The Great Grill Debate: Gas, Electric or Charcoal?

June 27, 2011, By 6 comments

The Great Grill Debate: Gas, Electric or Charcoal?

When it comes to grilling, you have three basic choices for how to put those lovely grill marks on whatever meat or (gasp!) vegetable you might be preparing: gas, electric or charcoal. There are pros and cons to using each type. The main things to consider when comparing grill types are the costs of operation, food flavor and clean up/convenience.

Gas Grills

Gas grills are the easiest to use because as long as you have enough gas in the tank, all you have to do is turn some knobs then press a button and you’ve got fire. Gas grills heat up very quickly and you can go from cold to ready for grilling in just a few minutes.The downside to gas grills is that they're expensive to run. You can get a base model for a few hundred bucks at most retail stores, but then you have to get a propane tank to go with it. You have to refill the tank, which adds up.

If you plan on doing a lot of grilling and don't like to wait, it's worthwhile to get a good gas grill. Don’t go too cheap or you’ll get something that will rust out after a few years, and then you’ll have to buy a new one. Splurge on a stainless steel model for long-term value.

Electric Grills

Electric grills are somewhat lame. They require electricity, so you won't be able to grill when your power is out or when camping. Although they heat up pretty quickly, you just don’t get the same effect you get from an open flame. The main advantage to using an electric grill is that you get an even cooking temperature all over the grill surface, whereas gas and charcoal grills tend to have hot spots. Electric grills can also be used indoors.

Charcoal Grills

The main advantage to charcoal grills is that they're cheap. Spend twenty bucks on a basic metal grill and it'll get you through a party or two. Of course, you still have to buy charcoal and matches, and there is the business of lighting the coals. It’s a lot more work and makes a bigger mess, especially when you have a big grill full of ash at the end of the cookout—and if you 'que a lot, the cost of charcoal adds up fast. The benefit of a charcoal grill is the glorious smokey flavor that permeates whatever you're cooking.

In fact, purists claim that for real BBQ flavor, you need charcoal (or even wood), but it's really a matter of taste. If you want to get serious about charcoal grilling and don't mind the cleanup and cost, consider investing in a Big Green Egg grill. They're notoriously expensive ($1,000 for just the grill, never mind accessories), but real charcoal fans won't be sorry.

So where do you stand in the great grill debate?

 

Comments (6):

Rbmeoe H. There is no debate. There is only one way to cook out doors on a grill or smoker and that is with charcoal/wood. Anything else is simply indoor cooking outside. - 09/30/2011
Randy T. Charcoal/wood grills provide the ultimate in versatility as far as heat, smoke and flavor go. On certain meats I prefer a combination of wood & charcoal, and that's not even an option on gas grills. The only flavor I've ever been served off of gas grills is petroleum based. Don't want to sound like a grilling snob, but I kinda am. There really is no choice if you want it done right. - 08/02/2011
David S. For us, the main grill are burgers and carne asada. Which has to be charcoal. Gas just doesn't taste the same. Especially when Mesquite is added. - 07/20/2011
Ken M. Electric grills exist for one reason only- landlord rules against flame appliances for apartments. Well, that, and getting the smoke outside instead of in the kitchen. I recently rebuild my 4 year old stainless CharBroil Pro by replacing the entire plumbing. This cost about 1/2 of a new one on special, because the burners are warranted for life and replaced for free. It was the combination of spiders leaving it outside all Winter that killed the last gas system, I think it should be good for another 4-5 years or more now that I have a place to keep it inside during Winters. This line of grills (CharBroil Pro) has been panned on another popular web site, but mine is a later model and seems to have all the kinks worked out. I make delicious grilled food on it several times a week. The key to easy enjoyment is to wire brush the grill immediately after every use (while still hot), and clean it out once a month or so. - 06/28/2011
Ryan M. Not even a question for me, GAS all the way baby!!! We purchased a Weber recently and it is wonderful to be able to just fired it up and cook. Highly recommend buying one! (The Weber Spirit E-210 grill features: two stainless steel burners with 26,000 BTU-per-hour input. 350 sq. in. primary cooking surface plus a 108 sq. in. warming rack. Electronic Crossover ignition system. Porcelain-enameled coated.) - 06/28/2011
Chris F. Let's just all agree that electric grills are not a viable option. That leaves us with two choices: Gas or Charcoal. Well now you no longer have to choose. In March I bought a Chargriller Duo (Model 5050) at Lowes on sale for $199. I also bought the optional side firebox. The Duo is about five feet wide and has two side by side cooking compartments. Lift the lid on the left and you have a three burner propane grill. Lift the right lid and you have a charcoal/wood grill. Add the side firebox and you can now use the charcoal half as a horizontal offset smoker. In the three months I have had it I've used it every weekend for slow smoked BBQ pork shoulder, brisket, ribs, beer can chicken, sausage, you name it. And during the week it's so convenient to be able to fire up the propane side for a quick grilled dinner without all the fuss of charcoal. It also has a side burner with a specially designed recessed well to accommodate a charcoal chimney, no more newspaper. All in all, this is the best grill/smoker I have ever owned. Well built and will last for years (I bought and used all stainless steel nuts and bolts to put it together). - 06/28/2011

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