There was a time when backyard grilling felt like a frustrating gamble. Flare-ups were a constant battle, leaving food charred on the outside and often undercooked inside. Achieving consistent, even heat across the entire cooking surface seemed impossible, leading to hot spots and cold spots that made managing multiple items a chore. If you’ve ever spent more time fighting your grill than enjoying the process, you know the feeling. This kind of inconsistency not only ruins a good meal but also takes the fun out of cooking outdoors, which is the whole point! Solving this problem was crucial for truly enjoying those warmer months and weekend cookouts without the usual stress. Finding a reliable grill that could deliver dependable results every time was paramount.
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound 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 600-square-inches of total cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the 450-square-inch primary grates and use the...
- COOKING TECHNOLOGY: TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups, delivers even heat and cooks up to 50% juicier food. Our emitter plate transfers heat from the flame directly to the grate, not...
Considerations Before Getting a New Grill
Stepping into the world of grills means you’re looking to solve the age-old problem of cooking food outdoors efficiently, deliciously, and maybe with a bit of flair. Whether it’s searing steaks, slow-cooking ribs, or just grilling up some burgers and dogs, a good grill is the cornerstone of backyard entertaining and family meals. You’d seek to buy one because you crave that unique grilled flavor, the joy of cooking in the open air, or perhaps you just need a reliable way to feed a crowd.
The ideal customer for a grill like the Char-Broil Performance Series TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill 463371719 is someone who grills regularly but isn’t necessarily a professional pitmaster. They value convenience, consistent results, and features that make grilling easier, like electronic ignition and a side burner. They likely have a small to medium-sized family or frequently host small gatherings. Someone who *shouldn’t* buy a gas grill might be a charcoal purist who insists on the smoky flavor only charcoal provides, or perhaps someone with very limited outdoor space who needs a small portable unit. If space is extremely tight or you only grill once or twice a year, a smaller, simpler grill or even an electric one might be a better fit.
Before committing to a purchase, potential buyers should consider several factors: the total cooking area needed, the fuel type (propane vs. natural gas vs. charcoal vs. electric), the BTU rating (though understand this isn’t the only measure of heat), the material and construction quality (durability matters!), specific features like side burners, warming racks, and temperature gauges, the type of cooking technology (like infrared), ease of cleaning, and importantly, the assembly process and overall stability.
- 【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...
Unveiling the Char-Broil 463371719
The Char-Broil Performance Series TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill 463371719 is a cabinet-style propane gas grill designed to offer a consistent, flare-up-free grilling experience using Char-Broil’s proprietary TRU-Infrared technology. The promise it makes is simple: juicier food cooked evenly every time, without the dreaded flare-ups that can ruin a meal. When you purchase this grill, you get the main grill body, the lid, three main burners, one side burner, cooking grates, an emitter plate (key to the TRU-Infrared system), side shelves (one with the side burner, one plain), a cabinet base with a door for propane tank storage, and assembly hardware.
Compared to basic conventional gas grills, this model stands out primarily due to its TRU-Infrared system. While it might not have the raw power of some higher-BTU conventional grills or the premium build of top-tier brands, it focuses on delivering usability and consistent heat distribution, aiming for a juicier end product. It’s an evolution of Char-Broil’s previous TRU-Infrared models, refining the emitter plate design and cabinet style.
This specific Char-Broil Performance Series grill is best suited for the home cook who values convenience, wants to avoid flare-ups, and desires consistently cooked, juicy food. It’s great for grilling standards like burgers, chicken, fish, and vegetables. It might not be the top choice for someone needing to sear restaurant-quality steaks at extremely high, open-flame temperatures or someone who plans to use a rotisserie regularly (though accessories might exist).
Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons based on my experience and common feedback:
Pros:
* TRU-Infrared technology significantly reduces flare-ups and promotes juicy cooking.
* Delivers consistent, even heat across the primary cooking surface.
* Electronic ignition provides reliable startups.
* Side burner adds versatility for sauces, sides, or boiling.
* Cabinet design offers convenient propane tank storage and a cleaner look.
* Porcelain-coated grates and grease tray are relatively easy to clean.
Cons:
* The cabinet base can feel less sturdy or prone to wobbling compared to heavier-duty grills.
* Lack of a full back panel on the cabinet exposes the interior, potentially allowing pest access.
* Some reports of less durable components like welds or paint peeling over time.
* TRU-Infrared requires cleaning the emitter plate, which adds a step compared to traditional grates.
* The handles and lid are solid, but the overall structure feels lighter than some competitors.
Deep Dive into Performance and Features
Having used the Char-Broil Performance Series TRU-Infrared grill for a good while now, I can share some in-depth thoughts on its key features and how they perform in real-world grilling scenarios. This isn’t just about ticking boxes on a spec sheet; it’s about how these elements impact your actual cooking experience.
TRU-Infrared Cooking System
This is arguably the star of the show on the 463371719 model. The TRU-Infrared technology works by placing an emitter plate between the burners and the cooking grates. This plate gets heated up and radiates infrared heat upwards, rather than relying solely on hot air convection like a traditional grill. From a user perspective, this means two primary benefits: significantly reduced flare-ups and incredibly even heat distribution.
Flare-ups are the bane of many grillers’ existence, caused by fat or juices dripping directly onto hot burner flames. The emitter plate on this propane gas grill largely prevents this, as the drippings hit the hot plate, vaporize, and infuse smoky flavor back into the food instead of igniting into flames. This alone makes grilling much less stressful, especially when cooking fattier meats like burgers or chicken with skin. You spend less time hovering with tongs, trying to rescue food from being burned.
The even heat distribution is also a major win. Because the infrared heat radiates consistently from the emitter plate, you don’t get the pronounced hot spots and cold spots common on many grills. This means you can load up the entire primary cooking surface and expect everything to cook at roughly the same rate. No more rotating food constantly or having some items finish long before others. This consistency translates directly into better results and more predicatable cooking times. Char-Broil claims it cooks food up to 50% juicier, and while I can’t quantify “50%”, the food I’ve cooked on this grill consistently tastes moister than on previous conventional grills I’ve used.
The feel of cooking on TRU-Infrared is different. It heats up relatively quickly, and while the maximum temperature might not always match the raw heat of a high-BTU conventional grill on paper, the *effective* cooking heat transferred to the food feels very efficient. Searing is definitely possible, though it’s more of an infrared sear than an open-flame char. Cleaning the emitter plate is necessary; burnt-on drippings can accumulate and block the infrared pores, impacting performance. Char-Broil provides a special tool for this, and while it adds a step to cleaning, it’s a manageable task to keep the grill performing optimally.
Cooking Area and Capacity
With 450 square inches on the primary cooking grates and an additional 150 square inches on the warming rack, this Char-Broil 3-burner grill offers a decent amount of space. The 450 square inches is ample for grilling for a family of four to six people, easily accommodating about 16 burgers or a good number of chicken pieces or steaks as the product description suggests. For reference, that’s usually enough space to cook the main course for a typical weekend gathering.
The 150-square-inch warming rack is invaluable. It’s perfect for keeping cooked food warm without overcooking it, toasting burger buns, slow-cooking items with indirect heat, or even gently cooking delicate foods like fish fillets or vegetables that don’t need direct high heat. The positioning of the warming rack is good, high enough above the main grates to offer true indirect heat. The porcelain-coated steel grates themselves retain heat well, contributing to even cooking and helping achieve decent grill marks. They are also relatively non-stick thanks to the coating, making cleanup slightly easier than plain cast iron, though they still require brushing after use.
The Versatile Side Burner
The inclusion of a 10,000 BTU side burner on this cabinet style grill significantly extends its functionality. While 10,000 BTUs might not sound like a massive amount compared to the main burners, it’s more than sufficient for its intended purpose. I’ve used it to keep sauces simmering, sauté vegetables to serve alongside grilled meat, boil corn or potatoes, or even heat up baked beans. It basically turns your grill into a mini outdoor kitchen, reducing the need to run inside the house while grilling.
The side burner also has a hinged cover, which folds down to become an extra side shelf when the burner isn’t in use, adding to the already decent workspace provided by the main side shelf. This versatility makes cooking a full meal outdoors much more convenient. It lights easily via the electronic ignition system, just like the main burners.
Construction and Materials
The stainless steel grill features stainless steel on the lid, control panel, door handle, and lid handle, which gives it a premium look and offers good resistance to rust and weathering in those key visible areas. The lid is notably sturdy and holds heat well. The side shelves and cabinet panels appear to be painted steel.
However, this is an area where some compromises become apparent, reflecting the grill’s price point. While the stainless steel parts feel solid, the overall structure, particularly the cabinet base and legs, can feel a bit lighter and less robust than higher-end grills. Some users have reported the cabinet base feeling somewhat wobbly over time, and there have been instances of less durable welds on support components causing stability issues down the line. The lack of a full back panel on the cabinet, while perhaps intended for ventilation, does leave the interior exposed, which is something to consider if you live in an area with curious critters.
Despite these points, if kept covered and reasonably maintained, the main functional components like the stainless steel burners (with the 5-year warranty) and the firebox (2-year warranty) seem built to last for a reasonable period, fitting within its “Performance Series” designation which typically balances features, performance, and price.
Convenience Features
Several smaller features contribute to the overall ease of use of this Char-Broil Performance Series TRU-Infrared Gas Grill. The electronic ignition is a simple push-button system that has proven reliable in my experience, lighting the burners quickly and consistently without fuss.
The lid-mounted temperature gauge is a standard feature but essential for monitoring the internal temperature without lifting the lid (which lets heat escape). It seems reasonably accurate for general temperature monitoring, though for precise cooking, a separate probe thermometer is always recommended.
The removable, porcelain-coated grease tray is a big plus for cleanup. It slides out from the back or side depending on the design variation, making it easy to dispose of drippings. The porcelain coating helps prevent rust and makes wiping it clean easier. Char-Broil also suggests using aluminum liners for even simpler cleanup, which is a handy tip.
The large side shelf provides ample space for platters, grilling tools, sauces, and spices while you’re actively cooking, keeping everything you need within easy reach. This, combined with the side burner cover doubling as a shelf, gives you a good amount of prep/holding space right at the grill.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking around online, it’s clear that many users share positive experiences with the Char-Broil 463371719, particularly appreciating the TRU-Infrared technology. People often mention how happy they are to avoid flare-ups and consistently achieve juicy results, finding it a significant upgrade from traditional grills in that regard. Many users also comment on the ease of assembly and the grill being well-packaged upon arrival, with all parts present. The powerful side burner and reliable electronic start-up are frequently highlighted as convenient features. While some users note minor cosmetic issues upon delivery, the overall sentiment leans towards satisfaction with the grill’s performance and value for its price point. The durability is often compared favorably to previous Char-Broil grills, with sturdy handles and lids being appreciated, although some long-term users have noted concerns about the stability of the base structure over time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of the frustrating cycle of flare-ups and unevenly cooked food, the problem needs to be solved to truly enjoy outdoor cooking. Constantly battling with an unreliable grill takes the joy out of it and can lead to wasted food and disappointing meals. The Char-Broil Performance Series TRU-Infrared 3-Burner Gas Grill 463371719 offers a compelling solution. Its TRU-Infrared system is excellent at preventing flare-ups and delivering consistently juicy results. The combination of a good cooking area, versatile side burner, and convenient features like electronic ignition make it a highly functional grill for everyday use. For a reliable, easy-to-use propane gas grill that prioritizes even cooking and moisture retention, this model is certainly worth considering. Click here to check it out and see if it’s the right fit for your grilling needs.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API