A “Great Debate” has been raging between charcoal and gas grills for decades.
Choosing the right grill for your family is a simple matter of weighing the pros and cons. Our list of pros and cons will help you make your decision.
Grilling with charcoal or gas is a matter of opinion for everyone.
How should I choose? Does there have to be a right choice? Instead of guessing which grill will be the tastiest choice, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of charcoal and gas grills to help you find the best choice for your next cookout.
Our recommendations for gas and charcoal grills will help you make the most informed decision.
Charcoal Grills
Grilling with charcoal is the only way to grill for some diehard barbecue fans. Despite an attached smoke box, gas cannot match the rich, smoky flavor of charcoal.
Charcoal Pros
Typically, charcoal grills reach a higher temperature than gas grills. In order to achieve a nice sear on your meat, you need to grill it at a temperature of at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Kettle grills can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit when filled with red-hot charcoal. The temperature of a gas grill can reach higher levels, but they’re usually on the higher side.
You get that scrumptious, smoky flavor. Is there a secret to charcoal grilling’s great taste? Higher heat turns out to be crucial. Charcoal grilling gives meat a taste that is uniquely flavored because the drippings from your steak, chicken, and vegetables fall onto the hot coals. The steam and smoke goes directly back into the meat, resulting in an amazingly unique taste.
They are easier on your wallet. It can cost you around $25 for a basic charcoal grill, and $150 for a moderately priced one. In comparison to the gas grills that are usually between $130-$300, the electric grills cost a great deal less.
Charcoal Cons
Longer heat up time. The temperature of a charcoal grill reaches the proper cooking temperature in 15-20 minutes (excluding the time it takes to light the charcoal), while a gas grill is instantaneously ignited and takes about 10 minutes to reach the appropriate temperature.
Here are some delicious summer salads you can make while the grill is heating up.
Fuel cost adds up. The cooking time provided by a 20-pound propane cylinder is approximately 25 days, whereas the grilling time provided by a 20-pound bag of charcoal is only three times.
The cleanup is a bit more cumbersome. Charcoal grills must be emptied of their used ashes before they can be scrubbing, unlike gas grills that can be scrubbed with a brush.
Gas Grills
Although gas grills are convenient for starting up and controlling temperatures, they are not without their drawbacks.
Gas Grill Pros
Easy Temperature Control. Turning a dial adjusts the temperature of a grill. The result is that you no longer have to worry about moving hot coals around while you cook bone-in chicken or searing steak.
Quick Start-Up. Your gas grill will ignite with a simple turn of the dial and a press of the ignition button. By preheating your grill before grilling, you won’t have to wait for coals to heat up before grilling.
Versatility. Fish, fruit, and vegetables can easily be grilled without having to worry about the smoke flavor associated with charcoal grilling overpowering them. Some gas grills come with a smoke box that can be easily added if you desire smoke flavor.
Gas Grill Cons
Assembly time. It is a little more challenging to assemble and connect a mid-range gas grill to a propane tank than it is to set up a charcoal grill.
Safety. Cooking with a gas grill requires an extra level of caution because there are always safety precautions to follow. Propane tanks should always be properly attached without leaks, grills should be at least ten feet from your deck and home, and grills should be grease-free. Do you need help cleaning your charcoal grill?
Portability. Although travel gas grills are available, towing a full-sized grill around a park or beach would be extremely dangerous and difficult.
The End Result
In the end, you are the one who has to decide what is best for your family and lifestyle – a charcoal grill or a gas grill. They both have their pros and cons. Whether you choose to grill meat or vegetables, you can’t go wrong this summer.
