Have you ever dreamed of backyard cookouts and delicious grilled meals but felt limited by space or an unreliable old grill? Maybe you live in an apartment or have a small patio like I did, making a giant grill out of the question. The frustration of not being able to easily fire up some burgers or steaks to enjoy the outdoors can really put a damper on things, leaving you stuck with indoor cooking when the weather is perfect. Finding a solution that fit a compact lifestyle without sacrificing the joy of grilling was a real hurdle.
- 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 8 burgers, 4 chicken breasts or 2 steaks on the 280-square-inch grate.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 20,000 BTU rating with two 10,000 BTU burners. *BTU is a measurement of energy used by your grill and is not related to how hot it will get. Grills with lower BTUs burn...
Choosing Wisely: What to Look for in a Gas Grill
People seek out gas grills primarily for convenience, speed, and consistent heat compared to charcoal. They offer quick startup, easy temperature control, and minimal cleanup. The ideal buyer for a compact 2-burner gas grill is typically someone with limited outdoor space, like a small deck, patio, or balcony, or perhaps a single person, couple, or small family who doesn’t need to cook for large crowds regularly. It’s also great for beginners looking for an affordable entry point into grilling or someone needing a secondary, portable option.
However, if you frequently host large parties (10+ people), need high-BTU searing power for restaurant-style steaks every time, live in a coastal region with high salt exposure and rarely cover your grill, or dislike assembling furniture, this specific *category* of gas grill might not be your best fit. For large crowds, look for 4+ burners. For extreme searing, consider models with dedicated sear burners or higher overall BTU ratings. For harsh, uncovered environments, seek grills with more extensive use of higher-grade stainless steel or cast aluminum. If assembly is a dealbreaker, opt for grills offering professional assembly services or simpler designs.
Before buying any gas grill, consider the following:
* Size and Cooking Area: How much space do you have, and how many people do you typically cook for?
* BTU Rating: While not the only factor, it indicates the maximum heat output. Lower BTUs can be more fuel-efficient for smaller spaces.
* Grates Material: Porcelain-coated, cast iron, or stainless steel? This affects non-stick properties, heat retention, and cleaning ease.
* Ignition System: Push-button (piezo) or electronic? Reliability is key.
* Materials & Construction: What are the main components made of? Steel, stainless steel, cast iron? This impacts durability and rust resistance.
* Extra Features: Side shelves, warming racks, grease management systems, portability (wheels).
* Assembly: Is it mostly pre-assembled or requires full construction?
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of...
- 【Powerful & Even Heat Distribution】This propane gas grill features 3 stainless steel burners plus 1 side burner, delivering a total of 21,200 BTU—perfect for fast, even heat during your backyard...
- POWERFUL BURNERS: Four 11,000 BTU burners deliver a total of 44,000 BTUs of heat for precise, even cooking.
Meet the American Gourmet by Char-Broil Classic
The American Gourmet by Char-Broil Classic Series Convective 2-Burner Propane Stainless Steel Gas Grill – 463672717 is a compact gas grill designed to bring convenient outdoor cooking to smaller spaces. It promises reliable grilling performance on a budget. When you purchase it, you get the grill itself, which requires assembly, along with an owner’s manual, user guide, and warranty information. Compared to larger, more expensive grills, this unit focuses on essential functionality and a space-saving footprint. It’s positioned as an entry-level or small-space solution rather than a high-end grilling station. This specific grill is ideal for individuals or small families with limited patio or deck space who want the ease of propane grilling without a large investment. It’s likely not the best fit for seasoned grill masters seeking advanced features or those needing maximum durability against harsh weather without diligent maintenance.
Here’s a quick look at its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Compact size fits well in small spaces like balconies and small patios.
* Decent 280 sq. inch cooking area for a 2-burner model, accommodating up to 8 burgers or several steaks.
* Provides good heat output and maintains even temperatures *once you learn how to use it*.
* Integrated side shelves are surprisingly sturdy and offer useful prep space.
* Easy to move around thanks to two heavy-duty wheels.
* Relatively affordable price point offers excellent value.
* Push-button ignition provides generally reliable starts.
Cons:
* Assembly can be time-consuming and challenging, requiring patience and organizational skills.
* Some painted metal parts, particularly the side shelves and front console, are prone to rust quickly in humid or wet conditions if not protected.
* The legs/cart structure can feel a bit wobbly until fully assembled and placed.
* Ignition can sometimes require multiple presses to light the burner.
* Learning curve for those used to grilling with the lid open; performance is optimized with the lid closed.
Examining the Key Aspects and Performance
Having used this American Gourmet Classic Series 280 grill for quite some time now, well past the initial honeymoon phase and into its second year of regular use, I can share a detailed perspective on how it performs day-to-day.
Cooking Area and Grates:
The 280 square inches of primary cooking space might sound modest, but for my needs, it’s been perfectly adequate. It easily handles cooking for 2-4 people, whether it’s grilling a few steaks, a decent number of burgers (I’ve fit 8 standard patties comfortably, or even more if they’re smaller), chicken breasts, or vegetables. The cooking surface measures 20 inches wide by 14 inches deep, which is a functional rectangle for arranging food. The grates are made of porcelain-coated wire. In terms of performance, they heat up relatively quickly and help transfer heat efficiently to the food. The porcelain coating is intended to prevent food from sticking, and for the most part, it does a reasonable job, especially if you give the grates a quick brush and maybe a light wipe with oil before cooking, as you should with any grill. Cleaning the grates is fairly straightforward; they are lightweight and easy to lift out to scrape or wash. While they aren’t the heavy-duty cast iron you find on premium grills, they serve their purpose well for everyday grilling. Their ease of removal also makes cleaning the interior of the grill body a bit simpler.
Burners and Heat Output:
This gas grill features two stainless steel inline burners, each rated at 10,000 BTUs, for a total of 20,000 BTUs. Now, BTU rating isn’t the only measure of how hot a grill gets, as efficiency and design play a huge role, but 20,000 BTUs is a good amount of power for this size cooking area. My experience confirms this; the grill reaches cooking temperatures relatively quickly. More importantly, I’ve found the heat distribution to be surprisingly even across the cooking surface. Unlike some budget grills that suffer from significant hot spots, this Char-Broil model seems to maintain a consistent temperature, allowing for more predictable cooking results. The inline burners are designed to offer better heat control compared to older “pancake” style burners, and I’ve found I can effectively manage the temperature from high searing heat down to a lower setting suitable for slower cooking or keeping items warm. This even heat performance is crucial for avoiding burnt food or unevenly cooked meals, directly addressing the core problem of unreliable grilling.
Ignition System:
The American Gourmet Classic 280 uses a push-button piezo ignition system. You simply turn the control knob for the left burner to the “light” position and press the red ignition button. For the most part, it works reliably, firing up the burner with a quick press. However, as some users have noted, it occasionally takes a second or third press to get the spark to catch, particularly if it’s humid or cold. It’s not a dealbreaker, and I’ve always managed to light it, but it’s something to be aware of. The instructions do mention the possibility of using a match or wand lighter through a designated hole if the auto-ignition ever fails, which is a good fallback to have, though I haven’t needed to use it. A quick and reliable startup is a key benefit of gas grills, and this system generally delivers on that front.
Side Shelves:
One feature I initially didn’t think much about but now appreciate are the two large side shelves. They are made of durable metal and are 12 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep. Despite the grill’s compact size, these shelves provide a significant amount of space for holding plates of raw meat, tools, sauces, rubs, or even a drink while you’re grilling. User reviews often praise their sturdiness, and I concur; they feel solid and capable of holding a good amount of weight without sagging. This ample workspace right next to the grill is incredibly convenient and prevents constant trips back to the kitchen, making the grilling process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Portability and Design:
The overall design is focused on being compact and manageable. The listed dimensions (16.9″D x 26″W x 17.7″H) likely refer to the grill head itself, but the full assembled unit is still relatively small and fits comfortably on my small deck. The cart design includes an integrated rack to hold a standard 20-pound propane tank securely underneath, which is a clean and practical solution. Maneuvering the grill is made easy by the two 7-inch heavy-duty wheels. You just tilt the cart slightly onto the wheels and roll it. While it might feel a *little* wobbly when you’re actively rolling it (as one user mentioned, potentially due to the telescoping leg design), once it’s in place, it feels stable enough for cooking. Its relatively light weight (37.5 pounds) also contributes to its ease of movement. This portability is a major plus for those who need to tuck the grill away when not in use or relocate it for cleaning or storage. The large handle on the lid also deserves a mention; it stays cool to the touch even when the grill is blazing hot, which is a small but important safety and convenience feature.
Durability and Materials:
This is where the long-term perspective becomes important, and also where one of the main disadvantages lies. The grill lid and firebox are constructed from porcelain-coated steel, which generally holds up well against typical weather. The stainless steel inline burners and handle are durable and rust-resistant, living up to expectations; after two years, my burners are showing signs of use and slight oxidation (common in humid environments), but they are still performing perfectly. However, the painted metal side shelves and the front console where the control knobs are located are less resilient. As noted by some users, these parts can develop surface rust relatively quickly, even when the grill is kept in a covered or partially protected area. While this rust is mostly cosmetic initially, it’s disappointing and indicates that these specific components are not as weather-resistant as the stainless steel parts. If you live in a high-humidity or coastal area, or if your grill will be exposed to the elements regularly, investing in a good grill cover is highly recommended to protect these vulnerable parts and maximize the grill’s lifespan. This rust issue is the most significant downside I’ve encountered during my long-term use.
Assembly:
I would be remiss if I didn’t address the assembly process, as it’s a point frequently brought up in user feedback and was certainly an experience for me. The American Gourmet Classic 280 arrives in a surprisingly compact box, which is great for shipping but means it requires almost complete assembly from many small parts. The instructions are primarily diagram-based, which can be challenging if you prefer written steps. Laying out all the parts and organizing the hardware (which is sometimes confusingly packaged) before starting is essential. It took me several hours working alone, taking my time to double-check steps. While it feels daunting at first with so many pieces, the diagrams are generally accurate if you follow them precisely. It requires patience, a decent Phillips head screwdriver, and potentially a small adjustable wrench. There are sections, particularly attaching the legs and the main firebox, where a second pair of hands would make things significantly easier. While frustrating at times, the assembly is ultimately manageable, and there’s a sense of accomplishment once it’s done. Just set aside ample time and maybe put on some music or a podcast to keep your spirits up. The payoff is a sturdy *enough* grill for its price point once fully tightened.
Grease Management:
The grill includes a removable grease cup located below the firebox. This cup catches drippings and grease, preventing them from accumulating inside the grill body. It slides out easily for cleaning. This simple system is effective and makes cleanup of grease drippings much less of a chore than on grills without a proper collection system. Cleaning the interior walls where fat splatter occurs still requires some effort, as with most grills, but the removable cup handles the bulk of the mess.
Hearing from Other Grillers
I’ve checked out what other owners of the American Gourmet by Char-Broil have been saying, and it seems my experience aligns closely with many others. People frequently comment on how surprisingly sturdy and capable this little grill is for its price. Many appreciate how well it fits into small patio spaces. The assembly process is a common topic, with users often mentioning it takes a few hours and requires patience, though they generally agree the instructions are followable if you take your time. The consistent heat and ability to cook evenly are often highlighted as major positives. While some mention concerns about rust on painted parts over time, others report the grill holding up well, especially with proper care and covering. The overall sentiment is that it’s a great value, no-frills option that performs its core function very well.
Wrapping It Up
If you’ve been missing out on the simple pleasure of grilling because you thought your space was too small or a good gas grill was too expensive, the American Gourmet by Char-Broil Classic Series Convective 2-Burner Propane Stainless Steel Gas Grill – 4636672717 offers a compelling solution. It effectively solves the problem of needing a compact, functional outdoor cooking appliance for smaller environments. This 2-burner grill is a great fit because it provides ample cooking space for small families in a small footprint, delivers reliable and even heat performance for consistent results, and offers solid construction and features (like the sturdy side shelves) that exceed expectations for its budget-friendly price point, even considering the minor rust potential on some parts. If you’re ready to start grilling easily and efficiently in your limited outdoor space, click here to check out the American Gourmet Classic 280.
Last update on 2025-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API