Grilling is a beloved culinary method that brings out the best taste in meats and vegetables. When it comes to choosing between gas and charcoal grilling, the decision often boils down to personal preferences such as convenience, flavour, and costs.
Let’s delve into the pros and cons of each and figure out how to make an informed decision.
Gas Grilling
Pros:
1. Convenient and fast
Gas grills heat up quickly, allowing you to start cooking within minutes. This makes them ideal for barbecues and weeknight dinners when you do not have enough time or patience for charcoal grilling.
2. Precise temperature control
Gas grills offer precise temperature control with adjustable knobs, making it easier to cook food evenly. Our Prime Gas barbecues allow you to choose between three burners, four burners or five burners.
3. Cleaner
Gas grills produce less smoke and residue, resulting in a cleaner grilling experience and easier cleanup. With the GRLLR GrillFlow System, fats are stored in a cup making it a safer way to grill and reducing the risk of flare-ups.
4. Versatility in cooking
GRLLR Prime Gas grills come with additional features like side burners, rotisseries, and multiple cooking zones. You can find accessories specially developed for the Prime Series such as the GRLLR Plancha, GRLLR Rotisserie and GRLLR Hose & Regulator.
Cons:
1. Flavour
Gas grilling may not provide the same smoky flavour that charcoal grilling is known for.
2. Cost
Gas grills are generally more expensive to purchase initially. Check out our Prime G3S gas barbecue for a budget friendly price and high quality.
3. Maintenance
Regular maintenance of gas lines and burners is necessary to ensure safety and efficiency.
Charcoal Grilling
Pros:
1. Smoky Flavour
Charcoal grilling is renowned for the rich, smoky flavour it imparts to food, thanks to the combustion of charcoal and wood chips.
2. Affordability
Charcoal grills are often less expensive than gas grills.
3. Portability
Many charcoal grills are portable, making them perfect for camping or storing away. The Ember Classic 16 inch can be used with a stand and trolley, making it an ideal choice for those with limited outdoor space.
4. Heat Intensity
Charcoal grills can achieve higher temperatures, which is ideal for searing meats.
Cons:
1. Time Consuming
Charcoal grills take longer to heat up, often requiring 20-30 minutes before they are ready for cooking.
2. Temperature Control
Achieving and maintaining the desired temperature can be challenging. However, the Ember Pro Kamado is well-known for good heat control and balance.
3. Cleanup
Charcoal grills produce ash and soot, making cleanup more time consuming.
Making the Choice
When deciding between gas and charcoal grilling, consider the following factors:
1. What flavours you prefer.
If you prioritise the smoky flavour, charcoal is the way to go. For a cleaner taste, gas is preferable.
2. How often you’ll be using it.
Gas grills are better suited for frequent use due to their convenience and ease of use.
3. Your budget.
Consider both the initial cost of the grill and the ongoing cost of fuel. In some countries charcoal is more expensive than gas and vice versa.
4. Portability.
If you need a portable option, a charcoal grill might be more suitable.
5. Your preferred cooking style.
For quick and precise cooking, gas is ideal. For high-heat searing and slow cooking, charcoal is better.
The cost-effectiveness of gas versus charcoal grilling can vary significantly by country due to differences in fuel prices and availability. Generally, in the US, Canada and Australia, gas is cheaper. Charcoal is cheaper in places such as South Africa, Brazil and India.
If you can’t decide, you can always opt for both.
Both gas and charcoal grilling have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Your choice should be guided by your taste preferences, cooking habits, budget, and the specific cost dynamics in your country.
Whether you opt for the convenience of gas or the rich flavour of charcoal, grilling is a delightful way to enjoy outdoor cooking and create amazing memories with your loved ones. And, if you can’t decide, you can always opt for both to make use of them in different situations. For instance, you can combine the efficiency of Gas Prime BBQs together with one of our charcoal table grills to experience the best of both worlds.
