The Great Debate: Gas vs Charcoal Grills

• Convenience: Gas grills light up immediately, and it only takes a few minutes before you're ready to cook. To shut the grill down, simply turn it off.
• Versatility: Gas grills offer multiple burners and a large assortment of accessories like infrared burners and rotisserie kits.
• Temperature control: Each burner typically has its own control knob, making it easy to precisely adjust the cooking temperature.
• Cleaning: It's easy to clean a gas grill, but some types of grates might require extra care.

• Taste: Charcoal grills offer great taste and smoky flavor.
• Cost: Charcoal grills are generally less expensive than gas, and charcoal is widely available.
• Versatility: Some charcoal grills may also have direct and indirect cooking areas.

• Flavor: Generally, less flavor than charcoal grills. Any grilled flavor comes from the drippings of the food, which are vaporized by the flame taming system. Using a smoker box can help add some flavor to your food.
• Fuel: If using propane, you may unknowingly run out of fuel in the middle of cooking if you don't check your tank before you start.
• Bulky: In general, gas grills take up more space than charcoal and they are usually more expensive.

• Time: Charcoal grills generally take 20–30 minutes to start up, unless natural lump charcoal briquettes are used in combination with an electric lighter or chimney starter.
• Convenience: Charcoal grills are less convenient than gas, in that they take time to prepare and get started.

Convenient: It's as simple as turning a few knobs. Ideal for those occasions when you need to grill quickly.

Less convenient: Requires some trial and error to achieve the desired results.

Lights immediately: Ready to cook in minutes.

Around20-to-30 minutes to start up is typical.

Low temperatures are easily achieved. Most gas grills average 500°F for the highest temperature. Premium models may have infrared searing burners for high temperature searing.

Low temperatures can be achieved. Depending on the amount of charcoal, you can achieve temperatures near 700°F. Average high temperatures hover around 500°F for most models.

$1.00 per hour: Depending on propane gas prices, expect it to cost around $1.00 an hour to operate. Natural gas is lower, but a connection may need to be installed.

$1.50 per session: Cost will vary, depending on brand and type of charcoal used. Per cooking session, briquette charcoal averages $3.00–$3.50 while natural lump averages $1.50–$1.75.

Drip pans, flame tamers, and burners need regular cleaning. Cooking grates can be cleaned by turning the grill on high for 15–30 minutes, then brushing the grates. Cast iron grates will need to be oiled occasionally.

Lots of ash residue is created by charcoal. Brush or scape the cooking grate before cooking, and occasionally clean up the ash pan. Some charcoal grills include an ash catcher to make clean up easier.

More space required: Gas grills typically take up more space. They can be inserted into a barbecue island or mounted on a cart.

Less space required: Only a small area is needed, and they are a good choice for limited outdoor space like an apartment balcony. Check your rental agreement for restrictions.

• Entry level gas grills range in price from $500–$1,500.
• Practical and Premium grills are a wallet-friendly option that can cost $2,000 and up.
• Luxury class grills are the most expensive and can cost anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $10,000.

• Portable charcoal grills can cost as little as $26.
• Entry-Level models will run $75–$150 and up to $2,000 for Premium models.
• Luxury grills can range between $2,000 and $10,000.