogs, and chicken for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.
Small Space Grilling: The cabinet design allows this grill to fit comfortably on smaller patios and decks without sacrificing performance.
Grilled Pizza Nights: With a little creativity and the right technique, the Performance Series grill can also be used for creating delicious, homemade pizzas outdoors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable construction with stainless steel components
- Consistent heat distribution thanks to convective cooking system
- Easy to clean with porcelain-coated grates and removable grease tray
- Spacious grilling area for cooking multiple items
- Stylish design with illuminated control knobs
- Provides great value for the price
Cons
- Requires a 20-pound propane tank (not included)
- Assembly required, which can be time-consuming
- Limited smoker capabilities compared to dedicated smokers
- Stainless steel components may be prone to scratches with improper care
- Smaller than some full-sized grills.
- Some users may find the cabinet design slightly bulky.
FAQs
What type of fuel does this grill use?: This grill is powered by liquid propane gas (LP gas) and requires a 20-pound propane tank (not included).
Is assembly required?: Yes, assembly is required. The grill comes with detailed instructions and all necessary hardware. Most users find the assembly process manageable, but assistance may be needed for some steps.
What is the warranty coverage?: The grill comes with a 5-year warranty on the burners, a 2-year warranty on the firebox, and a 1-year warranty on all other parts.
Can I use this grill in a covered patio?: Yes, the grill is suitable for use in a covered patio or outdoor kitchen area. However, ensure proper ventilation to prevent gas buildup.
How easy is it to clean?: The porcelain-coated grates and removable grease tray make cleanup relatively easy. Regular cleaning prevents grease buildup and prolongs the grill’s lifespan.
Product Specifications
| temperatureRange | Up to 500°F |
| grateMaterial | Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron |
| wheelsMobility | 4 Casters (2 with Locking Brakes) |
| cookingArea | 300 Square Inches (Primary) |
| ignitionSystem | Electronic Ignition |
| materialType | Stainless Steel, Painted Steel |
| weight | 82.5 Pounds |
| fuelType | Liquid Propane (LP Gas) |
| cleaningRequirements | Regular cleaning with soap and water; scrape grates after each use; empty grease tray frequently |
| includedAccessories | Grill, Owners Manual |
| warranty | 5-Year Burner Warranty, 2-Year Firebox Warranty, 1-Year Parts Warranty |
| hopperCapacity | N/A (uses propane tank) |
| dimensions | 24.5″D x 42.9″W x 44″H |
Ratings
| easeOfUse | 4.3 |
| versatility | 4.2 |
| durability | 4.5 |
| valueForMoney | 4.7 |
| overall | 4.6 |
| heatDistribution | 4.4 |
Recommendation
The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Grill is an excellent choice for backyard grillers who want a reliable and consistent grilling experience without breaking the bank. Its durable construction, convective cooking system, and easy-to-clean features make it a practical and enjoyable addition to any outdoor kitchen. It’s a particularly great option for families and individuals who grill frequently and appreciate a well-built grill that delivers consistent results.
If you’re tired of grills that struggle to maintain temperature or leave you with unevenly cooked food, the Char-Broil Performance Series is a worthwhile upgrade. While it might not offer the extensive features of higher-end models, it provides exceptional value for the price, combining performance, durability, and style in an accessible package. Compared to basic, budget-friendly grills, this model offers significantly improved heat distribution and build quality, making it a long-term investment in your outdoor cooking enjoyment.
Conclusion
The Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Grill delivers on its promise of consistent heat, easy cleanup, and reliable performance. It’s a well-rounded grill that’s perfect for everyday grilling needs and weekend gatherings. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in premium models, its exceptional value and user-friendly design make it a standout choice for grillers of all skill levels.
This grill represents a sweet spot between affordability and functionality, providing a dependable grilling experience that will enhance your outdoor cooking routine for years to come. If you’re seeking a durable, easy-to-use, and reasonably priced gas grill, the Char-Broil Performance Series deserves serious consideration.
