Dimplex PowerChef Convertible #CBQ-120-ELESTAND Electric Grill with Stand, Black/Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)My video review will follow the assembly stages and my first use of the Dimplex PowerChef Convertible Electric Grill, but it's here that I will let you know what I really think.

Delivery - Buyers should be made aware that this will most likely ship via a freight company. Now while it's nice that the driver will carry it through the front door, it does require them to arrange a "time frame" for delivery. Mine was 8:00am - 12:00pm and of course it was delivered at 11:56am. For anyone on a 9-5 work schedule it's a bit inconvenient, but with the size of the boxes it's understandable.

Unpacking & Assembly - It comes in 2 large boxes. (See my customer image) Both the stand and grill are securely packed with plenty of styrofoam and can be easily removed from their boxes. Tools required for assembly are an allen wrench, small flat wrench (both included) and I recommend a power screwdriver if you have one, although a standard phillips will work. I am very comfortable putting furniture, toys, etc. together and was able to put the stand and grill together in less than 30 minutes.

Use - You have two options for cooking: A pre-programmed setting based on what you will be cooking or manual setting.My first time using it I chose a pre-programmed setting for pork, which worked very well and since then I've also used the manual setting which produced results just the same.After several uses now, my preference is the pre-programmed settings. It just makes grilling a no brainer and allows you to focus on guests or family instead of checking on it constantly. Not only does it preheat the grill, it tells you when to add and turn the meat over and then when it's done. My first night I cooked a marinated pork loin that came out juicy and not at all over cooked. (See my customer image) As a precaution I did use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and it was spot on. As for the taste, it was no different than if I had cooked on my gas grill. Additionally burgers and ribs have been just as delicious.

Clean Up - Before my first use I lined the drip pan with foil to help with clean up.This was the easiest thing to do and I continue to do it each time I feel it needs to be changed.As for the grilling grates, I made one mistake my first use.As with most grills you should oil it down before placing your food on it for the first few times to "season" it. I didn't do this and not only did the pork stick, but it left me a terrible mess to clean. I think it took about 30-45 minutes for me to thoroughly clean it off to my satisfaction. Since then I have oiled it well with vegetable oil before grilling and the meat is no longer sticking.

Overall - I have to admit that I like my gas grill. Preheat time is about the same and clean up is no different than the PowerChef. But where this grill sells me is on the fact that it's always ready (No running out of propane), timed cooking (No need to hover) and it's portable. We can easily remove the grill from the stand, put it in the back of the truck or even in a trunk and take it with us - of course you will need an electrical outlet!Will I be giving up my gas grill? Not yet, but it's not because I don't like the PowerChef.I live in the Pacific Northwest where we have lots of moisture and per the "Important Instructions #13 - Never use an electric grill in the rain, sleet or snow". So while this grill will definitely be our summer grill, it will probably have to go to the garage during fall, winter and spring. For anyone in a dry climate, this will be perfect for you year round!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dimplex PowerChef Convertible #CBQ-120-ELESTAND Electric Grill with Stand, Black/Silver

Product Description:
Dimplex PowerChef Convertible Electric Grill (CBQ-120-ELE) is powerful and compact.It cooks as much as a grill twice its size because every square inch performs with the same power and no cold spots.This barbeque is perfect for decks on apartments or condos that do not allow propane devices.It can also be picked up and taken to the beach, used for camping or taken on a boat.In addition, there is no running out of propane and is a great green choice, which reduces the carbon dioxide output compared to propane. For cooking up perfectly grilled food, just like a pro, the Dimplex PowerChef Convertible Electric barbecue (CBQ-120-ELE) features a user-friendly electronic control panel with a digital display that eliminates the guesswork. Simply program the type of food and desired results, and the grill takes care of the rest, automatically setting the cooking time and temperature. Choose manual mode for creating a custom program or for selecting the heat output manually. Equipped with Eversear technology, the grill's dual-element design sears by heating with both grill layers: the lower cooking element delivers precise, even heat, while the upper searing element reaches 650 degrees F to lock in flavor and juices.It plugs into a standard 120V power outlet.It produces no gas or other fuel fumes on your food.The grill comes with a pedestal, which easily converts the tabletop unit to a freestanding design.

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Char Broil T480 Three-Burner 40,000 BTU Gas Grill, with Sideburner Review

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(More customer reviews)When I purchased the Char-Broil T480 3-Burner 40,000 BTU Gas Grill I did so for several reasons: features, reliability and price. For me the Char-Broil had more of what was important than any other grill I looked at.

Assembly:
On a difficulty rating I'd give this a 7 and I've put together everything from Bikes to Ikea Furniture. Out of the box this didn't scare me, but it did take about 45-60 minutes from start to finish.

Use & Features:
It has an electronic ignition for all of the burners. My only complaint so far is that the button is rubber and dried up very quickly from the heat. Mine detached from the grill, but still works as long as it doesn't get lost.
The warming rack although a great idea, hasn't really been useful to us. Even though it's raised up on the back portion of the grill it takes up too much space and makes getting to what is grilling beneath it very difficult.
The side burner is great for heating up sauces, baked beans, making grilled onions or even frying bacon.
Temperature gauge on outer front is useful. I'm not sure of accuracy, but it has helped me pre-heat the grill when I do things like tri-tip or beer can chicken.
The two wheels on the bottom make it easy for me to maneuver around on our deck and also for storing.

Grilling:
I used to be a firm believer of grilling only with briquettes, but when you want to do it as often as we do it's just not possible. During the summer we use the grill about 2-4 times a week and during the winter we still use it at least once a week.I have become very comfortable with this grill, knowing how long to preheat, how long to cook and what works best. The 3 separate burners allow me to heat only the grates we need. Most often it's one for just a small dinner, but we have had all three going when cooking for a large crowd.

Clean-Up:
After cooking I give the grates and initial scraping with the Mr. Bar-B-Q Wide Grill Brush and then I usually turn the burners I had been using up to HIGH for about 60 seconds.This seems to burn off any excess food and keeps it ready to go for next time. As long as you take care of this grill you should be able to get many years of service and delicious food from it!

Storing: We purchased a cover for it since we do have it out year round (and in rainy Seattle no less). This Weber 7555 Premium Cover, although not meant for our grill, has been our favorite one.The quality of the materials and weight of it have kept ours clean and covered even through some pretty bad storms. We figured it we were investing the money in a grill; we should invest in this too.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Char Broil T480 Three-Burner 40,000 BTU Gas Grill, with Sideburner

Product Description:
The Char Broil T480 is the mid-range option for a 3 burner grill from Char Broil for 2010.The 40,000 BTU burner system is powered by 3 individually controlled stainless steel burners and a flush lidded 10,000 BTU side burner.With a total cooking area of 685 square inches the T480 provides more than enough space for entertaining.The 480 square inches of primary cooking area is comprised of porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates and complimented by 205 square inches porcelain wire swing away.The electronic iginition helps provide for a more reliable start.As far as the aesthetics, the shaped lid, gun metal gray front panel, and firebox, provide for a sharp clean look along with the stainless steel handle.The lid features an inset thermometer as well.For the price and features the T480 provides solid cooking performance and features to make grilling fun and easy.As with all grills, we recommend keeping the firebox clean to help avoid flare up as well as using a grill cover to protect your invesent.

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