One of the most frequently asked questions I get about grills is whether you should go for a charcoal grill or a gas grill. Here I will discuss the advantages of each and let you decide on what kind of grill you want to pick up.
Advantages of Charcoal Grills:
There are plenty of reasons why some opt for using charcoal grills. Charcoal grills are very affordable when compared to gas grills and one of the biggest reasons to use a charcoal grill is the flavor that it delivers. Charcoal tends to get hotter than gas grills without infrared burners.
We all know that in order for lamb chops and steaks to get that crispy texture outside and that reddish-pink color on the inside, the heat needs to reach a certain temperature while cooking the meat. Before charcoal grills fully lit up, it produces smoke that influences the food’s flavor the longer you cook it. That’s why charcoal purists prefer using charcoal grills over gas grills is because of that distinct flavor and high heat.
The grill can reach up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit when you use plenty of coals that are close to the grates which is perfect for searing.
Disadvantages of Using Charcoal Grills:
What I don’t like about using charcoal grills is the fact that you can’t control the heatmuch like you do with a gas grill so there’s a slightly higher risk of fire when working with charcoal grills. Sparks and coals can escape the grill by falling through the vents and it’s a chore to put out the fire. With a gas grill you can just turn off the knob and the flame is out.
Handling charcoal grills can be a bit dirty to handle and clean. Flare-ups are also more likely to happen in charcoal grills that can burn your food. But if you’re a seasoned veteran and you know how to use it, you most likely won’t encounter these problems.
The bottom line when it comes to charcoal grills:
There’s no denying that using a charcoal grill will yield significant flavor if you know how to properly use it.
Advantages of using gas grills:
Personally I like using gas grills because of the convenience and consistency it offers. It’s easy to start and heats up fairly quickly as well. The reason why some prefer gas grills over charcoal grills is that it can hold temperatures steadily and you can crank the heat up and down in an instant. Not only that, but gas grills are far more easier to maintain than charcoal grills.
Gas grills also come with different accessories that many users will find very useful such as a temp gauge for monitoring your grill heat and side tables for additional space. The best gas grills under $500 come with many different features that will elevate your grilling experience as a whole.
Disadvantages of using gas grill
Gas grills can be very expensive than their charcoal grill counterparts. Usually these will set you back at a minimum of $100 and they can get crazy expensive up to $1000 or more. Another important thing to note is that using gas grills also come with risks that you should be aware of before using it.
Gas is explosive and if you don’t know how to properly use a gas grill, things can get very catastrophic. Also, some gas grills don’t produce as much heat as a charcoal grill so make sure that your gas grill is capable of reaching a certain BTU before picking it up to ensure it delivers the temperature you want for grilling your food.
The bottom line when it comes to gas grills:
If you value ease of use more than flavor, the gas grill is the way to go. It performs consistently and is very easy to maintain. The added features of gas grills makes it a lot more convenient than charcoal grills in terms of overall usability.
So, which one should you buy?
If you want top-notch flavor, you’ll most definitely want to pick up a charcoal grill. If convenience is more important, a gas grill should be your first choice. If you’re like me who wants the best of both worlds, you can buy both if you have the money.
