Stepping out onto the patio and realizing my old grill had finally given up the ghost was a moment of mild panic. Summer was just around the corner, and the thought of not being able to fire up some burgers or steaks on a warm evening was genuinely upsetting. I needed a replacement, and I needed one that wouldn’t just cook food but would cook it *well*. The complications of not having a reliable gas grill for impromptu cookouts or planned gatherings were obvious – soggy food from other methods, or worse, no backyard grilling at all. This problem absolutely needed solving before grilling season hit its peak.
Before diving headfirst into buying just any grill, it’s worth taking a moment to think about what you really need. A gas grill is typically sought by those who prioritize convenience and quick heating compared to charcoal or pellet options. They solve the problem of long preheating times and messy ash cleanup. The ideal customer is someone who wants to be able to decide to grill dinner on a weeknight and have the grill ready to go in minutes. They likely appreciate consistent temperatures and easy ignition.
However, someone who loves the distinct smoky flavor that only charcoal provides, or who wants to tackle low-and-slow smoking projects regularly, might find a gas grill limiting and should consider charcoal grills or dedicated smokers instead.
When you’re looking for a new grill, ponder these points:
* Size: How many people do you typically cook for? A small 2-burner might be perfect for couples or small families, while larger gatherings demand more cooking space.
* Cooking Technology: Are you okay with traditional open flame, or are you interested in technologies like infrared that promise more even heat and fewer flare-ups?
* Durability and Materials: What is the grill made of? Stainless steel parts often last longer and are easier to clean.
* Features: Do you need side burners, warming racks, temperature gauges, or enclosed storage?
* Budget: Grills come in a wide range of prices, so setting a budget beforehand is crucial.
* Assembly: Are you comfortable assembling the grill yourself, or do you need professional assembly?
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 16 burgers, 6 chicken breasts or 4 steaks on 405 square inches of total cooking space. You can cook meats and larger items on the 310-square-inch primary grates and cook with...
- COOKING TECHNOLOGY: The Amplifire cooking system grills juicier food, eliminates guesswork and prevents flare-ups. Our emitter plate transfers heat from the flame directly to the grate, vaporizes...
Introducing the Char-Broil Performance Series Grill
Enter the Char-Broil Performance Series Amplifire Infrared 2-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill. This particular model, the 463655621, positions itself as a compact yet capable option for the home griller. Its main promise is delivering juicier food with no flare-ups thanks to its Amplifire™ Infrared cooking technology. When you purchase it, you get the grill itself, ready for assembly, and equipped with features like folding side shelves and an enclosed cabinet.
This specific Char-Broil grill is clearly targeted at individuals or small families who need a reliable, easy-to-start grill that fits well in smaller spaces like apartment balconies or compact patios. It’s not really designed for someone hosting massive backyard parties every weekend, nor is it for the dedicated pitmaster looking for complex smoking capabilities.
Here’s a quick look at its ups and downs:
Pros:
* Uses Amplifire™ Infrared technology for even heat and juicy results.
* Compact size with folding side shelves.
* Electronic ignition for reliable starts.
* Porcelain-coated steel grates are durable and easy to clean.
* Cabinet storage for the propane tank.
Cons:
* Infrared grates can be harder to clean than traditional wire grates.
* Reports of some quality control issues upon arrival (dents, missing parts).
* Some users report issues with the tank gauge or starter/burners over time.
* Customer service experiences can be mixed.
* Requires assembly.
- 【429 SQ. IN. OF GRILL SPACE】Boasting 429 square inches of cooking space, this outdoor propane grill is designed to handle all your BBQ favorites, from meats to vegetables to seafood and more for...
- 3-Burner + Side Burner System ： Features three main burners (8,000 BTU each) and a 10,000 BTU side burner for versatile cooking (searing, simmering, or side dishes). Total 34,000 BTU output ensures...
- Spacious Cooking Space: 738 sq. in. cooking space in total, including 566 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and 172 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack that accommodate...
A Closer Look at Features & Benefits
Having used this Char-Broil 2-burner grill for a good while now, I can speak to how its different components perform in real-world use.
Amplifire™ Infrared Cooking Technology
This is the marquee feature of the Char-Broil Performance Series grill, and it’s the main reason I was drawn to it. The system uses an emitter plate positioned between the flame and the grates. Instead of the flame directly heating the air (convective heat) or the grates (conductive heat primarily), the emitter plate gets hot and radiates intense infrared heat upwards.
The *benefit* of this is two-fold:
1. No Flare-Ups: The emitter plate acts as a barrier, catching dripping fats and juices before they hit the flame. This eliminates those sudden bursts of fire that can char or burn your food. For someone who has ruined many a steak with unexpected flare-ups, this feature alone is a game-changer. It means you can grill fattier cuts without constant vigilance.
2. Even Heat & Juicier Food: Infrared heat is incredibly efficient and penetrates food directly. The emitter plate also ensures heat is distributed much more evenly across the cooking surface compared to traditional burners, where you often find distinct hot and cold spots. This leads to consistently cooked food. Because the heat source is indirect (from the plate, not the flame), and because food cooks faster due to the intense radiant heat, moisture is locked in, resulting in noticeably juicier meats. Burgers, chicken breasts, pork chops – everything comes off the grill more succulent.
While the technology delivers on its promise of even heat and fewer flare-ups, the downside is the design of the grates themselves. The deep, V-shaped grooves in the porcelain-coated steel grates are part of the infrared system, designed to capture drippings and vaporize them for added flavor. However, these grooves also make cleaning more challenging than traditional wire grates. Food scraps tend to get stuck deep within them, and a standard wire brush isn’t very effective. Char-Broil includes a specific cleaning tool, but it still requires more effort to get completely clean compared to grills without this tech. This is a trade-off for the juicier food benefit.
Cooking Area
This propane gas grill offers 405 square inches of total cooking space. This is broken down into a 310-square-inch primary cooking area on the main grates (measuring roughly 17.5″ x 17.1″) and a 95-square-inch warming rack above.
For a 2-burner grill, the 310 sq. in. primary area is quite respectable. Char-Broil suggests it can handle up to 16 burgers, which seems about right if you pack them in. For typical grilling of a few steaks, chicken pieces, or a decent batch of burgers for a family of four, it’s more than enough space. The warming rack is useful for keeping cooked food warm without overcooking, or for toasting buns.
The size feels just right for small to medium-sized patios or decks. It doesn’t dominate the space, which is a major plus if you’re tight on room.
Folding Side Shelves
The two large side shelves are a practical addition. They provide much-needed space for platters, tools, sauces, and prep work while you’re grilling. They feel reasonably sturdy when unfolded. The real benefit, though, is their ability to fold down.
If you have limited storage space or are placing the grill in a narrow area like a balcony, the ability to fold the shelves down significantly reduces the grill’s footprint. This makes it easier to tuck away when not in use. They even have “Gear Trax” compatibility (though accessories aren’t included), suggesting potential for customization with tool hooks or baskets.
BTU Rating
The grill has an 18,000 BTU rating (9,000 BTU per burner). BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measure of heat output, but as the description correctly notes, it’s more about fuel consumption than maximum temperature. Thanks to the efficiency of the infrared system, 18,000 BTUs on this grill can often feel hotter and cook faster than a much higher BTU rating on a traditional open-flame grill because the heat is directed more effectively.
The *benefit* here is that the grill gets up to temperature quickly and maintains heat well across the cooking surface, which is crucial for searing and consistent cooking. And, theoretically, using less fuel for the same or better cooking performance is a nice bonus.
Electronic Ignition
Reliable ignition is something you often take for granted until it doesn’t work. The electronic ignition system on this Char-Broil gas grill is powered by a single AAA battery and has been consistently reliable in my experience.
The *benefit* is simple: turn the knob, press the button, and the burners light up every time. No fumbling with lighters or matches. It makes starting the grill effortless.
Lid-Mounted Temperature Gauge
A thermometer built into the lid is a standard feature on most grills, but it’s essential for monitoring the internal temperature of the cooking chamber without lifting the lid and losing heat.
The *benefit* is better temperature control. While you’ll still learn the grill’s quirks and hot/cold zones over time, the gauge gives you a good general idea of the temperature you’re working with, allowing you to adjust the burners accordingly.
Tank Gauge (Potential Issue)
The product description mentions an integrated tank gauge to display fuel level. This would be a fantastic feature, allowing you to avoid running out of propane mid-cookout. However, based on user feedback and my own experience, *some* units of this specific model might not actually include this integrated gauge, despite the listing.
If your unit *does* have it and it works, the *benefit* is the convenience of knowing how much fuel you have left, helping you plan tank replacements. If it’s missing or doesn’t work, you’ll need to rely on external tank gauges or the lift-and-shake method, which is less precise and disappointing when you expect an integrated feature.
Porcelain-Coated Steel Grates
The primary cooking grates are made of steel and coated with porcelain. This coating provides several benefits.
First, it helps prevent rust, which is a common issue with steel grates over time, especially in humid environments. Second, it makes them *easier* to clean compared to raw steel (though, as mentioned, the infrared design adds its own cleaning challenges). Third, the porcelain coating helps the grates retain and distribute heat evenly, contributing to consistent cooking and nice grill marks.
They feel solid and durable for their material type.
Cabinet Storage
The grill features a single-door painted-steel cabinet underneath. This cabinet serves a practical purpose: it provides enclosed storage for your propane tank. It even has a well inside to hold the tank securely.
The *benefit* is tidiness and convenience. The tank is out of sight, making the grill look neater, and it’s kept securely within the grill’s footprint. The cabinet can also potentially house a few small grilling accessories, although space is primarily dedicated to the tank.
Removable Grease Pan
Managing grease drippings is a necessary part of grill maintenance. This gas grill has a porcelain-coated grease pan that slides out from the back.
The *benefit* is easy cleaning. You can simply remove the pan, scrape or wash it out, and slide it back in. It makes dealing with grease accumulation much less messy than on grills with less accessible drip systems.
Overall Performance and Construction
In terms of how it performs, the Char-Broil Amplifire system really does make a difference. Flare-ups are virtually eliminated, and food consistently comes out juicy. It heats up quickly and holds temperature well, making it versatile for searing or cooking at lower temperatures. The compact size is great for smaller spaces.
However, based on user experiences (and acknowledging some potential inconsistencies in manufacturing or shipping), there seem to be some areas where the construction might feel less robust than higher-end grills. While mine has held up reasonably well with regular use and care, some reports of dents on arrival, issues with side shelf installation, or burners/starters failing relatively early are concerning and suggest quality control might vary. The porcelain coating chipping on the grates, as reported by some users, is also a potential long-term durability issue to be aware of, especially if Char-Broil’s stance is that it’s okay to cook on chipped surfaces (which is debatable).
Assembly is required, and while generally straightforward, some users have reported minor difficulties with screw alignment or damaged parts upon unboxing. Plan to set aside an hour or two and potentially need a second pair of hands for certain steps.
What Users Are Saying
Having browsed various reviews and forums online, it seems many users echo my positive experiences, particularly regarding the core cooking performance. People frequently praise how the Amplifire grill cooks food evenly and keeps it juicy, and the lack of flare-ups is a recurring highlight. The compact size and folding shelves are also often mentioned as benefits for smaller spaces. Assembly is generally found to be manageable, especially with clearly labeled parts. However, there are certainly reviewers who encountered issues. Some received units with dents, seemingly from shipping. Others noted disappointment if the advertised tank gauge was missing. A few experienced problems with parts like the starter or even the burners after a relatively short period, and some found customer service responses unhelpful regarding these issues or minor cosmetic damage. The difficulty cleaning the infrared grates is another common point raised by users.
The Final Word
If you’re in the market for a new gas grill and want to avoid the frustration of flare-ups and dry food, the Char-Broil Performance Series Amplifire Infrared 2-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill is definitely worth considering. The problem of inconsistent cooking and burnt food on traditional grills is precisely what its infrared technology aims to solve, and in my experience, it largely succeeds.
Its compact size, reliable ignition, and the promise of juicier results make it a strong contender for anyone with limited outdoor space or those simply looking for a more consistent grilling experience. While there are some potential downsides regarding cleaning the unique grates and some reported inconsistencies in build quality or included features, the core cooking performance is impressive for its class.
Ready to upgrade your grilling game and enjoy perfectly cooked, juicy food with minimal fuss? Click here to check out the Char-Broil Performance Series Amplifire Grill.
Last update on 2025-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API