Char Broil vs Weber

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Gas grills are a staple of the backyard grilling industry. I know I’ve spent plenty of time around gas grills in my life. One of the most famous brands in the industry (and grilling in general) is Weber. It’s one of the first names that comes to my mind when I think about grills. The…

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Char Broil vs Weber

Gas grills are a staple of the backyard grilling industry. I know I’ve spent plenty of time around gas grills in my life. One of the most famous brands in the industry (and grilling in general) is Weber. It’s one of the first names that comes to my mind when I think about grills. The company has quite the lineup to meet the budgets and desires of the majority of grillmasters.

However, if you’re in the market for a new gas grill, you want to see all of your options. One of those options is Char-Broil. Chances are, you’ve run into this company online, in-store, or even in a friend’s backyard. So how do we here at Angry BBQ think Char-Broil stacks up against Weber?


Char-Broil vs Weber – A Showdown of Old Favorites

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.

We took a look at three different price points to give you the rundown. Let’s put Char-Broil and Weber head-to-head to see what’s best for your preferences and budget.

Introductory Line

IMAGE MODEL FEATURES
byb2-table__imageChar Broil TRU-Infrared 2 burner
  • Infrared Burners
  • Easy assembly & cleaning
  • Affordable
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWinnerWinnerWeber Spirit E-210
  • Higher quality than the competition
  • Large cooking area for it's size
  • Sleek design
CHECK PRICE



Mid-Range Line

IMAGE MODEL FEATURES
byb2-table__imageChar Broil Performance 3 burner Infrared
  • TRU Infrared system
  • 24,000 BTU
  • 450 square inches of cooking space
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWinnerWinnerWeber Spirit E-310
  • Reversible grates for more cooking options
  • 30,000 BTU
  • 529 square inches of cooking space
CHECK PRICE



Luxury Line

IMAGE MODEL FEATURES
byb2-table__imageChar Broil Performance 4-Burner
  • Side Burner
  • 37,000 BTU
  • 585 sq/inches
CHECK PRICE
byb2-table__imageWinnerWinnerWeber Genesis E-325
  • Sear Zone
  • 39,000 BTU
  • Crafted Cookware Options
CHECK PRICE


Char-Broil

Char-Broil has 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 W.C. 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


Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared 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 infrared provides a total primary cooking area of 310 square inches. Each burner puts out a maximum heat of 10,000 BTU for a combined total heat output of 20,000 BTU for the unit. Usually Infrared is reserved for higher-end grills but Char-Broil made it work in this affordable design.

Char-Broil has moved to a closed cart design which provides a clean and kept look while hiding that propane tank. You can also store some grill tools inside the cart.

Reliable electronic ignition makes starting your grill quick and easy. A temperature gauge is mounted on the lid and four lockable casters 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
  • Infrared

What Makes Us Angry…

  • Lacks premium build quality
  • 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


Char-Broil 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 grill.

what We Like…

  • Excellent cooking versatility and flavorful food courtesy of 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

If you’re looking to grill out for the Fourth of July or Memorial Day, or you just want to feed a big group of people, the Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner gas grill will make that happen. It has 475 square inches of primary cooking space meaning you can fit up to 24 burgers on the grill at once. The grill also has a warming rack with 130 square inches of space which gives you a total of 605 sq in of grill grate for that cookout.

If you’re looking for prep space or a spot to put a platter down for all that meat, this Char-Broil grill has two side shelves. For added versatility, one of those side shelves has a lid-covered side burner with 10,000 BTUs worth of heat. That means you can prep your side dish of baked beans or boil water right at your grill.

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…

  • No 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 as 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?

AngryBBQ Team

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8 Comments

8 thoughts on “Char Broil vs Weber”

  1. 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! 😁

    Reply
    • 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

      Reply
  2. 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

    Reply
    • 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

      Reply
  3. 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!

    Reply
    • Thanks for the comments Roy. I do agree that Weber is by far a better product. You get what you pay for.
      Michael

      Reply
    • 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

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Larry Cancel reply

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8 thoughts on “Char Broil vs Weber”

  1. 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! 😁

    Reply
    • 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

      Reply
  2. 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

    Reply
    • 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

      Reply
  3. 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!

    Reply
    • Thanks for the comments Roy. I do agree that Weber is by far a better product. You get what you pay for.
      Michael

      Reply
    • 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

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Larry Cancel reply