Weber vs. Char-Broil are two of the most popular bbq grill brands. Consumers are choosing between these two grills in stores nationwide, but which is better?
We will look at both companies, their features and prices and try to determine the better buy.
Char-Broil Grills
Char-Broil is a privately owned subsidiary of the W.C. Bradley co. which was founded way back in 1885 in Columbus, Georgia. The W.C. Bradley Company was initially started as a cotton and textile manufacturer. In the 1920s Bradley realized the need to diversify so he purchased the Columbus Iron works.
In 1949 the Iron Works manufactured its first cast iron barbecue grill. In 1973 production moved to a new plant in the Bradley industrial park and the name Char-Broil was given to their line of gas grills. Char-Broil Grills today are made in China. To be transparent, we have never sold Charbroil at Yale. I have owned one however.
Weber Grills
In 1952, George Stephen, a Weber employee cut a marine buoy in half, added some vent holes and legs and the Weber grill was started. His invention of dome shape grills with a cover to protect the food from the elements was an immediate success. Later in 1956 he redesigned the kettle grill for a more current design. George, the master griller, was continuously looking for ways to improve the kettle grill.
(See why Weber is the most popular grill sold at Yale in our free buying guide)
In 1985, he added metal flavor bars to provide better heat distribution and control drippings which reduce flair ups. This method of cooking makes the grill easier to clean and gives it better heat distribution. This new design was the Weber Genesis grill which changed the design of gas grills forever. Weber is actually the least serviced brand at Yale including appliances.
Char-Broil vs. Weber Grills Comparison
Char-Broil 463241314
- Convertible to natural gas (sold separately).
- TRU-Infrared cooking system promises much juicer food and prevents flare-ups
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates with a stainless steel infrared emitter
- SureFire™ electronic ignition
- 30,000 BTU main burners and 13,000 BTU sideburner
- 500 Total Sq Inch.
- 3 grate level temperature gauges
- Dual Fuel™ - easily converts from liquid propane(LP) to natural gas(NG)
- Equipped with Gear Trax™ for easy accessory mounting.
- Measures Approximately: 54.75" W x 22" D x 46.5" H.
Weber Spirit 46500401
- Three stainless steel burners
- 32,000 BTU-per-hour input main burners
- Primary cooking area = 424 square inches
- Warming rack area = 105 square inches
- Total cooking area = 529 square inches
- Porcelain-enamled, cast-iron cooking grates
- Porcelain-enamled Flavorizer bars
- Electronic Crossover ignition system
- Front-mounted control panel
- Painted enclosed steel cabinet with painted steel door
Which is Better?
Well, price is a factor as the Char-Broil is cheaper at $449 compared to $549 (we include free delivery and assembly for grills over $499). Char-Broil is also a hotter grill at 48,000 BTU vs 32,000 for the Weber.
Construction
Most Char-Broil grills are made of type 430 stainless steel. This lower grade of stainless steel tends to rust in a few years, especially around the burner box. Weber grills are constructed of a higher grade of stainless steel and porcelain which holds up in all types of weather and heavy use.
Weber is also easier to clean with channels that direct the excess grease into an aluminum tin located under the grill. The tin can be easily removed, thrown out and then replaced keeping your hands clean and free of grease.
You need to lift off the grates and remove the grease manually from the burner box located under the burner in a Char-Broil.
Overall construction includes the wheels. Charbroil is plastic, and Weber has weather resistant casters.
My Take
I have personally owned both grills. I actually liked Char-Broil and it does technically have better specs. However, I recently bought another Weber because of the upgraded features it had to offer, mainly the higher BTU. My old Weber is 14 years old and is still being used by my neighbor. My first grill, a Char-Broil, lasted approximately 5 years.
So it really depends on reliability versus price.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale BBQ Grill Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside tips to all the major brands. Well over 100,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
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