Grilled food is the star of parties, and it is impossible to cook it without the right grill. Everyone has their preference for barbecuing and the type of grills to cook, and there is nothing wrong with it. However, on the internet, we usually notice debates on gas vs charcoal grills.
This blog will put weight on the gas vs charcoal grill debate and tell you the reality behind them, better options, and who should select which type while mentioning the pros and cons of both gas grill and charcoal grill to encourage the better selection.
CHARCOAL GRILLS:
Charcoal Grills, also known as outdoor grills, are easy to use and allow cooking smoky, juicy, and flavor-rich food that comes from charcoal. These are available with the air intake in the bottom area that is required to be adjusted manually. The air passes by the lit charcoal involved in the cooking process and exits through another vent present on the top. The percentage of air passing through the grill will decide the overall cooking temperature.
Pros of Charcoal Grill:
- Higher Temperature point: Charcoal Grill can reach up to 700 degrees, just by heating charcoals a little more, giving an authentic flavor to the food. Even though some gas grills can also reach higher temperatures, they are comparatively expensive.
- Classic Smoky flavor: Due to the involvement of high heat, the meat or veggies get a beautiful flavor that doesn’t lose while cooking. Even when any dripping will happen from the food on coal, it will go right back on it in the form of steam and smoke, giving it a unique, tasty, and smoky flavor.
- More affordable: Talking about gas vs charcoal grill, this is a more affordable option. You can find cheaper and expensive models in it, but it is comparatively budget-friendly.
Cons of Charcoal Grill:
- Longer Heat Times:Charcoal grill takes between 10 to 20 minutes to get ready for cooking, excluding the time required for lighting the charcoal. On the other hand, the gas grill lights up instantly and reaches the cooking temperature within 10 minutes.
- Fuel Rates: Charcoal grill involves fuel and coal in the cooking process. On average, 20 pounds of propane cylinder is required for cooking grilled food for 25 days and 20 pounds of charcoal for 3 to 5 grilling sessions. And if you decide to get clean-burning charcoal, the cost might go even higher.
- Cleanup process: The cleaning process of the Charcoal grill is messy and cumbersome because before starting brushing or scrubbing, you have to empty the used charcoal ashes.
GAS GRILLS:
Gas Grills are stylish and convenient grills that work on gas and allow you to control the temperature using burners. These are available with a minimum of two burners to cook food with direct or indirect heat. These heat up comparatively faster and are available with different accessories like lights, thermometers, dedicated sear area, and more, depending on the model you are selecting. Additionally, these are safer, and assembling time is less.
Pros of Gas Grill:
- Effortless Temperature Control: With the help of knobs, you can control the grill's temperature and set it to low or high. The gas grill only requires flicking the ignition, turning on the dial, and you are ready to grill.
- Environment-friendly: As the gas grill works on gas, it is good for your health, contains fewer carcinogens compared to Charcoal grill food. It also involves only 1/3 of the carbon footprint as compared with the charcoal grill.
- Easy Grilling: Considering gas vs charcoal grill, Gas Grill offers easy cooking because of different cooking options and accessories. It allows you to cook delicate food with a less empowering smoky flavor.
Cons of Gas Grill:
- Portability: Even though some gas grill models are travel-friendly and compact, most of them are heavy, large, and difficult to tow.
- Safety precautions: With a gas grill, you have to be extra careful while cooking and follow the safety precautions. It is easier to control lighting coal but not a burning propane tank. You have to ensure that the propane tank is in good condition and doesn't leak. Additionally, it is required to keep your gas grill at least 10 feet away from the backyard to avoid any mishap.
- Assembling time: When talking about gas vs charcoal grill, the gas grill is more complicated to assemble because of more parts and accessories. Even installing the propane tank could take time.
If you plan a weeknight meal and want to enjoy easy cookouts with your family, consider the heat-up times. Gas Grills would be a better option here as they generally heat up in 10 to 20 minutes. You can set the temperature high, and it will get to the appropriate grilling point in minutes. Additionally, with knobs, you could easily adjust the heat at any point. It will work on gas, and that’s why it is a good option for indoor cooking.
If you want to enjoy tasty and smoky grilled food and high-heat cooking is your priority, Charcoal grills can be your go-to option. Most of the Charcoal Grill models give high-temperature options that offer you searing and flavorful food. It involves hot coals and takes around 30 minutes to heat up. However, with these grills, knowledge of temperature reading using a thermometer or gauge is required to avoid overcooking your food. It involves more smoke because of coals, and that’s why it is a good option for outdoor cooking.
WHICH ONE IS THE BEST BETWEEN GAS VS CHARCOAL GRILL?
The best grill depends on your requirement, lifestyle, space, and cooking style. And the gas vs charcoal grill debate is unstoppable. Both have their pros and cons, and only you can decide which one is the best for you. There is no definitive winner when you are comparing. By following the right grilling recipes and techniques, you can never go wrong with either.