Finding the perfect grill can feel like a quest, right? For years, I wrestled with frustrating outdoor cooking setups – uneven heat, flare-ups, flimsy construction that barely lasted a season or two. It wasn’t just about cooking food; it was about the experience. Ruined dinners, wasted ingredients, and the sheer annoyance of fighting a temperamental grill can really take the joy out of backyard BBQs. Solving this problem wasn’t just a matter of convenience; it was about reclaiming that simple pleasure of grilling without the hassle. A reliable `Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463377319` would have made things so much easier back then.
- 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 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts or 12 steaks on 475-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the 130-square inch...
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 36,000 BTU rating.
Making the Right Choice: What to Look for in a Gas Grill
So, why opt for a gas grill in the first place? The biggest draw is convenience and speed. You can be preheated and ready to cook in minutes, unlike charcoal which requires more time and effort. This makes gas grills ideal for weeknight meals or impromptu cookouts. The ideal customer is someone who grills frequently, enjoys controlling the temperature with precision, and values quick startup and cleanup. If you’re someone who only grills once or twice a year, prefers the authentic smoky flavor of charcoal above all else, or has very limited outdoor space, a different type of grill (like a smaller charcoal grill or a portable model) might be a better fit. Before buying a gas grill, you need to consider several factors: the size of the cooking area (how many people will you typically cook for?), the BTU output (a measure of heating power), the number of main burners for direct and indirect cooking zones, whether you need a side burner for sauces and sides, the material and construction quality for durability and weather resistance, how easy it is to clean, and of course, the price and complexity of assembly. Thinking through these points helps ensure you get a grill that truly meets your needs.
- ❤ 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.
Introducing the Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner Grill
Enter the `Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463377319`. This `gas grill` is designed to provide reliable performance and even heat, making grilling less of a gamble and more of a pleasure. It promises quick startups, consistent cooking temperatures, and features aimed at making the process smoother. When you purchase this `Char-Broil grill`, you get the main cart assembly, the lid, the four main burners, a side burner, grates, heat tents, side shelves, and all the necessary hardware for assembly, plus a user manual. Char-Broil is often positioned as a solid, budget-friendly option in the grill market, and while higher-end brands might boast thicker steel or more premium finishes, the Performance Series aims to deliver core grilling performance at a more accessible price point. This specific `Char-Broil model` is really for the everyday griller – someone who wants versatility with four burners and a side burner, values the low maintenance aspect of gas, and appreciates features like electronic ignition and a temperature gauge without breaking the bank. It’s likely not the top choice for a professional pitmaster or someone looking for a built-in outdoor kitchen centerpiece, but for most backyard cooking needs, it’s a strong contender.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Generous cooking area with main burners and warming rack
* Quick and reliable push-to-start electronic ignition
* Includes a useful side burner and side shelf
* Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates retain heat well
* Removable grease tray simplifies cleaning
* Stainless steel finish offers decent durability and style
Cons:
* Assembly instructions can be challenging to follow
* Propane tank mounting design is awkward for some users
* Some components (like burner tents) may feel a bit thin
* Potential for minor cosmetic defects out of the box (though often fixable)
A Closer Look: Performance, Features, and My Experience
Having used this `Char-Broil grill` for a considerable time, I can share a detailed perspective on its various aspects. It’s been through its paces, cooking everything from weeknight burgers and chicken breasts to weekend steaks and larger roasts using indirect heat.
Cooking Area and Capacity
The 475 square inches of primary cooking space is genuinely ample. Char-Broil states it can handle up to 24 burgers, and while I haven’t tried to cram quite that many on at once, I can easily grill for my family and a few guests without needing multiple batches. The space allows for setting up different heat zones – high heat on one side for searing, lower indirect heat on the other for thicker cuts or delicate items. The 130-square-inch warming rack is also valuable. It moves up with the lid, which is a small but significant design detail that makes it easier to access the main cooking surface. I use it for keeping finished food warm, toasting buns, or slow-cooking items with indirect heat. This capacity feels just right for typical home grilling needs.
Burner Power and Heat Control
With 36,000 BTUs spread across four main burners, this grill gets hot, and it gets hot quickly. Preheating usually takes just a few minutes. The convective cooking system seems effective; once preheated, the heat distribution across the main grates is surprisingly even. This is a huge win compared to older grills I’ve used with distinct hot and cold spots that required constant food shuffling. The individual control knobs for each burner offer precise temperature control, allowing you to easily adjust from high searing heat down to low, slow roasting temperatures. The LED-illuminated knobs are a nice touch, adding a bit of modern flair and practical visibility if you’re grilling after dusk.
The Side Burner
The 10,000 BTU side burner is a feature I initially thought I might not use much, but it’s proven quite handy. It’s perfect for heating up sauces, sautéing onions or mushrooms, or even boiling a pot of corn on the cob while the main course is on the grill. It saves you trips back inside the kitchen and keeps everything consolidated outdoors. When not in use, the lid flips down, providing extra workspace, which is always welcome on a grill cart.
Grates That Matter
The porcelain-coated cast-iron grates are one of the standout features on this `Performance Series grill`. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, which is key for getting those desirable sear marks and ensuring even cooking. The porcelain coating helps prevent rust and makes them significantly easier to clean compared to uncoated cast iron or some other materials. They feel solid and substantial, contributing to a quality cooking experience.
Reliable Ignition
The push-to-start electric ignition system is simple and reliable. You just turn a control knob and hit the igniter button, and the burner lights up consistently. No fussing with lighters or worrying if it will catch. It just works.
Construction and Durability Considerations
The stainless steel finish on the lid, control panel, and doors (if applicable, on this cart model it’s primarily the lid and control panel) gives the `Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner` a sleek look and offers better resistance to rust and weather than painted steel alternatives. The porcelain firebox is also a durable component that aids in heat retention and cleaning. However, it’s fair to say that some other parts, particularly the heat tents directly above the burners and perhaps some elements of the cart structure, feel less substantial than you might find on grills costing hundreds or thousands more. While it’s sturdy enough for regular use when properly assembled, it might not withstand rough handling or extreme weather as well as a heavier-gauge steel grill. One potential long-term concern noted by other users is the main propane hose being crimped in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to replace independently of the side burner assembly, which could be an issue if the hose were ever damaged.
Cleaning and Maintenance Made Easier
Cleaning a grill is rarely fun, but features on this `stainless steel grill` make it less of a chore. The porcelain-coated grates, as mentioned, are relatively easy to brush down after cooking. The removable grease tray is a major plus. It slides out from the back or side, catching drippings and preventing them from accumulating inside the grill cavity. You can even use disposable aluminum liners in the tray for even easier cleanup – just toss the liner when it’s full. The porcelain firebox also wipes down reasonably well.
Assembly and Design Quirks
Assembly is perhaps the area where this `Char-Broil gas grill` receives the most common critique. The instructions rely heavily on diagrams with minimal text, and part numbering isn’t always clearly translated from the manual to the physical components. It requires patience and careful attention to the illustrations. While someone experienced might assemble it relatively quickly (an hour or two), others might find it takes longer and requires some head-scratching. It’s definitely manageable with basic tools like a Phillips screwdriver, but don’t expect a frustration-free, half-hour build. Another point of design that is less than ideal is the propane tank mounting. It sits on a small bar with notches, and lining up the tank base while lifting a heavy tank can be genuinely awkward, especially for older individuals or anyone with back issues. It’s not impossible, but it’s a fiddly design that could certainly be improved. Occasionally, users report minor cosmetic issues like small dents or bends upon arrival, which seem more related to manufacturing handling than shipping damage, but these are usually minor and don’t affect performance.
What Others Are Saying: Real User Experiences
After delving into my own experience, it’s interesting to see how it aligns with feedback from other folks who’ve spent time with the `Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner grill`. Many users praise its cooking ability, specifically highlighting the even heat distribution and how well it cooks various foods, from chicken to steaks. The porcelain-coated grates and the reliable electronic ignition also get positive mentions. People appreciate the value for the price, noting that it performs above expectations for a grill in this segment. The convenience of the side burner and warming rack is often cited as a plus. However, the assembly instructions are a consistent point of frustration for many, described as challenging due to unclear diagrams. The design for mounting the propane tank is also frequently mentioned as awkward and difficult. Despite these assembly and design quirks, the general sentiment is that once it’s put together, the grill performs well for everyday use, living up to its promise of reliable grilling.
Final Verdict: Is This Grill Right for You?
If you’re tired of wrestling with inconsistent heat, difficult startups, and grills that rust away after a couple of seasons, finding a reliable replacement is key to enjoying backyard cooking again. The `Char-Broil Performance Series Convective 4-Burner with Side Burner Cart Propane Gas Stainless Steel Grill – 463377319` offers a compelling solution. It provides ample cooking space for family meals, delivers quick and even heat thanks to its burner system and convective design, and includes convenient features like a side burner and easy-to-clean grates and grease tray. While assembly might test your patience and the propane tank setup could be smoother, these are generally one-time hurdles or minor inconveniences compared to the consistent cooking performance it provides at its price point. For many, it strikes a great balance between features, performance, and affordability. To learn more or purchase this `Char-Broil grill` for yourself, `click here` to check it out .
Last update on 2025-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API