Char-Broil: From Humble Beginnings to BBQ Royalty

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  May 31, 2022

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The Char-Broil brand is a well-known American brand of grills and smokers, founded in 1948 by William C. Bradley. Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, the company offers budget-friendly options for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Throughout this article, I’ll explore the history of Char-Broil, its reputation for quality grilling and smoking products, and why it remains a top choice for grill enthusiasts.

Char-Broil logo

Char-Broil: More Than Just a Grill Brand

Char-Broil, a privately held subsidiary of W.C. Bradley Co., has been in the outdoor cooking business since its inception in 1948. The company is based in Columbus, Georgia, and has long been known for providing multiple options for outdoor cooking enthusiasts on a budget. While Char-Broil’s focus has always been on creating simple, easy-to-use grills, the company has moved beyond its humble cast iron grill offerings to provide a wide range of outdoor appliances.

Char-Broil’s History and Credentials

Char-Broil’s innovations in outdoor cooking stem back to its founding, when the company introduced the first charcoal grill (and it’s one of our top recommendations) with a hood and vents. Since then, Char-Broil has gained definite credentials in the outdoor cooking world, with standout offerings like the TRU-Infrared line of grills that provide zonal heating for more functionality. Currently, Char-Broil grills are manufactured and assembled in different parts of the world, with some outsourcing of manufacturing operations.

Char-Broil’s Products and Offerings

Char-Broil is known for providing a wide range of outdoor cooking products, including gas, electric, and charcoal grills, smokers, fryers, and related accessories. The company’s products are designed to cater to different users’ needs, from budget-friendly options to high-end models that provide more features. Char-Broil’s new offerings include the Performance Series, which takes outdoor cooking to a whole new level with its sleek design and advanced features.

Char-Broil’s Standout Features

Char-Broil’s standout features include its TRU-Infrared technology, which provides zonal heating for more precise cooking, and its multiple burner options that allow users to cook different foods at different temperatures. Char-Broil’s grills also come with a long list of accessories that provide added functionality, such as side burners, warming racks, and rotisserie kits.

The Char-Broil Story: From Inception to Standout Brand

Char-Broil was founded in 1948 and was one of the first companies to introduce charcoal grills to the market. Since then, the company has continued to innovate and evolve its offerings to meet the needs of grill enthusiasts everywhere.

Char-Broil’s Manufacturing Operations

Char-Broil is a privately held subsidiary of W.C. Bradley Co., a business that has been around since 1885. Currently, Char-Broil’s products are manufactured and assembled in a number of locations around the world, with some outsourcing of manufacturing operations.

The Char-Broil Product Lineup: A Sizzling Choice for Your Outdoor Cooking Needs

Char-Broil is known for its  high-performance gas grills (like these best ones) that take outdoor cooking to a whole new level. With a range of options to choose from, users can find the perfect grill to fit their budget and needs. Some of the popular gas grills include:

  • The Char-Broil Performance Series: This line of grills is designed to provide reliable and consistent performance, making it a popular choice among users. The grills come in different sizes and are made of durable material to ensure long-term use.
  • The Char-Broil Classic Series: This entry-level line of grills is perfect for those on a budget. Despite the low price, the grills still offer excellent performance and are easy to use.
  • The Char-Broil Signature Series: This line of grills is designed to provide users with a special edge when it comes to outdoor cooking. With features like infrared technology and special design, the Signature Series is definitely worth considering for those who want the best of the best.

Electric Grills

For those who prefer an electric grill (like these top choices), Char-Broil has got you covered. The brand offers a range of electric grills that are perfect for those who want a simple and easy way to cook outdoors. Some of the popular electric grills include:

  • The Char-Broil Patio Bistro: This grill is perfect for those who have limited space but still want to enjoy the taste of barbecue. The grill is compact and easy to use, making it a popular choice among users.
  • The Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Electric Grill: This grill is designed to provide users with a reliable and consistent cooking experience. With infrared technology, the grill ensures that food is cooked evenly and sizzles to perfection.

Griddles

Char-Broil also offers a range of griddles that are perfect for cooking up big meals outdoors. Some of the popular griddles include:

  • The Char-Broil 17-inch Tabletop Griddle: This griddle is perfect for those who want to cook up a storm on a regular basis. The griddle is easy to use and provides excellent performance at an affordable price.
  • The Char-Broil 22-inch Tabletop Griddle: This griddle is perfect for those who need a little extra space for cooking. With a larger cooking surface, users can cook up multiple items at once, making it a popular choice among users.

Additional Products

In addition to grills and griddles, Char-Broil also offers a range of additional products to help improve your outdoor cooking experience. Some of the popular products include:

  • The Char-Broil Turkey Fryer: This product is perfect for those who want to add a little variety to their outdoor cooking. The turkey fryer is easy to use and provides excellent results every time.
  • The Char-Broil Grill Package: This package includes everything you need to get started with outdoor cooking, including a grill, tools, and accessories. It’s a great choice for those who are new to outdoor cooking and want to get everything they need in one place.

Char-Broil has definitely moved its focus to creating reliable and high-quality products in recent years. The brand has won multiple awards and has been cited in books and by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for its innovative designs and mature products. With a long history of providing users with the best outdoor cooking experience, Char-Broil is definitely a brand to be considered when looking for the best grill, griddle, or other outdoor cooking products.

Conclusion

So that’s the story of the Char-Broil brand. They’re a privately held subsidiary of the W.C. Bradley Co. and have been making outdoor cooking appliances since 1948. They’re known for their affordable grills and smokers and have a wide range of products for all types of outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Plus, they’re a great way to get into the world of BBQ! So, if you’re looking for a new grill, you should definitely consider a Char-Broil.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.