John,
I am not familiar with this specific grill but my experience with Char
Broil has been that their products work very well for awhile but they don’t last
a long time. Given the relatively low price it would allow you to try this type
of cooking without investing a lot. When I bought my TEC, I got a very good deal
but it was still expensive. They were the only company making an IR grill then
as they held the patent which has now run out. My TEC has been siting outside
through hot summers and been buried in snow for over 14 years now and except for
some small damage done when a flat line storm (tornado force without the
swirling) picked it up, flipped it upside down, and dropped it on its lid. Even
that did not dent it; it pushed the control valve in a bit and broke the glass
IR filter which I replaced. The igniter failed but that seems to happen with
most gas grills after a few years. Using an extended lighter to light it is not
a big deal. I only put the cover on it (and on my FEC smoker) for about 2 years
as it tended to hold in moisture and provide a place for wasps to build nests.
They both sit naked outside since then. My Charbroil oil-less fryer has sat
outside for about 5 years and has a lot of rust. The chrome mesh top is
completely rusted, but it still cooks OK.
If I did not have the TEC and I was looking for an IR grill, I would
probably consider the Charbroil after examining it in person if possible. Even
if it only lasts 5 years, the low price makes it cost effective and it could
last a lot longer, especially if you are able to shelter it between cooks. See
if there are online reviews from owners who have had one for a few years. Online
reviews can be iffy as they can be fake or from someone who is too easily
pleased or someone who can’t be pleased, but if there are enough reviews, you
can disregard the outliers and get a fair idea of its quality.
Mike