Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner Review: The Infrared Advantage Put to the Test

For years, my backyard has been a proving ground for grills of all shapes and sizes. I’ve battled the unpredictable hot spots of cheap charcoal kettles and endured the frustrating, grease-fueled flare-ups of conventional gas grills that turn a beautiful ribeye into a charred mess in seconds. The dream has always been the same: to find a grill that delivers consistent, edge-to-edge heat, produces steakhouse-quality sear marks, and offers the versatility to handle a delicate piece of salmon as well as it does a dozen burgers for a neighborhood cookout. The search is for control, reliability, and that unmistakable flavor that only comes from cooking over fire. Failing to find this leads to wasted money on good cuts of meat, frustrating cooking experiences, and ultimately, a grill that gathers more dust than compliments. This is the problem the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner, with its promising Amplifire Infrared Technology, claims to solve once and for all.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Propane Grill

A propane grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for achieving convenient, controllable, and consistent outdoor cooking. It’s the centerpiece of summer barbecues, family dinners on the patio, and weekend culinary experiments. The primary benefit lies in its simplicity and speed. With the turn of a knob and the click of an igniter, you have a powerful heat source ready to go in minutes, eliminating the lengthy setup and cleanup associated with charcoal. This control allows for precise temperature management, which is crucial for everything from slow-roasting a chicken to quickly searing vegetables. A great propane grill empowers you to become a more confident and versatile outdoor chef.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of cooking for a family or hosting regular gatherings. They value convenience and performance and want a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of foods and cooking styles. They have a dedicated outdoor space like a deck or patio and see grilling as a regular part of their lifestyle. On the other hand, this type of large, stationary grill might not be suitable for those who live in apartments with small balconies, or for the die-hard charcoal purist who savors the ritual of lighting briquettes. For those needing portability for tailgating or camping, a smaller, tabletop model would be a more practical alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A grill’s footprint is a critical, non-negotiable factor. The Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner measures 61.4 inches wide by 23.7 inches deep. Before you even consider purchasing, measure your intended space, ensuring you have at least a few feet of clearance on all sides for safety and maneuverability. Remember to account for the space needed to open the lid and access the cabinet doors without being cramped.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and cooking area. With 45,000 BTUs spread across its main burners, this grill packs significant power for quick preheating and maintaining high temperatures. The massive 802.9 square inches of cooking surface means you can comfortably cook for a large party without juggling food on and off the grates, a feature that makes it an entertainer’s dream.
• Materials & Durability: Look closely at the construction. This grill features an alloy steel frame and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. Cast iron is exceptional for heat retention and searing, while the porcelain coating aids in rust prevention and cleanup. However, we’ve noted that some of the body panels and non-structural components can feel thinner than those on premium-priced competitors, raising questions about long-term resilience against the elements.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like an electronic ignition, an enclosed cabinet for the propane tank, and a removable grease tray are essential for a user-friendly experience. Infrared cooking systems, like Char-Broil’s Amplifire, can require a slightly different cleaning method. It’s important to keep the emitter plates clean to ensure optimal performance and prevent blockages, which typically involves a good burn-off after cooking and regular brushing.

While the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Promising Package with a Few Caveats

The arrival of the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner was met with anticipation. The box itself is substantial, hinting at the large grill within. Upon opening it, we found the parts to be generally well-packed, though our experience aligns with a significant number of user reports: shipping can be rough on these units. While our main components were intact, we’ve seen widespread feedback about dented lids and doors arriving right out of the box, even when the exterior packaging looks pristine. This appears to be a recurring issue in the product’s distribution chain.

Assembly was a methodical, if lengthy, process. Following the well-illustrated manual, it took us just under two hours from start to finish. All the hardware lined up correctly, and no steps were particularly confusing, a sentiment echoed by users who found the instructions easy to follow. Once assembled, the grill has a commanding presence. The black painted finish gives it a sleek, modern look, and the enclosed cabinet provides a clean aesthetic by hiding the propane tank. The oversized side shelf is genuinely useful, offering ample space for platters and tools. While the core structure feels solid, we did notice that some of the sheet metal, particularly on the cabinet doors and the underside of the firebox, feels a bit thin, confirming user feedback about some materials feeling “flimsy.” For its price point, however, the initial fit and finish exceeded our expectations, presenting a grill that looks more expensive than it is. You can see its full feature set and striking design online.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Pro Series to the Test

A grill’s true worth is only revealed over flames and food. We spent several weeks putting the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner through its paces, testing everything from its assembly and build to its core infrared cooking system and versatile features. This is where the grill truly begins to separate itself from the pack, but also where its potential shortcomings come into focus.

Assembly and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Experiences

Our assembly journey was straightforward, taking a leisurely afternoon to complete. The instructions are primarily pictorial, which is effective, and every screw and panel fit as intended. This positive experience is shared by some users, with one noting, “I had the grill together in about 1.5 hours, instructions are very easy and all screws lined up perfectly.” However, it’s clear this isn’t universal. Another user with an engineering background mentioned it took 2.5 hours and cautioned, “don’t do it after a couple of beers because you WILL use the wrong screws.” Our advice is to lay out all your parts, identify the different screw types before you begin, and set aside a dedicated block of time. Once built, the grill’s structural integrity feels sound. The firebox, lid, and main frame are substantial, and the unit rolls smoothly on its four casters (two of which lock securely).

The duality of experience extends to the build quality. While the core components like the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and stainless steel burners feel robust and are backed by an excellent warranty (10 years on burners), other areas are less impressive. We tapped on the cabinet doors and the panels forming the cart’s body; they are made of a thinner gauge steel that can feel slightly pliable. This is a common cost-saving measure in this price bracket, but it’s a point of concern for longevity. One long-time griller who switched from a competitor noted, “the metal is extremely weak,” and reported surface rust and discoloration within a year, despite keeping it covered. This suggests that while the grill looks fantastic out of the box, it may require diligent maintenance and a high-quality cover to fend off the elements over the long term. This potential trade-off between initial cost and long-term durability is a key consideration for any prospective buyer exploring this particular model’s specifications.

The Amplifire Infrared Advantage: Searing Power Without the Flare-Ups

This is the heart of the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner and, frankly, its biggest triumph. The Amplifire Infrared Technology is not a gimmick. Unlike traditional gas grills that use convection (hot air) to cook, this system uses a special emitter plate between the flames and the grates. This plate absorbs the heat and radiates it directly and evenly to the food. The result? A dramatic reduction in flare-ups, as grease drippings vaporize on the hot plate instead of hitting an open flame. We tested this with fatty ribeye steaks and marinated chicken thighs—foods notorious for causing fireballs. The grill performed flawlessly, producing a beautiful, dark crust with zero flare-ups.

The 45,000 BTUs provide immense power, allowing the grill to preheat to over 500°F in about 10 minutes. This high, even heat is perfect for achieving those coveted diamond-pattern sear marks on the heavy cast-iron grates. But it’s not just about searing. We found the temperature control to be surprisingly nuanced. By turning down two burners and leaving the other two off, we could easily set up indirect heat zones for more delicate items like fish or for slow-roasting a pork loin. The food we cooked was noticeably juicier, a hallmark of infrared cooking which tends to seal in moisture rather than drying out the food with hot air. This cooking system is a feature that really sets it apart from its conventional competitors in the same price range.

Unmatched Versatility: From Gas to Griddle to Charcoal in 60 Seconds

Beyond its excellent infrared grilling capabilities, the Pro Series’ most compelling feature is its modular design. Char-Broil has engineered this grill to be a true multi-fuel workhorse. The standard grates can be removed and replaced with a compatible griddle top (sold separately) or a special charcoal tray. We tested the charcoal tray conversion, and the claim of transforming it in “under 60 seconds” is accurate. You simply lift out the grates and emitter plates and drop in the tray. This allowed us to enjoy the smoky flavor of charcoal for a rack of ribs, with the convenience of lighting the coals using the gas burners below. No lighter fluid, no chimney starter needed.

This versatility effectively turns one appliance into three. You can be making pancakes and bacon on the griddle for breakfast and then grilling steaks over infrared heat for dinner. The included side burner adds another layer of functionality, perfect for simmering a barbecue sauce or sautéing onions and peppers without having to run back into the kitchen. The large side shelf provides a crucial staging area for all this activity. For the home chef who loves to experiment and doesn’t want to clutter their patio with multiple cookers, this all-in-one capability is a massive selling point and a primary reason to consider this grill.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from other owners reveals a consistent and clear picture of the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner. There is a strong consensus on its performance, with one user calling it a “Fantastic grill at a low price point.” Many, like us, praise its easy startup, powerful heating, and the quality of the food it produces. One happy customer noted, “Fired up 1st time. Seasoning the griddle was easy as well.”

However, an equally strong, and frankly concerning, theme is the prevalence of shipping damage. It’s the most common complaint by a wide margin. Numerous users report receiving units with dented lids, bent frame pieces, or damaged doors. One stated, “The lid of the grill had a huge dent when I received it,” while another said, “the packaging is inadequate and my grill has bent pieces.” Compounding this issue is a frustrating customer service experience for some, who were allegedly told that the company does not warranty cosmetic dents from shipping. This creates a significant gamble for buyers: you might get a perfect unit that performs brilliantly, or you might receive a damaged one with little recourse. It’s a critical factor to weigh before you check the latest price and availability.

How Does the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Stack Up Against the Competition?

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand its true value, we need to compare the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner against notable alternatives in the market. Each of these caters to a slightly different user, highlighting the Char-Broil’s specific strengths and weaknesses.

1. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill

The EUHOME 4-Burner is a direct competitor in size and power, boasting a slightly higher 46,500 BTU output. It features a more traditional gas grilling system with enameled cast iron grates and stainless steel construction on its lid and control panel. For someone wary of infrared technology or who prefers the classic open-flame grilling experience, this is a solid alternative. It offers a similar large cooking area and side burner functionality. However, it lacks the key benefits of Char-Broil’s Amplifire system—namely, the near-elimination of flare-ups and the superior moisture retention in food. The choice between the two comes down to whether you prioritize the proven, game-changing performance of infrared or the familiar simplicity of a conventional grill.

2. Cuisinart 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill

This Cuisinart model represents a completely different class of grill: the high-performance portable. With 20,000 BTUs from two burners, it offers significant power in a compact, tabletop form factor. It’s the ideal choice for someone who needs a grill for camping, tailgating, or RVing, and doesn’t have the space for a full-size unit like the Char-Broil. While it can’t match the massive cooking area or the cabinet storage of the Pro Series, its stainless steel construction and powerful burners make it a top performer in the portable category. If your primary need is mobility rather than backyard hosting capacity, the Cuisinart is the superior choice.

3. Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

Taking portability to the extreme, the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is designed for maximum convenience and minimum footprint. Its 5,500 BTU burner and small cooking surface are best suited for cooking for one or two people. It’s perfect for apartment dwellers with tiny balconies or for packing on a picnic. It folds up like a briefcase and is incredibly lightweight. This grill is not a competitor to the Char-Broil in terms of performance or capacity; it’s an alternative for a user whose primary constraint is space and portability. It excels at its intended purpose but cannot handle the demands of family grilling or entertaining.

The Final Verdict: A Performance Powerhouse with a Big Asterisk

After extensive testing, our conclusion on the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner is clear: from a pure cooking performance standpoint, it is an outstanding machine that punches well above its price tag. The Amplifire Infrared Technology is a genuine game-changer, delivering incredibly even heat, fantastic searing capabilities, and a flare-up-free experience that produces exceptionally juicy results. Add in its brilliant versatility to handle griddling and charcoal, and you have a culinary workhorse that can replace multiple outdoor cookers.

However, this stellar performance is shadowed by a significant and undeniable caveat: the risk of shipping damage and questions about long-term material durability. The widespread reports of dented parts upon arrival are too numerous to ignore and represent a major gamble. We recommend this grill for the enthusiastic home chef who prioritizes cooking technology and versatility over brand prestige and is willing to navigate a potential return or accept a cosmetic flaw. If you get a good one, you will be rewarded with one of the best-performing grills in its class. For those who value perfect out-of-the-box condition and proven longevity above all, a more premium-priced alternative may be a safer bet. If you’re ready to roll the dice for incredible infrared performance, you can find the Char-Broil Pro Series 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner here.