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When thinking about barbecues, only good memories come to mind. They have hooked up more people than Dating.com and created more friendships than Facebook. So, choosing one is not a small deal, or as easy as you might think. There is much more at stake than just good food. We will compare The Char Broil Signature vs Performance series to make things easier on your social life and -provide you with some good eating.
The comparison of these two Char-Broil series will be made through their best-selling representatives.
To save time and see the top reviewed best-selling outdoor gas grills on Amazon jump to the bottom!
Char-Broil Performance Vs Signature Series
In the left corner, wearing blue trunks, representing the Performance Series:
- Performance IR 300 2-Burner Cabinet
- Performance IR 450 3-Burner Cabinet
- Performance IR 500 3-Burner Cabinet
In the right corner, wearing red trunks, representing the Signature Series:
- Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 325
These are all cart-style gas grills, ideal for those of you that don’t like or don’t have time to mess around with charcoal.
Now, the most important to consider when buying a gas grill are:
- Size of the grate
- Number of main and side burners (compared to the grate size)
- Overall quality
- Overall size
- How easy is it to use and clean
- Value for money
The size of the grate determines how much food can you cook in one go. The bigger the grill, the more you can load at once, and you will spend less time by the grill, and no one will wait for their food. (that is the only bad barbeque memory)
The number of burners is important because the more burners you have, cold spots and uneven heating are less likely to happen, and you will have more possibilities or creating different temperatures zones. The relation between the number of burners and the size of the grate is important because you will not get the same result if there is one dedicated burner per 50 square inches and 200 square inches.
Side burners are a nice addition if you want to cook some side dishes while barbequing or cook a complete meal outside.
Overall quality. The gas grills are not cheap, so you want them to last. The quality is especially important for something that is going to stay outside.
Overall size. They are just awesome when you are having fun beside them, but after the fun is over, you don’t really want them to take too much space.
Cleaning. You don’t want to clean much either.
Value for Money. The Importance of it doesn’t really need explaining.
Char-Broil Performance Vs Signature: Size of the grate
Char-Broil Performance IR 300 2-Burner Cabinet
This Gas Grill has 300 sq. in. of primary cooking space, and it is 17.3-in x 17.2-in. That is enough to place 12 burgers, or 3 chicken spatchcock, or 10 ribeyes, or 15 ears of corn. Portion for an average person is about 2 burgers, so you can feed a lot of people at once.
The swing-away warming rack has a surface of 100 sq. in. It can be used for sides or toasting buns.
Char-Broil Performance IR 450 3-Burner Cabinet
This Gas Grill has 450 sq. in. of primary cooking space. That is enough to place 20 burgers, or 5 chicken spatchcock, or 15 ribeyes, or 25 ears of corn. Portion for an average person is about 2 burgers.
The swing-away warming rack has a surface of 150 sq. in. It can be used for sides or toasting buns.
Char-Broil Performance IR 500 3-Burner Cabinet
This Gas Grill has 500 sq. in. of primary cooking space. That is enough to place 25 burgers, or 6 chicken spatchcock, or 20 ribeyes, or 30 ears of corn. If you consider that a portion for an average person is about 2 burgers, a family reunion will be a breeze.
The swing-away warming rack is 160 sq. inches and it can be used for keeping all this food warm or toasting buns.
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared 325 Signature
It has 325 square inches of primary cooking space. That Is enough to place 12 to 15 burgers, or three chicken spatchcock, or two small pork shoulders, or 4 to 5 baby back ribs. Considering a portion is measured at two burgers per adult person, it is enough for a family meal at one go.
The swing-away warming grill has a surface of 120 sq inches, and it is excellent for keeping food warm or toasting buns.
The winner is Char-Broil Performance IR 500. It has 500 square inches of grate space and an additional side burner.
Read next: Char Broil Performance vs Commercial Series
Char-Broil Performance Vs Signature: The number of burners.
All these Char-Broil gas grills, except the smallest model Char-Broil Performance IR 300, have the innovative TRU Infrared technology featured. Thanks to the special materials and technology, the food is also cooked by Infrared heat. Between the grates and the burners lays another layer, and it emits infrared waves when it gets hot.
This eliminates cold spots and makes the food cook more evenly, keeping it moister than the usual grills do. Because it also presents a barrier between the flames and the food, flare-ups will not bother you anymore.
Char-Broil Performance Performance IR 300
The total heat output is of this gas grill is 24,000-BTU, which is nice, considering it has only two burners. The surface to burner ratio is 150 sq.in. per burner, which is ok, and it makes the cold spots less likely to happen. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t have a side burner.
Char-Broil Performance IR 450
The total heat output is of this gas grill is 24,000-BTU, and the side burner has 10,000-BTU. It has 3 burners, so you will not have any trouble adjusting different heat for each section of the grate. That is great when grilling food that needs a different temperature. This model is equipped with TRU Infrared Technology.
The side burner is ideal for preparing sauces or sides while grilling. If you are not using the burner, just pull the lid down, and you get a nice food prepping surface. The surface to burner ratio is the same as the previous model 150 sq. inches/ burner.
Char-Broil Performance IR 500
This model has 3 burners, but also the largest grate, so the ratio is lower than the rest of the models, 167 sq. inches/burner. That makes it more likely to suffer from cold spots or longer preheat time. On the other hand, it has a TRU Infrared Technology featured, and a side burner, which is a nice feature.
The side burner is ideal for preparing sauces or sides while grilling. When not in use, with the lid down, it is a nice prepping surface.
Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 325
Total burner power is 18,000-BTU. This gas grill has two burners, and a with a grate size of 325sq inches, a ratio of 162 sq. inches/burner. That is not a stellar result, but with the help of the TRU Infrared Technology, it is enough.
It does not, however, have a side burner.
The winner is Char-Broil Performance IR 450, with three burners and a side burner, and a ratio of 150 sq. inches/burner. Combined with TRU Infrared Technology it can preheat faster and have more options for organizing different heat zones.
Char-Broil Performance Vs Signature: Overall quality
Char-Broil Performance Series
The quality of the materials used is good. all the knobs, wheels and sliders work fine and don’t feel cheap. Stainless steel exterior looks great and it can last for a long time. Cast iron grates are maybe heavy, but extremely durable. Overall, this s a fine gas grill.
The warranty period is 5 years on the burners, 2 years on the firebox and lid and all other parts are covered for 1 year.
Char-Broil Signature Series
It may look the same on paper: cast iron grates, stainless steel exterior, etc., it is noticeable that the materials used on this gas grill are slightly better, thicker. That makes this series heavier than the Performance, but also makes them more durable, and the overall feeling is that Char-Broil Signature costs more than Char-Broil Performance, which it does….
The warranty period is also better, 10 years on the burners, 3 years on the grates.
The winner is Char-Broil Signature.it has a longer warranty period, and it simply looks and feels sturdier.
Char-Broil Performance Vs Signature: Overall size
- Char-Broil Performance IR 300.When completely assembled, the outer dimensions 24.5 x 42.9 x 44 inches. The weight is 89 pounds, without the propane tank. The side shelves can be folded down, and it will not take up to much space.
- Char-Broil Performance IR 450. When completely assembled, the outer dimensions are 23.4 x 54.1 x 45.5 inches. The weight is 116 pounds, without the propane tank. This will definitely take up some space in your backyard. But because it has good wheels, you can move it around without difficulties.
- Char-Broil Performance IR 500. When assembled, the dimensions are 23.4 x 56.7 x 45.5 inches. The weight is 132 pounds. You will probably have to find a dedicated space for it. It has good wheels and mobility, but it is bulky and heavy.
- Char-Broil Signature. TRU-Infrared 325. Total dimensions are 23 x 46.8 x 47.2 inches. Although it is heavy compared to its size – 107 pounds, It is easy to move due to the good wheels beneath. There are four of them, two of which can be locked into position. The good thing about this gas grill is that the sides are foldable, so it is easy to find a place for it inside a shed or a garage and protect it from the elements.
The winner is Char-Broil Performance IR 300. It is the smallest and the lithest. The sides are foldable, and it is more maneuverable.
Char-Broil Performance Vs Signature: Ease of use
Char-Broil Performance
This is a straightforward piece of equipment. On this gas grill, there are knobs to control the burners and a nob for ignition. The grills have a temperature gauge on the top of the lid and an electronic ignition system. On the side of the shelves, there are holes for hanging Gear Trax accessories (which do not come standard in the package). All that combined makes this grill easy to use…
Is it easy to clean, though?
Relatively easy. The removable cast-iron grates are coated in porcelain, so the food will not stick to them, and will be easy to wipe off. The grease pan is also removable and can be cleaned with a damp cloth. The exterior is made of stainless steel, so possible grease spots and spills on it can be easily wiped off.
All this applies only if you clean it after use. If you wait and the fat and food get cold, they will stick and be more difficult to clean.
Downsides
Some users complain that although the instructions say you can burn off the drippings by leaving it on high heat for a time, that doesn’t work every time. Cleaning is necessary.
Another downside is that Performance series grills are propane only. You can’t use natural gas.
Char-Broil Signature
It is also very simple to use. It has knobs for burner control and an Easy Electronic Ignition switch. On the top of the lid is the temperature gauge so you can monitor and adjust the temperature. The TRU Infrared heating doesn’t need any controlling, it does all the work by itself.
On the sides of the shelves are holes for hanging optional Gear Trax accessories
The Char-Broil Signature Series grills can be used with propane, or natural gas if you buy a natural gas conversion kit.
Cleaning is not a problem. The grates are removable for cleaning. they are made of cast iron and coated in ceramic coating. That makes them heavy, but great for cleaning, the food will not stick to the coating. The removable grease tray and stainless-steel exterior are relatively easy to clean too.
Again, the easy cleaning part only applies if you are cleaning it after use. If you wait for the fat and food leftovers to get cold, they will stick.
The Char-Broil Performance IR 450 and IR 500 have additional IR flame protectors, that require additional cleaning.
Downsides
The only thing that the users are complaining about is the small holes on the flame protectors. They can sometimes get clogged by the fat and small pieces of food that are falling from the grates. That can require additional cleaning.
If the holes are clogged, the gas sometimes stays trapped under the reverse V-shaped flame protectors. And if you ignite soon after previous use, there can be a flame. All of this is not serious or dangerous, but some people may find it disturbing.
The winner is Char-Broil Performance IR 300., but not by much. It is easier to use simply due to the fact that it has two burner knobs instead of thee, and that you have one less thing to clean since it doesn’t have Infrared flame protectors.
Char-Broil Performance Vs Signature: Value for money
Char-Broil Performance
These are good gas-grills. For the price that fits in the middle of the category (even at the lower half), you will get good build and materials quality. It is easy to use…and most of the models in the series have TRU Infrared heating.
Overall, a good product, worth the money.
Char-Broil Signature
The build quality and the materials are much better than the Performance Series, and it still fits in the middle of the price range for the category. It has TRU Infrared Heating system…
All in all, a good buy.
The winner is Char-Broil Signature. It is more expensive than the Performance Series, but it is still not expensive compared to similar competitors.
Pros and Cons
Char-Broil Performance
Pros:
- Well known manufacturer
- Satisfying quality
- Easy to use
- A wide selection of models
- Most of the models have TRU Infrared feature
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- TRU Infrared flame protectors require cleaning
- Can’t be converted to natural gas
Char-Broil Signature
Pros:
- Well known manufacturer
- Very good quality
- TRU Infrared heating
- Good Value for Money
- Can be converted to use natural gas (If you buy the kit)
Cons:
- TRU Infrared flame protectors need cleaning
Final Recount
Out of six categories, Char-Broil Performance won four and the Char-Broil Signature won two. The Signature Series won Quality and Value for Money, and that about says it all. These are pretty similar products, and the main difference is that Char-Broil Signature Series looks and feels better.
Wrap Up
Very similar products with similar characteristics. If you value better quality and longer warranty period, then the Signature Series is an obvious choice. If you are not interested in spending more money on that, go for the Performance Series. The food is going to taste good anyway.
The Best Outdoor Gas Grills on Amazon
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of a control knob
- ❤ FEATURES: The whole Stainless steel control panel with chromium plating control knob makes this propane gas grill more study and delicate, a stainless steel handle and a built-in stainless steel thermometer on the cover lid, two foldable tables and two heavy duty wheel casters for storage and moving
- ❤ PORCELAIN-ENAMEL WIRE COOKING GRATES: The cooking area of our propane gas grill is 471.8 include 339 square inches for cooking and 132.8 square inches for warming
- ❤ ASSEMBLED DIMENSIONS: 46.46 L x 20.87 W x 41.14 H inch, and 29.5 inch Length when folding both of the side table of the propane gas grill
- ❤ MULTIFUNCTION AND PRACTICAL: This propane gas grill is perfect compliments any outdoor space like backyard, garden, courtyard, terrace and balcony of most family, alternative all season for outdoor cooking
- Ample Cooking Space: Total of 632 sq. in. cooking space, including 483 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and 149 sq. in. chrome-plated steel warming rack provides ample cooking area for about 29 hamburgers at the same time.
- Sear Burner & Side Burner: Sear burner generates 14,000 BTU to provide strong performance for quick and even heat distribution; lidded side burner offering 10,000 BTU is ideal for cooking side dishes and sauces. Reliable electronic ignition system offers quick start-up with the simple push of a button and speeds up the inner heat delivering.
- Durable and Solid Construction: The stylish grill is made of heavy stainless steel, featuring durable control panel and double-layer lid with heat-resistant handle and built-in thermometer, which is built to longtime use. The built-in temperature gauge provides real-time and accurate heat monitoring and control to make your delicacies have best flavors.
- Hassle-free Cleanup: Equipped with removable grease tray and grease cup to help reduce the risk of flare-ups. It’s very easy to slide out and dump residues, thereby simplifying the cleanup procedure.
- High Performance: This propane gas grill has 4 main burners (10,000 BTU each), a sear burner (14,000 BTU) and a lidded side burner (10,000 BTU). 6 stainless steel burners offer a total of 64,000 BTU output for delivering even heat.
- Assembly required
- Durable high-grade stainless steel main burner
- Stainless steel control panel with two large easy to transport wheels
- Heavy-duty cast iron cooking grid with total of 434 Sq. in. cooking area
- A cooking power of 30,000 total BTU's with strong, even and consistent heat
- 3 stainless steel burners produce 27,000 BTUs of cooking power
- Side shelves offers a convenient prep area
- 429 sq in. cooking area over easy-to-clean porcelian wire grates
- 27,000 BTUs main burners for ultimate grilling control
- 2 large wheels for easy mobility
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound propane tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 24 burgers, 20 chicken breasts or 12 steaks on 475-square-inches of primary cooking space. Cook meats and larger items on the primary grates and use the 130-square inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat and keep food warm.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 36,000 BTU rating.
- SIDE BURNER: A 10,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee. When not in use, flip the lid down and use the surface as an additional workspace.
- SIDE SHELF: A large side shelf provides ample space to set plates, tools, sauces and rubs while you grill.
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 20-pound tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 12 burgers, 6 chicken breasts or 4 steaks on 280-square-inches of primary cooking space.
- SIDE BURNER: A 8,000 BTU side burner lets you keep your sides and sauces warm while you grill. You can also use it to boil water, sauté vegetables or brew a pot of coffee.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 20,000 BTU rating.
- GRATES: Porcelain-coated wire grates offer fast warm-up and heat recovery time. They’re lightweight, making them easy to lift when removing to clean and economical to replace when it’s time.
- Our propane gas grill has a cooking area of 352 square inches, with 232 square inches dedicated to cooking and 120 square inches for heating. The grill heats up quickly and is versatile, suitable for grilling, braising, frying, and more. It's perfect for most outdoor spaces like backyards, gardens, patios, terraces, and balconies.
- This propane gas grill features 2 stainless steel burners, each capable of outputting 20,000 BTU per hour. It comes with an integrated piezoelectric ignition system, and each burner can be independently lit through simple rotation of the control knobs. Each knob allows precise flame control, ensuring even heating, significantly reducing cooking time, minimizing wait times, and presenting delicious food.
- The gas grill features a thoughtful design with double-sided shelves for easy access to your essentials. It provides ample storage space for all your spices, seasonings, and plates. The unique design also includes a stainless steel temperature gauge built into the lid, offering more control over the cooking environment, maintaining the ideal temperature, and ensuring moist and flavorful ingredients throughout the cooking process.
- The grilling area utilizes a double-layer porcelain cooking grate that is removable and adjustable, environmentally friendly with no coating, and easy to clean. Even after high-temperature grilling, the residue is easily cleared. The lower grill area and upper rack provide insulation to prevent food from cooling and can also be used for thawing and reheating.
- The propane gas grill features meticulously designed stainless steel handles, adding aesthetic appeal and providing a comfortable grip for easy operation. Additionally, our gas grill is equipped with two flexible wheels, allowing easy movement in the yard or outdoor space, creating the perfect grilling spot anytime, anywhere.
- Stainless Steel Burners - 3 stianless steel burners and side burner are individually controlled by 4 swith knobs, you can adjust the flame combined with the Quick-Start battery electronic ignite system. 33950 BTU output in total.
- Specifical Designs - Stainless steel finish increased the durability and look; Built-in themperature gauge make heat contol easily; Double-layer lid can keep warm better when cooking food;4 galvanized casters(with 2 lockable) make move easily.
- Material - Stainless Steel430 thickness 0.8mm, Each head can be independently fired, reliable side plate strength, stainless steel high temperature cover, side black powder, galvanized lining, cover with thermometer (round), stainless steel control panel, black body spray high temperature resistance 600.
- Fast & Even Heat - One-button electronic ignition system, reliable enough to fire up burners immediately. with four wheels (two directional wheels, two steering wheels)
- Special Feature - Even Heating BBQ Grill,Cooking grates are made of durable, easy-to-clean porcelain-enameled cast iron material which helps prevent rusting and cracking. Flame tamers and stainless steel cooking grates help distribute heat evenly throughout the whole cooking surface.
- Total cooking area 401 sq. in. primary: 290.7 sq. in. warming rack: 110.4 sq. in.
- 2 Stainless steel burners with 8-years of burner warranty and 1-year grate warranty
- 28,000 total BTUs for ultimate grilling control
- Foldable side shelves provide space flexibility for small patio
- Porcelain cast-iron cooking grates provides even heat
- Up to 20, 000 BTUs of grilling power and 285 sq. In. Of cooking area
- Now with 3 independently adjustable burners for enhanced temperature control
- Water pan catches cooking grease and is removable for easy cleaning
- 2 durable side tables for resting utensils and sauces; integrated thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring
- Ignition for push-button, matchless lighting
- 【Thoughtful Design】The propane Gas Grill has the built-in thermometer on the top lid. It is more convenient to control the temperature and cooking time. And the cabinet design is large enough to store the gas tank and any other grilling accessories. This outdoor grill is equipped with 4 casters, making it easier to move. Two of them are lockable wheels to ensure the safety and stability during cooking.
- 【Large Cooking Space】Whole dimension is about 52'' L x 16.7'' W x 42'' H. 380 sq.in. stainless steel primary cooking area with 112 sq.in. stainless steel warm rack secondary cooking area. BBQ cooking area is enough to a small party.
- 【Powerful Heat】This Propane gas grill comes with 4 Burners and 1 side burner. The 4 stainless steel control burner provide a total 48,000 BTU of cooking power for the main space and 12,000 BTU from the side burner which quick start up with the push and turn of each control knob.
- 【Multi-functional & Convenient】This propane gas grill is perfect for outdoor space like patio, backyard, garden, courtyard and balcony for most family, alternative all season for outdoor cooking.
- 【Warranty&Customer Service】We provide an instruction of this Propane Gas Grill and 1 Year warranty. It takes you about 30 mins to put it together. Please feel free to contact us, our customer service team will reply to you within 24 hours.
- High-Quality Material: The propane gas grill frame is made of selected cast iron with excellent heat and rust resistance for safe long-term use.The cooking grate and warming rack area use durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel, it effectively prevents warping and cracking during high-temperature cooking.
- Large Cooking Space: Overall dimensions: 47.2'' x 16.5'' x 43.3''. This gas grill offers a massive 449 square inches of cooking area, more than enough to accommodate grilled food. Simply choose from the 333 square inches of primary cooking area or 116 square inches of the secondary warming rack and get grilling. With a 10,000-BTU side burner with a lid, it is perfect for sauces and side dishes or boiling water.
- Stainless Steel Burners: This outdoor BBQ grill comes with 4 stainless steel burners and a side burner that can generate a total of 50,000 BTU (10,000 BTU each) cooking power to achieve high to low temperature control. Quick-Start electronic ignite system with switch knobs, you can control the flame easily.
- Multi-purpose Grill: A thermometer on the stainless steel lid makes it easy to monitor the grill's internal temperature without opening the lid. 4 stainless steel flame tamers not only can distribute heat evenly, but also protect burners from waste oil for safety.
- Thoughtful Design: This barbecue grill is equipped with 4 casters, making it easier to move. Two of them are lockable wheels to ensure the safety and stability during cooking. And the cabinet design is large enough to store the gas tank and any other grilling accessories.
Last update on 2024-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
