For those who love to cook and eat, it’s no surprise that one of the most exciting purchases to make over the summer is a brand-new grill. Whether you want your friends and family to come over for an outdoor feast or you want to impress your significant other with a romantic barbecue date night, buying a new grill is sure to bring you much joy this season. However, with so many options available on the market today, it can be a challenge choosing which grill is right for you. What are the pros and cons of gas grills vs. charcoal grills? Which one is better and why? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about these two types of grills before making your final decision.
When comparing gas grills vs. charcoal grills, the first thing you must know is that they’re built differently. The main difference between gas grills vs. charcoal grills is the fuel source. On one hand, gas grills use natural gas, propane, or electricity to power the grill’s burners. On the other hand, charcoal grills use coconut charcoal and other charcoals as their primary heat source. However, there are other distinctive features that set these two grills apart from one another. Let’s take a closer look at the specific differences between gas grills vs. charcoal grills
Material
Gas grills are often made with stainless steel or other long-lasting metals and materials. Since gas grills use a controlled flow of gas to provide the heat for cooking, the grill itself does not get as hot as charcoal grills. Charcoal grills, however, are made from materials like cast-iron, steel, or durable carbon steel. As you cook food on a charcoal grill, the surface of the grill itself becomes very hot, so the grill’s material must be able to withstand high temperatures.
Temperature control
The temperature on a gas grill can be controlled with a knob, dial, or other type of thermostat, which allows you to cook foods to a specific temperature and doneness. With a charcoal grill, you cannot regulate the temperature as easily, so you’ll need to depend on the grill’s position and air flow to determine how hot it gets.
Fuel consumption
Since gas grills use a controlled flow of natural gas or propane, they have a steady flow of fuel, meaning you’ll rarely have to refill your tank. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, require regular refills of BBQ charcoal briquettes.
Besides the differences between gas grills vs. charcoal grills, there are many other factors to consider when choosing which grill is best for your specific needs. One of the best ways to pick the perfect grill is to consider your cooking needs, space requirements, and budget.
