Gas or Charcoal | Which Grill is the Right One?

By Gary Williams

When the summer months roll around people really start to think about grilling outdoors with their friends and family members. A crucial part to having a cookout to remember is a good barbecue grill that produces great tasting food. When looking at grills there are a few things to ponder, with the most immediate question being 'charcoal or gas?'. There are some positives and negatives to each type so it helps to familiarize yourself with each before you buy one.

Main Appeal of a Charcoal Grill

When it comes to using a charcoal grill the biggest reasoning people give is the flavor of the grilled food. Charcoal tends to produce a smokier taste that is very tough to reproduce on a gas grill. This reason alone keeps them as a hot selling item among enthusiasts of barbecue grills. Ultimately you want the flavor of your meal to be just how you like it.

Price is another benefit to buying a charcoal grill. When compared to similar gas grills they tend to cost much less. They are usually lighter and more portable as well so if you are camping a lot you should consider buying a charcoal model. It's easy to see why they are popular with grilling enthusiasts today but what about some of their negative qualities.

Setting up a charcoal grill takes more time as you have to get the coals arranged just right and then get them lit. After grilling you will find yourself with some cleanup to do which is much different than a gas grill. You will quickly realize that there is more to the entire grilling process with a charcoal model than a propane one.

Gas Grills Have Merits As Well

Probably the biggest selling point of a gas grill is the ease of ignition. As long as you have a gas or propane source hooked up you simply have to turn on the burner and press the ignition button. The temperature is also pretty simple to regulate as most grills today have controls built into each burner.

When you have finished cooking on a propane grill you will then have very little cleanup (if any) to do. Most people will clean the grate by scraping or burning the excess food particles off. This will get the grilling surface ready for the next time you need it. As soon as the grill has cooled enough you can simply put it back into storage until it's time to cook out again.

One big negative of a gas grill when compared to a charcoal is the lack of smoky flavor of the food. Sure there are ways that you can smoke the meat on a gas grill but this is a more involved process, and one that takes some practice. Also, the cost of a propane grill is higher than a charcoal one but that is not surprising with the extra capabilities you get.

Ultimately the choice between gas and charcoal will come down to one of flavor vs ease of use. Really there is no wrong choice in the matter. You simply have to weigh the benefits of each type of grill and consider your preferences. Once you decide you can spend the rest of the year grilling out on your patio or deck, enjoying the sounds of nature. - 32174

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