As a barbecue aficionado, I love all types of outdoor cooking.
Still, I’m the first to admit that for easy weeknight grilling, you can’t beat a gas-powered unit.
After years in the grilling game, I’ve come to learn that some brands are markedly better than others.
To determine whether this latest offering from Char-Broil is worth the money, I compiled this Char Broil 3 burner gas grill review.
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas to grill without the hassle...
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 14 burgers, 8 chicken breasts or 5 steaks on...
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 30,000 BTU rating with three 10,000 BTU...
- GRATES: These porcelain-coated wire grates offer fast warm-up and heat...
- WARMING RACK: Use the warming rack for indirect cooking and to keep...
Things to Consider Before Buying a Gas Grill
If you enjoy cooking out on a regular basis, gas grills are extremely convenient. Because they can be torched with the simple push of a button, they have a time-saving edge on their charcoal-burning competitors. They’re also fairly easy to care for since there’s no messy ash to clean up. Moreover, there are plenty of gas grills available at an affordable price point.
That said, there are some people who just can’t live without the indescribable taste of a charcoal fire. If you’re one of those, then the Char-Broil 360 3-burner gas grill is probably not going to meet your needs.
Assuming you have decided to invest in a gas grill, here are some of the factors to consider as you begin your search.
Cost
Figure out how much you can afford to spend, and look for a grill that fits within your budget. As I mentioned, it’s possible to find a gas-powered unit for under $200, but high-end models can stretch into the four-figure range.
Size
Think about how many people you’ll be cooking for, and what types of food you usually grill. A 500-square inch grill, for example, can hold 20-25 hamburger patties at once, depending on their size. Remember that it’s a good idea to leave about 25 percent of the grilling surface free at all times to allow for even cooking.
Construction
Most gas grills are made of heavy-gauge steel. That includes the lid, firebox, and the support structure. The cooking grates, meanwhile, should be composed of either restaurant-grade stainless steel or cast iron. Often, manufacturers will include a porcelain coating on the cooking grates to give them a nonstick surface.
Performance
As a general rule, a gas grill should have a BTU output of 100 per square inch. That means a grill offering 500 square inches will typically have a BTU output of 50,000.
Ease of Assembly
How long does it take to put the grill together? Most gas grills are fairly straightforward to assemble, and should come together in just a few hours.
Care & Maintenance
The aforementioned porcelain coating can make cooking grates easier to clean. Drip trays and other aspects of the grease management system should be removable to allow for a thorough cleanup.
Warranty
Does the company offer a money-back guarantee on the grill or any of its components? If so, how long is the warranty in place?
Char-Broil Classic 360: Product Specifications
So, if you decide to buy this Char-Broil 3-Burner gas grill, what exactly are you getting? Here’s what you’ll find when you unpack the box:
- Gas grill with porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox
- Porcelain-coated steel cooking grates offering 360 square inches of grilling space
- Swing-a-Way warming rack measuring 170 square inches
- Three stainless steel burners
- Piezo ignition system
- Two metal side shelves
- Two sturdy wheels
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable price point
- User-friendly design
- Quality performance
Cons:
- Grill is on the small side
- Some secondary parts are noticeably low-quality
Char Broil 3 Burner Gas Grill Review: Features & Benefits
How does the Char-Broil 360 stack up against the criteria we introduced earlier? Let’s take a look at each feature to find out the answer.
Cost
As far as price is concerned, this unit falls on the lower end of the spectrum, making it a good choice for the budget-conscious shopper. It’s an especially appealing option if you don’t grill that often and are just looking for a fast and easy alternative to indoor cooking.
Size
The total cooking surface measures 360 square inches, which is on the smaller side. It’s suitable for couples and small families, especially those who stick to simpler fare like burgers and hot dogs. Serious grilling enthusiasts might want to look for a grill that offers more space for experimentation.
Construction
The porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox are durable enough to withstand the elements, and the cooking grates are rustproof and easy to clean. The legs are particularly sturdy, which is a good thing if you plan to move the unit around a lot. Two side tables provide ample storage space for tools, dishes, and condiments. In my opinion, the Char-Broil 360 offers a decent value for the price.
One caveat: Some of the bolts and other hardware are prone to damage from the high heat of the burners. Obviously, this is a huge drawback where grills are concerned. If you have any problems with the hardware, contact the customer service department as soon as possible.
Performance
The Char-Broil 360 delivers 30,000 BTUs of heat across 3 burners. That averages to 10,000 BTUs per burner—sufficient for indoor cooktops, but on the low side for outdoor grills. If your primary focus is to get a good dark sear on your grilled meats, this might not be the unit for you.
That said, the grill is very easy to use, especially for beginners. It handles easy jobs like bratwurst and shish-kebab with no problem. That’s another reason why I think it’s a good fit for casual grillers.
Ease of Assembly
This model can be put together in just a couple of hours, even if you’ve never assembled a grill before. That’s another reason why I would recommend the Char-Broil 360 to first-timers who are apprehensive about gas grills in general. Note that the propane tank is not included with the purchase, so if you’d like to begin grilling on the first day, you’ll have to have a tank on hand in advance.
Care & Maintenance
The porcelain coating on the cooking grids earns the Char-Broil 360 high marks in this category. Just be careful not to use anything too abrasive when scrubbing them clean, or the coating might flake off. As for the rest of the unit, a streamlined construction and simple design makes cleanup a snap.
Warranty
Char-Broil offers a five-year warranty on the burners, a two-year warranty on the firebox, and a one-year warranty for all the other components. Given the relatively low quality of some of the hardware, this isn’t a particularly generous guarantee, but it’s better than nothing. For this reason, I would recommend contacting customer service at the first hint of a problem.
What Customers Are Saying
So, what does the general public have to say about the Char-Broil 360 3-burner gas grill? A brief online search brought the answers I was looking for.
The ease of assembly and user-friendly construction were mentioned by more than one reviewer, comments that fell in line with my own findings. The few complaints that I encountered had to do with the cheap hardware, but most of the issues were able to be resolved through Char-Broil’s customer service department. On the whole, people recommended this grill for its simple and straightforward design. Considering its low price tag, most users felt that it was worth what they paid.
Possible Alternatives
If you’ve read through all the features and benefits and decided that the Char-Broil 360 isn’t the grill for you, where do you go from here?
Fortunately, there are plenty of other options available. Chances are, one of them will be able to suit your needs. Here’s a closer look at three possible alternatives to this model.
#1 Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro
With 438 square inches of cooking space and a 192-square inch warming rack, the Char-Griller E3001 is a tad larger than the Char-Broil 360. A side burner cranks out 12,000 BTUs all on its own, making it a good choice for heating sides or sauces. The steel construction is tough and hardy, and the grilling grates are composed of porcelain-coated cast iron. Built-in utensil hooks offer additional storage space.
Be forewarned that this grill should be considered only if you’re looking specifically for a unit that can withstand more than a few seasons. Also, note that Char-Griller backs up all their grills with a five-year warranty.
How They Compare
- Value—Char-Broil
- Size—Char-Griller
- Construction—Char-Griller
- Performance—Char-Griller
- Ease of Assembly—Char-Broil
- Care & Maintenance—Tie
- Warranty—Char-Griller
For a rugged, sturdy gas grill that can take a lot of punishment from the elements, take a look at the Char-Griller E3001 today.
#2 Cuisinart CGG-7400 Four-Burner Gas Grill
This offering from Cuisinart offers four burners with a combined output of 44,000 BTUs over 443 square inches. An additional warming rack provides another 167 square inches and is ideal for keeping buns and bread warm. This is an attractive and durable model that should deliver years of quality results.
How They Compare
- Value—Char-Broil
- Size—Cuisinart
- Construction—Cuisinart
- Performance—Cuisinart
- Ease of Assembly—Char-Broil
- Care & Maintenance—Char-Broil
- Warranty—Char-Broil
Check out the Cuisinart CGG-7400 if you would prefer a four-burner grill for added versatility.
#3 Weber Spirit E-310
Another three-burner unit, this one with a cabinet-style design to keep the propane tank from cluttering your view. The porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grids provide excellent heat retention, and the grease management system is top-notch. With the Spirit E-310, Weber offers a top-notch product for serious outdoor chefs.
How They Compare
- Value—Char-Broil
- Size—Weber
- Construction—Weber
- Performance—Weber
- Ease of Assembly—Char-Broil
- Care & Maintenance—Weber
- Warranty—Weber
Consider investing in the Weber Spirit E-310 if you’re looking for a gorgeous, quality grill that’s built to last.
In Conclusion
Here’s the takeaway from my Char Broil 3 burner gas grill review: The Char-Broil 360 is a superb grill for beginners who are hoping to hone their outdoor cooking skills. Setup is a breeze, and the basic design makes it both user-friendly and easy to care for. While I wouldn’t count on it lasting more than a couple of years, it won’t put a large dent in your wallet either.
Click here to make the Char-Broil 360 a part of your grilling lineup.
