Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Gas Grill review with Amplifire Infrared Technology

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Charbroil Pro Series with Amplifire Infrared Technology 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill Cabinet with Side Burner, Black (Model 463281024) immediately caught my eye with its sleek black finish and sturdy construction. Made from alloy steel and painted steel, this grill isn’t just about looks; it screams durability as soon as you touch it. The enclosed cabinet design is not only practical for storage but also gives the grill a polished, professional appearance. I appreciated that the oversized side shelf provided ample room for organizing my sauces, plates, and grilling tools. The heavy-duty 8-inch wheels and locking casters make moving this nearly 195-pound beast a breeze, but once it’s in place, those casters ensure it stays put. Honestly, the grill looks like it’s ready to conquer any backyard BBQ challenge.

Performance and Cooking Versatility

I was pretty blown away by how versatile this grill is. The 4 main burners and 1 side burner offer a combined 45,000 BTUs of heat, which is more than enough to tackle anything from burgers to a full Thanksgiving turkey. The Amplifire cooking system was a game-changer for me—it eliminates flare-ups, helping me avoid those dreaded over-charred moments while keeping everything juicy. One of the best features is the modular cooking system, allowing me to switch between traditional grilling, griddling, or even charcoal cooking using the Gas2Coal charcoal tray (sold separately, unfortunately). The grill heats up to 500°F in less than 10 minutes, and the even heat distribution across its porcelain-coated cast-iron grates made achieving Instagram-worthy grill marks almost effortless.

The griddle top deserves a special shout-out. Its 328-square-inch cold-rolled steel surface offered even heat and was perfect for whipping up pancakes and bacon during a family brunch. The grease management system, which includes a rear slot for grease deposits, kept cleanup surprisingly painless. I appreciated how the griddle could be neatly hung on the rail when not in use, saving space and keeping things organized.

Cooking Space and Capacity

With a 535-square-inch primary cooking area, I easily grilled up to 25 burgers at once during a party, and the 155-square-inch warming rack proved useful for toasting buns or keeping food warm. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or a large gathering, this grill has the capacity to handle it all. The customizable grill configuration lets you adapt your cooking setup depending on your needs, which I found incredibly handy when switching between grilling steaks and slow-cooking ribs.

Positives

The highlights of this grill make it clear why it’s a popular choice for backyard cooking enthusiasts.

• The Amplifire Infrared Technology ensures even cooking and eliminates flare-ups.
• The modular cooking system offers unmatched versatility.
• With oversized wheels and locking casters, it’s both mobile and secure once positioned.
• The porcelain-coated grates are rust-resistant and easy to clean.
• Its large cooking surface accommodates bigger gatherings effortlessly.

Negatives

Like any product, this grill isn’t perfect, and there are a few areas for improvement.

• The Gas2Coal charcoal tray is sold separately, which adds to the overall cost.
• Assembly can be a bit challenging, especially due to the weight and multiple components.
• The side burner could use a bit more power for quicker heating.

Competing Products

When I compared this grill to some competing brands, a few things stood out. For instance, Weber and Napoleon offer propane grills with similar performance, but their price tags are typically higher. While Weber grills boast their own infrared technology, they lack the modular cooking system found here, which I think gives the Charbroil model an edge in versatility. On the flip side, Napoleon grills generally have higher BTU ratings, which might appeal to those who prioritize raw power. However, I found that the Amplifire system on this grill compensated for the difference by delivering consistent heat and better flare-up control.

Price to Quality Ratio

I have to say, this grill offers great value for its features. While it may not be the cheapest option out there, the combination of durability, cooking performance, and versatility makes it worth the investment. You’re essentially getting three cooking modes in one unit, which could save you money in the long run if you’re considering buying separate appliances for grilling, griddling, and charcoal cooking. The 10-year warranty on burners and 3-year warranty on the firebox give extra peace of mind, ensuring this grill is built to last.

Additional information