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Guest
Guest
My friends at Char-Broil sent me one of their new Infrared cookers to test
drive. This unit is a propane-fired smoker, roaster and grill that obviously
builds on the consumer success of their Big Easy® Oil-less Turkey Fryer.
The concept looks sound to me.
Here is how it's described on the Char-Broil site:
Right out of the gate, I have to say that I was intrigued by what this unit
boasts. The idea of a single unit that does all they advertise was, and still
is, very interesting.
Here are my impressions of the unit as I opened, assembled and seasoned it:
Packaging
Although it appeared to have adequate packaging, the unit sustained a
little bit of damage in transit. The bottom of the main cylinder was slightly
out-of-round and dented in some places. This was easily remedied by
bending things back into place. There were also a few other parts that were
slightly bent and/or misshapen.
Assembly
This required about 30 minutes and it went very smoothly using the clear
instructions that were included. I was especially impressed with how the
fasteners were packaged on a single card with each part in a separate
compartment.
Overall Build Quality
I'll be very honest and say that, in general, Char-Broil does not have a
good reputation for using quality materials. My first impression with the
materials used in this unit didn't really do much to change that impression
in my mind. The metal is thin and and the whole thing seems somewhat
flimsy as it goes together. On the plus side, I was impressed with the
overall heft once it all came together. Of course, the proof is in the
performance, which I'll get to later.
Seasoning
This cooker does require seasoning, but it's a brain-dead easy process.
You simply coat all of the cooking surfaces and accessories with oil and
run it on hight for 15 minutes, or until it stops smoking. It really couldn't be
much easier.
Overall First Impression
Once the unit was assembled and I fired it up for the first time to season
it, I can tell that my early thoughts about the concept being sound remain.
I think this thing might have some serious potential for those that don't
want to deal with the muss and fuss that often accompanies more
traditional outdoor cooking.
Although I had some concerns about the quality early on, I now think that
the quality of this unit just might strike a balance between great and good
enough, but I'll reserve judgment for now.
I cooked two whole chickens on it tonight and I'll share the results in the
next post.
Obligatory Disclaimer: I am not compensated by Char-Broil or any other
company other than my day job.
-----
John
drive. This unit is a propane-fired smoker, roaster and grill that obviously
builds on the consumer success of their Big Easy® Oil-less Turkey Fryer.
The concept looks sound to me.
Here is how it's described on the Char-Broil site:
Right out of the gate, I have to say that I was intrigued by what this unit
boasts. The idea of a single unit that does all they advertise was, and still
is, very interesting.
Here are my impressions of the unit as I opened, assembled and seasoned it:
Packaging
Although it appeared to have adequate packaging, the unit sustained a
little bit of damage in transit. The bottom of the main cylinder was slightly
out-of-round and dented in some places. This was easily remedied by
bending things back into place. There were also a few other parts that were
slightly bent and/or misshapen.
Assembly
This required about 30 minutes and it went very smoothly using the clear
instructions that were included. I was especially impressed with how the
fasteners were packaged on a single card with each part in a separate
compartment.
Overall Build Quality
I'll be very honest and say that, in general, Char-Broil does not have a
good reputation for using quality materials. My first impression with the
materials used in this unit didn't really do much to change that impression
in my mind. The metal is thin and and the whole thing seems somewhat
flimsy as it goes together. On the plus side, I was impressed with the
overall heft once it all came together. Of course, the proof is in the
performance, which I'll get to later.
Seasoning
This cooker does require seasoning, but it's a brain-dead easy process.
You simply coat all of the cooking surfaces and accessories with oil and
run it on hight for 15 minutes, or until it stops smoking. It really couldn't be
much easier.
Overall First Impression
Once the unit was assembled and I fired it up for the first time to season
it, I can tell that my early thoughts about the concept being sound remain.
I think this thing might have some serious potential for those that don't
want to deal with the muss and fuss that often accompanies more
traditional outdoor cooking.
Although I had some concerns about the quality early on, I now think that
the quality of this unit just might strike a balance between great and good
enough, but I'll reserve judgment for now.
I cooked two whole chickens on it tonight and I'll share the results in the
next post.
Obligatory Disclaimer: I am not compensated by Char-Broil or any other
company other than my day job.
-----
John
