Which is better when it comes to a barbecue grill - gas or charcoal? The debate has been going on for quite a long time now. Each has its pros and cons, and people are often fiercely loyal to their chosen method of grilling. But if you're new to barbeque cooking and you don't know where to start, here's a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Gas
* Quick. In just 10 minutes, the grill is ready.
* You can easily control the heat. It gives you the flexibility of pacing the cooking. Sometimes you need to cook something over low heat for an extended period, and other times it needs to be at a higher temperature for less time. Gas can help you easily manage these requirements.
* Flexible. You can use the gas burner on the side to cook some vegetables, and the rotisserie attachment is ideal for slow cooking a roast.
* Flavor. Some people don't like the flavor of food prepared on a gas grill. Plus, you won't get the aromatic flavor of wood smoke that you will with a charcoal flame.
* Easy to clean. There are no ashes to clean up. A tray to catch the drippings handles most of the cleaning, and you can increase the heat for several minutes in order to burn off the remains so that they can be more easily removed.
* Cost conscious. One gas cylinder is enough for 8 hours even at maximum setting.
* Your upfront costs might be higher, but there are a lot of different price points to fit most budgets.
* It may prove to be more cost effective in the long run especially if taken good care of, but this depends on the changing prices of gas.
Charcoal
* The taste and aroma of smoked wood can't be beat.
* Initial cost is low, but it may not be efficient in the long run.
* They're slow, both to get started and throughout the cooking. Lighting the briquettes and letting them burn down sufficiently can take up to 40 minutes. This can be a problem if you have a sudden urge for barbeque.
* Timing is critical. There is no heat control, so you have to keep a close eye on your food.
* If you barbeque a lot, the expense of charcoal briquettes can really add up.
* Cleaning out ashes is a tedious job. The grate is hard to clean, and it takes a long time for the unit to cool down enough to clean it.
So there you have some BBQ tips to help you decide between gas and charcoal. Pick the one that fits both your lifestyle and your budget. Those who lead busy lives might prefer a gas barbeque because they require less time in order to fully cook a meal. However, if you have some time on your hands, you can't beat the flavor that charcoal gives.
Gas
* Quick. In just 10 minutes, the grill is ready.
* You can easily control the heat. It gives you the flexibility of pacing the cooking. Sometimes you need to cook something over low heat for an extended period, and other times it needs to be at a higher temperature for less time. Gas can help you easily manage these requirements.
* Flexible. You can use the gas burner on the side to cook some vegetables, and the rotisserie attachment is ideal for slow cooking a roast.
* Flavor. Some people don't like the flavor of food prepared on a gas grill. Plus, you won't get the aromatic flavor of wood smoke that you will with a charcoal flame.
* Easy to clean. There are no ashes to clean up. A tray to catch the drippings handles most of the cleaning, and you can increase the heat for several minutes in order to burn off the remains so that they can be more easily removed.
* Cost conscious. One gas cylinder is enough for 8 hours even at maximum setting.
* Your upfront costs might be higher, but there are a lot of different price points to fit most budgets.
* It may prove to be more cost effective in the long run especially if taken good care of, but this depends on the changing prices of gas.
Charcoal
* The taste and aroma of smoked wood can't be beat.
* Initial cost is low, but it may not be efficient in the long run.
* They're slow, both to get started and throughout the cooking. Lighting the briquettes and letting them burn down sufficiently can take up to 40 minutes. This can be a problem if you have a sudden urge for barbeque.
* Timing is critical. There is no heat control, so you have to keep a close eye on your food.
* If you barbeque a lot, the expense of charcoal briquettes can really add up.
* Cleaning out ashes is a tedious job. The grate is hard to clean, and it takes a long time for the unit to cool down enough to clean it.
So there you have some BBQ tips to help you decide between gas and charcoal. Pick the one that fits both your lifestyle and your budget. Those who lead busy lives might prefer a gas barbeque because they require less time in order to fully cook a meal. However, if you have some time on your hands, you can't beat the flavor that charcoal gives.
About the Author:
Barbequing makes us think of sunny days, tantalizing aromas and good food enjoyed with great company. For some great tips and advice on the art and science of BBQ, visit BBQ Tips.
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