Charbroil Kettleman Grill Review – Best Budget Charcoal Grill?
Introduction
Tired of uneven cooking, flare-ups, and a smoky mess? Many weekend grill masters face these frustrations, turning what should be a relaxing barbecue into a stressful chore. Flare-ups can char food unevenly, while inconsistent heat distribution leaves some areas overcooked and others underdone. The Charbroil Kettleman TRU-Infrared Charcoal Grill offers a simple solution, delivering exceptional flavor and reliable performance without breaking the bank. It tackles common grilling challenges head-on, offering a pathway to consistently delicious results.
Overview
The Charbroil Kettleman TRU-Infrared Charcoal Grill isn’s just another kettle grill; it’s a flavor powerhouse designed for backyard cooking confidence. Combining classic charcoal grilling with Charbroil’s innovative TRU-Infrared technology, this grill bridges the gap between affordability and high-performance. It’s ideal for families and individuals who enjoy the smoky taste of charcoal but crave the ease and predictability of gas grilling. Designed for straightforward assembly and ease of use, the Kettleman is perfect for beginner grillers and experienced cooks alike.
Features
Hinged Lid with Temperature Gauge: The hinged lid offers convenient access for monitoring cooking progress and features a built-in temperature gauge, ensuring accurate temperature control and consistent results.
360 Square Inch Cooking Area: With 360 square inches of primary cooking space, the Kettleman provides ample room to grill up to 14 burgers, 8 chicken breasts, or 5 steaks at once, making it perfect for family gatherings or entertaining a crowd.
TRU-Infrared Technology: This isn’t your grandfather’s kettle grill. The unique TRU-Infrared system utilizes a series of infrared burners positioned below the cooking grate. These burners vaporize drippings instead of letting them burn, eliminating flare-ups and producing up to 50% juicier food. This feature enhances flavor while preventing food from drying out.
Adjustable Air Vent Dampers: These dampers allow precise control over airflow, enabling users to regulate temperature and smoke levels for various cooking styles – from searing steaks to low-and-slow smoking.
Removable Ash Tray: Clean-up is a breeze thanks to the easily removable ash tray, eliminating the messy task of scooping out ashes after each grilling session.
Benefits
Easy to Control Temperature: The lid-mounted temperature gauge and adjustable vents simplify temperature regulation, making it easy to achieve perfect cooking results.
Eliminates Flare-Ups: Say goodbye to charred edges and uneven cooking. TRU-Infrared technology minimizes flare-ups, ensuring every bite is perfectly cooked.
Effortless Clean-Up: The removable ash tray drastically reduces clean-up time and mess, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your barbecue and less time scrubbing.
Juicier, More Flavorful Food: Vaporized drippings return moisture and flavor back into your food, resulting in consistently juicy and delicious results every time.
Versatile Cooking Options: From searing steaks to smoking ribs, the Kettleman’s versatility allows for a wide range of grilling techniques and flavor profiles.
Usages
Excellent for Grilling Chicken and Sausages: The consistent temperature and minimized flare-ups ensure evenly cooked chicken and sausages, perfect for a casual weekend barbecue.
Great for Searing Steaks: The high-heat capabilities of the Kettleman allow you to achieve a beautiful sear on steaks, locking in juices and flavor.
Ideal for Family Gatherings: The spacious cooking area can easily handle a large group, making it perfect for family barbecues, birthday parties, and other festive occasions.
Perfect for Weeknight Grilling: The Kettleman’s quick heat-up time and consistent temperature make it ideal for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare delicious meals in a flash.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Effective flare-up reduction with TRU-Infrared technology
- Large cooking area for entertaining
- Easy to assemble and clean
- Versatile cooking options
- Compact and portable design
- Well-regarded for consistent heat distribution
- Positive customer reviews regarding value and performance
Cons
- Build quality can be somewhat basic, although sufficient for most users
- Limited durability compared to premium grills
- Lid handle could be sturdier
- Legs can be wobbly on uneven surfaces, requiring careful placement
FAQs
How easy is it to clean?: Cleaning is straightforward. Empty the ash tray after each use. The cooking grate can be brushed clean while still warm. Periodic scrubbing with soapy water will keep it in top condition.
How long does it take to heat up?: The grill typically heats up to medium temperatures within 15-20 minutes, making it ready for grilling in a reasonable amount of time.
Does this grill produce a lot of smoke?: TRU-Infrared technology minimizes smoke compared to traditional charcoal grills by preventing drippings from burning. However, some smoke is still produced, as with any charcoal grill.
What type of charcoal can I use?: The Kettleman accepts both lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes. We recommend using a high-quality charcoal for the best flavor and performance.
What is the warranty period?: The Charbroil Kettleman TRU-Infrared Charcoal Grill comes with a limited 3-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Product Specifications
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
| Cleaning Requirements | Regular brushing and occasional soap/water cleaning |
| Dimensions | 26”D x 26”W x 39”H |
| Temperature Range | Up to 600°F |
| Material | Porcelain-coated steel grates, painted steel body |
| Cooking Area | 360 square inches |
| Weight | 36 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
| Ignition System | Manual |
Ratings
| Cooking Performance | 4.6 |
| Value for Money | 4.8 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
| Durability | 4.2 |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Heat Distribution | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Charbroil Kettleman TRU-Infrared Charcoal Grill is a fantastic choice for beginner grillers who want to experience the flavor of charcoal without the hassle of flare-ups and uneven cooking. Its affordable price and simple design make it an excellent entry point into the world of charcoal grilling. It’s also a great option for those who want a reliable, compact grill for weeknight dinners and small gatherings.
For those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly grill that delivers consistently delicious results, the Kettleman won’t disappoint. While not a premium model, its innovative TRU-Infrared technology and ease of use make it a standout choice in its price range, outperforming many competitors in terms of both performance and value.
Conclusion
The Charbroil Kettleman TRU-Infrared Charcoal Grill offers a remarkable combination of affordability, performance, and ease of use. Its TRU-Infrared technology effectively eliminates flare-ups and ensures consistently juicy, flavorful food. While the build quality isn’s as robust as some premium grills, the Kettleman’s exceptional value and reliable cooking performance make it an excellent choice for a wide range of grillers. It’s a testament to the idea that great flavor doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
From weeknight dinners to weekend barbecues, the Kettleman is a versatile and convenient grilling solution. Its simple design, ease of cleaning, and excellent cooking performance make it a standout choice in its class, delivering a truly enjoyable grilling experience without breaking the bank.
