Gas vs charcoal BBQ: Which is better for barbecue cooking?

The heated discussions about the superiority of gas and charcoal BBQs have been gaining traction among outdoor cooking enthusiasts for years. Rightfully so, ’cause choosing the right grill can dramatically enhance your cooking experience.

The type of barbecue can affect everything from flavour to convenience. That’s why this comprehensive guide will explore the gas vs charcoal BBQ dilemma and examine the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or new to the world of outdoor kitchens, understanding the differences between gas and charcoal grills is key to elevating your barbecuing game. Hopefully, by the end, we can help you make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and culinary preferences.

What is a gas BBQ?

A gas barbecue is a modern style of grill that uses gas for a quicker and more efficient way to cook outdoors. It’s typically powered by either propane or natural gas, so it allows for immediate heat control. This makes them ideal for those who value convenience and ease of use.

When considering what gas to use for BBQ, it’s essential to note that propane is widely used because it’s portable and easily refillable. Meanwhile, natural gas can be more cost-effective for those who have a direct line.

Gas BBQs are favoured for their ability to cook food evenly and for their minimal cleanup requirements. That’s why they are a popular choice for both novices and experienced grill enthusiasts alike.

What is a charcoal BBQ?

A charcoal barbecue is a classic grill that relies on charcoal as its primary fuel source. This method is known for adding a distinctive smoky flavour to the food - a quality that’s highly praised among barbecue aficionados.

Using charcoal involves a more hands-on experience as it requires you to fix the charcoal bed from time to time to regulate heat. It’s this interaction with the flame and smoke that many believe adds to the charm of charcoal grilling.

You can also add wood chips along with charcoal to enhance the smoky flavour even further. This is often compared to wood-burning barbecues, which are popular for their ability to impart a rich, woody taste to food.

Charcoal vs gas BBQ: What are their key differences?

The pick between gas or charcoal BBQ is one that has outdoor cooking enthusiasts divided. Each method offers a unique approach to grilling, and their differences can greatly affect the cooking experience, flavour, and convenience their user will have.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide a clearer understanding of what each type of BBQ brings to the table. Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision tailored to your grilling style and preferences.

In terms of cooking time

When comparing a gas and coal BBQ in terms of cooking time, the latter offers a quicker start and easier heat control. With the turn of a knob, a gas BBQ can reach the desired temperature in a matter of minutes. This ability to quickly adjust the heat higher or lower means that cooking times can be more accurately predicted and managed. 

On the other hand, charcoal BBQs require a bit more patience and skill to get going. Lighting the charcoal typically takes more time. It often takes around 15-30 minutes to reach cooking temperatures. Plus, maintaining and adjusting the heat with charcoal is a manual process that demands constant attention to the grill.

This can introduce variability in cooking times, especially for beginners or when grilling more sensitive items that require precise temperature control. However, for many, this investment in time enhances the overall grilling experience and flavour of the food. 

In terms of flavour

The differing preferences between charcoal and gas BBQs often centres around the flavour that each method adds to the food. For instance, charcoal grills are known for their ability to produce a smoky flavour that many seek.

This taste comes from the smoke generated when fat and juices drip onto the hot charcoal. They create flare-ups and smoke that envelop the food. The result is a taste that’s hard to replicate with the usual gas for the BBQ.

The gas flame, on the other hand, offers cleaner cooking without the smoky taste. While some purists argue that gas-grilled foods lack the authentic barbecue flavour, others appreciate the ability to taste the natural flavours of the meat and vegetables without the smokiness. 

In terms of functionality

When comparing the functionality of charcoal and gas BBQs, it’s clear that each has its own advantages. No wonder many people are torn and prefer to grill with gas and charcoal every once in a while.

Charcoal grills require more manual effort to light, control, and maintain the desired temperature, so they offer a hands-on experience. This can be appealing to those who enjoy the process of tending to the fire and mastering the art of charcoal grilling. 

On the other hand, gas BBQs shine in terms of convenience and ease of use. They typically feature push-button ignition, precise temperature control through knobs, and sometimes additional functionalities like side burners for cooking sauces or side dishes. 

The ability to quickly adjust the heat up or down allows for more flexibility and less guesswork. This makes gas grills ideal for beginners and those who prioritise convenience and time-saving in their grilling sessions. 

In terms of the assembly process

Charcoal grills are generally simpler to construct. It mostly requires the assembly of the grill body, placement of grates, and perhaps a side table or two. This simplicity allows for a straightforward setup process.

In contrast, assembling a gas barbecue might be more complex due to its components. Examples are gas connections, burners, and sometimes even built-in thermometers and additional side burners. This complexity can extend the assembly time but results in a more versatile cooking set-up.

Interestingly, some manufacturers offer hybrid models that can use both charcoal for gas barbecues and gas for charcoal grills. But, keep in mind that you should be extra careful when assembling them and adding gas barbecue coals. This is because most of these models are not entirely compatible with charcoal grilling and require specific instructions to make sure you stay safe while setting it up. 

In terms of cleaning and maintenance

Maintaining and cleaning a BBQ grill is crucial for its longevity and performance. 

Charcoal barbecues often need more extensive cleaning due to the ash and residue left by the coal. After grilling, you must dispose of the ash properly and scrub the grates to remove any stuck-on food and charcoal residue. This process can be messy and time-consuming but is essential to prevent flavours from previous cookouts from affecting new ones.

On the other hand, gas BBQs are generally easier to clean. They don’t produce ash like charcoal grills, which eliminates a significant part of the cleaning process. However, it’s important to regularly check and clean the burners and gas connections to ensure they are clear and functioning properly.

The use of coal on a gas BBQ, which is often permitted by hybrid models, can complicate maintenance as well. If this is the case, make sure to remove all traces of charcoal and clean the grates thoroughly before using gas again. 

In terms of cost

When it comes to the cost of charcoal versus gas BBQs, there’s a noticeable difference that can influence your buying decision. Charcoal BBQs present a more budget-friendly option up front, with prices ranging from $99 to $1,599. There are even portable ones that go from $35 to $70, while premium models only cost up to $4,000.

However, when considering how much charcoal for BBQ will add to the ongoing costs, you’d see that frequent purchases can add up over time. Not to mention that cleaning costs can also be expensive, around $220 to $450, depending on the brand and type.

On the other hand, gas BBQs start at a higher initial price point, $999 to $5,000, with hybrid models reaching into the $19,000 to $24,995 range. Even portable ones can cost from $299 to $599. Although the initial cost is higher, the running costs can be lower and more predictable depending on your local gas prices and the efficiency of your model.

Take the stress out of BBQ assembly with Airtasker

No matter if you’re drawn to the classic flavours that a charcoal BBQ can offer or prefer the convenience and longevity of a gas grill, making the right choice depends on your personal BBQ taste, budget, and grilling preferences.

Regardless of your decision, setting up your BBQ and even maintaining it can be a breeze with Airtasker. By posting your task on the platform, you can connect with experienced professionals who are ready to handle your BBQ assembly and cleaning needs.

Why spend your time struggling with assembly manuals when you can enjoy your BBQ instantly? Post a task today and connect with skilled Taskers who can set up your grill effortlessly!