Spring has officially arrived, and that can only mean one thing, grilling season has finally returned. Nowadays, there are several new innovative grilling methods to enjoy outdoors, such as wood pellet grills and state-of-the-art smokers with added electronic capabilities. However, if there’s one debate that every outdoor grilling enthusiast has pondered at least once while flipping burgers, it’s whether or not to cook with charcoal vs gas. At this point, we’ve all probably heard the frequent remarks like “Gas is more convenient!” or “Charcoal creates more flavor!” so, what is the best way to grill? To answer this very heated debate once and for all, our experts have broken down everything you need to know about charcoal vs gas grills and which fuel source will help you create the most delicious results for your backyard barbeques.
At a Glance:
Charcoal Grills vs Gas Grills: Our Top Picks
Charcoal Grills: A Breakdown
According to a number of die-hard barbecue fans, the only way to properly grill is with charcoal. Charcoal grills provide a rich, smoky flavor that, even with an attached smoker box, gas grills simply just can’t replicate. Along with creating an unmatched smoky flavor with deep sear marks, charcoal grills are also able to reach extremely high temperatures, which is ideal for charring and smoking artisan meats. To break things down a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons that come with cooking on a charcoal grill.
Pros
- More adorable than gas grills: Charcoal grills are much more affordable compared to most gas grills. Charcoal grills can start as low as $40, whereas freestanding gas grills start around $200 to $300.
- Higher temperatures: Charcoal grills can reach higher temperature levels than gas grills and allow you to achieve those signature sear marks on your meat and veggies.
- Unique, smokey flavor: We seriously can’t mention this enough. The high heat produced by charcoal grills takes the mouthwatering, smokey flavor, and any drippings from meat or veggies that fall onto the briquettes and turns it into an ultra-flavorful steam that is then transferred back into your food for absolutely scrumptious results.
Cons
- Cleanup: Cleaning up after a long grill session on a charcoal grill can be very messy and quite cumbersome. Before the grill can be cleaned, it needs to be completely emptied of used ashes, as opposed to a gas grill that only requires a quick scrub down with a wired brush.
- Longer heat time: On average, it takes about 15–20 minutes for a charcoal grill to reach the proper grilling temperature ― not including the time it takes you to light up the briquettes. Gas grills fire up almost instantly and reach proper cooking temperatures in 10 minutes or less.
Shop Our Charcoal Grill Catalog
Gas Grills: A Breakdown
Although charcoal develops its own unique flavor with its fiery embers from beneath, it’s almost impossible to beat the performance and convenience of cooking on a gas grill. While those charcoal briquettes do give off that traditional backyard barbeque smell and taste, a gas grill allows you to harness the natural flavor of your ingredients without the mess that comes with cooking with charcoal. As well as creating less of an after-meal cleanup, gas grills have much more precise temperature control and quicker cooking times compared to charcoal. To help sum up what gas grills have to offer, here are several of the pros and cons that come with this type of grilling fuel source.
Pros
- Faster start-up and precise temperature control: With gas grills, all you have to do is simply flick on the ignition, turn the dial, and you’re all set to cook. It also takes a much quicker preheat to become grill-ready instead of having to wait for coals to heat up. And depending on what’s on the grill, whether it be salmon or chicken drums, it’s simple to go from high to low-heat to fulfill the needs of your cuisine.
- More eco-friendly: Grilling with gas is actually better for your overall health because food that’s prepared on gas-powered appliances contain fewer carcinogens compared to dishes that have been on a charcoal cooking surface. Gas grills also have a significantly smaller carbon footprint that’s about a third of a charcoal grill.
- Extremely versatile: Gas grills provide you with the ultimate cooking versatility with the ability to prepare delicate vegetables and fruits without any smoke overpowering them while also enjoying intricate cuts of meat that are always cooked to perfection.
Cons
- Mobility: Gas grills are heavy and sometimes quite large, thus not easily moved around. If you need a grill for tailgating or camping out under the stars, a gas unit might not be the best choice.
- Safety precautions: While there are obviously safety measures that come with operating any cooking appliance, grilling with gas presents possible dangers that might not always be apparent. While the flame is safer to control than sparking up coals, you must still be extremely cautious that the propane tank is properly installed and not leaking. Any type of grill should be placed at least 10 feet away from your home or backyard patio or deck, and the grates need to be regularly scrubbed in order to prevent grease-related fires.
Shop Our Gas Grill Catalog
Charcoal Grills vs Gas Grills: Our Top Picks
Gas and charcoal grills each have their advantages and downsides, but, they’re both an integral part of any outdoor kitchen. What grill you decide on purely depends on your personal preference, budget, and you and your family’s lifestyle. Before we show you our top picks, refer to this quick guide that gives a comprehensive breakdown of charcoal grills vs gas grills.
|
Characteristic |
Charcoal Grills |
Gas Grills | |
|
| |||
|
Heat-up Time |
30 minutes |
10 minutes | |
|
Flavor |
Smoky flavor |
Natural flavor | |
|
Cleanup |
Ash disposal |
Scrubbing grill grates | |
|
Maintenance |
Replenish coals |
Check gas lines and propane tank | |
|
Price |
More affordable |
More expensive | |
|
Smoke |
Designed to trap smoke |
Difficult to trap smoke | |
|
Temperature Control |
Requires constant attention |
Easy to maintain | |
|
Cool-down Time |
30-minutes |
5-10 minutes | |
|
Ease of Use |
Experience required |
Requires little instruction | |
Best Overall Charcoal Grill: Fire Magic® Charcoal Collection 12 Series Built In Grill-Stainless Steel (12-SC01C-A)
For the cooking enthusiast who can’t get enough of that charcoal flavor, this built in charcoal grill from Fire Magic is the definition of pure grilling performance. Featuring commercial-grade stainless steel, an analog thermometer, and a high capacity smoker, this best outdoor built in grill will have you preparing restaurant-quality entrees in your backyard with ease. And for even more added convenience, this charcoal grill comes equipped with a height-adjustable charcoal pan that makes for incredibly easy heat control to ensure you achieve that perfect char and sear every time you light up the coals.
Key Features:
- Commercial-Grade Stainless Steel construction
- Height-adjustable charcoal pan
- Analog Thermometer
- Removable stainless steel warming rack included
Best Overall Gas Grill: Alfresco™ ALXE Series 36" Sear Zone Built-In Grill-Stainless Steel (ALXE-36SZ-NG)
Once your neighbors see (or smell) this Alfresco built in gas grill situated in your backyard, you’ll instantly become the desired host of the neighborhood. Featuring an elegant stainless steel construction and integrated rotisserie system, this best outdoor gas grill has been engineered to deliver the intense, even heat you desire to achieve the finest grilling results. With the precise control and flexibility needed for all kinds of foods, including an exclusive Infrared Sear Zone, you’ll be able to almost effortlessly whip up the most flavorsome eats for your family and friends time and time again.
Key Features:
- Integrated rotisserie system
- 660 sq. inch grilling area
- Push-button ignition
- Infrared Sear Zone
Outdoor Grill FAQs
Q: Is charcoal grilling healthy?
A: While there is a bit of controversy regarding this topic, when done properly, grilling foods with charcoal can certainly be a healthier alternative to other forms of cooking. Grilled foods have less fat than those cooked in a pan because fat and other additives are able to drip away.
Q: Can you use a gas and charcoal grill at the same time?
A: To answer this simply, yes! Some grilling connoisseurs love the unique flavor of both cooking styles, so they prefer to cook certain food items over charcoal at the same time as other items on a gas configuration. Just be sure to practice proper safety and precautionary measures when using both grilling methods to ensure the flames are contained at an appropriate distance.
For those looking for the best of both worlds in one place, a hybrid grill gives you the power to harness both gas and charcoal grilling capabilities at the very same time for the ultimate outdoor cooking performance. You’ll be able to whip up juicy burgers on the roasting charcoal coals on one end while you sear your fresh vegetables like onions, peppers, and zucchini over the gas grill top on the other side for pure grilling convenience and unmatched flavor.
Q: What should I look for when buying a gas grill?
A: When it comes to selecting a new gas grill, there are several factors you need to consider, including your fuel choice, size, select cooking features, durability, and of course, your budget. Once you find the make and model that checks all of these boxes, you’ll be ready to start grilling up masterful eats night after night for everyone to enjoy.
Why Trust Idler’s Home?
At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and with five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to help you make the vision you have for your home a reality.
Shop Outdoor Grills at Idler’s
Envision the possibilities for your home and shop the best outdoor grills at Idler’s. Our friendly team is always happy to help you decide between Charcoal vs gas BBQ grills— whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!
Learn More: Gas or Electric Appliances? Which is Better for You?