Outdoor barbecue grills: charcoal or gas?

brussell

In a fit of suburban inspiration, I'm going to get an outdoor barbecue grill. Right now, I have a little Smokey Joe that just isn't cutting it.



I've only used charcoal grills. Gas grills aren't as appealing to me, but in doing a little research, gas grills are apparently much more popular now.



Which one do you prefer and why? Any specific model suggestions?

alcimedes

charcoal myself. i feel like gas dries out the meat compared to charcoal.



as long as you don't use lighter fluid, charcoal is the way to go in my book. i would guess people like the no mess, instant on/off of gas though.

709

Charcoal for me too. I've got a little Samsonite out on the deck. It's a great charcoal grill for under 100 bucks.







Oh, and because charcoal just smells better.

moogs

We just use an el-cheapo, [hank hill]propane Grill-master[/hank hill], and it does OK. I think the trick is, if you're going to use gas, make sure you use good briquets / stones. Invariably that's where the even heating and good taste originate. The source of the flame is secondary.



My buddies both have one of those monster $500 gas grill things with four separate heating zones, a roaster, thermometer, etc etc. Their BBQ chicken isn't as good as mine. Though I would say their steaks are better because mine doesn't heat quickly / evenly enough to sear a good sized steak. Chicken and Pork Chops are another matter though since they have to be cooked more slowly.



So I guess my suggestion is, if you're going gas, don't drop big coin on it. It's not necessary. I think the charcoal models above would be good too, just more of a pain in the ass to start / get even heating for the larger models.

ebby

I have a charcoal and gas BBQ. If I don't feel like cooking but have to I will use the gas because it is faster. But it tastes totally different that a charcoal BBQ and not in a good way. I also find it easier to cook with charcoal since I can control the heat better. The only other benefit of gas I can think of is for LONG cooking. The propane tank last a long time whereas and you would have to add more charcoal if you want to cook for hours and hours.



Charcoal for me!

powerdoc

Charcoal for me. I just made a barbecue this evening. Charcoal brings a special taste or should i said fumet. Gas do not bring anything more to the taste of food. Of course Charcoal takes time, but it's part of the fun.



For great taste you can add also some vine branch, it's delicious with small pits of meats.

billybobsky

not that this actually does much to your health -- but in principle gas burns a lot cleaner than charcol, and by cleaner there are a lot less carcinogens tossed up into that savory piece of meat or tofu that you are about to consume. but then again, eating mostly is about calories, nutrients, taste and some large distance away health...

trumptman

We own a propane grill and my brother swears by charcoal. I personally cannot taste a difference between the two. I like the propane because of convenience. I have one that I purchased from Home Depot a few years back that has three tiers and a side burner for chili and things of that nature. (We haven't used that side burner even one time) We have used it to feed 10-20 at various pool parties and I used it to grill enough hot dogs and hamburgers to feed 100+ 4th graders and PTA members.



It cost well under $200 from what I remember and we have used it for about 4 years.



Nick

liquidr

Give me charcoal or give me death. Urggh!!! I can't believe it, my Dad is a gas convert. He's the one who trained me on charcoal always grilling (pun intended) into me the evils of meat cooked on a gas grill.

aquafire

Back in my University days there were a bunch of guys who built a radar dish shaped BBQ some 6 feet in circumference. They covered the inside surface with several hundred tiny mirrored pieces to focus the sunlight.



The centre had a hole about 1-1/2 feet in diameter to let the fat drip without splattering the mirrors.

meat / snags / sausages were laid out on a light weight BBQ mesh / Grill and at the point where the light rays would best effect the cooking.



It was mainly trail and error until we figured the best focus position to cook the food.



Solar Powered BBQ: man that was fun

eugene

What about the char-broil charcoal AND gas grill in the commercial with the hottie chicks petting it like a dog...From a marketing standpoint, that's a great commercial since I'm not really a BBQ fan.

jeffyboy

Gas is great-it keeps the house warm in the winter!



For grilling?





Jeff

sdw2001

I think if we are talking taste, charcoal would win. Narrowly.



But, charcoal is so inconvenient. I bought this grill, which I think is the best for the money. It also looks great!



The Aussie Bonza 4



http://www.fortunoff.com/product.asp...pt%5Fid=500500





I love this grill! Four burners. Great fit and finish and durability. I think it puts Weber to shame. A little tough to find. You can get a cheaper 3 burner one at Target, Wal-Mart (sometimes).



EDIT: Notice the wood cart (VERY high quality...mine is actually a red cedar color). Also, it comes in other colors...black and green as well...and comes with a decent cover too.

aquafire

Quote:

Originally posted by SDW2001



The Aussie Bonza 4



http://www.fortunoff.com/product.asp...pt%5Fid=500500

OMG. How weird, you guys in the USA buy our BBQ stuff & we in Aussieland buy your WEBER stuff...

trick fall

I just bought a Weber medium size charcoal grill for 69.99 at Home Depot and am digging it. Gas grill simply do not satisfy the pyro in me.

burningwheel

gas. weber brand



who can be bothered with charcoal

burningwheel

Quote:

Originally posted by billybobsky

not that this actually does much to your health -- but in principle gas burns a lot cleaner than charcol, and by cleaner there are a lot less carcinogens tossed up into that savory piece of meat or tofu that you are about to consume. but then again, eating mostly is about calories, nutrients, taste and some large distance away health...

i was going to say this as well. gas i sprobably healthier

brussell

Well I ended up getting a gas grill.



The boss wanted one, and, well, she's the boss. She thinks charcoal is just some kind of weird male "me play with fire" thing.



It works great though. Did fajitas with chicken and steak yesterday, and I'm still getting used to the grill, but it turned out pretty good. It really is a lot easier than charcoal, but not nearly as much fun.



This is my take on it:

Gas pros: cleaner, more convenient, more even heat, hotter temps.

Charcoal pros: that charcoal taste, cheaper grills, me play with fire.

longhorn

actually, you can get a charcoal grill damn hot. i;d have to say heat goes to charcoal, but control to gas.

jimmac

I have a Weber kettle ( the only way to go ). The secret to a good BBQ meal is the smell and the taste. My dad taught me how to BBQ a long time ago as cooking was his hobby ( since he was about 14 so he was a damn good cook ). It's all about the cut of the meat, timing, marinade, charcoal, and wood chips! There's something about the charcoal flavor that harkens back to a more primative time. Gas is just for pretend.

jonathan

charcoal.





we have a 48" stainless steel smoker.



it'll cook about 36 burgers at once. party grill++