Char-Broil Performance 550 5-Burner Cabinet Liquid Propane Gas Grill

First, the good:The assembly was not too bad, my 11 year old helped me put it together in fact. It took us a couple of hours, and other than some items I will mention in the 'bad' section, it went together without many troubles. Upon firing it up to season the grill plates, it heated right up. So far I have not experienced the issue that other folks have mentioned about the temperature being limited. I did read in the manual to be sure to open the gas valve first, then adjust the ignition burner to light to prevent that issue, so have stuck with that. I always close off my gas main when done cooking and have to turn it open anyway, so not a big deal. So far I have only cooked burgers and sausage on the grill, but they have cooked quite well. The grease trap is easy to get to as well as the the entire grease tray for easy cleaning. The grates need a simple burn off (10 minutes for me usually) and then a quick scrape with a brush and all set for next time.The bad:While the box was in perfect condition, when I started to pull out parts, there were three parts that were bent and smashed. One of which looked like someone took a hammer to an edge, it was caved in and the paint was missing. However, Char Broil replaced the parts within a week. Sadly, those parts were missing the little accessories that I had to remove from the previously damaged parts (like feet that were in place pretty well). I give props to customer service for taking care of sending out new parts quickly but I question the quality assurance on the factory floor that allowed damaged pieces in the box in the first place.The ugly:I have had to bend the grill cover a bit to get it to close. I have read in other reviews that folks have had problems with a corner sticking up, and I had that issue. The door in front of the gas cylinder also has some troubles. I have to push it from the top and bottom to get it to close.Bottom line:Would I recommend this grill? Sure. I replaced another Char Broil that was going on 12 or 13 years old, I can't remember exactly how old it was anymore. I am hopeful that this one has the long life which my previous model enjoyed.

I’m writing these comments immediately after assembly (before use) because I want to save you all some difficulty with the assembly.Assembly tips/comments:1. It took me about two hours. I’m a middle-aged fairly handy woman. Only one step required an extra hand, and that was only because I couldn’t get the knob assembly for the side burner to stay steady long enough to attach the screws.2. The instructions are terrible because they offer very little text. It’s pretty much pictures only. Parts, though referred to by number are NOT labeled, which slows the assembly time down. The parts list also doesn’t appear at the front of the instructions where it belongs. It’s hidden on page 61. Weird.3. Assembly only required a screw driver (either good sized flat or phillips) and a SMALL wrench to hold the nut. The spaces are pretty tight, so don’t expect an adjustable wrench or vice grips to fit. I used an electric drill, set on low torque, because some of the screws/bolts are pretty stiff. Just be sure not to over tighten if you use a drill, or you will crack the rust-blocking paint.4. The proper orientation of the door-stopping panel in Step 6 is essential. The image in the instructions is not sufficiently clear. Customer service says they get a LOT of calls about this. If the holes for your bolts don’t line up, reverse the panel. (Pins stay up, just rotate the panel 180 degrees on a horizontal plane.)5. The box did not include part 57, which is a piece that can hold a weight block. It’s not an essential component, but its lack is perplexing because step 4 tells you to install it on the bottom of the grill cabinet.If you get stuck, the Char-Broil customer service phone number is 866-239-6777

The unit went together pretty well. The box it was received in was damaged. Some of the parts were dented. It appears due to the size and wight of the box, shipping is hazardous to the contents. Only other complaint was the sand filled plastic wight to be installed on the base of the grill for stability didn't have a plug stopping the sand from leaking inside the box. All the parts were there, the installation instructions were pretty straight forward if you have experience putting these types of appliances together. Otherwise best to get a service to do the set up for you.

I give this grill 3.5 star because the base in the rear was dented(of course, just like many comments on these reviews) and I had to push it down a bit and still had to play with the screws for the back panel to align. It took 2.5 hours to put together, the lid does not fit right when you bring it down; you have to move it slightly to the right to sit properly. I bought the gas tank and it fits well, I have not turned it on yet but will update my comments once done.

I have had a few Char Broils, they last a few years, but are reasonably priced. This 5 burner performance seems to cook ok, perhaps not as high a temp as my older 4 burner indicating better heat control. The lid is nowhere near as high which may limit the size of items that can be cooked at some point, but has not been a problem so far. My biggest gripe, is that rainwater seems to run into the grill, picks up grease, and overflows the grease catch pan making a big greasy mess. My plan is to rig up some kind of funnel under the catch pan and run it through tubing into two liter soda bottles.

so far so good. yes it takes time to put together. directions are easy to follow. yes, it is possible to assemble by yourself. another person is recommended, and i agree, but it is possible by oneself. your mileage may vary. i had to use the screws to open threads first, then place back panel, then screw tight. used rubber mallet, lightly, to bend slightly bend back panel and to help other sheet metal parts get to where they needed to be. it lit first time. let it burn for the 20 recommended minutes and here we are. wife soon to arrive for grilled salmon dinner. mmmm!