Char-Broil Designer Series 463420508 Review

by Chuck Russell
(Harrisburg, PA)

I purchased this Charbroil grill in July at the Home Depot near my home in Harrisburg, PA. After shopping for grills for several weeks I chose the Charbroil primarily for its reputation and the ability to by a variety of accessories and off-the-shelf replacement parts. After owning a Weber and Ducane grill I must say that I’m pleased with the workmanship of the Char-Broil.

PROS: It’s light and easy to move around on my deck. At about 48,000 BTUs it heats up quickly and has an easy to read thermometer on the lid. It’s all stainless on the outside with a steal frame underneath so it’s easy to clean, easy to service and the propane bottle change-out is a snap. I like the cook top too; it’s 480 inches and that allows me to grill for a family of five with no trouble at all. The attached side burner is one of the best that I’ve used. It’s easy to clean up after spills and the cover seems to seal out the elements well.

CONS: The Flame Tamers (the replacements for the lava rocks in older grills) used to catch the drippings and to provide the grill ‘smoke’ get filthy fast.
However, when they do I just take them inside, rinse them off and place them in my kitchen oven. I turn the oven on ‘auto clean’ and they grime is baked away. Also, after every messy grill job, I turn the burners on max and bake off all excess grease/oil/moisture. I’ve learned that this keeps the grill clean and prevents the moisture from reacting to any salts/spices that you use in the grilling.

During the grilling season we use the Char-Broil about 3 times a week and it’s help up marvelously. Based upon price, more than 1/2 of what I paid for the other grills I have to give it two thumbs up. She’s a keeper.