Battle of the BBQ: Charcoal vs. Gas Grill

The “Great Grill Debate” is essentially the controversy between charcoal vs. gas grills.  Everyone has their own opinion, so which is the correct choice?

Is there even a correct choice?

We spoke to Dennis Littley, who has 40 years experience as a fine dining chef, and he helped elucidate the pros and cons of charcoal vs. gas grills so you can make a well-informed decision.

Our list will help you decide which is best — gas vs. charcoal — for your family. Once you make your choice and are ready to buy a new grill, we have recommendations for both gas and charcoal grills.

Charcoal Grills

“Charcoal grills still have a solid fanbase, and for good reason,” says Littley. “You get that real wood-fired flavor and the ability to hit high temps quickly.” Here is his list of the pros and cons of grilling with charcoal.

Learn more about operating a charcoal grill here.

Charcoal Pros

Typically, charcoal grills reach a higher temperature than gas grills. A grill has to reach a temperature of at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve a nice sear on your meat. This is no problem for a kettle grill filled with red-hot charcoals as it can easily reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

While there are gas grills that can reach higher temperatures, they usually cost more. “That said,  you do have to manage the coals a bit and learn how to work the airflow,” warns Littley. “But a lot of folks enjoy that hands-on approach, including myself.”

You get that scrumptious, smoky flavor. Ever wonder how charcoal grills give so much flavor? Turns out, that higher heat is key. When the drippings from your steak, chicken or veggies falls on the hot coals, the drippings turn into flavor-packed steam and smoke that goes right back into the meat, resulting in the amazingly unique taste of charcoal grilling.

They are easier on your wallet. According to Littley, charcoal grills are generally more affordable and portable than other grill types.

A basic charcoal grill will run you about $25, while a moderately priced one can be found for around $150. Of course, higher end models go up from there, but in comparison, there are far less than the gas grills that usually cost between $130-$300.

Charcoal Cons

Longer heat up time. Charcoal grills, on average, take about 15-20 minutes to reach the proper cooking temperature (not including the time it takes to light the charcoal), whereas gas grills instantly light up and take about 10 minutes to reach cooking temperature.

While you’re waiting for the grill to heat up, toss together some of these delicious summer salads.

Fuel cost adds up. A 20-pound propane cylinder can provide around 25 days of cooking time, whereas a 20-pound bag of charcoal will only yield three grilling sessions.

The cleanup is a bit more cumbersome. As opposed to the gas grill that only needs a quick scrub with a brush, a charcoal grill has to be emptied of its used ashes before you can scrub it.

Gas Grills

“Gas grills offer the ultimate convenience,” says Littlet. “Turn a knob, hit the igniter, and you’re cooking in just a few minutes.”

Gas Grill Pros

Easy Temperature Control. Adjusting a grill’s temperature is as easy as turning a dial. This means you can go from the low heat needed for bone-in chicken to searing hot for kebobs or steak without having to worry about moving around hot coals.

Clean Up. Gas is the clear winner in the charcoal vs. gas debate in this department, according to Littley. “Cleanup is easier with gas, because there’s no ash, no waiting for coals to cool. You might sacrifice a bit of that signature smoky flavor, but the trade-off is speed and simplicity.’’

Versatility. With a gas grill, you can easily cook delicate foods such as fish, fruit and vegetables without the worry of overpowering the food with the smoke flavor that comes along with charcoal grilling. If the smoke flavor is desired, you can easily add a smoke box that is available with some gas grills.

Gas Grill Cons

Assembly time. As opposed to the charcoal grill that can be set up in a jiffy, a mid-range gas model is a bit more complicated to assemble and hook up to a propane tank. Here’s how you can know if there is enough gas to grill in the propane tank.

Safety. While there are safety precautions to follow with any form of cooking, you have to be extra-careful when cooking with a gas grill. Always make sure that your propane tank is properly attached without leaks, your grill is at least ten feet from your home and deck and that the grill is free from grease. Not sure how to best clean your charcoal grill? Follow this simple checklist that’ll leave your grill looking brand-new!

Portability. Though travel-sized gas grills are available, the issue of the gas hookup can make gas grills less portable. However, Littley notes that portability is less of an issue with propane grills than with natural gas ones. A propane grill, he says, is ideal for smaller patios, tailgating, or taking your grill on the road. “Just be sure to check your tank level before you fire it up, you don’t want to run out halfway through dinner!’’

Charcoal Vs. Gas? It’s Up to You

The charcoal and the gas grill have their pro and cons, but only you can decide which would be best for your family and lifestyle. With so many delicious grilling recipes to cook up this summer, you can’t go wrong either way!

FAQ

Can I build my own charcoal grill or smoker?

Sure. You can build one with bricks or do as some folks have done and repurpose an old sewing machine stand or an old barrel. Check out our instructions for a DIY BBQ grill.

How hard is it to maintain each type?

Gas grills on the whole are easier to clean than charcoal grills, but both require maintenance. There’s no difference between a gas vs charcoal grill when it comes to cleaning the cooking surface, but it takes less time and effort to clean the burners and tray of a gas grill than it does to manage ash and unburnt charcoal and scrub down a charcoal grill.

About the Expert

• Dennis Littley is a fine dining chef with over 40 years experience in the kitchen. He has cooked white tablecloth restaurants, at executive dining establishments and at an all-girls Catholic high school. He operates the cooking site Ask Chef Dennis.