Fine for a year or 3, deteriorates pretty quick. Ymmv.
ChesterCopp
I’ve had mine for 5 years. It’s the ok. Starter already broke and can’t find a replacement one that fits
LFCfanatic999
I bought their Kamander grill almost seven years ago at my local Sears when they were going out of business. It was their version of a convection charcoal grill (ie Big Green Egg copy), but it was made of insulated double steel walls. It was only about $250 so I thought I’d give it a try.
Fast forward to present times and all I can say it’s been a work horse for me. Inevitably, the extreme heat’s, grease, and salts have eroded the interior but it still keeps fantastic temps. I keep telling people it’s like a beat up Jeep Wrangler that does the job.
I purchased a low end gas grill ($350) for a short-term rental that I have. Putting it together, I could see the difference in quality compared to the Kamander grill. Not sure if it’s shrinkflation, price gouging, or the managed decline philosophy but it just felt cheap. Don’t even look at the more expensive models given I was only looking st models of that price point, but I’d probably stay away from models less than $400 which is unfair to day because that’s still a lot of cash.
CCWaterBug
I like mine so much I buy a new one every 2 years!
Harry_Gorilla
So cheap you’ll need a new one in a year
lasselasselille
Cheap shit! I looove my Napoleon Grill
AwarenessGreat282
As close to a disposable gas grill as you can get. Which most are at that price point. Maintained very well and kept under cover (but not a covered), it will last long enough.
Terrible-Champion132
All depends on what you want to do with it and your budget. Are there better grills? Yeah. Most are at least decent at their price for what they are. Especially when it comes to propane and charcoal. Pellet grills I’m a bit more selective.
Cecilthelionpuppet
Perfect when you buy your first home and don’t want to spend cash now and don’t want charcoal.
Be ready for it to fall apart after a few years.
Fulker19
Those $200-$300 models outside Lowe’s aren’t meant to last. They’re fine for apartments, though, and do a decent job while they’re in good condition.
That brand does make a line of “professional” grills. I bought one of those last year and I absolutely love it. It doubles the price, so it’s not a budget option, but the heat distribution is excellent, thick double walls on the lid retain heat extremely well, and it has a griddle you can swap in for the grates.
Like with any brand, the cheaper option gives you less great results, but depending on your situation and what you want to do with it, you could do worse than the picture.
Buhlasted
I used to own charbroil years ago, when they made a very high quality product. I had it for 10+ years. I did take very good care of it and gave it to my son.
I bought another one, and it gave out in less than 3 years.
I bought another big green egg 15 years ago. I will never go back. Still rocking the kamado style cooker. I bought a second, smaller one, I take with us camping and tailgating. Best move I have made thus far.
Independent-Owl-8659
I just got that one for $199 assembled from Lowe’s. Great sale…works awesome. My last one made it 5 years with a little care. Used it all the time too.
I’d prefer a Weber of course, but I have it to supplement my Weber Kettle and I can’t complain.
Deku-Butler
Maybe a hot take, but if you’re not buying a nice grill that you want to keep long term and maintain (Weber, Napoleon, Treager, etc.,) I’d just buy a crappy Nexgrill or Dyna-Glo or whatever is cheapest. I don’t think the quality of the cooking experience will be much different, and they’re probably gonna last about as long as a CharBroil. I used a $100 Dyna-Glo for a few years and I preferred it to my dad’s $300ish 4 burner Char Broil.
I_Want_A_Ribeye
I got one on sale. It served its purpose. Cheap/easy entry into grilling. Opened the door to getting a smoker and a charcoal grill. It’s just a rusty mess now after 4 years.
runawayscream
I have the charcoal version. Lasted for years. Kept it under cover. Surface rust on the wheel’s metal parts. Bottle opener was an important feature, as was price. The main issue I have is I can’t get spare parts for it. I burned through the charcoal tray very quickly. I think they changed materials. The first one lasted a couple years and all the other since barely last a year. If spare parts were more readily available, I would give it a higher rating. I had to buy a second Weber kettle grill, the second one is definitely made with cheaper lighter metal than the older one I have, but I left the older one outside too often in the flutes don’t open anymore. So if you’re super good about taking care of your stuff, and don’t live in Florida, it should last for a long time. recently got a pit boss, and the quality difference is immediate. So I would label both charbroil and Weber as an entry level compared to it.
SteakJones
They are junk
lolikamani
They are budget tier and for people on a tight budget they work well and will last a year, maybe two. I had several in my younger years and grilled the hell out of them!
pimpinaintez18
Would rather have a 2 burner Weber.
Zookreeper1
I had one I bought in like 2004 that lasted 10 years out in the rain with no cover. Next one last 4 years. Next one 2. Next one was a Weber .
medicjake
I bought a $300 CharBroil 2-burner infrared grill years ago, mostly as an experiment to see if I would actually grill/enjoy grilling enough to buy a more long term grill.
It’s probably been 5 years now. We grill 2-3 times a week all year in the South Florida climate. Aside from replacing the igniter- which I don’t even use now- and the gas regulator, I’ve never had any issues to report.
It isn’t exactly a premium grill, all things considered. However, if my experience is anything representative of the general population’s, I would have no hesitation recommending it to the vast majority of people that I know.
johnrambodad
They’re deff more expensive but I’ll never buy anything other than a Weber. I got my dad’s hand me down he bought in 2003 only replaced the guts once. Just recently retired it with a new Weber. If the genesis is way out of budget check out the spirits they’re not much more than that CB.
Plumb_Level
Mid – suss baka.
Otherwise_Fact9594
I have a NexGrill charcoal cart. It was solid for $129 and made a lot of great food. The basket wore quickly if not heavily wrapped with good aluminum foil. I really enjoy a lot of aspects about it but unfortunately, the cover got destroyed during the hurricanes and The water damage and rust became quickly something they could not be ignored. I technically could still use it but I just went back to the gold standard Weber kettle. I had a CB (charcoal) about 15 years ago and it was on par with NexGrill imo. I guess I really can’t offer any help since I have never owned a gas grill. I would like to for the convenience it offers for work nights and quick meals. Not everybody can afford a Genesis or something similar so I would probably have a difficult time deciding between the two brands as well. I would be reading reviews for sure. Happy grilling with whatever you do decide to purchase
Exciting_Agent3901
I think they are shit but I also think that Weber is shit. They are all disposable. The companies don’t stand behind them. And when you try to make a warranty claim they deny it. Fuck all these grills. I’ll cook over charcoal in a steel bucket.
SuspiciousLove7219
Buy and cook on cast iron skillets your new grill will stay new inside and will be your last grill…highly recommend a cover or keeping in garage/shed…I bought a new grill 6 months ago and cast iron skillets and couldn’t be happier (cleaning skillets are a little annoying but when I open that grill it’s brand new)
BBQ_IS_LIFE
Crazy how just changing your logo and branding makes the whole grill look not cheap anymore and pop!
ashleyriddell61
I like the way they cook better than a Weber.
There, I said it. The build quality is no where near a Weber of course, they smoke like hell, but its the flavour of the food that counts for me. The infrared system is close to foolproof to avoid incinerating meat.
Had my medium priced Char Broil for 4 years and it gets used every couple of days, summer and winter. Still in good shape
noah_ichiban
I just replaced my 14 year old Weber with a new Weber from Home Depot for $349. They just last. If you buy this, it’s more like you’re renting it.
incognitomisterio
I bought this exact type model in 2013.
It’s still going, but I’ve replaced the burning tubes twice, the grates once, the grease drip tray once. The starter went after 6 years, but I just start it with a bendable lighter, easy enough.
I’d say all those parts cost me another $200. So, for $500 total, it has lasted 12 years. It also survived 4 house moves by moving companies.
I’m in Texas now, and it lasts outside without a cover here.
I’d say that the cost to time ratio I had probably rivals a Weber or whatever more revered brand someone might pose. You just need to be interested in replacing parts. If you pitch a grill at the sign of one main part expiring, then yeah, throw some cash at a Weber or professional series.
faultlessjoint
I’ve been using mine for 5 years now. It’s ok.
Pros: It’s sturdy enough. Isn’t the cheapest feeling grill I’ve ever used. Easy to clean. Is reliable.
Cons: VERY uneven heating. With all four burners set to max the temp difference in different areas is drastic. It does not get very hot. I have a very difficult time getting a good sear on anything without overcooking it. I won’t sous vide anything then put it on this grill because it will overcook it before I can get a sear.
I make more money now than I did 5 years ago and if I were buying a grill today I would definitely get something nicer, BUT it’s not terrible enough that I’m going to replace it while it still works good enough.
EDIT: I should note I live in a very dry climate and don’t have issues with rust. I doubt it would still be in decent shape if I lived in the Southeast or something.
Public_Enemy_No2
If you’re not familiar with the phrase, “you get what you pay for”, then you probably should google it before you buy this junk.
Upbeat_Experience403
I’ve got one and have had a couple before my current one. They work and are cheap but don’t hold up well.
throwaways-101
Everything is Charred AND undercooked.
Billybass00
Cheap and don’t last
ars2x
Not a good grill. Invest in a Weber and you’ll save money in the long run.
Revolutionary-Gas122
First caught the pic alone. Had no idea what the topic was about. Took a double take. Damn thats a grill. Design is definitely new and murdered out.
Bobnbecky
We got ours at Walmart for 250
Office_Dolt
I don’t know if I’ve had a Char Broil, but I’ve bought the “cheap” brands at Lowes/Home Depot before and never had a problem with longevity. Had one last about 7 years, another about the same. The burners were the first thing to go, and I had certain areas that cooked and certain that were warm-ish. So, if you don’t have the money to spend on a really good weber or the like, these are servicable for several years. Toss, buy a new one. You’ll spend more in the long run though.
edit: I shoudl say that I kept mine covered outside which should help. I also only grilled on these, once, maybe twice a week during summers in the NE United States. So not a ton of use.
ChpnJoe308
Junk.
mostlysittingdown
Meh. If you need a grill pronto for this yr then maybe. If you get a decent cover for it and use the cover right after the grill cools every single time then you can prob get a couple/few good years out of it. When I was saving up for rectec 1100 pellet grill i just got the $30-$60 charcoal grill from Walmart to tide me over until the following year.
SaleSubstantial6601
They’re great “disposable” grills, they work great until they don’t. I bought them while saving up to buy the Weber I wanted
narwhal4u
I used to buy a new grill of this quality every three years. After a decade or so I bought a Weber Genesis and have had that one for almost 10 years. It’s just starting to show signs of wear.
Spuckler_Cletus
We had an infrared model of some sort. Its construction was fine, and it did what it was supposed to do. The only complaint I had about it was that I couldn‘t seem to sear/char steaks. It was almost like it steamed them.
It’s still in service at our cabin, but only for burgers and hotdogs. We kept ours covered and in the dry. It’s 12 years old with no signs of serious deterioration.
Bluelikeyou2
If that’s the best you can afford then go for it nothing wrong
pandaleer
If you have a better budget and really want a propane grill, it’s worth it to go for a Weber Spirit or Genesis. It will last longer. Or if you have Facebook, look on Marketplace. In my area there are some brand new or nearly new Webers for great prices. If you are just starting out and don’t have long term expectations for the grill, grab a Charbroil🙂
49 Comments
Not great but still works
They get the job done but will rust out.
Fine for a year or 3, deteriorates pretty quick. Ymmv.
I’ve had mine for 5 years. It’s the ok. Starter already broke and can’t find a replacement one that fits
I bought their Kamander grill almost seven years ago at my local Sears when they were going out of business. It was their version of a convection charcoal grill (ie Big Green Egg copy), but it was made of insulated double steel walls. It was only about $250 so I thought I’d give it a try.
Fast forward to present times and all I can say it’s been a work horse for me. Inevitably, the extreme heat’s, grease, and salts have eroded the interior but it still keeps fantastic temps. I keep telling people it’s like a beat up Jeep Wrangler that does the job.
I purchased a low end gas grill ($350) for a short-term rental that I have. Putting it together, I could see the difference in quality compared to the Kamander grill. Not sure if it’s shrinkflation, price gouging, or the managed decline philosophy but it just felt cheap. Don’t even look at the more expensive models given I was only looking st models of that price point, but I’d probably stay away from models less than $400 which is unfair to day because that’s still a lot of cash.
I like mine so much I buy a new one every 2 years!
So cheap you’ll need a new one in a year
Cheap shit! I looove my Napoleon Grill
As close to a disposable gas grill as you can get. Which most are at that price point. Maintained very well and kept under cover (but not a covered), it will last long enough.
All depends on what you want to do with it and your budget. Are there better grills? Yeah. Most are at least decent at their price for what they are. Especially when it comes to propane and charcoal. Pellet grills I’m a bit more selective.
Perfect when you buy your first home and don’t want to spend cash now and don’t want charcoal.
Be ready for it to fall apart after a few years.
Those $200-$300 models outside Lowe’s aren’t meant to last. They’re fine for apartments, though, and do a decent job while they’re in good condition.
That brand does make a line of “professional” grills. I bought one of those last year and I absolutely love it. It doubles the price, so it’s not a budget option, but the heat distribution is excellent, thick double walls on the lid retain heat extremely well, and it has a griddle you can swap in for the grates.
Like with any brand, the cheaper option gives you less great results, but depending on your situation and what you want to do with it, you could do worse than the picture.
I used to own charbroil years ago, when they made a very high quality product. I had it for 10+ years. I did take very good care of it and gave it to my son.
I bought another one, and it gave out in less than 3 years.
I bought another big green egg 15 years ago. I will never go back. Still rocking the kamado style cooker. I bought a second, smaller one, I take with us camping and tailgating. Best move I have made thus far.
I just got that one for $199 assembled from Lowe’s. Great sale…works awesome. My last one made it 5 years with a little care. Used it all the time too.
I’d prefer a Weber of course, but I have it to supplement my Weber Kettle and I can’t complain.
Maybe a hot take, but if you’re not buying a nice grill that you want to keep long term and maintain (Weber, Napoleon, Treager, etc.,) I’d just buy a crappy Nexgrill or Dyna-Glo or whatever is cheapest. I don’t think the quality of the cooking experience will be much different, and they’re probably gonna last about as long as a CharBroil. I used a $100 Dyna-Glo for a few years and I preferred it to my dad’s $300ish 4 burner Char Broil.
I got one on sale. It served its purpose. Cheap/easy entry into grilling. Opened the door to getting a smoker and a charcoal grill. It’s just a rusty mess now after 4 years.
I have the charcoal version. Lasted for years. Kept it under cover. Surface rust on the wheel’s metal parts. Bottle opener was an important feature, as was price. The main issue I have is I can’t get spare parts for it. I burned through the charcoal tray very quickly. I think they changed materials. The first one lasted a couple years and all the other since barely last a year. If spare parts were more readily available, I would give it a higher rating. I had to buy a second Weber kettle grill, the second one is definitely made with cheaper lighter metal than the older one I have, but I left the older one outside too often in the flutes don’t open anymore. So if you’re super good about taking care of your stuff, and don’t live in Florida, it should last for a long time. recently got a pit boss, and the quality difference is immediate. So I would label both charbroil and Weber as an entry level compared to it.
They are junk
They are budget tier and for people on a tight budget they work well and will last a year, maybe two. I had several in my younger years and grilled the hell out of them!
Would rather have a 2 burner Weber.
I had one I bought in like 2004 that lasted 10 years out in the rain with no cover. Next one last 4 years. Next one 2. Next one was a Weber .
I bought a $300 CharBroil 2-burner infrared grill years ago, mostly as an experiment to see if I would actually grill/enjoy grilling enough to buy a more long term grill.
It’s probably been 5 years now. We grill 2-3 times a week all year in the South Florida climate. Aside from replacing the igniter- which I don’t even use now- and the gas regulator, I’ve never had any issues to report.
It isn’t exactly a premium grill, all things considered. However, if my experience is anything representative of the general population’s, I would have no hesitation recommending it to the vast majority of people that I know.
They’re deff more expensive but I’ll never buy anything other than a Weber. I got my dad’s hand me down he bought in 2003 only replaced the guts once. Just recently retired it with a new Weber. If the genesis is way out of budget check out the spirits they’re not much more than that CB.
Mid – suss baka.
I have a NexGrill charcoal cart. It was solid for $129 and made a lot of great food. The basket wore quickly if not heavily wrapped with good aluminum foil. I really enjoy a lot of aspects about it but unfortunately, the cover got destroyed during the hurricanes and The water damage and rust became quickly something they could not be ignored. I technically could still use it but I just went back to the gold standard Weber kettle. I had a CB (charcoal) about 15 years ago and it was on par with NexGrill imo. I guess I really can’t offer any help since I have never owned a gas grill. I would like to for the convenience it offers for work nights and quick meals. Not everybody can afford a Genesis or something similar so I would probably have a difficult time deciding between the two brands as well. I would be reading reviews for sure. Happy grilling with whatever you do decide to purchase
I think they are shit but I also think that Weber is shit. They are all disposable. The companies don’t stand behind them. And when you try to make a warranty claim they deny it. Fuck all these grills. I’ll cook over charcoal in a steel bucket.
Buy and cook on cast iron skillets your new grill will stay new inside and will be your last grill…highly recommend a cover or keeping in garage/shed…I bought a new grill 6 months ago and cast iron skillets and couldn’t be happier (cleaning skillets are a little annoying but when I open that grill it’s brand new)
Crazy how just changing your logo and branding makes the whole grill look not cheap anymore and pop!
I like the way they cook better than a Weber.
There, I said it. The build quality is no where near a Weber of course, they smoke like hell, but its the flavour of the food that counts for me. The infrared system is close to foolproof to avoid incinerating meat.
Had my medium priced Char Broil for 4 years and it gets used every couple of days, summer and winter. Still in good shape
I just replaced my 14 year old Weber with a new Weber from Home Depot for $349. They just last. If you buy this, it’s more like you’re renting it.
I bought this exact type model in 2013.
It’s still going, but I’ve replaced the burning tubes twice, the grates once, the grease drip tray once. The starter went after 6 years, but I just start it with a bendable lighter, easy enough.
I’d say all those parts cost me another $200. So, for $500 total, it has lasted 12 years. It also survived 4 house moves by moving companies.
I’m in Texas now, and it lasts outside without a cover here.
I’d say that the cost to time ratio I had probably rivals a Weber or whatever more revered brand someone might pose. You just need to be interested in replacing parts. If you pitch a grill at the sign of one main part expiring, then yeah, throw some cash at a Weber or professional series.
I’ve been using mine for 5 years now. It’s ok.
Pros: It’s sturdy enough. Isn’t the cheapest feeling grill I’ve ever used. Easy to clean. Is reliable.
Cons: VERY uneven heating. With all four burners set to max the temp difference in different areas is drastic. It does not get very hot. I have a very difficult time getting a good sear on anything without overcooking it. I won’t sous vide anything then put it on this grill because it will overcook it before I can get a sear.
I make more money now than I did 5 years ago and if I were buying a grill today I would definitely get something nicer, BUT it’s not terrible enough that I’m going to replace it while it still works good enough.
EDIT: I should note I live in a very dry climate and don’t have issues with rust. I doubt it would still be in decent shape if I lived in the Southeast or something.
If you’re not familiar with the phrase, “you get what you pay for”, then you probably should google it before you buy this junk.
I’ve got one and have had a couple before my current one. They work and are cheap but don’t hold up well.
Everything is Charred AND undercooked.
Cheap and don’t last
Not a good grill. Invest in a Weber and you’ll save money in the long run.
First caught the pic alone. Had no idea what the topic was about. Took a double take. Damn thats a grill. Design is definitely new and murdered out.
We got ours at Walmart for 250
I don’t know if I’ve had a Char Broil, but I’ve bought the “cheap” brands at Lowes/Home Depot before and never had a problem with longevity. Had one last about 7 years, another about the same. The burners were the first thing to go, and I had certain areas that cooked and certain that were warm-ish. So, if you don’t have the money to spend on a really good weber or the like, these are servicable for several years. Toss, buy a new one. You’ll spend more in the long run though.
edit: I shoudl say that I kept mine covered outside which should help. I also only grilled on these, once, maybe twice a week during summers in the NE United States. So not a ton of use.
Junk.
Meh. If you need a grill pronto for this yr then maybe. If you get a decent cover for it and use the cover right after the grill cools every single time then you can prob get a couple/few good years out of it. When I was saving up for rectec 1100 pellet grill i just got the $30-$60 charcoal grill from Walmart to tide me over until the following year.
They’re great “disposable” grills, they work great until they don’t. I bought them while saving up to buy the Weber I wanted
I used to buy a new grill of this quality every three years. After a decade or so I bought a Weber Genesis and have had that one for almost 10 years. It’s just starting to show signs of wear.
We had an infrared model of some sort. Its construction was fine, and it did what it was supposed to do. The only complaint I had about it was that I couldn‘t seem to sear/char steaks. It was almost like it steamed them.
It’s still in service at our cabin, but only for burgers and hotdogs. We kept ours covered and in the dry. It’s 12 years old with no signs of serious deterioration.
If that’s the best you can afford then go for it nothing wrong
If you have a better budget and really want a propane grill, it’s worth it to go for a Weber Spirit or Genesis. It will last longer. Or if you have Facebook, look on Marketplace. In my area there are some brand new or nearly new Webers for great prices. If you are just starting out and don’t have long term expectations for the grill, grab a Charbroil🙂
I don’t . Just buy a used Weber
You won’t miss it if someone steals it.