Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Gas Grill Model# 11601558

If you are looking for a gas grill that is on the smaller side, the might be the grill for you. The Char-Broil Patio Bistro Infrared Gas Grill is a petite, full height gas grill that is easy to move and store. This model is small enough to fit on most balconies but also give you enough space to comfortably cook for four people. The 13,000 BTU burner sounds undersized for a 240 square inch grill, but this unit uses Char-Broil's infrared technology to get a lot of heat out of a little fuel. The overall construction of this grill is a little lightweight so you will need to give it some extra care to keep it looking and working well.

Size and Build

With a small footprint, this grill won't take up a lot of space. Of course, that gives you only 240 square inches of grilling space. This is certainly not like a full-sized grill but is large enough to do some real grilling. What you get with this grill is a unit you can put almost anywhere, but one that won't do a lot beyond a few burgers or a couple of steaks. This grill runs on a standard 20-pound propane tank that fits underneath, giving the grill a little extra stability, making it easy to move everything at once.

The grill uses a single porcelain-coated cooking grate with a small warming rack mounted in the lid. The construction is powder-coated steel. The metal used for this grill is thin and a little flimsy, so you will need to be careful not to dent or knock this grill over as it can be easily damaged.

Heat and Technology

The grill is ignited using one electronic button with temperature control. The BTU output on this gas grill is low, but with Char-Broil's Infrared technology the heat is good; however, it will take a while to get hot so plan on 15 to 20 minutes in preheat times.

What makes this grill "infrared" is a closed grate design. This separates the flame from the food, which means you won't get any flare-ups, but it also limits that authentic grilled flavor. The 13,000 BTU burner is a small, round unit that focuses its heat on the closed cooking grate so that the grate heats up and then radiates the heat.

Specs

• One 13,000 BTU circular burner
• 240 square inches of primary grilling space, plus an upper rack of 80 square inches. (Total cooking area 320 square inches.)
• Porcelain-coated steel cooking grate
• Gas control knob with electronic ignition
• Towel bar to hold tools and accessories
• Two wheels for easy moving
• Powder coated steel construction
• Weighs 54 pounds fully assembled
• Made in China by Char-Broil and available through many retailers

Recall Notice

Models of this grill, as well as the smaller table-top version, sold between September 2010 and June 2013, have been recalled. If you own this grill, discontinue use and contact Char-Broil toll-free at (866) 671-7988 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Saturday, or visit their website (Charbroil.com) for more information.