Charcoal or Gas: The Endless BBQ Debate
Which is better when it comes to a barbecue grill – gas or charcoal? People have been arguing this point for many years. There are pluses and minuses to each, but many people have a strong loyalty to whichever type they prefer. But if you’re just starting out with barbeque cooking and trying to decide which to buy, here’s a look at what each has to offer.
Gas
* Quick. It only takes 10 minutes or so before you can start cooking.
* You can easily control the heat. You have more leeway when it comes to timing the meal. Sometimes you need to cook something over low heat for an extended period, and other times it needs to be at a higher temperature for less time. With gas, it’s easy to handle these things.
* Versatile. You can use the gas burner on the side to cook some vegetables, and the rotisserie attachment is ideal for slow cooking a roast.
* Taste. There are those who don’t enjoy the taste of food that’s been cooked over a gas flame. Plus, you won’t get the aromatic flavor of wood smoke that you will with a charcoal flame.
* Easy to clean. You don’t have to sweep away ashes. Drip trays will take care of most of the mess, and turning the heat up for 10 minutes or so will burn off the rest so it can be easily scraped off.
* Cost effective. One gas cylinder is enough for 8 hours even at maximum setting.
* The initial cost may be high; however there is a wide range of prices to suit any budget.
* It can save you money over the long term if you maintain it properly, provided gas doesn’t skyrocket in price.
Charcoal
* The taste and aroma of smoked wood can’t be beat.
* The purchase price is pretty reasonable initially, but over the long term it might be less so.
* They require a lot more time, not just to cook but also to prepare. Lighting the briquettes and letting them burn down sufficiently can take up to 40 minutes. This won’t work for the times when you have a sudden desire to barbeque.
* Timing is critical. There is no heat control, so you have to keep a close eye on your food.
* If you barbeque a lot, the expense of charcoal briquettes can really add up.
* Cleaning out ashes is a tedious job. You have to let the grate cool down completely before you can clean it, and it’s a tough job.
Hopefully you’ll find these BBQ tips useful in your choice of charcoal or gas. Pick the one that fits both your lifestyle and your budget. Those who lead busy lives might prefer a gas barbeque because they require less time in order to fully cook a meal. However, if you have some time on your hands, you can’t beat the flavor that charcoal gives.