The Big Grill that Could
Pros:
Easy assembly, no tools except for rotisserie. No messy lava rocks, easy clean-up.
Cons:
Cast iron grates would have been nice.
The Bottom Line:
If you want a great gas grill with minimum flare up and don't want to spend a fortune, than the Big Easy is for you.
|
|
Overall Rating:
|
 |
|
Author's Review
After much deliberating and shopping around for a new Barbecue, I finally settled on the Big Easy 8000.
I had an old Fiesta Spacemaker lava rock job. After 10 years, 3 burners, two grates and countless igniters my wife and I decided that it was time for a new gas grill.
It was between this one and the Weber Silver Genesis B.
My first choice was the Weber, but the price was just too high, so I went with my second choice - The Char-Broil Big Easy 8000 for a cost of 250.00 dollars U.S.
I love the fact that there is no Lava Rock. There are 3 independent burners that have metal covers over top to reduce flare-ups. These covers can be turned over and you can put your favorite wood chips in them for smoking. They are also easily removed for cleaning.
Over top of that is the porcelin grates. I must say I would have preferred cast iron. This model also has a fourth burner built in along the back of the grill for rotisserie cooking. This is a very nice feature because you get the heat radiating from the side and not the bottom, therefore, no flare-ups. It has a nice big sturdy lid and extra large cooking surface.
It also comes with a cast iron griddle, if you want to do pancakes, or eggs, or seafood, or whatever else you want to do on a griddle. Thats why they call it the Barbecue that cooks Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
It comes with a electronic igniter which is nice and convenient, one push and away you go. They even include the rotisserie motor and spit rod.
Ok, how does it cook: Well, I must say I had reservations about purchasing this grill because I read an unfavorable comment about it on a grilling forum. Like I said, I really wanted the Weber, but decided to give this one a try, and I will tell you that I am glad I did. I was assured by the sales clerk where I purchased it that I could return it if I simply didn't like it.
I used all three burners and covered the grilling surface with porterhouse steaks. The were grilled to perfection, with minimum flare up and excellent taste, very tender and juicy. I also did garlic bread and baked potatoes, all turned out very nice. Easy cleanup for the grill afterward too.
I should mention too that it did not take more than 10 minutes to heat up to medium high, which is the heat I like for my steaks. I think I have heard that they say you should preheat for about half and hour. Waste of gas if you ask me.
I only have one complaint and its very minor. I still wish the grates were cast iron. Cast iron really holds the heat better. They included a cast iron griddle, so why not the grates?
