Men- what do you prefer? Charcoal or Gas Grill?

Question

Hubby wants a new grill for Father's Day. Only problem is he can't decide on a charcoal bbq or gas grill. We have always liked the charcoal (it's REAL bbq to us and we like the taste of the food) BUT it seems like gas grilling is very popular now- plus the grills are so much nicer looking.

Okay, so men- what do you prefer and why??

Answer 1

I strongly suggest a charcoal grill. I'm a long-time fan of the traditional Weber kettle: they're not built like they used to be, but they're still an unbelievably good deal. Get a chimney starter to go with it and use charwood instead of charcoal briquettes. You'll be amazed.

Gas grills are a lot more expensive. They're not totally flavorless, but to my mind they might as well be. They're a lot more hassle--something that expensive usually has to be kept under cover of some kind, and you'd be surprised how many gas grills get stolen.

Here's the final argument for charcoal: gas isn't even allowed at most professional barbecue and grilling events. They're after flavor, and they use charcoal. Not only does charcoal give flavor by itself, a charcoal fire lets you do all sorts of things like throw wet chips or grapevine cuttings or a handful of fresh thyme and rosemary on the coals. Or sprinkle beer or wine on them.

Now, I love grilling so much I'll take gas over nothing. But there's no comparison to the 'coal. And yes, they're ugly...but that's how a Real Man cooks! ;)

Answer 2

Well I grew up with charcoal but I am now using gas. The reason? Convenience and speed - just flick a switch and start cooking.

As for the taste, the gas grills offer a much more uniform taste and temperature, whereas the charcoals sometime imparted an oily taste to the food if you tried to put the food on too early, or you had to put on fresh coals if you had to cook for long periods of time (brisket? ribs? roast on a spit?).

I find that with a gas grill, if you want that smoky taste in the meat, you can put some wood chips in a smoker box beneath the grill racks and it will impart the same flavors.

But I will certainly not take away anyone's charcoal BBQ or Hibachi. I respect their willingness to take the time and tend that fire properly so as to cook great BBQ food!

(By the way, someone above mentioned that gas grills are not even allowed at BBQ competitions because they want to impart more flavor by using charcoal? That may be part of the reason, but I always heard that the main reason was for public security issues. They did not want a hundred or more competitors showing up to a cookoff with propane tanks loaded in their cars and pickups, and the potential for a leak or explosion.)

Answer 3

I grill all the time. As much as I would like to grill with charcoal - I just can't deal with all the prep time in lighting coal, etc. So I am a gas grill man all the way!!

As far as the taste goes, I add liquid woodsmoke to some sauces, or if I'm really inspired I put actual wood chips in the grill (off direct heat) or in a small water container and put that in the grill for some smokey flavor.

But my real secret is that I have seasoned my grill so that anything I put it taste great. How? Well, it sounds gross but I do not clean my grill. Scrub the nasty stuff out but other wise... let it be. No one has died or been ill yet!

Answer 4

Charcoal, because I can control the heat better. That is move it around when needed, can't do that with gas. Gas grills often have spots that are either cooler or hotter than the rest of the grill. I've had gas grills and now only cook with charcoal. As for flavor, you can always add smoke chips to a gas grill as you can to charcoal. So flavor is not a consideration.

Answer 5

Both. I have a large stone charcoal/wood grill, with a crank up and down fire box, that is great for large parties and weekends. But the gas grill is great for the weekdays, it is quick and easy. During the week in the summer I grill almost every night after work, so quick and easy is best, maybe you can get him to cook most nights. I will even go out and grill in the middle of the winter if it is not raining, it just tastes better. Whatever you go for make sure you get a porcelain grate, much easier to clean.

Answer 6

I am not a man but I do know that Charcoal grilling is so much better, the flavor that is. Gas grill, may as well cook on the stove, it's the same flavor.
If you want something that looks better, get gas.
If you want good food, get Charcaol
My boyfriend would flip if I spent money on a silly gas grill
We cook for the flavor

Answer 7

I prefer gas only because of the convenience. I grill through spring, summer and fall, so it's a lot easier to replace the tank a few times than to constantly dump ashes. And while I admit charcoal does add some flavor, you can buy gas grill smoking chips in various flavors such as mesquite and hickory. My vote is for the gas grill. I'm sure he'll like whatever you get him, we guys are like that.

Answer 8

Charcoal has the better flavor hands down. However gas grills are generally cleaner, cook more evenly and you can adjust the temperture. Some people fro some reason think that they are more prestigous (i guess because they are pricier), but the only real advantage is conveinence. If you want conveinence get the gas grill, if you want flavor go charcoal. Personally I would go charcoal.

Answer 9

You are right when you say charcoal tastes better, but you will get alot more use out of a gas grill. It's easier to start, you can control the temperature better and you will find yourself cooking a wider variety of meals on it. Also, it's probably not an issue in So Cal, but in Buffalo you can even use your gas grill in the winter if you are so inclined. (As long as it's not buried in the snow.)

Answer 10

Gas grill is quicker when you don't have a lot of time but I would go the charcoal way because it taste a lot more like you grilled it.