Is the Char-Broil Big Easy 3-in-1 Worth It? My Honest Review

I bought the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Smoker, Roaster and Grill hoping for great food, and it has exceeded my expectations. My first brisket turned out really well, but what truly sold me was grilling steak. This grill has a learning curve and is a pain to clean, but the food it produces makes me incredibly happy with my purchase.

Key Takeaways

• My first brisket turned out really well.
• I primarily use the Big Easy as a grill, and its results have been outstanding.
• Even an overcooked steak turned out surprisingly juicy.
• Cooking times take some getting used to, but the results are worth the learning curve.
• Maneuvering the tall cooking basket can be awkward, and cleaning is a chore.
• Assembly is manageable, but some metal edges are sharp enough to cause cuts.

What Is the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1?

The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 is a propane-powered outdoor cooker that combines three functions in one unit: grilling, roasting and smoking. Its TRU-Infrared cooking system uses radiant heat to cook food, with the design intended to help reduce flare-ups and retain moisture. Rather than relying on an exposed flame directly beneath the food, the system distributes heat through the cooking chamber.

The grill can be used for steaks, burgers, chicken and vegetables. For roasting, it has a tall cooking basket that accommodates larger cuts of meat and poultry. The smoking function uses a wood-chip box to add smoky flavor to the food.

The combination is appealing because you get several cooking methods in one appliance without necessarily needing separate equipment for grilling, roasting and smoking. But the feature that matters most to me is how well it actually cooks food.

Why I Bought It

I wanted a cooker that could do more than one job and, most importantly, produce genuinely good food. The idea of having a smoker, roaster and grill in one unit was appealing, particularly because I enjoy cooking different types of meat. I wanted something that could handle a brisket but would also be useful for regular grilling.

I decided to put it to the test with a brisket first. That turned out really well, which was an excellent start. However, I primarily use the Big Easy as a grill, and that is where it has really won me over.

I have used plenty of cooking equipment before, but the results from this machine have impressed me enough that I consider it the best grill I have ever used or even had food cooked on. That is a pretty big statement, but it reflects how much I enjoy the food it produces.

My Experience With the Char-Broil The Big Easy

My First Brisket Turned Out Really Well

The first thing we tackled was a brisket, and it turned out really well. I was pleased with the result because brisket is not the kind of meat you want to ruin after putting time and effort into cooking it. Getting a good result on the first attempt gave me a positive impression of the Big Easy right away.

There were a couple of practical annoyances, though. Getting the cooking basket in and out of the tall smoker, roaster and grill was a little difficult. Because the basket sits inside the cooking chamber, maneuvering it requires some care, particularly when handling a substantial piece of meat.

Cleaning afterwards was another challenge. It was a pain, especially after a long cooking session when the last thing you want to do is spend more time scrubbing equipment. Still, the brisket turned out well enough that those inconveniences did not put me off using the machine again.

Grilling Is Where This Thing Really Shines

Although the Big Easy is marketed as a three-in-one cooker, I primarily use it as a grill. And in that role, it is insanely good. The food has been so impressive that I would put this among the best grilling experiences I have had. It is not just that the machine can cook meat. It is the quality of the results that has made me appreciate it so much.

My first steak was actually a perfect example of both the learning curve and what makes this grill special. I like my steak medium rare, but I overcooked the first one I made. By the time it was done, it was very well done, which was definitely not what I intended.

Normally, that would be a disappointing experience. I do not buy steak expecting to cook it to the point where it is far beyond my preferred doneness. But then I tasted it. Despite being so overcooked, the steak was unbelievably juicy. I genuinely did not think the words very well done and juicy belonged in the same sentence when describing a steak. I was wrong.

That experience made a huge impression on me because it showed me just how forgiving the cooking process could be in terms of moisture retention, even when I did not get the timing right.

Of course, I still want to cook my steaks medium rare. The goal is not to overcook them and hope for the best. But the fact that my first attempt was still that enjoyable tells you why I am so enthusiastic about this grill.

The food has been every bit as good as I hoped, and then some.

There Is a Learning Curve With Cooking Times

I would not say that you can throw any piece of meat into the Big Easy and immediately expect perfect results without learning how it behaves. Cooking times take some getting used to, and my first steak made that very clear.

If you are accustomed to another grill, you may need to adjust your approach. You have to learn how the cooker handles different foods and how quickly they reach your preferred level of doneness. For me, that learning curve has been worth it because the results are so good. I would rather spend a little time learning how to use a grill that produces excellent food than have a supposedly straightforward cooking experience that consistently leaves me disappointed with the results.

The important thing is to pay attention while you learn. Using a reliable meat thermometer and checking the internal temperature are sensible ways to avoid repeating my first-steak experience.

Once you become more familiar with the cooking times, you can work toward getting the results you actually want rather than accidentally turning a medium-rare steak into a well-done one.

Cleaning Is the Biggest Chore

Now, if there is one part of the experience I would happily improve, it is cleaning. The Big Easy is not the kind of cooking equipment I would describe as effortless to clean. After cooking meat, there is grease and food residue to deal with, and the basket and cooking chamber require attention.

That is particularly frustrating after a long cooking session. You have just finished preparing and enjoying a meal, and now you have to deal with the cleanup. The cooking basket can also be awkward to manoeuvre, which does not help when you are handling it after use.

The good news is that the cooking basket and racks can be washed separately, and the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance includes burning off excess residue before the cooker cools and brushing away what remains. Even so, having a recommended cleaning routine does not make the process entirely painless.

I can live with the cleaning inconvenience because I love the food this machine produces. But I would not pretend it is a minor issue for someone who wants a grill that requires very little maintenance.

Assembly Is Manageable, but Watch Those Edges

One thing worth mentioning is that you will need to assemble the unit yourself. The assembly process is not particularly difficult, but I would advise taking your time rather than rushing through it.

Some of the metal edges are sharp enough to give you a nasty cut if you are not paying attention. This is something to be aware of while handling the parts and putting the cooker together. Wear appropriate work gloves, handle the metal components carefully and follow the assembly instructions.

It is not a reason for me to dislike the product, but it is a practical warning I would want someone to know before opening the box.

Is It Really Worth Having a 3-in-1 Cooker?

For me, yes. I primarily use it as a grill, but the fact that I can also roast and smoke food makes it more versatile. The brisket was a success, and the grilling performance has been outstanding.

I would not buy a product just because it advertises three functions. I care more about whether those functions are useful and whether the food actually turns out well.

In my experience, the Big Easy has justified its place in my outdoor cooking setup. The awkward basket, cleanup and learning curve are real drawbacks, but they have not outweighed the quality of the food.

What I Like

• Excellent grilling results: This is the best grill I have ever used or had food from.
• Juicy meat: Even my first, overcooked steak turned out surprisingly juicy.
• Successful brisket: My first brisket turned out really well.
• Versatility: It combines grilling, roasting and smoking in one cooker.
• A worthwhile learning curve: Once I learn the cooking times, I can get closer to my preferred results.
• Overall performance: The food has been every bit as good as I hoped, if not better.

What I Don’t Like

• Cleaning is a chore: The basket and cooking chamber require effort to clean.
• The basket can be awkward: Maneuvering it in and out of the tall cooking chamber is not always easy.
• Cooking times take practice: My first steak was much more well done than I intended.
• Sharp metal edges: Assembly requires care to avoid cuts.
• Not completely hands-off: You still need to learn the cooker and pay attention to how your food is progressing.

Is the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 Worth It?

For me, absolutely. The Big Easy has produced some of the best grilling results I have experienced, and the fact that my first brisket turned out well was an encouraging start. The biggest selling point is the food. My first steak was overcooked, yet it was still remarkably juicy. That alone left a strong impression on me, and my overall experience has been good enough that I consider this the best grill I have used.

However, I would not ignore the downsides. The basket can be difficult to maneuver, cleaning takes effort, and you need to spend some time learning the cooking times. Assembly is also something to approach carefully because of the sharp metal edges.

If you are looking for excellent food and appreciate having multiple cooking functions in one unit, I think the Big Easy is worth considering. If your main priority is the easiest possible cleanup or a completely effortless cooking experience from the first use, the drawbacks may matter more to you.

Personally, I am happy to put up with them because I love the results.

Who I Think Will Love It

I think the Big Easy is particularly suited to people who:

• Love grilling meat and want excellent results.
• Enjoy cooking brisket, chicken, steaks and other cuts of meat.
• Want a cooker that combines grilling, roasting and smoking.
• Appreciate juicy results and are willing to learn the cooking times.
• Do not mind a little extra cleanup in exchange for good food.

Who Should Skip It

I would think twice about buying it if you:

• Want a grill that requires almost no cleanup.
• Prefer a very simple cooking experience with minimal experimentation.
• Do not want to assemble outdoor cooking equipment.
• Are uncomfortable handling equipment with sharp metal edges.
• Need a dedicated traditional low-and-slow smoker for long barbecue sessions. The Big Easy’s smoking function is better approached as a hot-smoking or smoke-roasting method than as a replacement for every traditional smoker.

Alternatives

If you are comparing outdoor cooking equipment, these are a few alternatives worth considering:

• Weber Spirit gas grills
• Char-Broil Performance TRU-Infrared grills
• Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
• Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill

Conclusion

The Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared 3-in-1 has been an excellent purchase for me. My first brisket turned out really well, and the grilling performance has been even more impressive. I primarily use it as a grill, and I genuinely consider it the best grill I have ever used or had food on.

The first steak I made was much more well done than I wanted, but it was still so juicy that it completely changed my expectations of what an overcooked steak could taste like. That experience, along with the overall quality of the food, is why I have been so impressed with this cooker.

It is not perfect. The basket can be awkward to handle, cleaning is a chore, cooking times take some practice, and assembly requires care because some metal edges are sharp. But none of those issues has changed how much I enjoy using it.

Would I Buy It Again?

Yes. The cooking results have been excellent, and this has been one of my best recent purchases.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. If you want a versatile outdoor cooker and are willing to work through the learning curve and cleanup, I think the Big Easy is well worth considering. The food it produces has exceeded my expectations, and that is what matters most to me.

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