Char-Broil Analog: double-wall cabinet, 1,000 W

Construction and controls

Char-Broil describes double-wall insulated construction with dual exhaust ports, a door-mounted temperature gauge and dual latches that keep the door sealed. The element is rated at 1,000 W. Because this is an analogue model, you set the heat by hand and read the gauge, rather than entering a target temperature.

The listing does not give a temperature range or describe a timer. That keeps things simple but means you need to keep track of cooking times yourself.

Racks and day-to-day use

There are three chrome-plated cooking grates with 544 square inches in total. The water tray, grease cup and wood chip tray are all reached from the front, so you do not need to tip the unit or reach round the back to empty them.

The body measures about 52.6 cm wide, 38 cm deep and 85 cm tall according to the specification, and it weighs 25.6 kg. Grates can be washed in warm soapy water, then rinsed and dried, which is the care routine Char-Broil gives.

Against the Masterbuilt cabinets

The Masterbuilt MES 35B Analog is the closest rival: also dial controlled, also three racks, with a slide-out chip tray. Char-Broil gives you a stated cooking area and a double-wall body, which the Masterbuilt listing does not mention. The Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital with legs has a side chip loader, so you can top up wood without opening the door, which neither analogue model offers.

Opening the door to add chips costs heat, and an insulated body helps it recover faster. That is the trade-off with this design.

Before you buy

The listing states the element wattage but not the voltage or plug. Check with the seller that the unit is supplied for UK mains at 230 V. Plan for an outdoor socket protected from rain, since the cook will run for several hours.