For grilling enthusiasts, finding the right grill at the right price point can be that next step in the BBQ journey. The market is full of exciting products and brands. What will be the perfect choice for your needs and budget?
Here, we try to settle a popular debate involving Char Broil vs Weber grills. Both have been established names in the industry for decades and offer a lot of value to BBQ enthusiasts. We put their offerings in three different price points head-to-head in the hope of answering some key questions and helping you come to a decision.
Table of Contents
Char Broil vs Weber – A Showdown of Old Favorites
Gas grills have a lot to offer to home BBQ enthusiasts. They are easy to use, do not involve some of the challenges and learning curve of charcoal grills, and make it possible to get started immediately without the need for additional equipment or experience.
Both Char Broil and Weber have been industry favorites when it comes to gas grills for a long time. If you are looking to purchase a gas grill, choosing a product from either brand can be a poignant way to get started. Both companies offer a wide range of products, features, and functionalities across various price points.
By and large, however, Weber is more well-known for creating products that are high-quality, efficient, and durable while being a little more expensive. Char Broil, on the other hand, generally provides more budget offerings that come with a few compromises where they cut corners to keep the prices down. The information below will help end the debate of Weber vs Char Broil.
Char Broil does not compete with Weber on the portable gas grill side. Weber keeps launching new portable models like the Traveler which is proving to be very popular.
Introductory Line
| IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Char Broil Performance 2 burner |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | WinnerWinnerWeber Spirit E-210 |
| CHECK PRICE |
Mid-Range Line
| IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Char Broil Performance 3 burner Infrared |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | WinnerWinnerWeber Spirit E-310 |
| CHECK PRICE |
Luxury Line
| IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Char Broil Performance 4-Burner |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | WinnerWinnerWeber Genesis E-325 |
| CHECK PRICE |
Char Broil
Char Broil has definitely been in the BBQ business for a while longer than Weber with their first cast iron grill having come out in 1949. Their BBQ credentials stem from their inception as a privately owned, subsidiary of Bradley – a well-known name in the world of kitchen appliances and BBQ. Their products are considered easy to use, affordable, and convenient.
The Char Broil name came to the brand in 1973 when operations moved to a new location. Since then, Char Broil has come up with innovations like the TRU Infrared cooking system, the first oil-free turkey fryer, and the CB940 grill – a consensus standout performer in 1984.
With time, however, the focus of the brand has moved to creating budget offerings that provide simple functionality with no bells and whistles at a price where it can be easy for enthusiasts to gain entry into the gas grill realm.
There is a definite focus on zonal cooking with many Char Broil grills, providing users with multiple cooking zones that can be used for different cooking functions. These grills are also known for heating up quickly.
Currently all Char Broil grills are now manufactured and assembled in China. While Char Broil grills have a long history of being made in the US, they did join the outsourcing bandwagon some time ago and now their entire manufacturing operation takes place in China.
Weber
Weber, too, has a rich history of creating excellent products since the time of its inception. After coming up with the kettle grill, Weber has created a range of different grills and smokers over the years with a focus on great quality and premium features. From simple, basic products that can enable beginners to get into the grilling game to feature-rich offerings that are preferred by professional chefs, you can find it all in the Weber catalog.
The Spirit and Genesis line of grills are both extremely popular, owing to the sturdy construction, great features, and excellent customer service for which Weber is well-known. There is a definite focus on providing customers with a larger cooking area and more heat output than competing models. Weber grills are also known for making use of metallic flavor bars which help in heat transfer, enhance the flavor of food by catching drippings, and eliminate flare-ups.
Weber, too, has outsourced a majority of its manufacturing to China. The Spirit and Genesis lines of grills are now entirely made in China. While they are headquartered in the USA and some products are still assembled here, the components, manufacturing, and assembly of most Weber grills now happen in China. However, in spite of switching their production to China, Weber has managed to adhere to the same standards of quality that they have always been known for.
Weber also has two different versions of their Spirit series now. The Spirit and Spirit II. We did a deep dive in the differences in these two Spirit lines.
Let us now move towards a head-to-head comparison of grills from both brands at three different price points.
Char Broil vs Weber – Comparison Review
In this comparison, we have tried to pit competing products at the same price point against each other, discussed their features and characteristics, and disseminated their pros and cons. This comparison cannot tell you for certain which product to buy. Rather, it aims to provide information and answer questions so that you can make your choice with some insight.
Introductory Line Comparison
Weber Spirit II E-210
Coming in at a conveniently small size, the Spirit II E-210 is the entry-level model of the new and improved Spirit line which has brought many fresh features and functionalities to the market. This can be the perfect choice for those who do not need to cook large amounts of food at one time but would still prefer a solution that is high-quality, durable, and full of awesome features.
The Spirit II E-210 boasts of a large cooking area, especially if you consider its diminutive size. A total of 450 square inches of cooking area is on offer, separated into 360 square inches of primary cooking area and a warming rack worth 90 square inches. The grill has a two-burner design with each burner putting out a maximum of 13,250 BTU of heat for a combined total heat output of 26,500 BTU – more than enough to heat the large cooking area. However, the BTU per square inch value is at 73.6. This figure matters a lot to seasoned grill experts.
The open cart design is made for quick accessibility of all your tools and utensils as the storage space can be accessed from both sides. The grill also has six hooks where you can hang your implements and foldable side tables that can be easily used for prepping and storing food.
Important features include the GS4 grilling system which incorporates porcelain-enameled Flavorizer bars, grease management, the specialized Infinity ignition system, and porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that prevent food from sticking. The unit also comes with two all-weather wheels.
What We Like…
- Excellent quality of materials and construction
- Sleek design
- Comes in four different color options
- Large cooking area for its size
What Makes Us Angry…
- Can be a little difficult to assemble
- Less BTUs per square inch than the competition
- A little expensive for a two-burner grill
CharBroil Performance 2 Burner
The two-burner unit from Char Broil comes with an attractive design and an extremely affordable price, making this an integral choice for people who are just looking to enter the world of BBQ with a limited budget.
The Performance 2 Burner provides a total cooking area of 400 square inches with 300 square inches of primary cooking area and a warming rack that measures 100 square inches. Each burner puts out a maximum heat of 12,000 BTU for a combined total heat output of 24,000 BTU for the unit. With its smaller size, this lets you take advantage of excellent BTU per square inch value of 80 which can be significant if you want to cook your food fast and quickly develop those grill marks.
Char Broil gives customers the option to choose between an open cart design like the Weber and a closed cabinet design. If you like the accessibility of the open space in the cart, this can be an ideal choice. However, if you are looking for better organization and more secure storage, the closed cabinet style might be a better option.
The unit also has foldable shelves that can be used for prepping or holding food. A temperature gauge is mounted on the lid and four lockable casters that allow for a supreme range of motion. This Char Broil is also one of our favorite small gas grills that we reviewed.
What We Like…
- Really affordable beginner grill
- Heats up fast and evenly
- Easy to assemble and clean
What Makes Us Angry…
- Lacks premium build quality
- Prone to rust
- Food tends to stick to grates
- Smaller cooking area than competing products
Mid-Range Line
Weber Spirit E-310
This three-burner workhorse can be a perfect middle ground between small size and adequate cooking area to make larger meals. With the high standard of quality Weber is known for, this can be quite a capable grill if you are looking for something convenient for the long term.
The three burners put out 10,000 BTU of heat each, creating a total heat output of 30,000 BTU which is spread over a total cooking area of 529 square inches. This is divided into the main cooking area and a sizable warming rack. The fuel tank is externally mounted and the unit features a fuel gauge that is large and easy to read.
The open cart design, coupled with the sturdy construction, means that there is a lot of usable space for storage and organization. Two side tables (the left one can be folded down) create a sterling workspace where you can prep your food before cooking and six integrated hooks let you hang your cooking tools conveniently. The unit also includes two all-weather casters.
The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates provide good heat transfer and longevity of performance. These can also be reversed to offer a choice between a thin side and a wide side. The thin side can be perfect for delicate cuts while the wide side is a solid choice for heartier, larger pieces of meat.
What We Like…
- Large cooking area for a small grill
- Ignition and heat control are reliable
- Reversible grates allow more options while cooking
- Relatively easy to assemble
What Makes Us Angry…
- Difficult to move around once assembled
- Difficult to reach high temperatures for quick grilling
- Sharp edges on heat deflectors
- Expensive in its range
CharBroil Performance Infrared 3-burner
This innovative grill from Char Broil (recently added to our favorite infrared grills list) implements the unique TRU-Infrared system that evenly radiates the heat across the grill instead of implementing an open flame. This results in greater control over the temperature and less use of fuel. This can also help reduce flare-ups and limit the circulation of dry heat in the grill, creating juicier, more flavorful cooking.
The main cooking area encompasses 450 square inches of space and the three burners can output a maximum heat of 24,000 BTU. There is also a very capable side shelf burner that can be heated up to 10,000 BTU and offers 150 square inches of space. This can be great for quickly searing steak or making sauces and sides.
The unit comes in different versions and buyers can choose between an open cart design and a closed cabinet design. There are four lockable wheels for easy maneuverability.
Don’t forget to add a proper grill cover for your new Char Broil.
what We Like…
- Excellent cooking versatility and flavorful food courtesy the TRU-Infrared system
- Has many features for its affordable price
- Easy to assemble
What Makes Us Angry…
- Grates clog easily and require regular cleaning
- 430-grade steel construction is prone to rust
- Limited warranty options
Luxury Line
Weber Genesis E-325
If you’re looking for great performance in a Weber gas grill, the Genesis line is the way to go. The new E-325 gives you 513 square inches of cooking space in the primary area with a 274-square-inch expandable warming rack for a total of 787 square inches.
That entire cooking area is powered by three stainless steel PureBlu burners putting out 39,000 BTUs per hour. Weber also expanded their sear zone with a larger 13,000 BTU per hour capacity for getting more steaks seared at once.
Don’t worry about grease build-up causing flare-ups, because this grill has a slide-out grease tray accessible from the front of the grill. You don’t have to pull grates and other grill parts out to clean anymore.
The E-325 is compatible with the new Weber CRAFTED cookware line and comes with the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates standard.
You can upgrade the E-325 to get the frames for the rest of the cookware, a side burner, and a storage locker when ordering online. The grill is also compatible with the new Weber CONNECT smart technology, allowing for real-time temperature and fuel level monitoring at the grill with a display and via the app on your smartphone.
If you’re concerned about tool storage, the enclosed cart design allows you to keep bigger tools safe from the elements. It also comes with six tool hooks on the side tables, perfect for hanging tongs and spatulas during your cooking session.
If you’re looking in this price range of grills, consider looking at our favorite grills under $1000.
What We Like…
- Expanded sear zone, perfect for searing a few steaks at once
- Bigger warming rack for holding more food than ever
- Slide-out grease tray for easy cleaning
What Makes Us Angry…
- The high-end features of the new Genesis launch, like the Weber CONNECT system, the frames for the CRAFTED cookware system, side locker, and side burner are all add-ons and don’t come standard.
Char Broil Performance 4-Burner
Char-Broil’s four-burner Performance grill is perfect for newer grillmasters who want to cook a lot of meat at once. It packs 435 square inches of primary cooking space powered by four stainless steel burners putting out 37,000 BTUs per hour. It also has a 150-square-inch warming rack for a total of 585 square inches of cooking space.
The cooking grates are porcelain-coated cast iron, a perfect combination of heat retention and ease of cleaning. You also get two side shelves on the standard model for plenty of space while you put food on the grill or for your platter when taking food off. The grease tray also slides out of the back to help with cleanup.
You also get the Chef’s Delite tray to help grill more delicate food that would fall through or stick on the regular grill grates.
There are multiple models for the Performance 4-burner grill, including models that have a side burner and storage cart.
What We Like…
- Extremely affordable for the size and amount of burners.
- Removable grease tray to help clean up the interior of the grill and prevent flare-ups.
- Plenty of prep space with the two side shelves.
What Makes Us Angry…
- The base model lacks storage options for tools.
- Only two wheels make it harder to move around for storage or better cooking spots.
Other Considerations
Warranty can be a very important factor in your decision-making when you are looking to purchase a grill. This is one area where Weber has a clear advantage. All Weber grills discussed above come with a comprehensive 10-year warranty. Char Broil offers a 1-year warranty for most products and parts. Some specific parts can carry an extended warranty of two or five years. However, this can get confusing quickly and does not compare with the comprehensive, no-nonsense Weber warranty.
Quality and reliability of construction is another area where Weber can emerge the clear favorite. Weber grills are known for their sturdy construction and the use of high-quality materials. Char Broil mostly uses 430-grade steel for its grills, which can be prone to rust over time. In short, if you are looking for a grill that you plan to use for more than a few years, opting for a Weber product can be a better choice.
One additional feature that can swing you towards a Weber grill is their iGrill technology. This is a Bluetooth-enabled meat thermometer that can be used to conveniently monitor the temperature of your meat remotely. It mounts to the side of the grill and you can monitor up to four different pieces of meat at the same time. This allows you to move away from the grill once the cooking starts and still maintain a handle on the temperature.
It’s Your Decision!
Both brands bring a lot to the table in terms of value across different price points. If you are looking for something inexpensive to get your foot in the door, Char Broil can be an attractive option. However, the Weber Spirit E-310 remains, in our opinion, the clear winner of this comparison. It brings incredible value, remarkable build quality, and a chosen selection of popular Weber features to the table while coming in at an attractive price point. Of course, you also get to enjoy the excellent Weber warranty that comes with peace of mind.
Check out our other Weber comparisons. The Home Depot Favorite Nexgrill vs the popular Weber. Rather fix up the old Char-Broil with new grates instead?
8 thoughts on “Char Broil vs Weber”
Lots of information here. But the one thing I can not figure out is why, after all these years that grills have been around, why am I still burning my arm hair every time I open UP the lid?? Yes, UP. Directly over the heat! It just seems like in these modern times a design would have emerged that could eliminate the problem. I know someone out there is going to say “I never burned my arm”, Good for you! It’s real, it happens and I challenge all the designers and companies out there to conquer this problem.
Oh, btw I love my foot pedal actuator on my trash can! 😁
Hi Richard, I’ll admit that I never burn my arm. I hope that doesn’t make you ANGRY. If it is a real problem for you, I suggest a couple things. 1. Open the lid as fast as possible and then move your hand. 2. Wear an oven mitt. Hope this helps. Cheers
I have a weber spirit E310 and have to say I am not overly impressed. Just not quick enough.
OK for sausages, burgers, chicken kebabs etc. but very difficult to get well seared steaks without overcooking. Also, not much of a BBQ flavour. Much pefer a lava rocks gas BBQ
Hi Ian,
If you want a gas grill that can get to searing heats very quickly, look at a Broil King. I have a Regal S590 and it is my go to for searing steaks.
Weber’s are not as quick to heat as a Broil King but they are still a great unit to work with. If you want more of a BBQ flavor, go with a charcoal grill.
Cheers,
Michael
I have had a Char Broil for over 3 years and really don’t think their “TRU InfraRed” is worth having. Within a year, the enamel on the grilles came off in many places and, when I complained to the company, they apologised and sent me two more grille plates. Which suffered exactly the same problem within weeks. I don’t scrape the grilles when hot (as they instruct), so it must be a manufacturing problem.
I bought one of the solid, cast iron, grille plates and that’s fine. It does rust, but then it’s cast iron!!
Overall I think the product is fine, but compared to a friend’s Weber, it’s rubbish!
Thanks for the comments Roy. I do agree that Weber is by far a better product. You get what you pay for.
Michael
Please provide a comparison of the Char-Broil EDGE electric grill to the weber gas
grill?
Hi Larry, we will look into this. I don’t typically compare an electric grill to a gas though, as they are very different fuel sources.
Thanks
Michael