What is better for grilling.... propane or charcoal and why?

Question

I can't really start a charcoal grill, theres just something about it.

I love these ribs my family makes, I want to make them, but how do I cook them on a gas grill for the 3 hours and all the basting??

Which is better a charcoal grill or gas and why?

Answer 1

Charcoal gives great flavor, gas gives you convenience. As for starting a charcoal fire, you might want to invest in a chimney starter. You put the coals in it, then light with a piece of newspaper underneath. In about 20 minutes the fire is ready to pour out onto the grilling grate, with NO leftover flavor from lighter fluid.

Also there is a web site for grilling called charcoalbob.com. It has a cookout calculator for gas or charcoal grills, grilling tips and it gives you customized instructions for how to grill steaks, burgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, etc.

Answer 2

CHARCOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No self-respecting BBQer uses gas or propane.

Charcoal imparts a prefered smokey favor to the meat that gas grills just cannot do. Gas pretty much amounts to cooking over an open flame on your stove... sure it gets cooked... but the flavor will and does suffer - greatly! Besides Charcoal is only deemed "unhealthy" if you let flare ups come in contact with your meet continously from allowing the fat in the meat drip on to the burning coals.

Here is a way around the 3 hour wait for ribs.... marinade your ribs overnight which will take 15 minutes of your time actively and the rest will happen while you are asleep. An hour before you want to eat your ribs, place them, with the marinade, in the oven on 300 degrees nicely sealed with foil and baked for 30-45 minutes. Again.. this will take another 15 minutes of your active time to place the ribs in the oven.

While the ribs are baking... prepare the rest of your meal: baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, pasta salad, etc. You can even make your own BBQ sauce during this time and then go start your CHARCOAL grill.

An easy way to start a charcoal grill, I found is to use MatchLight charcoal, which has the lighter fluid already on the charcoal. Place the charcoal in the center of your grill in a mound.... on top of a piece of old newspaper; placing pieces of the paper strategically in and around the mound. Using matches... or a lighter, ignite the paper in several places and let the rest be up to the charcoals.

When your coals become ashen over.... place the grate over them.. and go get your ribs out of the oven....... take them to your grill and gril them nicely on each side for about 20-30 minutes (10-15 minutes per side) or until tender.... swabbing on your favorite BBQ sauce if using in the last 5-8 minutes on the grill.

VIOLA.... your entire amount of active time will be less than an hour and 15 mintues and you will have the ribs and the side dishes.

Answer 3

They say charcoal is not as healthy because of the coal. However it burns differently then propane. You should still be able to cook the ribs just like your family does, but you might have to keep an eye on the temp. more closely, and flip or baste more often. Cook time should be far less then charcoal.

Answer 4

Charcoal is way better, although it takes some extra time to use. If you want your ribs to turn out the best, use a charcoal grill. The smoke from the charcoal infuses your ribs with a nice smokey flavour. If you are having trouble starting the charcoal grill, try some lighter fluid or fire starter... they usually work. Trust me though... charcoal is the best!!!

Answer 5

Charcoal is definitely the best. It gives a much better flavor.

Matchlight is easy but burns up really quick. The best way to light regular charcoal is to douse the hell out of it and let it sit there for 5 minutes before you light it. It won't flare up and should stay lit. The key is using PLENTY of lighter fluid. Be aware that it will burn pretty high for a few minutes so don't put the grill under anything low.

Answer 6

Real wood charcoal! Propane gives a flavor to meat that is horrible. I can taste the difference between a burger grilled over charcoal vs. one grilled on a gas grill, even blindfolded. I can smell and taste the gas. Ick.

Answer 7

Charcoal gives a much better flavor. I suspect your problem is impatience. You have to use enough charcoal, and you have to light it and let it alone for half an hour before it's ready to cook on. In addition, you have to use it out of doors. One neat little trick is to pre-cook then in your oven and then finish them on the charcoal grille outside, which is when you do the basting.

Answer 8

I like gas because with charcoal it hard to get and keep a consistent heat. My gas grill has brickets that look like coal. I never have a gassy taste with it. For ribs, our family boils them in vinegar water for about 45 min and then puts on the sauce and grills them, they fall off the bone and taste great!

Answer 9

Propane is definitely easier. However, nothing beats charcoal for taste. I prefer mesquite to hickory. It's interesting experimenting with the different woods. Some are really great and offer wonderful taste additions to your food.

Answer 10

Charcoal !!!!

Charcoal imparts a smoked flavor upon your food . Propane adds nothing . And it is very noticeable .

Make small pile of charcoal - add starter fluid - let soak 4 minutes - light and let coals get somewhat grey on edges.. . . add more and begin cooking .