Char-Broil Gas Grill: Our 2026 Review & Real-World Take
By Ben Carter
8.7
Consumer's Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Char-Broil Cruise 820 Gas Grill Highlights
The Char-Broil Gas Grill blends smart temperature control with practical backyard durability. You get even heat across a roomy cooking surface, cast-iron grates for solid sear marks, quick electronic ignition, and cleanup that doesn’t turn into a Sunday project. Char‑Broil’s support network and parts availability are solid, which eases the long‑term ownership nerves. If you’ve been burned by hot spots or guesswork before, this char broil grill’s set‑and‑hold control is the feature you’ll notice every single time.
Look, after grilling a mix of weeknight chicken and Saturday ribeyes, my takeaway is simple: the Char-Broil Gas Grill gives you indoor-oven control in an outdoor cooker. Set the temp, close the lid, and it just… holds. That steady heat makes everything easier—fewer flare-ups, less babysitting, more consistent results. It’s not the cheapest char broil grill on the block, and yes, the digital brain needs power, but for folks who value predictable, repeatable cooks, it’s a legit step up. From where I stand, it feels purpose-built for busy home cooks who still want that weekend hero moment.
In-Depth Look: Char-Broil Cruise 820 Gas Grill Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s what stood out in everyday use—nothing lab‑y, just real grilling and a few messy meals.
Digital temperature control that actually holds
Set your target and the grill works to maintain it, so you can nail medium burgers or low-and-slow wings without riding the knobs.
Even, reliable heat across the grates
Fewer hot spots and more predictable zones make multi‑item cooks (think veggies + proteins) way less chaotic.
Ample cooking space for family meals and small gatherings
The 820-class footprint handles a full dinner spread without that game of grill Tetris.
Cast-iron grates for real sear and flavor
Good heat retention equals better browning and those photogenic grill marks we all chase.
Fast start, simple cleanup
Electronic ignition gets you cooking quickly, while a straightforward grease management setup helps keep maintenance low‑stress.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Price sits above basic analog grills
You’re paying for smart temperature control and a larger build—worth it for consistency, but not a bargain-bin buy.
- Requires a power source for the controller
If your patio outlet is awkward or non‑existent, plan on extension management or a different setup.
- Top-end sear may trail dedicated sear burners or charcoal
It sears well, but steak‑obsessed purists might miss that blast-furnace edge.
- Electronics add long-term complexity
Replacement parts and out‑of‑warranty fixes are a consideration compared to fully manual grills.
Who Is the Char-Broil Cruise 820 Gas Grill Best For?
Set-it-and-enjoy cooks
You want oven-like stability outside so dinner’s ready on time without constant tending.
Weeknight families
Quick ignition, steady temps, and enough space to cook mains and sides together—less juggling, more eating.
New or returning grillers
You’d like training wheels you can’t see—clear controls and forgiving heat make success come faster.
Entertainers and patio hosts
Predictable output means you can chat with guests instead of hovering over the lid.
Value seekers who appreciate smart features
You’ll pay more than a basic model, but you want consistent results and easier cleanup in return.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- High-heat steak purists
If you live for blistering, steakhouse-level crust, a dedicated sear burner or charcoal may scratch the itch better.
- Off-grid or camping cooks
The controller needs power—no outlet, no go.
- Ultra-tight budgets
A simpler two-burner analog grill will save money if smart control isn’t a must-have.
- Minimalist mechanics-only fans
If you prefer zero electronics and total manual control, a classic, knob-only setup fits better.
