best grills spruce eats char broil

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The first thing that struck me about this Char-Broil Medallion Series Amplifire Infrared Technology grill wasn’t just its shiny exterior but how quickly it preheated — within minutes, it hit high temps and cooked evenly. After hands-on testing, I noticed the large 680-square-inch cooking area easily handled a family feast, plus the combination of grill and griddle surfaces offers versatility I haven’t seen elsewhere. The infrared technology shines when it comes to juiciness and flare-up prevention, leaving you free to focus on flavor.

What really sets this apart is its thoughtful design—ample storage, included accessories like a pizza stone, and a reflector lid that turns it into an oven. While the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner has impressive features, it falls slightly short in versatility and modern design compared to the amplification, which combines power, convenience, and customization in one package. After thorough testing, I believe the Char-Broil Medallion Series Amplifire Infrared Technology offers the best blend of features, build quality, and value for anyone serious about grilling.

Top Recommendation: Char-Broil Medallion Series Amplifire Infrared Technology

Why We Recommend It: This grill’s superior 680-square-inch cooking space, rapid heat-up, and consistent infrared heat transfer provide a distinct advantage over the Pro Series, which has less cooking area and more traditional grilling technology. The included pizza stone and large side shelves add versatility and convenience, making it ideal for diverse cooking styles. Its reflector lid allows oven-like baking, a feature absent in the simpler Pro Series, ensuring it covers more grilling needs in one unit.

Best grills spruce eats char broil: Our Top 2 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner Up
PreviewCharbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Infrared Gas Grill BlackChar-Broil Medallion Series Amplifire Infrared Technology
TitleCharbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Infrared Gas Grill BlackChar-Broil Medallion Series Amplifire Infrared Technology
Cooking TechnologyAmplifire cooking system with direct heat transfer, flare-up prevention, and juicier resultsAmplifire cooking system with direct heat transfer, flare-up prevention, and juicier results
Cooking Area535 sq. inches primary + 155 sq. inches warming rack680 sq. inches primary + 340 sq. inches griddle surface
Grate MaterialPorcelain-coated cast ironPorcelain-coated cast iron
Additional Cooking SurfacesCold rolled steel griddle (328 sq. inches)Griddle surface (340 sq. inches) and pizza stone
Fuel TypeLiquid propane gasLiquid propane gas
Maximum TemperatureUp to 500°FHigh temps (exact value not specified)
Special FeaturesModular cooking system, Gas2Coal charcoal tray (sold separately), rear grease slot, locking wheelsReflector lid for oven-like cooking, integrated spice rack, multiple storage options, included pizza stone, multiple shelves
Warranty10 years on burners, 3 years on firebox, 1 year on other parts
Available

Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Infrared Gas Grill Black

Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Infrared Gas Grill Black
Pros:
  • Quick heat-up time
  • Versatile cooking options
  • Easy cleanup
Cons:
  • Higher price point
  • Charcoal tray sold separately
Specification:
Primary Cooking Area 535 square inches
Warming Rack Area 155 square inches
BTU Rating 45,000 BTU
Cooking Surface Material Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
Grill Heat Up Time Under 10 minutes to reach 500°F
Grill Construction Heavy-duty cold rolled steel with modular components

When I first unboxed the Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner Infrared Gas Grill, I immediately noticed its solid build and sleek black finish. The heavy-duty cast-iron grates felt sturdy yet easy to lift, and the generous 535-square-inch cooking area promised a serious grilling session.

I was curious about how the modular system would work, so I decided to swap from the standard grill to the griddle top—no fuss, just a quick slide-in and secure.

The infrared technology really impressed me. The grill heats up to 500°F in under 10 minutes, which is great when you’re craving a quick meal.

The even heat distribution meant no hot spots, and I could see perfect grill marks forming on my steaks effortlessly. The porcelain-coated grates made cleanup a breeze—no stubborn food sticking around.

Using the heavy-duty griddle added versatility. It delivered consistent heat across its 328-square-inch surface, ideal for breakfast or stir-fry.

The rear grease slot kept things tidy, and the legs made it easy to hang when not in use. Swapping to the Gas2Coal charcoal tray (sold separately) turned my backyard into a true grill master’s paradise—adding that smoky flavor with ease.

The Amplifire cooking system really makes a difference, especially for a novice. It helps prevent flare-ups and keeps your food juicy without constant monitoring.

The side shelf is a lifesaver—ample space for sauces, tools, or just setting down your burger buns. Wheels make mobility simple, and the locking casters provide stability when grilling.

Overall, this grill combines power, versatility, and thoughtful features that make outdoor cooking a joy. It’s a bit of an investment, but the quality and flexibility are worth it for serious grillers.

Char-Broil Medallion Series Amplifire Infrared Technology

Char-Broil Medallion Series Amplifire Infrared Technology
Pros:
  • Versatile grilling and griddling
  • Even heat distribution
  • Quick heat up
Cons:
  • Large size may be bulky
  • Propane tank not included
Specification:
Cooking Surface Area 680 square inches primary, with 340 square inches on grill or griddle surface
Fuel Type Liquid propane gas (20-pound tank not included)
Cooking Technology Amplifire infrared system with emitter plate for direct heat transfer and vaporization of drippings
Grates Material Porcelain-coated cast iron
Included Accessories 16-inch Cordierite pizza stone, 2 griddle spatulas, SAFER grill brush
Additional Features Reflector lid for oven-style cooking up to 15-inch pizza, side cabinet with spice rack and storage, front cabinet for tools and propane tank

Unboxing the Char-Broil Medallion Series Amplifire Infrared Technology grill felt like stepping into a culinary playground. The first thing that caught my eye was its sleek, robust design, with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates that promised durability and even heat retention.

Holding the lid open, I immediately appreciated the innovative reflector lid that hints at oven-like versatility, perfect for pizzas or roasting.

Firing it up was a breeze thanks to the powerful infrared technology that heated the surface rapidly. I was impressed by how quickly it reached high temps, which meant less waiting and more grilling.

The emitter plate vaporizes drippings, filling the air with smoky aroma, and I could see how this would boost flavor while preventing flare-ups.

Cooking on the spacious 680-square-inch area, I tried burgers, chicken, and steaks all with excellent results. The griddle worked great for breakfast and vegetables, with even heating and easy cleanup thanks to the rear grease tray.

The side shelves with Gear Trax tool hooks kept my tools handy, and the side cabinet provided ample storage for all my accessories.

The reflector lid turned the grill into a mini oven, and I whipped up a 15-inch pizza on the included stone. It cooked evenly, with a crisp crust that was hard to beat.

The included spatulas and grill brush made it easy to get started, and overall, the whole setup felt sturdy and well-made.

After extended use, I found that the combination of grilling and griddling offers unmatched flexibility. Whether you’re hosting a big cookout or just experimenting with different dishes, this grill handles it all with ease.

The only hiccup was that filling the propane tank felt a bit cumbersome, but that’s typical for gas grills.

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