Char-Broil Electric Bistro Infrared BBQ/Grill
4.3
5
3
3
Best thing in an age!
This grill gets some poor reviews online but I love mine completely. It's not 'flimsy', it heats up fast (500F in 10 minutes), it doesn't lose much heat every time you open the lid (maybe 20F), and since I can't have an open flame, this is an awesome alternative! I bought mine about a week ago, put it together in an hour (it's not difficult, despite reviews), and was cooking burgers that evening! No, it doesn't always taste like BBQ but if you want a proper BBQ then buy one! I'm very glad I went ahead and bought this and my summer will be a million times better for it. (P.S. maybe the negative reviewers are using an incorrect extension cord and therefore not getting enough watts - it must be contractor grade)
May 18, 2013
Good Buy
I purchased this in May 2012 and assembled it in less than 1/2 hour all by myself. No problems.
Heats up quickly and does the job.
CON: Does not have a non stick surface so I have had to soak it to get it clean.
PROS: Small foot print for deck, but lots of cooking space on the grill.
Happy with my purchase
May 31, 2012
Good electric BBQ, but not as good as gas/charcoal
Our townhouse doesn't allow gas BBQ, so we've been stuck with electrics for the last several years.
We picked up one of these grills, assembled it, and returned it after finding out the controller didn't work. The replacement was a pain to assemble (the holes didn't line up), but it worked well enough once we got it put together. We've only had it a couple of months, so we can't say anything on durability.
PROS
Big enough to make a meal for a family of four.
Fits even the smallest balcony.
Heat output is amazing for an electric BBQ. On the other hand, it draws a lot of current.
It stays hot even if you leave the lid open for a couple of minutes.
You can add hickory chips to add a bit of BBQ flavour.
CONS
Small cooking area (around 240 sq. inches).
Quality control is spotty, so you could easily find a lemon.
Assembly is a pain, and instructions aren't the clearest.
Flimsy construction, especially the cart. The BBQ top dents easily.
Can't give you that smoky BBQ flavour, BUT THAT IS A PROBLEM WITH ANY ELECTRIC BBQ.
Once you get it assembled (and if you got a working model), this BBQ do a decent job of cooking up a BBQ-style meal for four. If you can't have a gas or charcoal where you live, then this makes a good substitute. Otherwise, go with a REAL BBQ...
June 19, 2011
