Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner vs Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Charcoal Grill

Buy the Char-Broil Performance 4-burner for backyard cooking for a family or a crowd: four burners, a sear zone, 435 sq in of primary space plus a warming rack, and push-button electronic ignition. Buy the Weber Smokey Joe 14-inch for portability and charcoal flavor: it weighs about 9 lbs, locks its lid for carrying, and cooks for 2 to 4 people. The Char-Broil is the more versatile cooker and the more complex one to assemble and maintain; the Weber is simpler, smaller and slower to heat. Owners rate the Weber higher (4.7 from 219 ratings) than the Char-Broil (4.4 from 3,202), but the Char-Broil's larger sample reflects years of mainstream use.

• Choose the Char-Broil Performance 4-burner if you cook for a household or guests at home and want gas convenience, a sear burner and room for about 25 burgers at once.
• Choose the Weber Smokey Joe if you want a grill you can carry to a tailgate, campsite or beach and you prefer charcoal flavor over gas convenience.