Nexgrill 820-0033 vs Char-Broil: How to Bench-Test a Used Grill Before You Pay
A practical used-grill inspection workflow for the legacy Nexgrill 820-0033, plus how to judge it fairly against a new Char-Broil 4-burner.
In This Article
Test Before You Pay
Price the Make-It-Cook Cost
Infrared vs Standard Burners
Why a Legacy Nexgrill 820-0033 Needs a Different Buying Method
The Nexgrill 820-0033 is a discontinued model, so most listings you will encounter are secondhand. That changes the game: you must inspect the physical unit, not just read a spec sheet. A new Char-Broil 4-burner-whether Performance or Commercial TRU-Infrared-comes with a warranty and modern parts support. Used, you are buying as-is, and the make-it-cook cost can rival the asking price.
Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer on secondhand grills. Factor that into your offer.
Prerequisites: What to Bring and What to Ask Before the Driveway Test
Before you drive out, ask the seller for the model number on the badge, photos of the firebox interior, and whether the regulator and hose are included. Bring a flashlight, a Phillips screwdriver, a small wire brush, and a spray bottle of soapy water. Also bring a propane tank if you can-testing ignition with fuel is far more revealing than a dry click.
Step 1: Decode the Badge and Confirm the Actual Model
The 820-0033 is often confused with similar 4-burner Nexgrill SKUs. Check the rating plate on the back or under the control panel. A mismatch means you may be ordering the wrong parts later. Use your phone to compare the badge to photos of known 820-0033 units.
Step 2: Check the Fuel Path - Regulator, Hose, and Tank Fit
Inspect the regulator and hose for cracks, stiffness, or missing O-rings. A replacement regulator/hose assembly typically runs $15-30 USD. Confirm the tank collar fits the cart’s tank holder-some legacy carts have a narrow opening that won’t accept modern exchange tanks.
Step 3: Pull the Burners and Look for Rust-Through
Remove the cooking grates and heat tents, then lift out each burner. Look for pinholes, heavy scaling, or cracks near the gas ports. A full 4-burner replacement set runs about $40-90 USD, depending on exact fit. If the burners are severely rusted, budget for replacement.
Step 4: Inspect Heat Tents, Cooking Grates, and the Firebox Floor
Heat tents (porcelain steel) cost $5-15 each; badly warped or rusted ones should be replaced. Check grates for broken welds or heavy rust-cast iron can be restored, but cracked porcelain cannot. Shine a light into the firebox: soft spots or flaking metal mean the body is failing.
Step 5: Click-Test the Ignition and Inspect the Cart Legs
With gas connected, turn on the tank and test each igniter. Weak or no spark may mean a $10-25 igniter replacement. Then rock the cart-wobbly legs or rusted-through crossmembers compromise safety.
What the Char-Broil Side of the Comparison Actually Changes (TRU-Infrared vs Flavorizer Bars)
Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared uses emitter plates to reduce flare-ups on fatty foods, but it produces less direct radiant char than the flavorizer-bar style of the Nexgrill 820-0033. If you want aggressive sear marks, the legacy Nexgrill may suit you better; if you hate flare-ups, the Char-Broil is the safer bet.
Compare Your Shortlist Side by Side
Use the comparison tool below to weigh a used Nexgrill 820-0033 against a new Char-Broil 4-burner on parts cost, fuel type, and cooking style. Bring your inspection notes to the table.
Once You Have a Make-It-Cook Number, Here Is How the Decision Usually Breaks
Add up the parts you’ll need: burners, heat tents, igniter, regulator, and a tank exchange ($20-25). If the total exceeds $120-150, a new Char-Broil 4-burner at $300-500 USD starts to look competitive-especially with a warranty and modern parts support.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Used Nexgrill Online
- Buying without seeing the firebox interior.
- Assuming the regulator is included.
- Skipping the ignition test.
- Overlooking cart rust.
- Forgetting to check parts availability before paying.
Building a Fair Cost Comparison: Used Nexgrill 820-0033 vs New Char-Broil 4-Burner
| Cost Item | Used Nexgrill 820-0033 (est.) | New Char-Broil 4-Burner (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $50-150 | $300-500 |
| Burners (set of 4) | $40-90 | $0 (warranty) |
| Heat tents (4) | $20-60 | $0 |
| Igniter | $10-25 | $0 |
| Regulator/hose | $15-30 | $0 |
| Tank exchange | $20-25 | $20-25 |
| Total first-year cost | $155-380 | $320-525 |
Who Each Option Suits: Three Buyer Profiles
- Budget-focused DIYer: Willing to replace burners and heat tents; picks the used Nexgrill if total cost stays under $200.
- Low-maintenance entertainer: Wants reliability and a warranty; chooses the new Char-Broil.
- Flare-up-sensitive cook: Prefers TRU-Infrared for fatty foods; the Char-Broil is the clear choice.
Parts Availability Is the Real Tiebreaker
Before paying, check availability for 820-0033-specific burners, heat tents, and regulators. Nexgrill’s contact page is the fastest way to confirm whether parts are still stocked. If key parts are discontinued, the used grill becomes a liability.
The Post-Purchase Leak Test You Should Never Skip
After reassembly, spray soapy water on every connection-tank valve, regulator, hose, and manifold. Bubbles mean a leak; tighten or replace before lighting.
Final Inspection Checklist Before Money Changes Hands
- Badge confirms 820-0033
- Burners free of rust-through
- Heat tents intact (or budgeted)
- Igniter sparks on all burners
- Regulator and hose included and crack-free
- Cart legs stable, no rust-through
- Firebox floor solid
- Parts availability confirmed
