If you’re planning to invest in a new barbecue, then the biggest question you’ll likely face is whether to opt for gas or charcoal. Check out this guide for the pros and cons of each type to help you make up your mind.
Gas BBQs
A gas barbecue is convenient and easy to get going. Gas BBQs tend to be cleaner and quicker to use than charcoal, and some come with an array of useful features, including hob burners as well as grills.
Pros of gas BBQs
Gas barbecues will usually be ready for use within 10 minutes of lighting. You can control the heat level instantly, and it is a consistent and reliable way to cook. A gas barbecue is also easier to clean, as there is no messy coal or ash to clear up. They are great for parties, as you can cook a large quantity of food rapidly and efficiently.
Cons of gas barbecues
A gas barbecue will generally cost more than a charcoal one, so the initial outlay is higher. A gas bottle will last a long time, but you will have to fork out more money to fill it up before you begin and when a refill is required. Some say that the flavour simply isn’t as good as when cooking over coals. Gas models also tend to be heavier and bulkier, making them trickier to store – and you have to find space for the glass bottle too.
Charcoal BBQs
Charcoal barbecues are simple to use, take up less space and tend to be more affordable than their gas counterparts.
Pros of charcoal BBQs
A charcoal barbecue is usually cheaper to buy than a gas one, and a pack of charcoal will also cost less than a gas bottle – and is easier to get home from the shops. Some believe that charcoal barbecues are the only authentic models, because of the smoky flavour that they give to food when cooked.
Cons of charcoal barbecues
It’s not always easy to light a charcoal barbecue – especially during windy weather. Once it does get going, it will be a lot longer before you can actually start to cook the food in comparison to when using a gas-powered model. Users have less control over temperature, and the coals and ash make cleaning a more laborious task. Charcoal barbecues are often smaller than gas ones too.
Gas BBQ vs charcoal: which is better for you?
If you like to keep barbecues simple and authentic, then perhaps a charcoal barbecue will be best. It will take up less space and is also more portable.
If you throw a lot of barbecue parties, or want to put together a family dinner at a moment’s notice, then a gas barbecue might well be the right choice. While some say that cooking over coals is the only way to barbecue, others swear that there’s no going back once they’ve invested in a gas model.
When it comes to deciding between gas and charcoal, the answer is really is more a matter of individual preference.
