Char-Broil Gourmet 463251713

Bottom Line

Thanks to its infrared technology, the Char-Broil 463251713 is considered extremely versatile, with users noting that its wide temperature range produces excellent results no matter if you're searing at high heat or slow cooking with less heat. Keep in mind that at this price, you may sacrifice a bit in terms of durability, as reviewers report the model may be prone to rusting or other problems.

Performance

Versatile with excellent results. The Char-Broil 463251713 earns top scores for grilling at multiple temperatures and indirect cooking (where food is not directly on the flame) in one comparative test, and home grillers reinforce these ratings. For example, one user reports grilling hamburgers, steak, chops, baked potatoes and corn, and notes, "All have been done perfectly, juicy and not dried out or burned." Others report food that is tender, and many say it leaves great grill marks. We found virtually no complaints about cooking performance, although some users say the high-heat capability is challenging at first.

Ease Of Use

Beware the learning curve. Reviewers note that it can take time to become accustomed to using the Char-Broil. For example, many users report initial difficulty getting it to heat up above 300 degrees Fahrenheit -although reaching out to Char-Broil's customer service and some adjustments tend to resolve these problems.

Some users also note that the grill's thermometer reads the air temperature, which can be misleading to those expecting a grate-temperature reading. In addition, when the grill becomes extremely hot, some users report warping of components. Nevertheless, many users report getting accustomed to the grill's operation--and they say that cleanup is very easy.

Safety

Apply common sense. In his review, About.com's Derrick Riches notes that early models of the Char-Broil infrared line were subject to smoke and flare-ups; the line was updated in 2012, but at the time of his writing, it was too early to confirm whether the problems were fixed. Nevertheless, we found virtually no reports of flare-ups or excessive smoke in recent user reviews. Some owners say the grill gets hotter than others they've owned, but they advise using common sense and patience, and keeping the temperature from getting overly high.

Cost Of Ownership

Inexpensive, but at what cost? Many reviewers applaud the Char-Broil's low price, but some say you get what you pay for. In his review, Riches regards the grill's stainless steel as low-quality and says the cooking area is prone to rusting or failure. More than a few users agree that the model feels flimsy or easily dents. According to the Char-Broil website, using a nylon cleaning brush can reduce the likelihood of rust or discoloration. The company also suggests periodically cleaning out the infrared emitter. The manufacturer provides a one-year grate warranty and lifetime burner coverage.