Char-Broil Patio Caddie Gas Grill

The freestanding grill's body features porcelain-steel construction that resists rusting. Equipped with heavy-gauge porcelain cooking grids, the grill distributes heat evenly while cleaning with ease. A grease catcher collects drippings for simple disposal. Char-broil employed their patented Thermsulate lining to ensure steady temperatures, which can be monitored on the temperature gauge. The grill lid also includes thermostatic handles. The grill's body is supported by a sturdy plastic base and can be moved to and fro on the wheels implemented on two of the grill's legs. For the best care, clean the grates with a mild detergent and avoid use of steel wool and other abrasives. The grill affixes to either an 11-1/2- or 20- pound propane tank. This item requires assembly and necessitates the use of a Phillips screwdriver, wrench and pliers. Hardware is enclosed with the thorough assembly instructions. The Patio Caddie also comes in electric models. A five-year limited warranty covers the main body of this grill while a one-year warranty protects smaller parts. The grill measures 22 by 16-3/4 by 44 inches and weighs 52 pounds upon shipping. Propane tank not included.--Jessica Reuling

What makes a good grille is really simple: it must start every time (it does), it must generate enough heat to cook (it does, but keeping the cover on helps)and it must have high quality grids (it does). On the last point, and what really sets the Patio Caddie Apart, are the heavy porcelainized grids. The are wonderful to cook on, easy to clean, haven't sagged in 5 years use.

Consider this the Honda Civic of grills: I fill the mini-tank once or twice a year for $7 and cook at least once a week year round (in Seattle, no less). It is absolutely the finest chicken cooking device I have ever seen and easily cooks dinner for 4 to 6. No it won't handle a 10 Lb salmon in one shot or cook a dozen burgers for a tribal reunion. And a Honda Civic wont carry an entire NFL team at one time either.

The only downside is that the heat output does become limited below 50 degrees, but that's a function of the propane, not the grill itself.

If you live in a condo or apartment with a small deck, if you're on a budget, or want a portable unit look no further, this is it.

I will be moving on to a bigger and better grille in a couple weeks, and believe it or not, I have a friend who wants my old patio caddie for her condo. Old, greasy and well used, it still has life in it, and she knows how well it cooks. I just hope my new, bigger grille works as well.


Wonderful compact grill !   September 12, 2000
55 out of 56 found this review helpful

I have stress tested the Patio Caddie for five weeks and am very pleased. Obviously, it has size limitations, but for day-to-day cooking for one or two people, it's great. Capacity is fine: Have grilled six burgers, four steaks, four tuna steaks, four chicken breasts with ease and excellent results. Considered several alternatives before buying this grill, and clearly this one stands out in its class.

There are some shortcomings: It takes a few minutes to get up to "grilling speed". You should let the grill heat up to 400+ before you start cooking, otherwise you're just warming first. And that takes about four minutes.

You can get the grill up well over 500+, but you must keep the lid on all the time. The design is based on closed-lid cooking. Take that lid off, and the heat dissipates, and you're not cooking, just burning.

The 11 pound tank is handy, but you can't use it for any of the "swap" programs at places like Home Depot. So invest in a 20 pound tank ($40 for the first purchase of a full tank), and you can then just swap it out for another full one. Use your 11 pound tank as the backup. You can, of course, bring the 11 pound tank to a refilling service.

What about tools? There's a little handle on the front for lifting the grill to wheel it around, but it's too small and it's right over the controls... you can't hang your tongs, fork, or spatula there. So, get one of the add-on tool hangers (Weber has one that's designed for their round grill), and use that for tools. (The Patio Caddie has this lame little metal loop that hangs below that you might use for this purpose, but it's inconvenient.)


REALLY GREAT LITTLE GRILL   July 5, 2002
Robert W. Meals (St. Helena, CA United States)
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

This grill has provided outstanding service to us for over five years. It has not rusted out. It is stingy on gas, typically providing a full years use at three to five times per week on one five gallon tank. The company provides replacement parts so you can keep it working well. and it does a great job cooking your food. It is adequate for grilling enough meat for 4-6 persons. The heat is controllable allowing you to tailor your cooking to the items being grilled. It takes up very little space both in use and when being stored. In sum given it's size limitations it is probably the best grill we have purchased in the last forty years.


Excellent Grill in a Smartly Designed Package   June 30, 2001
A. Scarfone (Seattle, WA USA)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

I've had this grill for about two months now and I love it. It's nice to see that Char-broil has taken the initiative to break free from the standard black, rectilinear grill. This grill tucks neatly into the corner of my back deck and looks great. Friends are always commenting on it.

As for cooking, the smaller grill surface has proven to be ample for parties of four when cooking fish, steaks or skewered items. For sandwich-style grilling (e.g., hamburgers, hotdogs, etc.) you can cook for twice that many. The cooking surface itself is a refreshing change as well; the metal slats are thick and give restaurant-style grill marks to your food, while providing more surface area for smaller items to sit on. The Patio Caddie comes with hickory-scented briquettes that enhance the flavor and mask the gas scent.

Be sure to consider the Patio Caddie if you're in the market for a high quality gas grill in this price range. You can't go wrong!


great design, small size, unique product!   August 19, 2003
ChefBum (Fremont,, CA United States)
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

OK, this grill doesn't get as hot as the much bigger, much more expensive weber-type grills with multiple burners. That said, it still easily gets hot enough to cook a decently thick new york steak in just a few minutes per side. And as far as cooking with the lid off-- what do you expect for a lousy [money amount]!?!

On top of that, it's PERFECT for those with small apartment style balconies. It's economical on gas-- I use it pretty regularly and have yet to go through an entire large tank of propane in over six months of use. It's the perfect size if you're grilling a quick steak or two (or up to 6 or 7 hamburger patties) for one person.

The grill itself has the large gratings that leave pleasant, savory grillmarks on the meat. It's easy to clean, and doesn't cling onto charcoal and carbon like other grills seem to. The lid also has thoughtful little hooks on the inside part of the assembly screws, making it easy to hang the lid on the lip of barbeque itself instead of having to set it down somewhere. The little temperature guage on the front is useful for telling how fast the inside grill temp is heating up (essential for preheating the grill, something you should always do before cooking), although I don't rely on its accuracy in cooking/timing meat.

This is a great grill, a great idea, and great execution at a very attractive price. It's shown that it holds up extremely well after nine months of use, and I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

Those with the space/backyards and multi-family sized barbeque needs should look elsewhere, but just looking at it should tell you that. For the rest of us doing some quick grilling for 1-2 people, this could be the perfect grill.