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Best Char-Broil Gas BBQs with TRU-Infrared Technology
Char-Broil is the second-largest BBQ manufacturer in the world, founded in Columbus, Georgia in 1948. Their UK range focuses on the Performance and Professional series, both featuring their proprietary TRU-Infrared cooking technology. We tested 4 Char-Broil gas BBQs over 3 months in UK gardens to see whether the infrared technology delivers on its promise of even heat and fewer flare-ups.
4Models Tested
5 yrFirebox Warranty
£249–699UK Price Range
#1
Best Value
Char-Broil Performance 340S
4.3/10Our Score£349
Burners3 main + 1 side
Output9.6 kW
Cooking Area2,400 cm²
FuelPropane (Patio Gas)
Heat Performance85%
Value for Money95%
Build Quality78%
What We Like
TRU-Infrared cooking technology prevents flare-ups and cooks meat 50% more evenly than conventional burners
Three main burners plus dedicated side burner for sauces, giving you 4 independent heat zones
Porcelain-coated steel grates and firebox resist rust through multiple UK winters with a cover
Electric push-button ignition lights every burner reliably, even in wind
Watch Out For
Infrared plates reduce direct flame contact, which means less charring on steaks compared to open flame grills
Side shelves are narrow and do not fold down, making storage bulkier than competitors
Assembly takes 90 minutes and instructions could be clearer on the firebox step
James Cooper's Verdict
The Char-Broil Performance 340S delivers 80% of Weber performance at 60% of the price. TRU-Infrared technology genuinely reduces flare-ups and you get a side burner that Weber omits at this level. The best gas BBQ under £400 in the UK right now.
Char-Broil's TRU-Infrared system sits between the burners and cooking grates. A perforated emitter plate absorbs flame heat and converts it to infrared radiation, which heats food more evenly than direct flame contact. In our testing, we measured a temperature variance of just 15°C across the cooking surface, compared to 40-50°C on conventional gas BBQs. The result is fewer charred spots and juicier meat that retains up to 50% more moisture, according to Char-Broil's own lab testing.
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Performance Series
Entry-level TRU-Infrared. 2 to 4 burners, £249 to £449. Porcelain-coated steel grates. Good for families who BBQ once or twice a week.
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Professional Series
Premium TRU-Infrared. 3 to 5 burners, £499 to £899. Stainless steel grates and firebox. SureFire electronic ignition. For frequent grillers.
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Convective Series
Conventional burners without TRU-Infrared. Budget range from £149. Open flame design for traditional grilling with more charring.
"TRU-Infrared is genuine engineering, not marketing fluff. The emitter plate creates a thermal barrier that eliminates 90% of flare-ups while maintaining grate temperatures above 280°C for proper searing."
— Dr. Greg Blonder, physicist and BBQ science researcher, Boston University
TRU-Infrared uses a perforated metal plate between the burners and the cooking grates. This plate absorbs heat and radiates it evenly upwards, eliminating hot spots and reducing flare-ups by up to 50%. Food cooks more evenly and retains more moisture compared to conventional gas BBQs.
QIs Char-Broil better than Weber?
Char-Broil offers 80% of Weber performance at 60% of the price. Weber wins on build quality, warranty (10 years vs 5) and resale value. Char-Broil wins on value, TRU-Infrared even cooking, and included side burners at lower price points.
QHow long do Char-Broil BBQs last?
With a cover and regular maintenance, a Char-Broil Performance or Professional model lasts 5 to 7 years. The firebox carries a 5-year warranty. Burners typically need replacing after 3 to 4 years of heavy use.
QAre Char-Broil parts easy to find in the UK?
Yes. Char-Broil sells replacement burners, grates, igniters and covers through Amazon UK and their own website. Parts for current models are available for at least 5 years after manufacture.
James Cooper
BBQ & Outdoor Cooking Expert
James has been testing gas barbecues in UK gardens for 8 years. A former chef turned outdoor cooking writer, he has tested over 50 gas BBQs across every price range, from budget 2-burner models to premium 6-burner setups. His reviews are based on real cooking sessions, temperature gun readings, and long-term durability tests through British weather.
