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Whether you’re getting ready to upgrade your current grill or making your first purchase, you do have decisions to make. One of those decisions is do I buy gas or charcoal.

First of all however, we should probably get the language correct.

There is a difference between barbeque and grilling. When you barbeque you are cooking your food slowly at much lower temperatures than when grilling. You are using a smoker at temperatures around 225 to 250 degrees and your cooking time is measure in hours not minutes. When using a gas or charcoal grill to cook, you are cooking at much higher temperatures and your cooking time is measured in minutes not hours. That is unless you are using a cooking method called indirect grilling. That does slow the cooking process somewhat.

Having said all that, if your game plan is to get a grill, then you need to decide whether you buy a gas grill or charcoal grill. Both have advantages and disadvantages that I want to share with you.

Advantages to charcoal grills

1)      First of all these grills are relatively inexpensive to buy. If you find yourself on a limited budget this could very well be the way to go.

2)      Charcoal grills do tend to burn hotter than gas, especially if you ventilate them. This is perfect for the grilling experience.

3)      Another advantage is many people feel that you get a better taste with charcoal verse gas.

Disadvantages of a charcoal grill

1)      Charcoal can be very messy to deal with.

2)      Another disadvantage is that these grills take so long to heat up. Generally around 40 minutes or so.

3)      One of the biggest challenges using this grill is the fact that it is harder to hold steady temperatures in the wintertime. This is something that is important to me since I cook all year long.

Advantages to gas grills

1)      I feel the biggest advantage of a gas grill is the fact they light so easy and heat up so quickly. They are heated and ready to go in only 15 to 20 minutes compared to 40 minutes with charcoal.

2)      These grills hold a steady temperature very well in the wintertime. It is very easy to cook all year round with this equipment. I happen to know this from first hand experience.

3)      Of course you don’t have to deal with the mess that charcoal makes.

4)      I also feel gas grills are easier to use when indirect grilling than charcoal grills.

5)      These grills are definitely more expensive to buy, but when it comes right down to it they are just so much more convenient to use.

Disadvantages to a gas grill

1)      First of all they are more expensive to buy. This can be an issue if you are on a limited budget.

2)      The purists in the group would tell you the taste is just not as good as charcoal.

For many years I owned only a charcoal grill, however once I tried a gas grill, I decided that I would always own one going forward. There may be times that I would want charcoal, but I will always have gas as well.

Also as far as grilling tips go, whether you are just learning how to grill or you are an old hand at it, the one other buying tip I can give you is, if you are going to buy a gas grill get one with at least 400 square inches of cooking space (preferably 500 square inches) and get one with three burners. The three burners (cooking zones) give you much greater flexibility when cooking and make it much easier for indirect grilling. Personally I would not have it any other way.

By: Tom Savas
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