Char-Broil vs. Dyna-Glo Grills – Comparison review
Smart Grilling combines having a good time with family and friends and having a nice meal. Good grills ensure that the food will be perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful. In addition, modern grills occupy less time for control and provide more time for fun; you can make grilling an everyday activity.
Two brands, Char-Broil and Dyna-Glo, are popular for their versatile grills with diverse fuel sources. So, in this comparison, we will precisely look at charcoal and gas best-sellers from these brands.
Char-Broil vs. Dyna-Glo Grills – Comparison Table
Main Differences Between the Models
Even though the presented grills are in the same price category, they differ in many aspects. The main differences are:
- Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman and Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber Grills work on charcoal fuel, while Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet and Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner Grills are gas grills.
- Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill has only the main rack, while all other grills have a warming rack additionally.
- Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner Natural Gas Grill has the most significant temperature range – 100-800 F.
- Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill requires one AAA battery for ignition; all other grills only need one power source – the fuel.
- The warranty for Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill is the most extended – 10 years; the smallest 1-year warranty has Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill.
- Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill and Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner Natural Gas Grill have cabinets for storage, while two other grills have wired baskets.
Other differences between Char-Broil vs. Dyna-Glo Grills in more detail will be reflected during the Face-to-Face comparison.
Models Overview
Char-Broil grills have been the most trusted ones on the market since 1948. All their grills combine all knowledge and innovations, which helped, for example, to receive awards as the most innovative charcoal barbeque in 2015. They claim that all their grills, whether charcoal, gas or electric, are equipped with TRU-Infrared Technology, ensuring the heat spreads evenly through the grill grate surface without hot or cold spots.
That’s equivalent to less cooking time without flare-ups and no air flow that can ignite the food dripping. Also, it means no loss of energy or no dry food. The heat is sent directly to the food and guarantees 50% juicier food than traditional grills. The moisture from the food constantly is vaporized and enriches the food with smoky flavors. From this brand, we will compare two models – one charcoal grill and one liquid propane grill.
Dyna-Glo is a brand from GHP Group Inc. They produce a massive range of industry-leading and innovative grills, smokers, fireplaces, and heaters for about a hundred years. The headquarters are located in Illinois, USA, but the production site was shifted to China. Dyna-Glo grills have different fuel types – liquid propane, natural gas, and charcoal.
Also, the gas grills differ per the number of burners (from two to five) and the availability of side burners and rotisserie burners. All their grills obtain their own EquiHeat technology, which ensures even heat distribution from three stainless steel with perfect sear marks on steaks and vegetables. Each burner is equipped with a heavy gauge heat tent to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface, protect the burners from natural juices, and vaporize them back to the food. From this brand, we will also compare two models – one charcoal grill and one natural gas grill.
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman Charcoal Grill
Char-Broil Kettleman is a classic kettle grill, compact but has a cooking system with ultimate control. It has a porcelain-coated cooking grate with no gaps for food to fall. In addition, you can put some wood chips with flavor to make the taste even better. The grill’s bottom and lid are also protected with porcelain enamel to last the grill longer.
It is equipped with TRU-Infrared technology. Air inlets are located in the bottom part (a firebox) on the whole 360-degree perimeter; air outlets are located in the lid (air damper with three outlets). When you fully open the outlets, the heat decreases – temperature control function. It has charcoal control to grill more with less charcoal and the ash pan under the charcoal to clean the grill more manageably and quicker. For cooking, you need about 50 briquettes, some time to make them burn, and 5-10 minutes to preheat.
After assembling (the grill is supplied in pieces), you will get a perfect grill with a 20% larger porcelain-coated cooking grate with a higher lid (22.5 inches in diameter) to prepare 16 burgers, 10 chicken, or 8 steaks. The lid is equipped with a lock to prevent your kids from accessing the hot grate. The grill has three legs for better stability, and on two of them, wheels are installed.
- Large cooking grate – 360 sq in
- Built-in thermometer
- Even heat distribution
- Large height of the lid (22.5”)
- No flare-ups
- Simple temperature control with a large air damper
- Storage shelf
- Easy transportation with two wheels
- High stability
- Less charcoal is required than for standard grills
- Sliding ash pan for easy cleaning
- Cheaper than most of the competitors
- Supplied disassembled
- Not so many accessories for this model
- Only manual control
- No remote control
- Assembling tools are not included
Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This versatile small grill is perfect for one person or a small family. The grill is supplied disassembled, you need to spend about one hour, and with the help of another person and a manual, you will easily pull it together. The two gas burners made from stainless steel are equipped with electronic ignition making startup with one push of the button. This grill as well has TRU-infrared technology described earlier. The grill is designed for conventional cooking with direct, indirect, and rotisserie cooking modes.
The cooking surfaces consist of the porcelain-coated main cooking grate consisting of two parts and a warm rack installed on the higher level. You can prepare 16 burgers. Before first use, you need to season the grill for 15-20 minutes at the highest settings. It is recommended to use wood chips for extra flavor in a smoker box. To prepare food, you do not need electricity or other fuel sources despite the liquid propane tank (purchased separately).
Despite its compact size, it has several storage places – a cabinet under the burners and side shelves. Side shelves are used as a workspace. It has four wheels for transportation, and two casters have a locking mechanism.
- Large cooking area 400 sq in (main rack + warm rack)
- Two sides folded shelves
- Storage cabinet for the accessories
- Several cooking modes
- The temperature gauge in the lid
- Even heat distribution
- Simple flare control with knobs
- Removable grease tray and pan
- Electronic ignition from 1 battery
- Four wheels for easy transportation
- Secure storage of the gas tank in the dedicated cabinet place
- Two people are required to assemble
- Assembling tools are not included
- The fire from burners is not seen from the TRU-infrared burners
- The tank with gauges should be purchased separately
- No remote control
Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner Natural Gas Grill
Dyna-Glo Premier grill offers a revolutionary cooking experience. Its compact design makes it a perfect choice for all types of patios. It has an optimal cooking area of 550 sq in, allowing to prepare up to 19 burgers or large chunks of poultry, fish, and meat. The cooking grates are made from glossy porcelain coated wire made from cast iron and put into a porcelain enameled steel firebox. This grill has three stainless steel natural gas burners with an integrated ignition system that makes the start-up process simple and fast. The control panel has three chrome-plated control knobs for each burner.
The black-painted lid has an easy-to-read thermometer to check precisely the inside temperature and the ergonomic handle. The stainless steel lid with a powder coat has a double wall to keep the maximum heat. Two side shelves can be used for food preparation or removed quickly to save space for storage. All grease is collected in the grease pan and cup below the burners.
You can choose this model with propane or natural gas as a fuel type. The cabinet below the firebox is used for fuel cylinder storage (if you use liquid propane) and barbeque accessories and has a double door with a handle. Four heavy-duty caster wheels on its bottom ensure easy storage and movement, and two can be locked to keep the grill in place during use.
- Three stainless steel burners
- Two folded side shelves
- Integrated push button for electronic ignition of burners
- Simple temperature control with knobs
- Large cooking space 550 sq in from enameled cast iron
- Even heat distribution
- Stainless steel lid with double walls
- 4 wheels for easy transportation
- Easy to clean
- Built-in the lid thermometer
- A 10-foot hose for natural gas is included in the package
- No remote control
- No temperature probe
- Tools for assembly are not included
- Only two modes of cooking
- No rotisserie kit is available
Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill
Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill offers high-quality grill performance and versatility. The only fuel source for this grill is charcoal. It has an extensive cooking surface of 816 sq in, consisting of a primary cooking grate with 576 sq in and a 240 sq in warming rack. The warming rack is pivoted to allow free access to the primary cooking zone and place the food directly above the fuel source when the lid is closed. The cooking grates are made from cast iron coated by hi-gloss porcelain enameled finish.
The main feature of this charcoal grill is a dual chamber with a removable steel firebox divider. You can quickly change the temperature or cooking space by changing the height of the charcoal trays in a dual-zone grilling area by crank handles. A separate handle controls each tray. For additional temperature control on both sides of the firebox, slide dampers are located, and you can change the size of ventilation holes using damper handles. The charcoal trays can be accessed via dual access doors for adding charcoal briquettes or wood chips during cooking.
The lid with a double wall liner to retain heat has a stainless smoke stack with adjustable flue for temperature and flavor control. Also, the temperature gauge is installed in the lid to control the temperature inside the firebox. It can be easily opened with a wide grip handle. On the bottom, there are two resin wheels and two multidirectional locked casters.
- Two separate chambers with separate cooking grates and removable divider
- Possibility to cook in different modes at the same time
- Possibility to change the height of the charcoal tray
- Temperature control using a ventilation system
- Easy cleaning
- Two side shelves
- Removable ash tray with a handle
- A basket for storage
- A bottle opener on the frame
- Comfortable doors to add charcoal and wood chips during cooking
- 4 wheels for easy transportation
- Built-in the lid thermometer
- No rotisserie kit is available
- No temperature probe
- No remote control
- No hocks or closed areas for storage
- Two people are required for the assembly
- Assembly tools are not included
Face-to-Face Models Comparison
After a short description, please see below the detailed comparison of the technical characteristics of these grills.
Fuel type
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman
This Kettleman works from the charcoal grill. To start the fire, you need the chimney starter or make a pyramid-shaped pile from briquettes. Lighter fluid, fire starter, or paper can be used to start the burn quicker. You can start cooking when the coal is covered with white ash.
Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet
The burners of the Performance Series grill work from 20 lb. LP cylinders (purchased separately). Each cylinder should have a safety relief valve and an outlet compatible with the regulator or grill. It also should have an OPD handwheel. The cylinder should be filled at most 80%.
Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner
This grill works from the existing natural gas line in your house and is plumbed to your patio or deck. In the package 10-foot, the natural gas hose is included.
Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber
This Dyna-Glo Dual Chamber grill works from charcoal. It has two separate chambers for charcoal, and the height of the charcoal can be adjusted with a crank handle. You can create two separate grilling zones or remove the chamber steel divider. Then, through the access door, charcoal can be added during cooking.
verdictThe presented comparison Char-Broil vs. Dyna-Glo grills have different fuels – charcoal, natural gas, and liquid propane. All fuel types give versatility to all grills, ensuring high-temperature range and high efficiency. There is no winner.
Design and Dimensions
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman
The Kettleman grill has a standard kettle-type form with a comfortable handle to open and position it. It is made from black painted steel with compact sizes – 26x 26 x 39 inches; you can fit it on a balcony or a small patio.
Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet
The Char-Broil grill has a compact design (24.5 x 42.9 x 44 inches), a silver steel lid, a handle for lifting, and a black-painted cabinet and side shelves. The control panel is under the lid and has two knobs for control and electronic ignition.
Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner
This Dyna-Glo stylish grill is presented in two types: a black painted body for natural gas grill and a silver steel grill that works from liquid propane. It has compact dimensions of 54.53 x 23.23 x 45.27 inches and the possibility to fit every patio.
Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber
This Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber Grill has a stylish design with a stainless steel finish, two steel-painted black access doors, and two shelves. Unfortunately, the dimensions are pretty big, 60.22 x 50.51 x 28.16 inches, and heavy – 112 pounds.
verdictThe Kettleman grill is the most compact, while Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber Grill is the biggest. All grills have wheels for easy transportation; the Kettleman has two wheels, and the rest have four. Depending on your needs, you can choose the models of the required size. There is no winner in this regard as well.
Cooking area
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Kettleman
The Kettleman grill has a large 360 sq cooking grate with two handles. For even cooking, you need only to turn the food at least once. In addition, the grate ensures sear marks on the food.
Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet
The cooking area of the Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet Grill is 300 sq in (15.9×18.5 inches) of primary rack and 100 sq in of the warming rack installed on the higher level.
Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner
The overall cooking space of Premier 3 Burner Grill is 550 sq in, 396 sq in out of them are located on the main high-gloss cast iron cooking grate (consists of two parts). The rest is a warming rack.
Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber
The total cooking area of Dual Chamber Grill is big – 816 sq in. It consists of a primary 576 sq in the cooking grate and 240 sq in on the warming rack. The primary cooking grate consists of four porcelain enameled steel parts.
verdictThe cooking area’s size depends on the grill’s overall size, so the smallest one is for the Char-Broil Kettleman grill, while the biggest has Dyna-Glo Dual Chamber Grill. Also, in Kettleman, there is no pivot warming rack. All racks are made from porcelain enameled cast iron. The winner is Dyna-Glo Dual Chamber Grill with 816 sq inches of cooking area.
Burners
verdictTwo presented charcoal grills do not have burners. In comparison, two other grills have similar burners producing 12.000 BTU each. The difference is that Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner has three burners, and Char-Broil Performance Series 2-Burner Cabinet has two burners. So, the Dyna-Glo grill is the winner.
Temperature control
To control the temperature on the Char-Broil grill, you need to adjust the lid’s vent manually. When you close the vents, you keep the temperature high inside.
The temperature gauge is mounted in the lid to check the temperature inside the kettle.
There are two knobs on the cabinet panel for temperature control in the Char-Broil Performance Series grill. The temperature gauge is mounted in the lid to monitor the inside temperature.
The temperature gauge on the lid of the Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner is installed to check the temperature inside the firebox. The temperature control is executed with three knobs on the control panel.
To check your inside Dual Chamber grill temperature, there is a thermometer on the lid. To control the temperature, you need to adjust the ventilation holes on the smoke stack and slide dampers. Also, changing the charcoal tray height requires changing the amount of heat.
verdictThe temperature control for both charcoal grills is mainly executed with the positioning of dampers; the Dyna-Glo can additionally change the charcoal tray’s height and position the smoke stack. The temperature control of gas grills is executed with knobs from the control panel. All grills have temperature gauges to monitor the temperature inside the firebox. Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber’s temperature control has more options and is more precise, so this grill is the winner.
Cooking modes
There are many types of food preparation at Char-Broil Kettleman. The arrangement of briquettes in the circle allows to cook slower and at low temperatures (standard indirect cooking). For real slow mode, you need to arrange briquettes in C-shape. For quick mode, place briquettes evenly on the charcoal tray. You also can put coals in the middle and food around. In all modes, you can add wood chunks for flavor.
The food preparation type on this Char-Broil grill is conventional. You can use direct mode or indirect mode for cooking. For searing steaks and vegetables, you need to put food directly over the high heat (direct mode); for slow cooking of poultry and meat, you need to turn on only one burner and place the food over the burner, which is off. For rotisserie cooking of “round” meat, you need to use the unique accessory motor, spit rod (purchased separately), and indirect cooking mode.
The modes of cooking on the Dyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner grill are limited to two direct and indirect. Direct mode means you put the food directly above the working burner, and indirect mode means putting the food above the non-working burner. For long indirect cooking, you can turn on one or two burners; the heat will be distributed evenly anyway.
The grilling modes on the Dyna-Glo Large Premium grill are also limited only to direct and indirect cooking. It is executed by a change of charcoal tray height with a crank handle. But you can set two different modes at the same time using the chamber divider. Moreover, to add flavor, you can add wood chunks through easy access doors of the charcoal tray.
verdictChar-Broil Kettleman Grill is the most versatile of the presented models. But Dyna-Glo Large Premium has the possibility to set in each chamber an individual cooking mode. So, Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber is the winner.
Catch pan
verdictAll grills are equipped with removable trays or pans with cups for ash or grease removal. All of them significantly simplify food preparation. Therefore, there is no winner for this parameter in the Char-Broil vs. Dyna-Glo comparison.
Storage space
verdictDyna-Glo Premier 3 Burner grill is the winner in this comparison as it has a choice for storage – a cabinet and two folded side shelves with hooks and a towel holder.
Conclusion
This Char-Broil vs. Dyna-Glo comparison contains two types of grills – charcoal and gas grills. Even though the fuel type is different, all models’ grilling experience is outstanding. The choice of grill should be made based on your cooking preferences, as all of them are easy to clean, maintain, and control cooking. However, none have smart features such as a meat probe or remote control.
In addition, there is a possibility to add wood chunks to add extraordinary flavor to the grilled food. My preference in this comparison is Dyna-Glo Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill, as it has the dual chamber to prepare in the different modes simultaneously and the largest cooking area – 816 sq inches. On the other hand, if you prefer small compact grills, the other three models are the ideal choice depending on the type of fuel availability.
