This model is the smallest grill in Char-Broil’s Performance BBQ line. Available at Tru-Value and other independent retailers it has heat indicators above each stainless steel burner just like Char-Broil’s Commercial grills. There’s no natural gas option on the grill, which is a shame for people who don’t like cooking with propane, but that’s really one of the only downsides to the grill. The storage space may get just a little tight with the propane tank, but I’m sure you’ll be able to manage. What I can’t speak to is how well it will hold up over multiple grilling seasons.
Weber, Brinkman, PBC,
No need for budget breach,
They cook great food, just ask me dude,
‘Cause I have one of each. Brisket secrets are revealed,
For moist and tender meat,
The point, the flat, the rendered fat,
The proper mix of heat. Selection, prep, and cook techniques,
Marinades Blackstone Adventure and such,
Rubs and brines and temps and times,
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The burgers cooked evenly, though on high heat they were more well done than I prefer. With the Performance XL, my chickens took on average of 1 hour, 11 minutes to fully cook, not including a 10-minute preheat. That’s faster than the other three grills we tested, and the chickens from this grill were easily the favorite of the group. The grill grates are porcelain-coated cast iron meaning they’re not only made to last but also to be easily cleaned using a hard wire brush. That means you don’t need to worry about washing or scrubbing these to get them ready for the next use.
The side burner on the Char-Broil Performance Gas Grill gives you extra cooking space, in addition to the 500 square inches you get on the grill’s surface. You’ll also find the rust-resistant cast-iron grates provide impressive durability. This grill uses the Surefire Electronic Ignition System for reliable one-touch starts every time. The cooking area is about 300 square inches primary and 100 square inches on the warming rack. It’s on the smaller side of grills, so this is to be expected.
Lightweight construction consists of a thin 430 stainless steel lid, control panel, single door and handles and painted steel side shelves and cart on four casters. Not only does it provide a welcome bit of storage space, but it also protects your propane tank and the regulator from the effects of wind, snow, and rain. That’s good for both safety and performance, and it’s a heck of a lot nicer to look at, too, than an exposed propane tank.
As we stated earlier, you’ll need to assemble this grill when you get it out of its box. However, several users report that they needed a hand to put everything Blackstone Adventure together. On the flip side, we were hoping to have more than one color to choose from. We also would have liked the unit more if it had stainless steel grates.
I spent the better part of two weeks grilling on the Char-Broil Performance XL. It looks good, performs well and at $299, it was the most affordable grill we tested. I’d recommend the Char-Broil Performance XL to beginners and grillmasters alike.