When comparing Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill vs Weber Original Kettle 22, the Slant community recommends Weber Original Kettle 22 for most people. In the question“What are the best grills?” Weber Original Kettle 22 is ranked 1st while Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Electric Grill is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Weber Original Kettle 22 is:
Considering the fact that this unit costs less than $100, it's surprisingly well-built. All the components, such as the porcelain-enameled bowl, the aluminum legs, the ashtray, or the vents, are corrosion resistant. In fact, plenty of people have used this grill for more than 10 years. Moreover, even if something does break, spare parts are widely available.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Easy to maintain
With this electric grill, you will not need to deal with messy charcoal leftovers or propane tanks. Electric grills are also usually cheaper to run, since they only cost around $15-20 per year in electricity bills.
Pro Can produce high temperatures
This grill can produce substantial heat and reach as high as 600 degrees Fahrenheit in full power. There is an additional second rack where you can cook food that doesn’t require such high heat.
Pro Multiple color options
You can choose from 7 different colors and finishes.
Pro Excellent value for money
Considering the fact that this unit costs less than $100, it's surprisingly well-built. All the components, such as the porcelain-enameled bowl, the aluminum legs, the ashtray, or the vents, are corrosion resistant. In fact, plenty of people have used this grill for more than 10 years. Moreover, even if something does break, spare parts are widely available.
Pro Easy to clean
The excess ash can be removed by turning a handle under the grill.
Pro Can smoke food
Since the vents are also airtight, the grill can be used to smoke meat. This smoked flavor can’t be replicated with a gas or electric grill.
Pro Five-year warranty for components
The cleaning system and plastic parts are covered by a five-year service and replacement warranty.
Pro Ten-year rust-free warranty for the body
Weber offers a ten-year rust and corrosion warranty for the bowl and lid.
Pro Requires only minor, straightforward assembling
Although the grill comes unassembled, there are only a few parts that need to be put together. The included instructions are clear and understandable.
Pro Charcoal allows for more control
Since it uses charcoal rather than burners, it allows you to have more control over your cooking, by adjusting the amount of charcoal and its position. However, you will have to overcome a learning curve to achieve the best results.
Pro Accessories and spare parts are available
Since this is one of the most popular grills in the US, nearly every store that sells grills should have spare parts and accessories suitable for this unit.
Pro Made for a lifetime
The grill is made from rust-free materials that don’t wear even over the excessive use. If you protect it from extreme weather conditions and perform regular maintenance, this grill will last many years.
Cons
Con Can't replicate smoky flavors
Since this is electric, the food will lack the smoky flavor from charcoal and gas grills. One workaround for this is placing a sheet of aluminum foil filled with soaked wood chips on the heating elements.
Con Has some spots that are difficult to clean
The shape of this grill makes the inside of it a bit awkward to clean, as there are several hard-to-reach spots.
Con Requires assembling
You'll need some tools, like wrenches and screwdrivers, to properly assemble this grill. The procedure will take you around 2 hours.
Con Needs a lot of charcoal
It will take you a lot of charcoal to make this grill reach very high temperatures.
Con Lacks stability
The three-legged design is not as stable as four-legged grills.
Con Lacks ignition system
It will take some practice to learn how to properly light up this grill, as it doesn't have an ignition system.
Con Doesn't have a lid holder
There is no lid holder, so you need to have some place where to put it.
Con Handles aren't as nice as they used to be
The plastic handles this unit uses nowadays aren't as nice-looking as the wooden handles it used to have.