How does the Char-Broil Classic compare to other affordable 4 burner gas grills? Find out everything you need to know with our Char-Broil 405 review.
Quick Check
The Char-Broil Classic 405 is a stripped down, budget-friendly propane grill that will please the casual outdoor cook. With plenty of grilling space and decent power from its four main burners, this is a simple grill that gets the job done.
- 405 square inches of cooking space on porcelain-coated grates
- Main burner 32,000 BTU, 190 square inches. Porcelain-coated, swing-out heating rack
- Four stainless steel in-line burners for cooking power
Char-Broil 405 Specifications
- 660 square inches of total cooking area
- 32,000 BTUs of grilling power
- Porcelain coated construction for durability.
- 4 burners for excellent grill variability
Size and Construction
The Char-Broil Classic 405 main cooking surface is 500 square inches, which is more than adequate for most roasts. With the side burner, the total cooking area offered is approximately 660 square inches. That’s impressive for a budget grill and also average for most 4 burner grills.
All four burners on the 405 are stainless steel, ensuring good durability and should give you many years of enjoyment.
The cooking grates are porcelain-coated cast iron, which means two things. One is that the racks are sturdy and stand up well to reliable use. The other is that porcelain stoneware offers good heat retention and distribution. Hot and cold spots are often a complaint among users of lower-end gas grills, but I’m happy to say that’s not the case here. Char-Broil has done their due diligence to reduce the likelihood of this happening in their choice of construction materials.
The 405 is equipped with a cooking capacity of 40,000 BTU, which makes the grill compare well to other devices of a similar design and price. Additionally, the Char-Broil features a 10,000 BTU side burner to give you an additional heating area or high-temperature sear station. This opens up a world of slow and slow smoking on gas grills, as well as more advanced methods like reverse searing.
The unit has ample storage space in the form of a fully enclosed cabinet under the cooking area. It now has a silver finish on its dashboard, which is sleek and modern.
The grill’s solid wheels are even set on each of the four locking designs that can be adjusted to move the grill or hold it in one place. This easy maneuverability makes it easy to transport while being easy to store.
Grill Ignition
The Char-Broil Classic features a piezo ignition found on many modern gas grills and portable camp stoves. This electronic ignition system helps quickly light the grill with the push of a button. It works every time we want to reach it, allowing us to reach cooking temperatures of 205°C(400°F) in a very short time. It has performed well even in wet and windy conditions and powered despite inclement weather. The big advantage of propane grills is that they are quick and easy to set up, so we’re glad the 405 delivers here.
User Friendliness
People can use Char-Broil 405 for a variety of uses. For example, it is ideal for outdoor grilling and almost all culinary activities all year round. You can take it outside your house and cook with your friends or family. You can even host outdoor parties while preparing delicious dishes. If you want to prepare a large amount of food in a short amount of time, using the 405 is one of the best options you have. That’s the main reason why people use it when grilling.
The 405 features porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates that give you juicy burgers and meaty ribs. This Char-Broil 4 Burner Gas Grill is equipped with heavy duty caster wheels allowing you to easily and reposition the grill on your patio. For weekend cookouts, parties and special meals with friends and family, the Char-Broil 405 is a great choice.
Is Char-Broil the Best Gas Grill?
Sitting at the lower end of the Char-Broils outdoor range, the Classic 405 is a solid entry point into propane grilling. It’s not Char-Broil best gas grill, and if you’re willing to spend a little more I recommend making the step up to their Performance 4 burner model.
For just a little more effort, you get a sturdier construction and more cooking performance in an affordable grill. Check out our Char-Broil Performance Report for more information.
Final Verdict
For people looking for an expected yet reliable outdoor gas grill, the Char-Broil Classic 405 ticks the box. It’s well built and sturdy while still providing ample cooking space for the occasional BBQ chef. For an entry-level grill or simple kitchens, this is one of the best available today.
- 405 square inches of cooking space on porcelain-coated grates
- Main burner 32,000 BTU, 190 square inches. Porcelain-coated, swing-out heating rack
- Four stainless steel in-line burners for cooking power
Writer & content creator. BBQ fanatic!