The first thing you think of when you hear of a charcoal grill under $200 is a small kettle grill. While most grills at this price range tend to be on the smaller side, there are some surprises such as the Char-Broil 580 Square Inch Charcoal Grill.

This is a full-size grill for less than two hundred dollars which begs the question:

Is it any good? – Find out if the Char-Broil is worth buying in our full review below.

Char-Broil 580 Charcoal Grill

Loaded with premium features such as front access door, transport wheels, built-in thermometer, and side tables among others.

  • Cooking Area: 580 square inches
  • Weight: 68.3 pounds
  • Price Range:$$
Char-Broil Charcoal Grill, 580 Square Inch
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Setting up the grill

The Char-Broil 580 isn’t the easiest grill to put together but that is hardly surprising considering its large size and multiple parts and features. 

The assembly isn’t exactly difficult but it is time-consuming. Most people put it together in 2-4 hours. You need extra help, especially someone to hold the grill while you attach the legs.

Premium Looks & Aesthetics

Once the grill is set up it is quite large with the side tables included. The grill has a large cooking space and overall has a sturdy look.

The black color blends in nicely in any backyard or outdoor setup. Overall this char-broil has a professional look that lets you feel in control of your barbeque.

The Char-Broil in Use

The first thing you notice with the grill open is the 400 square inch primary cooking surface. You can get all your steaks, burgers, and hotdogs going at the same time to cut your cooking time. There is a secondary cooking plate with an additional 180 square inches so you will be able to cook for a large party and keep your food warm.

  • The primary cooking grates are made from cast iron. This is a durable material and also a good choice for getting a sear on your steaks.
  • The front access cast iron door lets you load up on coal without disturbing your food. Many grills at this price range require you to remove the cooking grates to add coal.

There are two side tables on either side of the grill which are convenient for preparing your food before it goes on the grill. This is also a nice area to store your spatulas and cooking accessories. There is an additional shelf at the bottom of the unit so you can have everything you need for your barbeque within arms reach.

The adjustable height charcoal tray together with the built-in temperature gauge at the top of the grill help with temperature control which is useful when cooking with charcoal.

Finally, the two wheels help you to move the unit easily without needing extra help.

Key Specifications

  • Category: Charcoal Grill
  • Dimensions: 47.7 x 43.5 x 28.1 inches
  • Weight: 68.3 pounds
  • Cooking Area: 580 square inches
  • Material: Heavy steel
  • Charcoal pan: Adjustable
  • Dampers: 4
  • Built-in thermometer: Yes
  • Color: Black

What did we like?

It is right to be skeptical about cheap grills but the Char-Broil impresses on many fronts all things considered.

Large Cooking Area

Inexpensive charcoal grills tend to be modest-sized and can only cook for 4-8 people at a time. The Char-Broil provides a total of 580 square inches cooking surface so you can host a large party without worrying too much about how long you have to stand in front of the grill.

Front Access Door

The front access door is a nice touch especially for a grill at this price range. The dedicated door not only makes it easier to load coal but also minimizes heat loss while cooking.

Wheels for Mobility

This is a large grill but weighing in at 68.3 lbs, it is not too heavy to transport. The two rear wheels make it very easy to move in and out of storage without any extra help.

Great Features for the Price

The Char-Broil is a large grill at an affordable price but that isn’t all that this unit has to offer. You get side tables, front access charcoal door, built-in thermometer, and crank adjustable coal tray. These features are what you would expect from a mid-range to premium grill, making this Char-Broil great value for money. 

What did we not like?

Perfect grills are hard to come by especially at this price so there must be at least one thing that isn’t quite right about the Char-broil 580 Square Inch Charcoal Grill.

Medium-Duty Build

As previously mentioned, this grill weight 68.3 pounds which is quite light for a grill this size. The build quality of this unit is suspect. The grill won’t necessarily fall apart at a moments notice but it is not a heavy-duty grill either. This isn’t the kind of grill you can leave outside 365 days a year and expect to keep it for a long time.

It is best to store this grill in the garage, porch, or another enclosed area when not in use.

Final Thoughts

Getting a good grill for under $200 isn’t the problem as there are many grills in this category. The problem is finding a grill that will last you a long time and is good to use.

The Char-Grill 580 Square Inch is a good deal all things considered. You get premium features such as front access door, transport wheels, built-in thermometer, and side tables among other useful feature.

This is also a large grill that lets you host a large party which is rare in the inexpensive charcoal grill category.

This is not the sturdiest grill on the market but this is hardly surprising considering its price. Still, this is a grill that will last you many trouble-free years with the proper care and maintenance.