Gas or charcoal barbeque? What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks!?

Answer 1

The convenience argument

The clear winner in this category is the gas grill. Most models feature push-button ignitions, a consistent, steady heat source that’s ready to go within minutes, excellent temperature control, and easy cleanup.

But convenience isn’t necessarily a deciding factor for all grill shoppers. Charcoal enthusiasts say it’s the ritual—piling up the charcoal, lighting it, tending the fire, and manually adjusting cooking temperatures by moving food from hotter spots to cooler ones—that makes outdoor cooking worth the effort. They feel that trading the process of the backyard barbeque for the push-button convenience of a gas grill is missing the point.

The cost argument

If cost is the most important deciding factor for you, you’ll likely want to look at charcoal grills. They cost considerably less than gas, with basic models ranging from about $30 to $100. If you add features like additional burners and side tables, you can count on something like a $300 to $400 range.

Most gas grills—excluding portable and table-top models—are on the expensive side, ranging anywhere from $300 to $1500, and more for higher end models such as built-ins and smoker/grill combinations.

The taste argument

Though some barbeque fans swear they can’t tell the difference between food cooked on gas grills and food cooked on charcoal, the charcoal purists insist otherwise. According to them, the flavor that is infused from the smoke of charcoal briquettes or wood coals is what distinguishes an outdoor feast from a standard kitchen meal.

In an effort to address the taste issue, some gas grill manufacturers have built models that add ceramic flavor bars.

So who’s the winner in this category? Taste is such an individual decision; you may just have to try both grills and see for yourself.

Answer 2

Gas is in deed faster to light, but lump charcoal (briquets will take longer) in a chimney starter can be ready in about 10 minutes, and does not require starter fluids, just a few sheets of newspaper. Lump charcoal burns hotter and faster than briquets, so they are very good for quick, high heat cooking.

A charcoal grill offers the option to smoke the food with wood smoke, which is a challenge with a gas grill. But there is more of a learning curve to using a charcoal grill. Once you have mastered using it, though, chances are you will not go back to the gas grill. Yes, you do have to buy the charcoal, but gas doesn't grow on trees either (actually, if you really think about it, maybe it does).

A gas grill can probably cook at a lower temperature than a charcoal grill.

I married into a gas grill three years ago. I still haven't used it.

Answer 3

Charcoal all the way!! You get much better flavor from charcoal, but I never use lighter fluid, always an electric started. You get a much hotter fire from natural lump charcoal than you do from a briquette or a gas grill for that matter. The intense heat of natural lump charcoal enables you to get a good sear to seal in the natural juices of the meat being cooked. The only thing that is good of a gas grill is you can adjust the heat, but you can also adjust the heat of a goal buring grill if you use an indirect cooking method. (meat not directly over the coals.)

Answer 4

I have used both. Now I use gas. I can still cook "low and slow" with gas, but with charcoal you can add chunks of wood to add that special flavor. My neighbor uses charcoal and when she's cooking ...... it smells sooooo good! I am considering getting a charcoal grill too!

Gas is easier and faster to cook on, and filling up the tank doesn't cost much at all! Charcoal grills require the charcoal and fuel, they don't cost much either though, but they do take a little more time to prepare before cooking.

I suggest you try each and see which fits you best.

Answer 5

I don't like a huge grill sitting around that you have to cover, keep clean, and watch it while it sits out there and rusts. I have a tiny grill that I clean after every use and put away. I don't like the idea of having gas around. I prefer charcoal. There is charcoal that lights easily, and the kind that takes a little longer, and there are all kinds of charcoal. Plus charcoal is ok for the soil when you're done with it, and, it's inexpensive.

Answer 6

Gas is much quicker and cleaner but doesn't impart as much flavor.
Charcoal is slower but imparts more flavor due to the by- products it releases while burning.
If you are just a griller looking for a quick meal after work then stick to gas.
If you have the time, start a NATURAL LUMP CHARCOAL fire with a chimney starter or weed burner but not lighter fluid. Flavor is better. DO NOT use lighter fluid. That flavor will impart everything you cook.

Answer 7

A charcoal grill would be much cheap than a gas grill, yet learning a thank you to suitable build and shield a charcoal hearth for cooking could be complicated. in case you have on no account owned a grill in the past i choose to advise going with gas as that is lots much less stressful to apply and extra forgiving to enhance your grilling skills on.

Answer 8

I prefer Charcoal for the flavor. Can't get that good charcoal flavor with a gas grill.

Answer 9

It depends upon what you plan to cook. Gas grills are for fast cooking, much like a broiler. It's good for steaks, chops, etc.

Charcoal is long and slow. It's wonderful for roasts, whole poultry, etc.

A gas grill is on in seconds. A charcoal grill takes 30 minutes or so.

Answer 10

Forget about the pros and cons. Charcoal is for real cooks, not only do you have to think about the meal but you also have to learn how to get the fire started and understand how it evolves and changes. It is like comparing a ride on a wild horse to a ride on a merry-go-round.