Weber vs. Char-broil charcoal grills

The Weber vs. Char-broil debate

While smokers may be more appropriate for those with a little experience, no backyard barbecue is complete without a grill. Weber and Char-broil have provided accessible and affordable grills to American backyards and beyond for a long time now.

While both Weber and Char-broil compete in similar categories, they each come with certain distinct traits. There are both noticeable differences and subtle distinctions that give each one a place in the market. 

Today, we want to take you through a rundown of both of these brands. The final verdict will depend on how you understand the comparison and the different pros/cons that each brand possesses. First, we’ll discuss an overall comparison of the two brands without going much into any specific model. Next, we’ll make a head-to-head for a widely-used model from each brand. By the end, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of which one suits you more. 

Weber vs. Char-broil: Overall Assessment

Charcoal grills provide a more traditional mechanism, which means you get specific advantages. They don’t flare up like those open flame grills. They provide more heat compared to gas grills. Charcoal is an ideal fuel source for slower cooking recipes. And most enthusiasts will agree that the smoky flavor of charcoal is simply superior to electric or gas units. Both Weber and Char-broil have some of the best smokers and grills in the market today. 

Weber Charcoal Grills

Weber is a household name when it comes to smokers and grills, and with good reason! They provide smokers and grills that are incredibly reliable, versatile, and not harsh on your bank balance. These are qualities that we like in any kind of product. Regardless of your grilling needs, we’re sure you’ll get a Weber product that will fit the bill. They have incredibly affordable grills like the Weber 441001 Grill. They also offer higher-end products like the Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill.

Weber stands out on a few points compared to Char-broil. Their material and build are both incredibly reliable. So, you know the brand does not renege on sturdy bodies just because the price is affordable. Also, you’ll notice that Weber provides more cooking area across most of the popular units. They also minimize flare-ups and give better heat distribution.

Char-broil Charcoal Grills

Char-broil is no push-over in the charcoal grill market, though. They provide a wide variety of grilling units. This means you get a whole lot of grill options to choose from. The Char-broil 12201570-A1 Offset Smoker is an excellent example of how low their prices get even with decent-quality smoker/grills. Also, The Char-broil 13301719 Portable Kettle Charcoal Grill is a simple but handy grill that’s available at throwaway prices. 

The most notable advantage of Char-broil is the price-tag. Most of their models come with equally good features as other makers but at a lower price. So, for those who know the value of a good deal, Char-broil is always on the shopping radar. They also provide a faster heating mechanism across most of their products. Char-broil also offers different heat zones for those who like zonal cooking techniques. 

Weber vs. Char-broil Charcoal Grills: Product Comparison

Whenever we make product comparisons, we’re careful not to compare units that are in different categories. That would make the whole exercise pointless and inaccurate. 

Since both Weber and Char-broil are great at making a wide range of units, it’s a tough choice to make here. But we wanted to go with widely-used models from both brands with a more or less similar mechanism. To this end, we’ve chosen the Weber 14501001 Master-touch Charcoal Grill and the Char-broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill. 

Weber 14501001 Master-touch Charcoal Grill

The Weber 14501001 Master-touch Charcoal Grill is one of their most popular charcoal grills that command great reviews. It has an economic charcoal-use mechanism that makes all your grilling more fuel-efficient. The precision controls and heat-retention are by far superior to most other models in the same category. 

Features

• With 443 Sq. Inches, the Weber 14501001 can hold up to 13 burgers if you use their burger press.
• The tuck-away lid design allows you to slide it away without removing the whole thing. 
• You can replace the circular grates with other GBS compatible designs. The hinged grates make it easier to add more charcoal as you continue grilling. 
• Weber gives you side hooks where you can place tools like your tongs, spatula, etc. 
• You can monitor internal temperatures easily by using the built-in thermometer on the lid. 

Char-broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill

The Char-broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill is always a contender for grills in this range. It’s easy to use, and the maintenance is next to zero. Char-broil gives you additional aids like 360° air-inlets, porcelain-coated grates, and large vents/dampers that make it user-friendly for anyone.  

Features

• The 360 Sq. The Inch area is not as wide as the Weber, but still an adequate space. 
• The grates are porcelain-coated and rust-resistant. This means fewer flare-ups and no fall-through of food. 
• You get hinged lids for more comfortable operating and a temperature gauge mounted on the lid. 
• The ash-bowl is removable, which makes cleaning easy. Also, the design supposedly uses less charcoal, which should mean less fuel-use.
• Char-broil offers a whopping 10-year warranty on the lid and firebox. The ash pan comes with a 5-year warranty, while all the other parts provide a 2-year warranty. 

Final Verdict: Overall and Product Comparison

Both the general study of the brands and the individual products show that Weber and Char-broil match-up quite well against each other. As far as the product comparison goes, you can go for the Char-broil TRU-Infrared if your primary concern is budget. But if cooking area and heat retention are more significant priorities, the Weber Master-touch might be a better deal.

The overall assessment of the two brands also falls into a similar line. Char-broil gets the upper hand in budget and cost-efficiency, while Weber takes the cake for build-quality and ease-of-use. Ultimately, it comes down to your specific taste and preference.

Both Weber and Char-broil make great grills for home use. But you should also check out the best smokers from these and other brands before you make any purchase.