Sometimes all you just need is a gas grill that’s ideal for coking outdoors all year round; the Char-Broil Classic 280 is what we can call a ‘step in the right direction’ for anyone who is in the market for an affordable, yet, reliable gas grill. In fact, it’s one of those grills that strike a perfect mix between convenience, portability, affordability, durability and economy of space are factors considered in its design.
If all you need is an inexpensive gas grill, that is large enough to entertain a large group of friends or family gathering; then here is an option that you can’t easily scratch off your shopping list.
Main Product Highlights
- Char-Broil 2-burner, 26,500 BTU gas grill
- 280 square inches cooking surface
- Porcelain-coated wire grates
- Side shelves (made of plastic)
- Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox
- Piezo ignition system
Design
The Classic 280’s design features two burners yielding 26,500 BTU of steaking power. At a glance, it may not be the best in the market, but it leads the pack in its class offering a massive 280 square inches of cooking surface on porcelain-coated wire grates. Unlike more expensive gas grills that have metallic side shelves, this model comes with plastic side, which is something we expected for the price range. The grill is stable enough and does not wobble as you chop the steak on the working surfaces, but you’ll have to ensure that all pieces are screwed in tightly prior to use.
In making the cooking system available for those on a budget, Char-Broil had to make a few compromises here and there. For instance, the grill is constructed from thin, painted steel that may not survive more than 2 seasons of hard punishment. However, for the utilitarian user, the enclosed cabinet and fold down side tables will be hard to pass by.
Ease of use
The Char-Broil Classic 280 uses a Piezo ignition system that gives you a reliable spark with every push, meaning that you get right into grilling almost immediately. Being an economical burner, we’re convinced that the 26,500 BTUs is more than enough for such a low cost. Although you have many pieces to assemble, you really don’t take more than one to two hours before you put everything together.
While using the grill, you’ll notice that it takes more than the 40-minutes specified by the manufacturer to build the system. In fact, you’ll need something close to 2 hours and you might need a further 10-15 minutes to burn of some dirt remnants before you can embark on the actual cooking. It is designed for easy cleaning to help avoid flare ups as well as using a grill cover to protect your investment.
That said, the heat from the system is easily distrusted well, and flare ups won’t be a problem due to the metallic cover. Plus, the grill is heated up quickly and gets distributed evenly throughout the plate. Since the porcelain-coated steel lid facilitates the even distribution of heat, you’re assured of one-of-a-kind flavor in your steak. All these make cooking easy and the food is made delicious than ever, affordably.
Recommended Configuration
Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
$157.94 in stock
7 used from $96.69
Our Final Verdict…
An apartment with a small patio or balcony can sometimes be limiting, especially when it comes to your options when shopping for grills. The Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Gas Grill solves that problem by being small, but really holds its own ground on most grilling tasks thrown its way. It may not be the best gas grill out here, so don’t expect it to perform like its expensive counterparts. However, for the frugal minded folks in the marker for a basic grill that combines both value and feature, the Classic 280 will have the job done.
The Good:
- Inexpensive
- Solid heat output compared to small size
- Ideal for the space savers/ city grillers
The Bad
- Burners are of low quality/lightweight
- May not last more than a few seasons
- Cheap construction
