Gas vs Charcoal Grill – Fit Men Cook

Making the right choice when researching types of grills can be overwhelming, especially when you notice how many options there are. From gas and charcoal grill options to kettle grills and beyond, each of these different grill types has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. However, it’s up to you to decide what matters most. In this guide, we’ll compare the features of a gas vs charcoal grill — two of the most common and equally-loved options. So, which type of grill will earn its rightful spot in your backyard?

Differences Between Gas and Charcoal Grills 

There are a few key factors that can influence your decision to use a gas or charcoal grill. Before you make your final decision, consider how these details can affect your grilling preferences and lifestyle:

• Convenience: Gas grills are the easiest appliance to use, hands down. You can get your meal cooking with the press of a button or turn of a knob. Gas grills have simpler ignition, heat controls, and temperature management compared to charcoal options. These grills require preparation like arranging the coals, monitoring heat distribution, and maintaining airflow through the vents. 
• Flavor: This is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Generally speaking, many grillmasters argue that charcoal grills provide a deeper and richer flavor from the organic heating material and heavy smoke. While grills are considered cleaner and lighter, die-hard charcoal grill lovers insist that the taste can’t be replicated. 
• Temperature Control: One of the best perks about modern gas grills is the precise ability to gauge accurate temperature. Charcoal grills typically require more skill and constant attention to maintain a steady temperature, but gas grills offer an adjustable burner feature that allows the cook to fine-tune depending on the dish. 
• Cooking Time: If you’re in a pinch, a gas grill is definitely the safe bet. A gas grill will preheat quickly, maintain a steady temperature without much intervention, and they cool down faster because of the material, too. Charcoal grills can take twice as long to heat up, further elongating the cooking process. 
• Maintenance: Both types of grills will require regular maintenance and upkeep. With time, it is safe to say that a gas grill will require more time and attention to keep it in optima condition. You need to check on details like the propane levels, the burners, and occasionally replace parts like the ignition system or hoses. On the other hand, charcoal grills require ash removal at the end of every use, but the simple design makes it easier to clean and less prone to mechanical errors or failure over time. 

Cost: Upfront, a charcoal grill is definitely the more affordable option. Basic models can be as little as $100, while premium options will still run you less than a mid-range gas grill. However, with the cost of propane being cheaper than charcoal (for value per dollar), the cost of maintaining your charcoal grill can outweigh what you would expect to pay for a gas grill. If you only grill on special occasions, then the cost of charcoal may not matter significantly to you.

Gas Grills: Pros & Cons

When you are comparing a gas vs charcoal grill, consider these benefits and drawbacks before you make your final decision: 

Pros:

• Extremely easy to ignite and use
• Precise temperature control
• Quick preheating and cooking
• Less smoke production — good for urban areas
• Ideal for frequent use and weeknight grilling

Cons:

• Typically higher upfront cost
• Less natural smoky flavor
• Requires propane tank refills or a natural gas hookup
• More parts that can require maintenance or repairs

Charcoal Grills: Pros & Cons

On the flip side, these are some of the pros and cons of charcoal vs gas grills:

Pros:

• Rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat
• More affordable initial investment
• Simple, durable design with fewer parts to maintain
• Can reach higher temperatures, ideal for searing meats

Cons:

• Takes longer to light and heat up
• Requires more effort to control the temperature
• Ongoing cost of charcoal and lighter fluid
• Cleanup involves ash removal after each use

How to Choose: Gas or Charcoal

Still deciding between a gas and charcoal grill? Consider how these factors of your lifestyle and cooking preferences impact your decision:   

• Budget: Are you looking for something cost-effective or luxurious in nature? Your budget will be one of the main factors that filter your perfect grill results. Remember, charcoal grills will typically cost less upfront but may be more expensive to upkeep because of the price of coal vs propane.   
• Cooking style: Do you prefer slow-cooking and tradition, or a hassle-free prep process? Even though charcoal can provide the classic look and taste of a grill, gas may be more convenient to cook with. 
• Maintenance: How do you want to handle maintenance? If you don’t mind cleaning out ash after every use, a charcoal grill may be a great option. Gas grills may require tinkering after a while to replace parts and maintain their quality. 
• Flavor priority: Smoky or light? The way you like your grilled meat and veggies to turn out will sway your ultimate decision to buy a charcoal or gas grill. 
• Space and setup: How much space do you have available? Gas grills are often larger and require more space for setup and use. Some charcoal grills are made specifically to be compact for small spaces like balconies. 

FAQs

Does food taste better on a charcoal grill or a gas grill?

Taste is subjective to your personal preferences, so this question can honestly go both ways. Many people believe that charcoal grills offer an incomparably deep, smoky taste. However, if you prefer a lighter and cleaner flavor, you may like what a gas grill does to your food better. While charcoal grills naturally infuse smoky flavor into the food you’re cooking, a gas grill must utilize an additional smoker box or wood chips to help bridge the flavor gap.

Do you get more flavor from a gas or charcoal grill?

Charcoal grills are known to pack a punch of flavor due to the direct smoke that infuses the food from the heating material. Gas grills heat food with propane, which does not naturally smoke the food. However, charcoal and wood chips will impart a unique flavor to whatever you’re cooking. Although, many modern gas grills are able to replicate the signature flavor of a charcoal grill with special features, add-ons, and techniques. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hey, I’m Kevin

My name is Kevin. My life changed when I realized that healthy living is a lifelong journey, mainly won by having a well-balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle.

By experimenting in the kitchen and sharing my meals on Tumblr, I learned healthy eating is not boring! By making a few adjustments to my favorite foods, I could design a diet that could help me achieve my wellness goals while satisfying my desire for BANGIN food! 😅 Now I try to help people around the world realize that same level of freedom in eating regardless of budget. Welcome, let’s #DemocratizeWellness together!