Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- Gas: the Char-Broil Performance 300 is the lower-cost, smaller two-burner choice; the Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D adds a third burner, 12,000 more BTUs and more cooking space.
- Charcoal: the Dyna-Glo DGD381BNC-D Compact offers far more cooking area (545 vs 225 sq in), a charcoal tray height crank and a front door for adding fuel.
- Smoker: the Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D vertical smoker has 865 more square inches of cooking space than the Char-Broil American Gourmet offset smoker.
- Char-Broil offers a much larger range of grills overall; both brands focus on affordable models.
Char-Broil and Dyna-Glo both make affordable gas grills, charcoal grills and smokers, so the better brand depends on which type you want. Char-Broil has a far larger lineup, while the Dyna-Glo models below tend to offer more cooking space for each fuel type.
Below we compare one gas grill, one charcoal grill and one smoker from each brand, based on manufacturer specifications and listed features. Not sure which fuel to go with? Start with our charcoal vs gas grill pros and cons.
Char-Broil vs Dyna-Glo at a glance
| Type | Char-Broil model | Dyna-Glo model |
|---|---|---|
| Gas grill | Performance 300: 2 burners, 24,000 BTU, 400 sq in total | DGB390SNP-D: 3 burners, 36,000 BTU, 507 sq in total |
| Charcoal grill | American Gourmet 300: 225 sq in, cast iron grates | DGD381BNC-D Compact: 545 sq in, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates |
| Smoker | American Gourmet Offset Smoker: horizontal, 1,025 sq in | DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body: vertical, 1,890 sq in |
Gas grills: Char-Broil Performance 300 vs Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D
The Char-Broil Performance 300 is the less expensive of these two propane grills and suits a small family. Choosing it means giving up 12,000 BTUs, one burner and some cooking space compared with the Dyna-Glo, which is the better fit if you regularly cook for more people.
Char-Broil Performance 300 2-Burner Gas Grill
This two-burner propane grill delivers 24,000 BTUs to porcelain-coated cast iron grates, with 300 square inches of main cooking space plus a 100-square-inch warming rack. The stainless steel lid has a built-in thermometer, and a cabinet on four wheels hides the propane tank.
Listed specifications:
- Burners: 2
- Output: 24,000 BTU
- Cooking space: 400 sq in total (300 main + 100 warming rack)
- Grates: porcelain-coated cast iron
- Cabinet: yes
- Weight: 82.5 pounds
Pros
- Budget-friendly gas grill
- Push-button ignition
- Cabinet hides the propane tank
- Four wheels for moving
Cons
- Grease catch can fill with rainwater without a cover
- Assembly can be difficult
- Smallest cooking area of the two gas grills
Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D 3-Burner Gas Grill
This Smart Space Living three-burner propane grill puts out 36,000 BTUs across porcelain-coated cast iron grates. Of its 507 square inches of cooking space, 390 are on the main grate and 117 on the warming rack. Its three stainless steel burners sit under heat tents that protect them and help add flavor.
The double-walled lid has a built-in temperature gauge, and two folding side shelves include tool hooks and a towel bar. A storage cabinet on four wheels holds the propane tank. There is no side burner.
Listed specifications:
- Burners: 3 stainless steel
- Output: 36,000 BTU
- Cooking space: 507 sq in total (390 main + 117 warming rack)
- Grates: porcelain-coated cast iron
- Side burner: no
- Cabinet: yes
- Weight: 76 pounds
Pros
- Three burners and more cooking space
- Folding side shelves for prep
- Push-button ignition
- Storage cabinet and wheels
Cons
- Grease tray may rust over time
- May not reach higher temperatures as well after a few years
Charcoal grills: Char-Broil American Gourmet 300 vs Dyna-Glo DGD381BNC-D
Between these two affordable charcoal grills, the Dyna-Glo DGD381BNC-D Compact offers more cooking space and more features. Its crank-adjusted charcoal tray and front door for adding briquettes without removing food are useful extras. The Char-Broil is the smaller option.
Char-Broil American Gourmet 300
This barrel-style charcoal grill has 225 square inches of cooking surface, cast iron grates, a removable ash pan and height-adjustable fire grates that you raise and lower with the included grate lifter.
Outside, it has a built-in temperature gauge, cool-touch handles, a smokestack with an adjustable damper, a bottom storage rack, one side shelf and two wheels.
Listed specifications:
- Cooking space: 225 sq in
- Grates: cast iron
- Dimensions: 20 x 30 x 42.4 inches
- Weight: 72.6 pounds
Pros
- Side shelf for prep work
- Adjustable-height steel fire grate
- Built-in lid temperature gauge
- Ash catcher
Cons
- Grill and grates need to be seasoned
- Side shelf does not fold down for storage
- Assembly can be difficult
Dyna-Glo DGD381BNC-D Compact Charcoal Grill
This steel-bodied charcoal grill offers 545 square inches of total cooking area on porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. You adjust heat with a crank that raises or lowers the charcoal tray, and a front door gives easy access for adding charcoal or wood chips.
It also has a smokestack with an adjustable damper, one side shelf, a storage rack, two wheels and an ash tray with a handle that slides out the front for cleaning.
Listed specifications:
- Cooking space: 545 sq in
- Grates: porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Dimensions: 51.3 x 27.4 x 50.1 inches
- Weight: 77 pounds
Pros
- Large cooking space
- Porcelain-enameled grates help with sticking
- Front door for adding charcoal
- Crank-adjustable charcoal tray
- Built-in thermometer
Cons
- May not last as long as pricier brands
- Cover sold separately
Want to compare against a classic? See our Weber kettle grill reviews.
Smokers: Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset vs Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D
If cooking space matters most, the Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body vertical smoker offers 865 more square inches than the Char-Broil. The two also use different designs: the Char-Broil is a horizontal offset, while the Dyna-Glo is a vertical offset with stacked racks.
Char-Broil American Gourmet Horizontal Offset Smoker
This steel 3-in-1 unit works as a grill, smoker and barbecue. It has 670 square inches of cooking space in the main chamber and 355 in the firebox chamber, with multiple adjustable dampers to control smoke and heat. Char-Broil says it fits 18 burgers at once.
Other features include a chrome-plated cool-touch handle, a storage rack for charcoal and tools, a steel box for wood chips, a porcelain-enameled water pan and side handles for moving it around.
Listed specifications:
- Cooking space: 1,025 sq in total (670 main + 355 firebox)
- Grates: porcelain wire
- Dimensions: 28.2 x 60.2 x 51 inches
- Weight: 102.1 pounds
Pros
- Large cooking space
- Side handles
- Room for 18 burgers at once
Cons
- Chamber is small and shallow for a smoker
- Temperature can be hard to regulate
Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D Wide Body Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker
This vertical offset smoker has six adjustable stainless steel cooking racks and 1,890 square inches of cooking space. Double doors help keep heat in when you tend the food or the charcoal.
The body is high-temperature powder-coated steel, and the wood chip and charcoal tray is porcelain-enameled heavy-gauge steel. If you want room to smoke a lot of food at once, this is the bigger option.
Listed specifications:
- Cooking space: 1,890 sq in
- Racks: 6 adjustable stainless steel
- Dimensions: 21 x 43.3 x 50.2 inches
- Weight: 83 pounds
Pros
- 1,890 sq in of cooking space
- Stainless steel grates
- Built-in thermometer
- Removable steel ash pan
Cons
- Temperature can be hard to control
- Assembly hardware may be missing from the box
For a more premium charcoal smoker, see our Weber Smokey Mountain 18 vs 22 comparison.
Which should you choose?
- Small household, gas: the Char-Broil Performance 300 costs less and has the essentials.
- Bigger household, gas: the Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D gives you a third burner and more space.
- Charcoal: the Dyna-Glo DGD381BNC-D Compact has more than twice the cooking area plus a height crank and front door.
- Smoker: the Dyna-Glo DGO1890BDC-D for maximum capacity; the Char-Broil offset if you want one unit that grills and smokes.
Bottom line
Both brands make capable, affordable grills and smokers. In these pairings, Dyna-Glo generally gives you more cooking space, while Char-Broil offers a wider overall range and the lowest-cost gas option here. Smokers in particular can be tricky to hold at temperature, so a wireless BBQ thermometer is a worthwhile add-on. For more budget gas options, see our guide to the best gas grills under $300.
FAQ
Which has more cooking space, Char-Broil or Dyna-Glo?
In each of the three pairings here, the Dyna-Glo model has more listed cooking space.
Does the Dyna-Glo DGB390SNP-D have a side burner?
No. It has three main burners, a warming rack and two folding side shelves, but no side burner.
Is a vertical or horizontal smoker better?
It depends on your priorities. The Dyna-Glo vertical smoker here offers more rack space, while the Char-Broil horizontal offset doubles as a grill.
