Char-Broil Patio Caddie Electric Grill

I've had two of these grills. The first I replaced because it was starting to rust (despite being covered) -- I had no major problems with that one, the second I've only had for six months. The second grill has melted around the heating element, which seems to be a fire hazard. I was quite suprised.

In addition, the thermostats on these grills have gotten worse than with the original model -- it seems at least 100 degrees off. The fire safety, not including the briquettes and a jacked up price should probably make one look for other options, if only there were other quality options.

I have this grill. I also have a larger charcoal grill for bigger events. This grill is perfect for dinner grilling all year around. Even when the temperature drops and the snow is flying, you just plug in your grill and start grilling! The cover is nice for grilling chicken and meat that needs to be cooked throughout. I also purchased an add on accessory, which is a shelf and a wire rack to hang the utensils on. I've had this grill for at least 5 years and it is still in great shape. I'm looking at one now for my father who loves mine. I recommend this grill for anyone.

This grill works great. It looks good enough to be on the deck and is easy to clean. It actually gets hot enough to grill very similar to a gas grill. However, be warned---assembly is a bear. I was ready to throw it out until I discovered that the directions were for a different model. Once I determined that and figured out assembly for myself, everything went faster. Now I know why men seldom read the directions--they are wrong anyway.

I bought one of these grills three years ago because my condo complex's CC&R's were changed to prohibit flame (gas or charcoal) grills above the ground floor units. I had been a very satisfied Weber grill(charcoal version) user for over 25 years. This Charbroil grill was not difficult to assemble and it is very solidly built. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros: 1. Ability to control cooking temperature better than with gas or charcoal grills and NO problem generating enough heat to sear any cut of meat. 2. Compact space takes up little room on my back balcony. 3. Pretty much flame free -- a couple of times fat drippings have generated spontaneous minor flame bursts while cooking on high settings. 4. Fast warm-up; ready to cook very quickly. 5. High dome top allows almost the entire cooking surface to be used to broil even the thickest cuts of meat.

Cons: 1. The taste of grilled meats just doesn't turn out as good as with my trusty 'ol Weber Kettle charcoal grill. 2. The grease trap cup is not very useful -- much grease flows on to the bottom of the grill stand. 3. The ceramic coals become very gross with grease and crust build-up after 3 or 4 cooking sessions. I believe that this build-up affects the taste of foods cooked later. For example; grilled fish takes on a little of the taste of previously grilled steaks or ribs. 4. Cleaning the inside of the grill, below the grate that the foods cooks on, is a messy/dirty operation. 5. Being electric, this grill can only be used in near proximity of an electrical outlet.

Given my condo's restrictions, I am satisfied. Happy grilling.

Get something else! I bought this to replace a Patio Caddie Electric that had served faithfully for 10 years. The new one is junk. The aluminum liner for the lid doesn't fit, the tabs that hold the lid centered keep coming loose so the lid gets hung up when trying to lift it, the coating is already flaking off the grill so I'm reusing my old one, and the paint on the grill looks like it was applied with a mop. I'm ready to strip this one for parts and rebuild my old one.