The "All In One" grill space is heating up this summer and there are some fantastic options from a lot of different manufacturers. Most that I've seen though start with a good gas grill and then just add inserts to replace the grill grates. Charbroil, though, decided to approach things from a different perspective - starting with a well-made griddle and then carving out a replaceable "tile" that can be a wok, grill, stock pot holder, pizza oven ... or just make the griddle that much bigger. On top of this, I LOVE the fact that it has big huge wings on either side for cooking prep or holding various bottles and tools needed to be the ultimate griddlemaster this summer.
- Guys who host neighborhood gatherings and family barbecues will elevate their outdoor entertaining with five distinct cooking methods that enable everything from breakfast hash to gourmet pizzas on the same unit.
- Outdoor cooking enthusiasts with limited space constraints will benefit from the tile system that provides griddle, grill, pizza oven, wok, and stockpot functionality without requiring multiple dedicated appliances.
- Men with vacation properties or those who value cooking variety will appreciate the ability to prepare restaurant-quality dishes using different techniques while maintaining the convenience of a single cooking platform.
- Budget-conscious buyers who have priced specialized outdoor cooking equipment will immediately recognize the exceptional value of this $599 complete system that includes multiple cooking surfaces and accessories.
Real-World Performance Impressions
This month marks my first experience cooking on a griddle and I'm now wondering why it took me so long to get one of these. Charbroil sent me this unit because they knew how much I enjoy variety in cooking techniques, and while I've only been testing it for a few days, I already know you'll be seeing a lot more of this cooking station soon.
While I'm often a purist who prefers single devices that excel at one thing, I'm not a typical consumer with the luxury of accepting review products from great brands. When you do one thing, it's easier to get everything right. On the other hand - this Versa-Tile does have two big "quirks" that bother me ... but I'm already learning to accept it and work around them.
The first is that those big wings actually turn into very hot spaces if you get too close since the hot air from under the griddle is pushed out there - this can lead to bowls, plates, and bottles getting VERY HOT if you place them too close. Additionally, the odd grease trap placement in the middle of the griddle next to the replaceable title is sorta weird as well and because the right burner is round - that leads to an uneven heating surface.
On the other hand - that round burner makes for a great wok cooking experience, a well executed pizza oven and the ability to have a stock pot to do a seafood boil, corn on the cob, or even a nice big batch of beans.
That's worth the design sacrifice as far as I'm concerned - but I also think it is important to note that before purchasing one.
What I'm Cooking On The Versa-Tile
The reality is that it does enough things well that I'm happy to recommend it for anyone with limited backyard space and budget who needs a solid all-in-one device. Tonight I made smashburgers and grilled corn by placing the burgers on the griddle and the corn on the grilling insert. Later this week I'm making butter chicken pizza with the pizza stone and cooking dome.
Earlier today I prepared exceptional chicken tacos with perfectly seasoned pollo asada, warm toasted tortillas, and melted cheese that I caramelized directly on the griddle instead of baking or broiling like I have in the past.
The wok feature deserves special mention. I love stir fry, but wok cooking suffers on electric stoves, and induction wok cookers take up extra space for something you use sporadically. This wok feature heats directly with a circular burner to achieve wok hei that's nearly impossible without specialized equipment. While you still need higher-powered burners to truly get "breath of the wok" with that smoky charred flavor found in Cantonese kitchens, it's remarkably close and superior to anything I've achieved on my own.
Beyond the five promoted cooking features, the wok insert makes a fantastic frying vessel for chicken wings, catfish, tempura shrimp, fritto misto, or even churros and donuts. My wife doesn't permit indoor frying due to fire risk, but outdoors presents different opportunities.
Charbroil Versa-Tile Is A Great Choice For Guys That Love To Cook Outdoors
Here's how this cooking station performs across the elements that matter most to serious outdoor cooks.
Cooking Versatility and 5-in-1 Functionality
The patent-pending tile system transforms this unit between grill, griddle, pizza oven, wok, and stockpot configurations with impressive ease. Weekend warriors who want maximum cooking options without dedicating entire patios to multiple devices will appreciate the seamless transitions between cooking methods. Tailgating enthusiasts gain the ability to prepare everything from breakfast hash to dinner steaks on the same surface, while family barbecue hosts can simultaneously cook different items using multiple tiles.
Build Quality and Construction
The 550-square-inch cooking surface features hot rolled steel grates and stainless steel burners that demonstrate solid construction for the price point. Serious backyard pitmasters might notice compromises in caster quality and control knobs that reflect the affordable positioning, but the essential cooking surfaces maintain excellent quality standards. The anti-warping griddle top and wind blockers show thoughtful engineering for real-world outdoor conditions.
Performance and Heat Management
Three burners deliver 36,000 total BTUs with effective heat distribution across the cooking surface. The aluminum-lined hinged dome creates proper pizza oven temperatures while enabling steaming and melting techniques that expand cooking possibilities. Casual outdoor cooks will find the heat management intuitive, while more experienced grillers can leverage the individual burner controls for zone cooking and temperature precision.
Ease of Use and Setup
The integrated storage drawer, spacious side shelves, and six tool hooks keep tiles and tools organized and accessible during cooking sessions. The patented full-length drip tray directs grease to a front-access slide-out cup for straightforward cleanup. Busy hosts who need quick setup and breakdown will appreciate the thoughtful storage solutions, while those who value convenience over complexity will find the tile-swapping system intuitive.
Charbroil's Versa-Tile Cooking Station Is A Great Choice For Men Who Want It All But Just Don't Have The Space For Five Different Outdoor Cooking Appliances
At $599 MSRP, this cooking station delivers exceptional value for the functionality provided. Budget-conscious outdoor cooking enthusiasts who have priced dedicated pizza ovens, quality griddles, and wok burners separately will immediately recognize the savings. Those with limited outdoor space who refuse to compromise on cooking variety will find this represents the sweet spot between versatility and performance.
This cooking station targets outdoor cooking enthusiasts who prioritize versatility and value over specialized excellence. Men with limited patio space who want restaurant-quality results across multiple cooking styles will find this delivers on its promises. Weekend entertainers who host diverse gatherings requiring different cooking methods will appreciate the ability to transition seamlessly between techniques. Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum functionality without the expense of multiple dedicated appliances will discover this represents outstanding value in the outdoor cooking market.
