If you’re in the market for a new grill, you’ve probably come across Char-Broil’s Signature and Performance lines. Both offer high-quality grills packed with features, but there are some key differences that sets each series apart.
This guide will compare the Signature and Performance grills to help you decide which is best for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Signature Series | Performance Series |
| Construction | Stainless steel | Porcelain-coated steel |
| Grates | Cast iron | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Burners | Up to 5 | 2 to 4 |
| BTUs per burner | Up to 25,000 | 9,000 to 12,000 |
| Infrared cooking | Yes | No |
| Total cooking area | 425-650 sq. in | 280-475 sq. in |
| Side burner | Yes, often included | No |
| Advanced features | Yes (lighting, cabinet, etc) | No |
| Price range | $279 – $599 | $139 – $299 |
Overview Of The Signature Series
The Signature Series represents Char-Broil’s premium tier of grills. They are built with high-end materials like stainless steel and cast iron, and come loaded with extra features. Here’s an overview of what the Signature line offers:
- Stainless steel construction – Signature grills use heavy-duty stainless steel for the lid, firebox, control panel, and accents. This provides excellent durability and weather resistance.
- Cast iron grates – Grates are made from cast iron rather than porcelain-coated steel. Cast iron retains and distributes heat more evenly for better grilling.
- Larger cooking surface – On average, Signature grills provide 25-50% more total cooking area compared to Performance models. This allows you to grill more food at once.
- More burners – Most Signature grills have at least 4 or more main burners. More burners provide better temperature control across the cooking surface.
- Infrared technology – Many Signature models utilize infrared burners that produce intense searing heat. This allows you to get restaurant-quality sear marks.
- High BTU output – With as much as 25,000 BTUs per burner, Signature grills deliver serious grilling power. They can get hotter faster and maintain high temps.
- Advanced features – You’ll find extras like built-in thermometers, interior lighting, cabinet storage, side burners, and more.
With all these upgrades and enhancements, it’s clear the Signature line aims to impress. These grills allow you to cook like a pro.
Overview Of The Performance Series
Char-Broil’s Performance Series focuses more on providing reliable quality and essential features at a budget-friendly price point. Here’s a quick look at what Performance grills offer:
- Porcelain-coated steel construction – Performance grills utilize heavy-duty steel coated in rust-resistant porcelain enamel. It’s durable though not as premium as stainless steel.
- Porcelain-coated grates – Cooking grates are made from cast iron with a porcelain enamel coating for durability and easy cleanup.
- Moderate cooking space – The total cooking surface is 25-30% smaller on average compared to Signature models. But still spacious enough for most households.
- 2-4 burners – Most Performance grills have 2-4 main burners. You get less precise temperature control compared to premium grills.
- Lower BTU output – Performance burners range from 9,000-12,000 BTUs. You’ll get decent grilling power but not as fast and hot as Signature.
- Basic features – These grills focus on nailing the essentials. Extra frills like side burners and interior lights are usually not included.
Performance grills deliver solid construction and quality for casual grillers. If you just need the basics done right, these affordable Char-Broil’s have you covered.
Char-Broil Signature Grill Recommendations
Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 325
This 2-burner gas grill is a great starting point for the Signature series. It provides 325 sq. inches of primary cooking space, plus a 145 sq. inch warming rack. The TRU-Infrared technology prevents flare-ups and evenly distributes heat. Side shelves, a cabinet, and a thermometer are included. Rated 4.5/5 stars on HomeDepot.com.
Price – $279.99
Char-Broil Signature TRU-Infrared 420
Step up to this 3-burner grill to get 420 sq. inches of primary cooking area and a 210 sq. inch warming rack. There’s plenty of space to cook even for larger gatherings. TRU-Infrared tech provides better temperature control and searing heat up to 550°F. Comes with a side burner, storage cabinet, and more.
Price – $399.99
Char-Broil Signature Series 4-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill
This premium 4-burner grill boasts 650 sq. inches of total cooking space including a 240 sq. inch warming rack. A 10,000 BTU lidded side burner adds extra versatility. Also includes a cabinet, thermometer, luxury accents like stainless handles, and more bells and whistles.
Price – $599.99
Also Read: Is Char-Broil Amplifire Better Than Tru-Infrared?
Char-Broil Performance Grill Recommendations
Char-Broil Classic 280 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill
An incredibly popular and affordable Char-Broil performer. Provides 280 sq. inches of cooking space over two burners. Porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox offer good durability. Metal side shelves provide extra workspace. Rated 4.5/5 stars from over 5,000 reviews on Amazon.
Price – $139.99
Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Step up to 300 sq. inches of primary cooking space, plus 100 sq. inch warming rack, with this 2-burner option. The stainless steel lid and handles add style. Features a cabinet for storage and two side shelves that fold down when not in use.
Price – $194.99
Char-Broil Performance 475 4-Burner Cart Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This 4-burner grill pumps up the cooking power with 475 sq. inches of primary cooking space over four controllable burners. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat and prevent sticking. Lid-mounted temperature gauge lets you monitor grill temp. Two fixed side shelves provide prep space.
Price – $299.99
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Signature series is Char-Broil’s high-end, premium grill line. The Commercial series is their professional-grade lineup built for more demanding use. Commercial grills have heavier-gauge steel construction, more powerful burners up to 30,000 BTUs, and more durable components for long-lasting performance. They offer similar features as the Signature series but with enhanced durability.
The Signature series offers Char-Broil’s best grills that excel at even heat distribution, grilling performance, and durability. Within the Signature line, the 4 or 5 burner models with TRU-Infrared technology provide the ultimate grilling experience.
For an affordable but reliable option, the Performance 4-burner grills deliver plenty of value and space for most households.
Comparing Char-Broil and Weber, Weber is the premium brand known for exceptional materials, construction quality, and longevity. However, Char-Broil often matches Weber’s performance at a lower cost.
Char-Broil Signature grills rival Weber’s quality and feature set at a fraction of the price. Performance grills provide a barebones Weber-like experience for casual grillers.
Char-Broil offers both low-end and high-end grills. Their cheaper models may not last more than a few seasons with regular use.
However, the Signature series competes with top brands in quality and construction. When you buy a Signature Char-Broil, you can expect serious durability and components built to last. Even the Performance line provides decent budget-friendly quality that should meet most needs.
Also Read: Comparison Between Char-Broil And Monument Grills.
The Bottom Line
Char-Broil’s Signature line provides better stainless steel construction, larger cooking surface, more burners and higher heat output, plus bonus features. But all those upgrades make them considerably more expensive than the Performance series.
Performance grills use less premium materials yet still deliver fundamental grilling needs for most households at an affordable price point.
Evaluate what grill features matter most for your grilling habits, group size, and budget. If you grill frequently and want those premium bells and whistles, invest in a Signature series grill. But for casual grilling a few times a month, a Performance Char-Broil will get the job done and leave you with more money in your pocket. Either way, you can trust Char-Broil to supply a grill that handles your backyard cookouts with ease.