Web Treasure Hunter is reader-supported. Some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase a product or take an action via these links.
When deciding between charcoal and a gas grill, shoppers need to weigh the pros and cons. Both types of grills have several pros, as well as several cons. In this charcoal vs gas grill article, let’s discuss what those pros and cons are.
Charcoal GrillsGenerally speaking, charcoal grills can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Many charcoal grills reach higher temperatures than gas grills. Sure, there are gas grills that offer higher than 700 degrees, but they are typically very expensive and consider luxury/high-end grills.
Charcoal grills produce food with a ton of flavor. Whether someone is grilling veggies, steak, or chicken (learn how to cook chicken wings on a gas grill properly), they can expect it to come out full of flavor. This is because the steam and smoke that is produced by the charcoal absorb into the food.
Another good thing about charcoal grills is the price. Lower-end grills go for around $30, while mid-level models go for around $200. Higher-end models will be more than that. In general, charcoal grills are cheaper than gas grills.
Although charcoal grills are inexpensive to buy, they can become expensive to own. This is because fuel costs add up in the long run. Be prepared to spend a bit of money on charcoal bags.
It can take up to 20-30 minutes for the charcoal grill to reach desired temperatures. Gas grills don’t require much time. In fact, gas grills light immediately and only take around 10 minutes to reach desired temperatures.
Finally, cleaning a charcoal grill requires some work. Before a charcoal grill can be scrubbed, the ashes need to be dumped out. This is why cleaning charcoal grills is a hassle for many people.
Gas GrillsOne of the best things about using a gas grill is it lights instantly. There is no waiting around for it to light. Simply light it and wait around 10 minutes for it to warm up, and then throw whatever food will be grilled onto it. Unlike charcoal grills, there is no waiting around for coals to warm up.
Being able to light a grill quickly means less wait time overall. If someone is grilling for several guests, then they’ll be glad to own a gas grill. They’ll have the food grilled in no time.
Charcoal grills produce food that has a hint of smoke flavor, which means not all foods are suitable for a charcoal grill. Gas grills are versatile when it comes to the types of foods that can be grilled. This includes an array of vegetables, fish, and even fruit. More and more people are turning to gas grills due to this.
Gas grills’ temperatures can easily be adjusted. All it requires is turning a dial to the desired temperature. It is easy to go from low to high heat within a few minutes.
The biggest downside to owning a gas grill is not being able to bring it while on the go. Gas grills lack portability. However, there are travel-sized grills, but even they are difficult to bring on the go. In fact, travel size grills are often considered dangerous.
If someone is going to buy a travel-size gas grill, then they should choose a lightweight model. They’ll also want to make sure it is equipped with safety mechanisms. Finally, they should choose a travel-size grill that has far more positive reviews than negative reviews.
It doesn’t matter what type of cooking someone is doing, there are safety and cleaning precautions (learn how to properly clean a gas grill) they should follow. However, a person needs to be extra careful when they are cooking food on a gas grill. If they aren’t, then they can potentially start a fire.
A good safety precaution to take is to ensure the propane tank is properly attached to the grill. Not only that, but the gas grill shouldn’t be too close to the home. Finally, it’s a good idea to ensure a gas grill is free from grease each and every time it’s going to be used.
Another con is the amount of time it takes to set up a gas grill. Assembling a gas grill can be time-consuming, due to having to attach a propane tank to it. Charcoal grills on the other hand are quick and very simple to assemble.
Those are the pros and cons of charcoal grills and gas grills. The truth is consumers can’t go wrong with either. Whether or not one is better than the other all comes down to personal preference. Nonetheless, it is wise to compare as many grills as possible before purchasing one.
