Is the Char-Broil Commercial TRU-Infrared 3-Burner gas grill an efficient unit? How does it score in terms of heat output and overall performance?
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Char-Broil Commercial TRU-Infrared 3-Burner
Specifications
- Three 8,500 BTU stainless steel tubular burners under infrared diffuser plates
- 420 square inches of primary cooking area for a total of 575 square inches of grilling space
- 25,500 BTU maximum output from the main burners
- 13,000 BTU standard side burner under a flush mounted cover
- Mixed stainless steel and painted steel construction
- Electric (AA-battery) igniter
- Built-in fuel gauge
- Individual temperature gauges for each burner mounted above burner knobs
- Sold as propane – Convertible to natural gas for an additional price
- Made in China by Char-Broil exclusively for Lowes Home Improvement
Full Review – Char-Broil Commercial TRU-Infrared 3-Burner
PROS
- All Infrared Design
- Powerful Side Burner
- Attractive Appearance
CONS
- Infrared Design is Limited
- Limited Construction Quality
- Higher Maintenance
Many years ago, Char-Broil fully embraced infrared technology and even created an infrared charcoal grill. Promising higher temperatures with less fuel, infrared technology has been heavily hyped and effectively used for marketing by Char-Broil. While there are advantages to using infrared, it’s important to note that when people hear “infrared,” they often think of extremely high cooking temperatures. However, this grill does not reach those extreme temperatures. In fact, it functions much like a standard gas grill in almost every way, with the exception that it uses less fuel.
The Char-Broil Commercial 3-Burner grill uses standard stainless steel tubular burners to direct heat onto a diffuser screen, which restricts the flow of hot air and releases heat. It is claimed that with reduced airflow, food doesn’t dry out as quickly. While this claim holds some truth, the difference may not be very noticeable. Using this gas grill will not require any significant adjustments compared to a standard grill. Most users probably wouldn’t notice a significant difference.
Char-Broil Commercial 3-Burner – Efficiency
The gas grill has three burners that can produce a maximum output of 24,000 BTUs under 420 square inches of cooking surface. Although the output is low, the infrared design compensates for the lack of power. Surprisingly, it doesn’t get very hot compared to other gas grills in the same price range, but it does consume less fuel.
The Char-Broil Commercial 3-Burner comes standard with a large, 13,000 BTU side burner. The side burner is powerful, but underutilized and is not a significant factor when evaluating grills.
Construction Quality of the Char-Broil Commercial 3-Burner
The construction quality of this grill is standard for Char-Broil infrared gas grills. It is lightweight, and the components are not of the best quality. Although Char-Broil has been improving its products, if you want durability, you should either spend more or buy a less expensive grill. In any case, most of the competition will last longer. On the positive side, this is an attractive grill, and at this price point, it isn’t a bad purchase.
If you’re in the market for something larger, try the Char-Broil Commercial TRU-Infrared 4-Burner
Affiliate Disclosure
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