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Customer reviews for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
The Char-Broil Patio Bistro Electric Grill features a compact size that is ideal for apartments, condominiums and patios. This electric grill offers an infrared cooking system that helps lock in flavor and moisture for great-tasting food. It provides a cooking surface of 320 sq. in. and can be conveniently stored when not in use.
Overall rating:
(64 reviews) 64
Rating breakdown 64 reviews
5 stars
35
4 stars
22
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
4
55 out of 60(92%)customers recommend this product.
Customer reviews for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Review 1 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Flaws in the design of the disassembled product
,PostedMay 17, 2012
Burgereater
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Length of ownership:1 week
Quality
2
/
5
Value
2
/
5
Once assembled, the grill worked great. However, the manual is not very clear and the disassembled product has some flaws. For instance, the wheels have come with their plastic cap attached, but one must secure each wheel on the axle with a clip. To be able to secure the wheel, the cap has to be removed. The cap has some plastic bolts that snap into the wheel, and you risk breaking the cap when you try to remove the cap. Given the time it takes to remove the cap without breaking it, the grill should come free of charge. Also, one of the parts came broken and the manufacturer wants the customer to pay for shipping the replacement part.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Great Grill
,PostedMay 8, 2012
townhouseownerRC
Age:65 or over
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Other
Length of ownership:1 month
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
After using gas for many years, I didn't think electric would give any different taste then my oven in house. I was wrong, it rivals my old gas grill.
The only problem I had in assembly was the wheel covers were attached to the wheels and were dificult to remove for axel assembly. They are impossable to put back on but are only cosmetic.
Sure easier then lugging propane and it never runs out of fuel.
You won't be sorry
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Good looking product, easy to operate
,PostedMay 8, 2012
Joes
Quality
4
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Easy assembly, took about one and one half hours to complete. Follow directions when cooking needs to be warmed up properly before use. Meets my needs.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Great for Condo's / Apartments
,PostedMay 8, 2012
WeAreJAGUARS
Quality
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
I use this grill 2-3 times per week. Very easy to assemble, very easy to use.
I live in a condo, and the Condo Association will not allow a GAS grill on our patio, so we went electric.
The food turns out great and clean up is very easy. It takes about 15 minutes to warm up to about 400 degrees, and do not leave the lid open very long, as you lose heat pretty quick.
All-in-all, its a great electric grill. Just what we were looking for.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Just what we needed!
,PostedMay 2, 2012
Patti
Gender:Female
Length of ownership:1 month
We're very happy with our new electric grill. Personally I can't tell the difference between propane and electric grilled meats and veggies...it's just heat, right?
The size is perfect for our small deck and there is no worry of running out of fuel just when you are in the middle of cooking.
We made the perfect choice for us!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
happy with this grill
,PostedMay 1, 2012
MNYC
Age:25 to 34
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Length of ownership:1 month
Quality
4
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Grill takes about 15 min to get hot and cooks food fast. However when you open the hood to add food or flip it, it takes a while to get hot again. Really need to plan what will be cooked and when. If you open it too often, the food will never get hot. Great for my terrace, cooked for 8 last week and all were quite pleased.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 7 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Nice grill. Con: poor fitting lid
,PostedApril 24, 2012
lulufla
Length of ownership:1 week
Quality
4
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Quite nice qrill, but the lid does not fit well consequently the
grill could have better temp maintenance, plus slow recovery
after lifing lid (to check on food, to turn over food) I think that
could affect the food. The cooking grill is not to my liking either. I use a cast iron pan inside. Definately wanted an electric grill and this performs o.k. They really need to get the lid to fit better
grill could have better temp maintenance, plus slow recovery
after lifing lid (to check on food, to turn over food) I think that
could affect the food. The cooking grill is not to my liking either. I use a cast iron pan inside. Definately wanted an electric grill and this performs o.k. They really need to get the lid to fit better
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 8 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Not Recommended for use beyond 90 day warranty
,PostedMarch 18, 2012
ADBARKS
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Professional
Length of ownership:6 months
Quality
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
Product did not perform as well as other CharBroil Prodcuts. The thermostat controller went out after 5 months with less than 20 usages. Very disappointing.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 9 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Very easy to maneuver.
,PostedMarch 14, 2012
soccermom
We bought it for an apartment balcony. Very safe, compact. Very even cooking.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Very good for winter and weeknight cooking.
,PostedMarch 13, 2012
K6J7T9
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Female
Home improvement profile:Professional
Length of ownership:3 months
Quality
4
/
5
Value
5
/
5
This is our second Patio Electric Grill. This one heats more quickly and gets hotter than the first one. We use it two to three times a week and are very happy with it. The only thing I liked better about the first one was the actual grill. It was much easier to remove to clean since it was just a normal grill and had handles. This one is much different. It has very small spaces so it is quite difficult to clean. It is also hard to lift out and to replace. But, I will trade that for the even cooking. Just be prepared to smash your finger now and then. The temperature insert is much better made on this one. I hope that it will last a long time. We have had heat as high as 550 and do not even set it on 5. A Lawn and leaf bag covers it perfectly for storage. We cook steaks, tuna, salmon, shrimp and also grill vegetables. It has been great for all.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
Review 11 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Great for the 2 of us.
,PostedFebruary 15, 2012
mike
We really like these grills, third one in about 8 years.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
2out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Love it! Am buying one for my daughter, too!
,PostedFebruary 7, 2012
OrlandoCutiePie
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Home improvement profile:Professional
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:6 months
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I am working very hard to maintain my 40 lb. weight loss. I use this grill almost every day. The infrared heat allows me a clean, fat-free way to cook my steak, chicken breast, salmon, etc., quickly and evenly, and the infrared also gives my food a nice toasty exterior. We also put vegetables on the grill, and oh my my my! Love the ease of use. Perfect for apartment dwellers or people who just don't want to mess with refilling gas tanks!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 13 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Great grill for condo balconies
,PostedJanuary 31, 2012
JanO
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Female
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Beginner
Length of ownership:1 month
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
A friend recommended this electric grill and it has been great. Assembly was fairly simple. The food cooks fast and the juices are seared into the meat. Have grilled chicken, steak, and veggies - all have been very tasty. I like the option to place wood chips on the grill for a great smokey flavor.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+7points
7out of 7found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Great grill
,PostedJanuary 31, 2012
Bobbienga2003
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Very pleased have used this grill several times since the purchase and would highly recommend it to all
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Do Not Buy This Grill- read and see why!
,PostedJanuary 13, 2012
prad
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Professional
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:3 months
Quality
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
The Bistro is cute and the quality of construction is good but the functional cooking design is ridiculous. It takes a bit of time to put together but the instructions are clear and is not difficult. BUT, the Patio Bistro has TERMINAL Defects.
First, the Bistro is an non-insulated metal bubble with a large vent opening at the bottom and another large vent opening at the back/top of the grille which cannot be closed. Consequently, with the heating element on hi the cool or cold air simply is sucked in the bottom of the grill and blows through right by the hot electric element unimpeded and the heat escapes right out the back. The Patio Bistro is energy inefficient (which is costly), doesn't reach adequate temps quickly and adds time to the cooking cycle. Cooking in cold weather is quite difficult and if windy and cold impossible...... All of your cooking will take longer than it did on the discontinued Char-Broil Patio Caddy (the predecessor to the Patio Bistro).
Second, the design of the grilling grate on the Bistro is faulty. It is made up of triangulated (not solid) pieces of steel with very little space between them at the bottom. When cooking, the meat juices run down the triangles to the narrow slots between the grates, cook and harden and block the flow of heat through the grates. In addition, a traditional metal grill brush will not work to clean the grate. You must use a knife to clean between the grates. Forget about using barbeque sauce while cooking!
Third, the Bistro has wheels but is easy to turn over when moving it due to the low location of its handle...very awkward and NOT well-designed.
The discontinued Patio Caddy design incorporated a high quality porcelain finish, Reflective aluminum pans on the bottom and top to reflect heat to the grate, used lava rocks which retained heat, and had a tight-fitting top which retained moisture and flavor when used with wood chips, held heat in, and prevented flame-ups. In addition, the metal grate on the discontinued Patio Caddy is exceptional for grilling , staying clean, and is easy to clean with a grille brush.
The Patio Bistro must be a typical Corporate America creation designed on a computer and released without any real-world testing. I would NOT recommend that anyone buy this PATIO BISTRO grille without a Char-Broil redesign. Luckily I kept my Patio Caddy and have cleaned it up for reuse as my primary grille. My Patio Bistro is sitting unused and will be only used as a backup or for overflow grilling. The Patio Bistro was a TOTAL waste of my money.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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0points
8out of 16found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
love the hinged lid
,PostedJanuary 5, 2012
kygirl
Gender:Female
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 month
Quality
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
I had one of the older char-broil patio grills that did not have a hinged lid that attached. I love this feature, also love the warming rack. I have only cooked on it once but it did a really good job on hamburgers. I have always enjoyed my other electric grill so I know I will this one too.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
happy with purchase
,PostedJanuary 3, 2012
mark
good performance, but could heat up a little higher.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
An excellent product for townhome owners who must abide by fire regulations.
,PostedDecember 27, 2011
kess31
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Other
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:3 months
Quality
4
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Easy to use, actually helps to reduce the burn factor when otherwise cooking on a charcoal or LP device. Does need attention to cleaning and maintenance, but no bid deal as you should probably be doing that anyway.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Good for locations with limitations
,PostedDecember 13, 2011
EveJ
Quality
4
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Not as hot as would like but satisfices given the constraints of our condo balcony.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 20 for Graphite Patio Bistro TRU-Infrared Electric Grill
Overall rating
Patio Bistro Infrared electric BBQ
,PostedDecember 7, 2011
jackie
Age:65 or over
Gender:Female
Length of ownership:6 months
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Love it - we bought one for ourselves 6 months ago and just bought this one for a friend. Easy to use and does a great job. Great for small spaces.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.