Char-Broil TRU Infrared Patio Bistro 180 Electric Grill, Red Review

  • Written by: Amanda Myers

Editor Rating: 4.9/5

Cook fast and delicious - enjoy the benefits of having an Infrared Grill at an affordable price with Char-Broil TRU Infrared Patio Bistro 180 Electric Grill, Red.

The opening line says it all. This grill cooks fast and reaches a high temperature in just 3-5 minutes allowing you to save time and you don't have to wait that long for your food. Furthermore, the food cooked on this grill stays delicious, juicy and tender because of infrared cooking.

In a nutshell, the secret behind infrared cooking is that it circulates less hot air thus preventing the heat from drying out your food. While in the past infrared grills are rare and expensive, these days they are getting more popular especially among chefs and they are much more affordable.

Other than that, the grill is beautifully designed and well constructed with ample cooking surface with a warming rack. Furthermore, the grill already includes a built-in thermometer. It is very portable and can be used as a table top or you can buy the cart separately for mobility. For more about its features, read further below.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Charbroil
Model #: 14601911
Dimensions: 17.3 x 21.4 x 17.7 inches
Weight: 27 lbs
Finish: Durable porcelain
Cooking area: Porcelain, 245 sq. in.
Power: 1500 watts
Volt: 120V
Amps: 12.5 Amps
Max temperature: 550F

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Excellent price
  • Great when condo or apartment does not allow charcoal or gas grills
  • Stable
  • Heavy duty
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy and safe to use compared to gas and charcoal grills
  • Easy to clean
  • Slide-out drip tray (adequate size and easy to remove and clean)
  • Takes less room
  • Cleanest and simplest grill unit
  • Very portable
  • Beautiful design
  • An option with cart
  • Searing is possible with this unit
  • Leaves grill marks
  • Lift out cooking grates
  • Temperature gauge is accurate
  • Plenty of heat just like charcoal and gas grills
  • Quick cooking speed and heats evenly
  • Smoke vents at the back
  • Infrared grills have low flare-ups
  • Warming Rack
  • Removable dial control
  • Food retains natural juices
  • No burnt flavor
  • May use a lot of power
  • It takes getting used to
  • Heating and infrared element needs regular inspection

PHYSICAL

The Char-Broil Infrared Electric Grill is beautifully designed with a kettle grill type of look. It is compact and can easily fit anywhere. Although it doesn't look big, the main grill has a large capacity plus it has a warming rack. It is also lightweight and can easily be carried anywhere. Because it is an electric grill, there is no need for you to carry or replace a gas tank or bottle or burn charcoals. All you need to do is find an outlet where you can plug it in. You can easily find an outlet around your house and even in your van when you are traveling.

COOKING

Infrared Grills have unique cooking abilities and may require some learning and practice mainly because they have quick cooking speed and could reach the maximum temperature in 3-5 minutes. Its quick cooking speed is a big advantage especially when you are always in a hurry or if you don't have time to set up a gas or charcoal grill and wait for them to heat up. This grill allows you to cook even during your working days because it saves time.

Note: The Char-Broil grill below is black in color and powered by gas. However, the overall is pretty much the same as the grill we are reviewing on this page.

Infrared Grills gets really hot enough for you to sear and roast meat. But unlike charcoal and gas grills, infrared grills does not dry out the juices from the food while at the same time the food does not look or taste like it's been burnt out. This is the biggest reason why most master grillers have switched to infrared grills because aside from the fact that it cooks fast for their customers, the grills retain the natural juices in the food producing tender results.

On top of these, the grill comes with a built-in temperature gauge, smoke vents, and a unique removable burner knob. When you are traveling, you can remove the knob together with its wire and plug for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to add smoke flavor?

Is the lid attached to the grill?

What is the maximum temperature for this grill?

Does it include a drip pan?

What are the dimensions including the feet?

How deep is it?

Will it damage a wooden table when it gets too hot?

How long is the wire?

What type of plug does it use?