Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill Review: The Ultimate Backyard Cooking Companion
Summary
The Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill delivers exceptional value with its powerful cooking performance, versatile features, and durable construction. This mid-range grill offers the perfect balance of performance and affordability for most backyard chefs. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its impressive heat distribution, easy cleanup, and sturdy build quality make it a standout choice in its price range.
Who Should Buy This Grill
- Families who grill frequently but don’t want to spend premium prices
- Home cooks who value consistent cooking performance and durability
- Entertainers who need ample cooking space for larger gatherings
- First-time grill owners looking for ease of use and reliability
Pros and Cons
What’s Great
- Excellent heat distribution across the entire cooking surface
- Sturdy stainless steel construction that withstands weather well
- Precise temperature control with four independent burners
- Convenient side burner for sauces and sides
- 435 square inches of primary cooking space
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates that clean easily
What Could Be Better
- Assembly takes 1-2 hours and requires some DIY skill
- Drip tray could be larger to catch more grease
- Side shelves aren’t as sturdy as the main grill body
- Temperature gauge is basic and not always accurate
Setup and Assembly
The grill comes in a large, well-packed box with clear instructions. Assembly typically takes about 90 minutes working solo, though having a helper would make it easier. All parts are labeled, but basic tools (screwdriver, wrench) are required to complete the build.
The instruction manual is straightforward, though some diagrams could be clearer. Once assembled, the grill feels solid with good stability.
Design and Build Quality
The Char-Broil Performance Series features a sleek stainless steel design that looks more premium than its price suggests. The control panel is laid out intuitively with four main burner knobs, plus one for the side burner. The side burner puts out 10,000 BTUs and the main burners puts out 32,000 BTUs for a total of 42,000 BTUs across the main cooking surface.
The lid features a temperature gauge that tends to be relatively accurate when compared to independent thermometers. The included wheels make moving the grill manageable, and at less than 100 pounds, it’s not over bearing.
Storage is ample with a cabinet below that houses the propane tank and has room for basic grilling tools and supplies.
Cooking Performance
This is where the Char-Broil truly shines. The heat distribution across the cooking surface is remarkably even, eliminating hot spots that can lead to inconsistent cooking. The four independent burners allow for excellent temperature control and flexibility, including easy two-zone cooking for indirect heat methods.
The grill is versatile enough to handle everything from delicate fish and vegetables to thick steaks. It reaches high temperatures (500°F+) quickly, usually within 10 minutes, perfect for searing. But it’s equally capable of maintaining lower temperatures for slower cooking methods.
The side burner is a welcome addition for preparing sauces or side dishes without running back and forth to the kitchen. At 10,000 BTUs, it’s powerful enough to boil water or sauté vegetables efficiently.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The porcelain-coated cast iron grates deserve special mention for their cleaning ease. Food residue comes off with minimal scrubbing, and the coating helps prevent rust even when exposed to humidity. The grease management system features a removable drip tray that simplifies cleanup after messy cooks.
The stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily, though it does show fingerprints. A dedicated grill cover (sold separately) is a worthwhile investment to protect this grill from the elements.
Value and Price Considerations
At around $349-$399 (prices vary by retailer), the Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner represents excellent value. It outperforms many grills in its price range and even some more expensive models. While premium brands offer higher-end options, this grill delivers impressive performance at roughly half the price.
For most families who grill routinely during warm months, this represents an ideal balance of quality, performance, and affordability. With proper maintenance, this grill should last 5-7 years.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Char-Broil Performance Series competes most directly with the Weber Spirit II E-310 and the Nexgrill 4-Burner Gas Grill.
Compared to the Weber Spirit II (which costs $150-200 more), the Char-Broil offers an additional burner and more cooking space, though the Weber may have better long-term durability.
Against the similarly-priced Nexgrill, the Char-Broil features better heat distribution and more substantial construction, particularly in the grates and burners.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
The Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill strikes the perfect balance between performance, durability, and value—making it an excellent choice for most homeowners.
The minor issues with assembly time and the basic propane gauge are easily overshadowed by its excellent cooking performance, quality construction, and versatility. Whether grilling for a family dinner or hosting a neighborhood barbecue, this grill delivers consistently impressive results without breaking the bank.
For anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking game without spending premium prices, this Char-Broil model should be at the top of the consideration list.
Where to Buy
The Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill is available at major retailers including:
- Amazon
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Walmart
Look for seasonal sales, especially around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, when prices may drop.
Note: This review is based on product specifications, market research, and aggregated customer feedback. Specific model variations may differ slightly in features and performance.
