Which is Best? Gas grill or Charcoal Barbecue?
Before buying a BBQ, the first point to consider is whether to choose a gas grill or a more traditional charcoal grill.
If you’re looking for convenience, then you can’t beat a gas grill. With a simple flick of a switch, the grill is up and running and ready to cook your food. It’s the perfect choice for time poor individuals. On the flip side, the more convenient the grill, the less smokey the foods flavor will be. For many users, this really doesn’t matter, but for grillers who want their steaks to have that authentic BBQ taste, then a charcoal grill is the way to go. However, there’s a lot of work to go into getting this smokey flavor. Fetching and stacking the briquettes, trying to light the grill and then waiting for it to start glowing is time consuming.
As gas grills can have adjustable heat, they can be used to cook more delicately flavored food such vegetables and fish, which would be ruined be an intensely smoked taste. However, charcoal is generally considered to be the best way to cook a steak, as it can reach heats of over 700 degrees fahrenheit, the perfect temperate for searing.
The convenience of the gas grill also continues once the food is eaten and it’s time to tidy away. Again, simply turning the switch to off and giving the grill a quick brush over with a metal brush and your work is done, unlike the charcoal grill which needs time to cool and ashes to be cleaned up.
It’s also worth considering where in your yard, the grill is going to sit. With gas grills, you always run the risk of having flare ups and consequently they should be located I safe areas away from any materials which could catch fire. If limited on space, then using a charcoal grill (lit by an electric lighter) will produce practically no open flame. Charcoal grills also have the added benefit of being far more portable than gas grills, perfect for trips down to the beach or vacations.
The price of any type of grill can differ dramatically depending on the specification. Gas grills can cost anything from $100 right up to $1,500, though those around the $300 bracket are the most popular. A charcoal grill can be picked up for a little as $15 but again, the price can go as high as $450. Although, gas grills are a much higher price, they can generally be kept for much longer. Gas grill do need more maintenance than your average charcoal one, which will generally just have to have its grates replace every year or two. With the gas option, gas connections, flavor bars, ignitions and grill all need to be checked regularly and replaced on wear. Investing in a grill cover will help maintain the lifespan of all models.
It’s also cheaper to run gas grill, with charcoal costing up to two thirds more and briquettes over three times as much.
Ultimately, the decision of gas grills vs charcoal grills, comes down to convenience, cost and taste. All of which should be considered before a purchase is made.
