What are the pros and cons of charcoal vs. gas vs. wood grills?

16 comments

  2. To me, the pros of a gas grill are time, just open the propane tank and fire it up, vs getting charcoal ready, plus the tank will last longer than a bag of charcoal so less running to the store, and cleanliness, not having to deal with ashes. Charcoal grilling gives you that flavor that you either prefer or don’t. I’m personally a charcoal guy, I’m fine waiting an extra 20 minutes to get the charcoal going for what is in my opinion a better flavor, and if I want a cleaner flavor, I have a outdoor burner if I really want to cook outside.

    I’ve used a Weber Kettle for years, and it’s still my go to. I did buy an offset smoker a few years ago though, an Oklahoma Joe.

  3. Gas is easy, but propane is pricey. No added flavor.

    Charcoal is great for smoking small amounts of meat or plain out grilling. Smoke will stick to your clothes, but charcoal is fairly cheap and burns pretty consistently.

    Wood is bulky and cumbersome and the pits themselves tend to be expensive. However, they tend to last a lifetime, can cook a ton of meat if you do a lot of hosting, and the flavor is unmatched in my opinion. Fuel can be a blessing or a curse. Wood bebexpensive when you buy it, but depending on where you live you can find plenty for free. I check streets after storms and find pecan,oak and mesquite all the time.

    Each one is different. Buy all 3, but if i had to pick one for an average guy, id say a weber kettle because of the versatility

  7. I prefer charcoal. Besides the added flavor, there’s something about tending the flames that I enjoy. Propane adds nothing and you might as well cook off your stovetop, in my opinion.

  8. Natural gas is easiest to light and have a consistent flame. You might have issue with spiders getting into the openings for the nozzle though. This would be for a stationary grill.

    Propane is alright, can be pricey to refill and annoying if the fuel runs out. But it is more portable. You may need to buy an adapter if your grill is meant for the smaller canisters. Also don’t try to light it with the lid closed. It won’t have enough air to light and when you do open the lid to try it a huge fireball will happen.

    Charcoal is alright. Takes about 20 minutes to get the coals nice and ashy. I wouldn’t use lighter fluid. Tends to have a better taste than propane. You can light it in a canister in a campfire pit and then transfer them or just build a small fire (some paper and an inch or two of died branches to light the coals) in the grill. Takes a bit of patience.

    Wood I wouldn’t know. I heard it tastes the best, especially if you use different types of wood like from an apple tree. Maybe others can tell you more about this.

  9. Charcoal: taste, grills tend to be cheaper, fuel is easy to store

    Gas: convenience and speed

  10. Well, looks like I’ll be wearing smoked clothes and eating free street wood for that unmatched flavor!

  11. Gas is easy, but do you really want plain Jane steaks?

    Charcoal adds flavor, but be ready for a smoky fashion statement.

    Wood is bulky, pricey, but oh boy, that unmatched flavor!

    Just buy all 3 and become the grill master!

  13. Charcoal tastes better. Gas is easier and less messy. Never tried wood

  14. Who needs a gym membership when you’ve got a wood grill? The workout is just part of the flavor!

  15. I like charcoal. For added flavor, I add in some applewood wood chips in a aluminum foil envelope that I make. I don’t use lighter fluid at all because I don’t want that smell or flavor on my food. I use a chimney to start my grill. Fill it up, then put some small pieces of cardboard and uncoated paper scraps under. Light it, wait about 10 or so minutes and you have some nice glowing charcoal ready to grill.

  16. Gas doesn’t even taste like a barbecue. If you’re going to use gas you may as well cook in the kitchen.

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