Char-Broil Professional 2200 S gas barbecue review

Popular American brand Char-Broil offers a shiny statement mid-tier grill that feels impressive but can easily be compacted and moved for storage. It was simple enough to build, although we had to reattach the side shelves a few times thanks to the occasional confusing diagram.

Equally, unlike almost all the other models of gas barbecues we tested, you’re tasked with attaching your own hose and regulator, which seemed quite technical and potentially nerve-wracking for the average user.

Frustratingly, the regulator we were provided with didn’t fit the gas either and had to be changed (though this may have been a single product error). You also need your own screwdriver (they provided a small spanner) and to buy your own batteries for the ignition. We felt given the high price tag, these should have been included.

The grill and height size are spot on, plus it had the largest cooling rack in our tests (great when cooking for numbers). However, the setup and design of their trademark “Tru-infrared” cooking system is certainly a point of contention.

In simple terms this means that you’ve got a stainless steel plate directly beneath the cast-iron griddle. Although this reduces flare-up as advertised, any fat or residue from the food quickly burns onto the steel sheet, letting off excessive smoke, which affects the food as well as the cook behind the grill.

Despite the gas burners being the desired distance from the grill and food, most of the heat is retained by the steel sheet and griddle, which allows you to really char-grill effectively but restricts your ability to cook anything larger or more delicate than everyday barbecue staples like burgers, sausages and kebabs.

It retains its heat brilliantly and can be adapted to some degree, however once it gets hot (which thanks to design, also takes an infuriating 30 minutes) you can’t turn it down to low, without turning off the gas. Over time this griddle would also become incredibly messy and difficult to clean by hand.

With all that said, the final results when cooking burgers, sausages and vegetarian kebabs were good, so if you can handle – and perhaps desire – a little theatrical smoke, the Char-broil may suit your needs. Overall, its lack of versatility when it comes to cooking may not warrant its higher price tag.

Star ratings:

Assembly 2.5/5 (1 hr 40 mins)
Ease of use 2/5
Cooking results 2.5/5
Value for money 3/5

Overall rating: 2.5/5

Specifications:

Height: 121.4cm
Width: 119cm
Materials: stainless steel and cast iron
Hose & regulator: included
Gas type: Clip-on propane
Dishwasher safe: no
Warranty: 10 years (limited - burners and plancha grill) and 2 years (other parts)

Barbecues on test

The best gas barbecues
The best charcoal barbecues under £100
The best portable barbecues
The best supermarket barbecue food
Wilko 2-burner gas barbecue review
Napoleon ROGUE 365 gas barbecue review
Weber Genesis gas barbecue review

This review was last updated in September 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.