Char-Broil/TEC First Impressions

Disclaimer: As I do believe in transparency when it comes to advertising and reviews here on Men in Aprons, I am obligated to tell you that Char-Broil has sent me this grill free of charge to review and do as I please. I do believe in being honest in reviewing products, as you are about to see.

This grill arrived at my house on the dryvan of an 18-wheeler. You should have seen the driver try to navigate the cul-de-sac. Assembly of the grill was fairly easy, taking me about 2 hours to complete. The instruction manual said 35 to 45 minutes, but I like to take it slow when counting the parts list. Overall the instructions were clear and concise. I consider it a good day when I don't cuss like a sailor when trying to read engineer's manuals.

I have already used the grill a number of times in one week, and my first impressions are that this is a good grill. It has a very nice design, smooth controls, and the TEC infrared burner is awesome. Check out the very first steak I cooked over the infrared burner:

Perfect grill marks the first time.

So far I can tell that the TED burner is really powerful, heating up to nearly 800 degrees at the highest setting. For all you grill fanatics out there, this is the perfect way to get those grill marks each and every time. The downside to the TEC's power is that the lowest setting only dips to 350 degrees.

Now check out this feature. You can't see it when you grilling with the hood open. Just walk around back with the hood closed and you'll be able to see directly into your food. I'm sure that the manufacturer made this for ventilation purposes, both heat and propane. It just scared me that my food might fall out the back, especially if there's any on the warming rack.

There will be a larger review to come, when I can get my facts straight and get some more use out of the beast. My initial reaction is good, though. I like the control and I like the look. We'll see how time treats it.