Are you thinking about stepping up your grilling game? Does your 3- or 4-burner unit feel too small for you these days? If so, you might want to consider upgrading to a larger model. In our Char-Broil Classic 6-Burner gas grill review, we’ll help you decide whether this could be the one for you.
Char-Broil began making charcoal grills in 1948, but they didn’t stop there. Today, the company manufactures a wide range of products, including turkey fryers. The Classic 6-Burner gas grill is just one example of Char-Broil’s dedication to the outdoor cooking lifestyle.
Pros:
- Good value for the money spent
- Easy to assemble
- Heats up quickly
- Generous size
- Friendly and efficient customer service department
Cons:
- Might be too large for some outdoor kitchens
- Box may arrive in poor condition
Contents (Jump to Topic) show
Char-Broil Classic 6-Burner Gas Grill Review: Features & Benefits
Design
For the Classic 6-Burner model, Char-Broil has opted for a cabinet-style design with twin doors beneath the main firebox. Bar-style handles give you easy access to the lower chamber, which is large enough to store a few supplies alongside the propane tank. The stainless steel finish gives the grill a sleek, sophisticated appearance.
More storage is available in the form of two side shelves. One of the shelves can be converted to a 10,000-BTU burner for additional cooking space. The right-hand shelf is also outfitted with a set of tool hooks.
The grill sits on four caster wheels, and the rear wheels can be locked for stability. In my opinion, these wheels are a bit small, considering the bulk and weight of the grill. If you decide to buy it, I would recommend leaving it in one place as much as possible.
Construction
The Classic 6-Burner Gas Grill is constructed of stainless steel. This includes the lid, handle, and control panel. Both side shelves are painted, which offers protection as well as eye appeal.
The firebox is sturdy enough to hold its heat for long periods, even if you opt for an indirect cooking technique. When the lid is closed, the grill heats up rapidly and evenly, giving you tasty results every time.
As for the grilling grates, they’re made of porcelain-enameled cast iron. This material is durable and easy to clean, thanks to the nonstick qualities provided by the porcelain coating. They also hold their heat well and deliver excellent grill marks.
Some buyers have reported issues with the heat retention, claiming that the grill wasn’t able to reach temperatures over 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When this happens, it’s usually due to a problem with the regulator. When everything is working correctly, the Char-Broil Classic 6-Burner gas grill should perform reliably.
Size
The grill features 650 square inches of cooking space on the main surface. 250 additional square inches are available on the secondary warming rack. We think the warming rack is best suited for resting the meat after grilling, as it doesn’t get close enough to the flames for actual cooking.
With a grand total of 900 square inches, this grill is suitable for groups of 8 to 10 people. You can host neighborhood barbecues with ease, knowing you have plenty of cooking space to work with.
Burners
The six main burners crank out a total of 65,000 BTUs, which is fairly standard for a grill this size. As we pointed out, the side burner offers an additional 10,000 BTUs.
What does this mean in terms of performance? Back in the day, BBQ aficionados claimed that a gas grill should offer 80 to 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking space. Obviously, this unit meets those criteria. However, that’s not the end of the story.
It turns out that the construction of the grill has more to do with its efficiency than the BTU output alone. As long as the firebox is able to hold its heat, it doesn’t really matter how many BTUs the grill has. Fortunately, the Char-Broil Classic 6-Burner Gas Grill holds its own in this department as well.
Care & Maintenance
Once you receive the grill, it shouldn’t take longer than two hours to assemble. This is especially true if you ask a friend to help. Locating all of the parts can be tricky, but as long as they’re all included, the rest of the instructions are easy enough to follow.
The porcelain coating makes the cast iron grilling grates clean up quickly after each use. There’s no need to season them to prevent rust, as you would if the metal were bare. Just wait until they’re cool enough to handle, then scrub them well with hot, soapy water. Also, make sure the grates have had a chance to dry thoroughly before replacing them.
Unlike some of the competition over at Weber, this unit doesn’t offer a sophisticated grease management system. You’ll need to pay close attention to make sure the burners remain free of buildup. If too much grease collects in the firebox, you’re bound to experience flare-ups every time you grill.
Warranty
Char-Broil offers a 1-year warranty for all the parts included with this purchase. While it’s nice to have a guarantee in place, this isn’t particularly generous by industry standards. What’s more, the grill isn’t expected to last for more than two or three years. If it’s longevity you’re after, you might want to keep searching.
Social Proof
What are buyers saying about the Char-Broil Classic 6-Burner gas grill? We decided to surf the web to find out.
As we mentioned, there were a few complaints regarding the grill’s performance. Fortunately, the customer service department was quick to respond in most cases, leading to a swift and satisfying resolution. On the whole, people seemed pleased with the purchase, claiming that they felt they’d received their money’s worth.
Possible Alternatives
Grills in the Char-Broil Classic series can be difficult to find. For that reason, we’ve assembled a list of alternatives, which should deliver satisfying results.
#1 Royal Gourmet SG6002 6-Burner Gas Grill
Like the Char-Broil offering, the SG6002 features a side burner for heating sauces and sides. There’s also a searing burner, which comes in handy for finishing steaks with a flourish.
How they compare:
- Affordability: Royal Gourmet
- Construction: Royal Gourmet
- Size: Char-Broil
- Maintenance: Royal Gourmet
- Warranty: Tie
If you’re in the market for an affordable 6-burner unit with plenty of storage space, consider the Royal Gourmet SG6002.
#2 Megamaster 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill
For a no-frills 6-burner option, consider this offering from Megamaster. You’ll still get 753 square inches of cooking space in all, but the grill isn’t as durably constructed as the Char-Broil Classic.
How they compare:
- Affordability: Megamaster
- Construction: Char-Broil
- Size: Char-Broil
- Maintenance: Char-Broil
- Warranty: Tie
The Megamaster 6-Burner grill could be a good choice if you’re hoping to make a quick purchase.
#3 Weber Summit E-670
On the other end of the pricing spectrum, there’s the Weber Summit E-670. This grill features an attractive enamel finish and an impressive burner system, including a rotisserie kit.
How they compare:
- Affordability: Char-Broil
- Construction: Weber
- Size: Char-Broil
- Maintenance: Weber
- Warranty: Weber
If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art 6-burner gas grill, the Weber Summit E-670 has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should buy a 6-burner gas grill?
If you’re the type of person who loves to entertain, a 6-burner gas grill could be a wise investment. You’ll be able to turn out more ingredients at once, which will cut down on the amount of time you spend hovering over the grill. This will leave you more time to mingle with your guests.
You might also consider a 6-burner unit if you like to include more than one grilled component in your meals. With a grill this size, you can whip up shish kabobs and grilled flatbread for the main course, right alongside the pineapple rings for dessert.
What should I look for in a 6-burner gas grill?
Above all, you want a grill that can retain its heat well. It doesn’t matter how many burners you have if they don’t stay hot enough to cook your ingredients. A grill with a durable stainless steel construction is your best bet.
Also, think about what ingredients you’d like to prepare. If you’re planning to stick with burgers and hot dogs, you should be fine with a basic model. On the other hand, if you want to cook whole chickens and other large cuts of meat, you might consider a grill that has a rotisserie system.
Are 6-burner gas grills expensive?
It depends on the manufacturer. While you can expect to spend more on a 6-burner model than you would for a 2-burner unit, there are affordable options available. Our advice would be to shop around until you find a model that you can afford.
Final Thoughts
The Char-Broil Classic 6-Burner Gas Grill offers a fair value for the price. While it’s not as durable as some of the competition, it delivers a reliable performance. We especially appreciate the fact that it retains its heat well at low temperatures, so you can prepare slow-cooked meats like ribs and pulled pork with ease.
For a better look at the Char-Broil Classic 6-Burner Gas Grill, click here.
