Anytime it's nice to be outside... the battle between gas grills and charcoal grills rages on. For years, people have been asking, is a gas or charcoal grill better for your health? How do you cook on a gas grill? How do you know your charcoal grill is ready? These questions bring to light some of the differences between gas grills and charcoal grills. Let’s explore other characteristics to find out the real winner.
Charcoal vs. Gas Grill: Ease of Use
Charcoal grills take at least 15 minutes to prepare. You have to load in briquettes and light the fire. Once hot, the temperature is difficult to control. There’s no way to accurately measure what temperature you’re cooking at, and flare-ups can burn your food if you’re not careful.
Gas grills take 10 to 15 minutes to heat up. Simply turn the knob and walk away. Once hot, they hold a steady, adjustable temperature. You can even create separate heat zones to cook different types of food.
Winner: Gas grill
Charcoal vs. Gas Grill: Cleanup
Charcoal grills are messy. If you wear gloves or use tongs, you never have to touch the briquettes with your bare hands, but be prepared for ash cleanup after every grilling session.
Gas grills are relatively clean. You still need to remove grease buildup, scrub the grilling grates, and keep the exterior looking good, but it’s a fairly simple process.
Winner: Gas grill
Charcoal vs. Gas Grill: Cost & Features
Charcoal grills are very affordable, but these are quite basic appliances with very few bells and whistles. Of course, this means they are unlikely to break. If you buy briquettes at the right time, like at the end of the season to use next summer, the fuel is very affordable as well.
Gas grills have a wide price range. The higher the heat capabilities and the more accessories they come with, the higher the price tag. Of course, more bells and whistles increase the chance of something breaking. Gas grills can either be fueled with a refillable propane tank or tied to your home’s natural gas line.
Winner: Tie
Charcoal vs. Gas Grill: Taste
Charcoal grills cook food at temperatures up to 700 degrees F to accomplish a signature steak or lamp with a crisp, caramelized outside and juicy inside. The smoky flavor and ease of using wood chips also make for more superior tasting meat.
Gas grills operate at a lower temperature, cooking food to about medium by the time the outside is crispy. It’s also more challenging to use wood chips unless your gas grill comes with a smoke box.
Winner: Charcoal grill
Charcoal vs. Gas Grill: Health
Charcoal grills produce hot flames, which char meat and produce more carcinogens. When fat drips onto the briquettes, it burns and creates thick, carcinogen-infused smoke. To reduce this health concern, trim fat from your meat, marinate it in vinegar or lemon juice prior to grilling, and flip the meat frequently to reduce charring.
Gas grills don’t burn as hot and don’t produce as much smoke. Therefore, they turn out food that’s healthier for you.
Winner: Gas grill
Who Wins?
In summary, gas grills make a few compromises to make cooking outdoors easier and healthier, while charcoal grills can deliver exceptional results with enough patience and practice. The route you ultimately take is up to you.
If you find that your grill or other outdoor appliance needs a repair or maintenance, let Mr. Appliance® take a look. We provide quality services to help your investment last for many years. To schedule grill repair or maintenance, give us a call or check out our Facebook page!
