Charcoal or Gas: The Endless BBQ Debate

By Jordan Penner

Charcoal or gas: which is the best choice in a BBQ? People have been arguing this point for many years. Each has its pros and cons, and people are often fiercely loyal to their chosen method of grilling. But if you're new to barbeque cooking and you don't know where to start, here's a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Gas

* Quick. In just 10 minutes, the grill is ready.

* You can easily control the heat. It gives you the flexibility of pacing the cooking. 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. Gas can help you easily manage these requirements.

* 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.

* Flavor. Some people don't like the flavor of food prepared on a gas grill. Plus, you won't get the aromatic flavor of wood smoke that you will with a charcoal flame.

* Easy to clean. There are no ashes to clean up. A tray to catch the drippings handles most of the cleaning, and you can increase the heat for several minutes in order to burn off the remains so that they can be more easily removed.

* Cost conscious. You can get eight hours of grilling out of a single propane tank.

* Your upfront costs might be higher, but there are a lot of different price points to fit most budgets.

* 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.

* Initial cost is low, but it may not be efficient in the long run.

* They're slow, both to get started and throughout the cooking. 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's no way to regulate the heat, so it's important that you watch your food carefully while it's cooking.

* The cost of briquettes may prove to be quite expensive in the long run.

* 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.

So there you have some BBQ tips to help you decide between gas and charcoal. You should choose the one which fits not only your budget, but also your lifestyle. Busy people might want to get a gas grill as they are highly effective time wise. However, if you have some time on your hands, you can't beat the flavor that charcoal gives.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment