There was a time when the thought of grilling felt like a monumental task. Living in a place with restrictions on charcoal and gas, I often felt left out of the quintessential backyard BBQ experience. The smell of smoke, the sizzle of burgers – it all seemed out of reach. This wasn’t just about missing out on fun; it was about convenience, healthier cooking, and the simple pleasure of grilled food. Finding a solution was essential to avoid resorting to less ideal cooking methods or constantly relying on restaurants.
- ELECTRIC GRILL: This grill is powered by electricity to give you the convenience of grilling without the hassle of gas or charcoal. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and...
- COOKING TECHNOLOGY: TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, delivers even heat and cooks up to 50% juicier food. Heat is transferred from the coil to the grate and drippings are vaporized,...
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 12 burgers, 6 chicken breasts or 4 steaks on 320-square-inches of total cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the warming rack to cook with...
What to Look for in an Electric Grill
If you’re facing similar constraints, or simply want a low-maintenance grilling option, an electric grill could be the answer. They’re perfect for balconies, patios, or areas where open flames are a no-go. The ideal candidate for this type of grill is someone who values convenience, ease of use, and doesn’t want to deal with fuel tanks or charcoal mess. If you’re a serious pitmaster seeking intense smoky flavor or the extreme heat of a charcoal sear, an electric grill might not fully satisfy those specific needs; a pellet smoker or a high-end gas grill might be a better fit, provided your location allows them. Before buying, consider the available space, local regulations, desired cooking capacity, ease of cleaning, and importantly, the cooking technology to ensure even heat and good results.
- 12 PLUS SERVINGS - It’s tailgate time! The 200 square inches of rectangular grilling surface lets you make over 12 servings for large groups of people
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE: Enjoy the flexibility to use this electric grill on the stand for outdoor cooking or remove it for tabletop grilling indoors. Ideal for kitchens, balconies, patios, and more....
- ELECTRIC GRILL: This grill is powered by electricity to give you the convenience of grilling without the hassle of gas or charcoal. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and...
Presenting the Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Having used one for years, I can tell you the Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill is designed specifically for this niche – apartment dwellers, condo owners, or anyone who needs a convenient, electric alternative. It promises juicy, flavorful food with its unique TRU-Infrared technology, all in a compact, patio-friendly size. When you get this electric grill, you get the main unit, assembly instructions, and the product manual. Compared to traditional grills, it offers a plug-and-play experience. While I haven’t extensively compared it to every market leader electric grill, its TRU-Infrared system sets it apart from standard coil-heated electric grills, aiming for more even heat and preventing flare-ups. This particular model, the 20602108, is an evolution of previous Patio Bistro iterations, refining the design and technology. It’s definitely for those who prioritize ease and consistent results over backyard theatrics. It’s probably not for someone who wants to cook for huge crowds regularly or who believes grilling isn’t “real” grilling without fire and smoke (though smoke tubes can mitigate the latter somewhat).
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros:
* Compact size fits easily on small patios/balconies.
* TRU-Infrared technology delivers juicy results and prevents flare-ups.
* Heats up relatively quickly for an electric grill.
* Porcelain-coated grates are easy to clean and maintain.
* Simple integrated control knob for temperature adjustment.
Cons:
* Lack of side shelves for prep/tools can be inconvenient.
* Cooling down significantly when the lid is opened.
* The electrical cord placement (in the front) can be awkward.
* Assembly can be a bit fiddly for some.
Key Features and Why They Matter
The heart of the Char-Broil Patio Bistro electric grill lies in its design and technology, crafted to bring the grilling experience to spaces where traditional grills can’t go. Let’s dive into the features that have made this a reliable cooking companion over the years.
Electric Power for Convenience
The most fundamental feature is that this grill runs on electricity. This is a game-changer if you live in an apartment, condo, or townhouse with restrictions on propane or charcoal. For me, this was the initial draw. Plugging it into a standard outlet is infinitely easier than lugging heavy propane tanks or dealing with messy charcoal. It gets up to cooking temperature surprisingly fast, allowing for spontaneous weeknight grilling sessions without the long preheating associated with charcoal or the setup required for gas. The ease of simply plugging it in means I can decide to grill dinner last minute, and it’s ready to go in a short amount of time. This convenience factor is huge for integrating grilling into a busy lifestyle.
TRU-Infrared Cooking Technology
This is Char-Broil’s signature feature for many of their grills, and on the Patio Bistro, it really makes a difference. The TRU-Infrared system uses a unique grate design that prevents direct contact between food and the heating element, effectively eliminating flare-ups. This means no more burnt burgers caused by dripping fat igniting. Beyond preventing fires, the infrared heat helps to cook food more evenly and, crucially, retains moisture. Char-Broil claims it cooks food up to 50% juicier, and while I haven’t scientifically measured that, I can attest that meats cooked on this grill consistently come out moist and tender. The system works by heating the grate itself intensely, and the infrared energy cooks the food from above and below. Drippings vaporize on the hot surface, sending flavorful smoke back into the food. This indirect yet intense heat is what makes this electric grill stand out and produce results far superior to a typical indoor electric griddle. It provides a consistent cooking surface temperature, reducing hot and cold spots, which is often a challenge with electric grills.
Ample Cooking Area in a Small Footprint
Despite its compact size, the Patio Bistro offers a decent amount of cooking space – 320 square inches in total. This includes a 240 square inch primary cooking surface and a 120 square inch removable warming rack. While it might not be ideal for hosting massive block parties, I’ve found it’s more than sufficient for cooking for my family or a few friends. Char-Broil suggests you can fit up to 12 burgers, and I’d say that’s accurate, assuming standard patty size. The primary grate is perfect for steaks, chicken breasts, fish fillets, and veggies. The warming rack is invaluable for keeping cooked food warm without overcooking it, or for cooking delicate items like buns with indirect heat. Being removable is also a plus, allowing space for taller items like a whole chicken if needed (though you’d need to be creative given the grill’s height). This balance of compact size and practical cooking area is key for patio use.
Integrated Control Knob and Temperature Gauge
Ease of use is paramount with an electric appliance, and the Patio Bistro keeps it simple. There’s a single integrated control knob that turns the grill on and adjusts the temperature. Turning it clockwise increases the heat for searing or faster cooking, while counterclockwise lowers it for slower cooking or keeping things warm. It’s intuitive and provides good control over the heat output. Coupled with the lid-mounted temperature gauge, you get a clear picture of the internal temperature without lifting the lid. This is crucial for maintaining consistent heat, especially when cooking larger cuts or anything that requires specific temperature ranges. While opening the lid does cause a dip in temperature (a common issue with any grill, but perhaps more noticeable with electric), the gauge helps you monitor recovery and adjust accordingly.
Porcelain-Coated Steel Grates
The cooking grates are made from steel and are porcelain-coated. This coating serves a couple of important purposes. Firstly, it helps prevent food from sticking, making flipping and removing food much easier. Secondly, it resists rust, which is essential for an outdoor appliance exposed to the elements. The grates also retain and distribute heat effectively, contributing to those nice grill marks we all love. Cleaning is relatively straightforward because of the porcelain coating – usually, a good brush-down after the grill cools is sufficient, maybe a wipe-down if needed.
Smart Mobility and Storage Features
Considering this grill is designed for patios, easy movement is a big plus. It features two heavy-duty 7-inch wheels with rubber treads. There’s a handle located conveniently below the control knob that allows you to tilt the grill onto its wheels and roll it around. This makes it easy to move the grill into position for cooking or tuck it away for storage when not in use. The same handle also doubles as a tool bar or towel rack, which is a smart use of space, especially given the lack of side shelves. A wire shelf underneath provides a spot to keep frequently used tools or accessories within easy reach while you’re cooking. These thoughtful design elements enhance the practicality of the grill for its intended use.
Removable Grease Tray
No one likes dealing with greasy mess after grilling. The Patio Bistro includes a removable grease tray that slides out easily from the bottom. This tray catches any oil drippings that don’t vaporize on the infrared surface. Clean-up is as simple as sliding the tray out and emptying it. You can even use an aluminum liner in the tray for even easier disposal – just remove the liner and toss it. This feature significantly simplifies the post-grilling clean-up process, which is a huge plus for regular use.
What Users Are Saying
I’ve looked around to see what other folks think about the Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill, and it seems many share my positive experience. Numerous users praise its ability to deliver delicious, juicy meals, especially highlighting the no-flare-up aspect thanks to the infrared tech. People appreciate its compact size, making it suitable for smaller outdoor spaces. Some long-time owners mentioned replacing older models after many years of reliable service, indicating good durability. While assembly was noted as a bit challenging by a few, the overall sentiment is that it’s worth the effort for the performance. The major downsides echoed my own: the absence of side tables for convenience and the somewhat awkward placement of the electrical cord. However, for those needing an effective electric grilling solution, the reviews generally confirm it’s a solid choice that performs well for its intended purpose.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been held back from grilling because of space limitations or fuel restrictions, the Char-Broil Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill could be the perfect solution. It tackles the core problem of providing a real grilling experience where traditional methods aren’t feasible. Its TRU-Infrared technology genuinely makes food juicier and eliminates frustrating flare-ups. The convenience of electric power, combined with a practical cooking area and easy cleaning, makes it a great fit for patios and balconies. While it has a couple of minor design quirks like the cord placement and lack of shelves, its core performance in delivering tasty, grilled food is consistently excellent. Don’t let limitations stop you from enjoying grilled meals at home. To learn more or to check out the Patio Bistro for yourself, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API