BBQ Grills - Charcoal vs Gas Articles | BBQ

By: J.Morgan

Gas or charcoal—which type of BBQ grill should you choose? Some people will say you have to choose gas while others claim that charcoal is the only way to go, and the debate continues. So how can you avoid getting caught up in this debate and make an informed decision about which BBQ grill would be best for you? The answer is simple: get the facts and compare.

There are some simple but important facts for you to take into consideration before purchasing a grill. Getting the right facts will allow you to look at BBQ grills from an unbiased point of view.

Both gas and charcoal BBQ grills have positive and negative qualities.

Pros and Cons of the Gas Grill

Before you decide to purchase a gas BBQ grill, consider its pros and cons as listed below:

Pros:

• It is, without question, the most convenient type of BBQ grill

• You will never have that lighter-fluid taste that can occur with other grills

• It’s ready for cooking within minutes of being turned on

• Many models are designed with side burners and other accessories

• It provides an even and controlled heat

Cons:

• Many people feel it lacks that famous charcoal-grilled taste

• Maintenance and replacement parts are more costly

• Not as convenient when it comes to moving locations

• It can be quite expensive

Pros and Cons of the Charcoal Grill

Before you decide to purchase a charcoal BBQ grill, consider its pros and cons as listed below.

Pros:

• Great charcoal taste

• Perfect for tailgate parties and moving to different areas

• Little maintenance required outside of cleaning

• Less expensive than the gas grill

Cons:

• It can take a long time to get started

• Costs more for charcoal and lighter fluid than the gas grill

• It tends to wear out more quickly

• More difficult to clean and maintain

• Must be monitored more closely

After taking these pros and cons into account, you can make a better decision as to which BBQ grill would benefit you the most and fit your lifestyle. Do you have a very active lifestyle that gives you little time for relaxing and cooking out? If so, the gas BBQ grill may be the best option for you. If you have extra time at your disposal and love the great smoky taste, then the charcoal grill may be the one for you.

Other Things to Consider

How much space you have is also something that you need to consider. A charcoal BBQ grill requires more room and more open space to avoid accidental fires due to flare-ups and to help prevent smoke inhalation.

In addition, keep in mind that you will not be able to regulate the cooking temperature of the charcoal BBQ grill like you can a gas grill. The gas BBQ grill will be ready in a matter of minutes, whereas the charcoal will take a good half-hour. Size is also a factor when buying a BBQ grill. Make sure you buy the size that fits your outdoor grilling needs.

In the end, it all comes down to which BBQ grill would best fit into your lifestyle and which one you’d prefer using on a regular basis. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy it for a long time to come.