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The Char-Broil Patio Bistro E2Coal (black model 26302401; grey model 26302402) is a hybrid grill that can cook electrically or use charcoal. Its appeal is flexibility: electric mode avoids handling charcoal, while charcoal mode offers a different way to grill. Char-Broil’s UK page positions it for three to four people and smaller outdoor spaces, but its heat figures are manufacturer claims rather than independently verified results. [Char-Broil UK product page]
How does the E2Coal switch between electric and charcoal?
Electric mode
In electric mode, the grill uses its heating element. Char-Broil says it reaches 315 °C in under 20 minutes and can reach a maximum of 370 °C. Those figures are manufacturer specifications: the product page does not state the test conditions, ambient temperature, electrical supply, or whether the temperature refers to the cooking grate. They should not be treated as independently measured or guaranteed results. [Char-Broil UK product page]
Charcoal mode
Char-Broil says the user can switch to charcoal without tools: place charcoal on the dedicated grate, return the cooking grate to the position marked “C,” and use the electric heating element to light the charcoal. The available product information does not establish how long ignition takes or specify a charcoal type or quantity, so consult the current manual rather than estimating fuel needs. [Product page; Assembly guide PDF]
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The UK product page lists a stainless-steel cooking grate and describes the E2Coal as using TRU-Infrared technology. It also lists a two-year warranty for the burner, grates, lid, and firebox. Warranty coverage can depend on country and purchase date, so check the terms that apply to your purchase. The specifications do not establish real-world cooking performance, energy use, or comparative efficiency. [Char-Broil UK product page]
#1 Best Overall
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Who is it suited to?
Char-Broil presents the grill as a fit for three to four people and smaller outdoor spaces. These are the manufacturer’s positioning, not an independent capacity test or confirmation that the grill is permitted in every compact space. Before using it on a terrace or balcony, check local rules, building restrictions, and the manual’s safety guidance. The available product information does not establish safe clearances or building-specific requirements. [Char-Broil UK product page; Assembly guide PDF]
Electric mode may be useful when you want to avoid handling charcoal. A single customer review on the UK product page, published March 6, 2026, described using electric mode on a terrace to avoid smoke and choosing charcoal only when it would not bother neighbors. That is one person’s account, not a measured comparison of smoke between modes. [Char-Broil UK product page]
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which E2Coal accessories are compatible?
| Accessory | What the manufacturer lists | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Cover, article 140047 | Char-Broil identifies it as the Patio Bistro E2Coal cover and lists compatibility with product articles 140255 and 140256, associated with the black and grey variants. | Check the seller listing against your grill’s model before buying. [Char-Broil cover page] |
| Griddle, article 140029 | Char-Broil lists it as the Patio Bistro E2Coal griddle; the instructions say to set it on the cold grate and preheat electrically. | It is not suitable for charcoal mode “C.” [Char-Broil griddle page] |
What does it cost in the UK?
Char-Broil’s UK product page lists a recommended retail price of £349. This is a UK manufacturer-listed reference price, not a guaranteed current retailer price or a figure for other countries. The same page displayed a 5.0/5 rating from one review, published March 6, 2026; one rating is too small a sample to establish broad customer satisfaction. [Char-Broil UK product page]
What to check before choosing it
- Confirm that your outdoor space and building rules allow the grill and the mode you intend to use.
- Check whether you have a suitable mains outlet for electric operation; the charcoal-lighting method described by Char-Broil also uses the electric element.
- Review the current manual for assembly, electrical, cleaning, and safety instructions.
- Verify local pricing, warranty coverage, and accessory fit for your exact model.
- Decide whether you will use both modes. The hybrid setup is less useful if you only want charcoal or only want an electric grill.
There is no independent hands-on test established here to verify the heating claims, quantify smoke, or compare performance with other grills. A UK launch report from T3 dated February 19, 2026 also covered the hybrid setup and UK pricing, but the manufacturer remains the primary source for the model’s specifications. [T3 launch report]
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
