Gas Grills, Gas Fireplaces and Accessories

New Grill? Gas or Charcoal, Which is Better?

Wednesday, March 08, 2023
The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury

At the risk of offending the devout, here are our insights into the great debate: whether gas or charcoal grilling is better. Basically, we’re non-partisan. Any grilling is good grilling if it suits your needs and tastes.

We recommend the method that fits your lifestyle. Some folks feel a basic human need to make fire; they enjoy the hands-on experience of lighting charcoal. Some even like the challenge of charcoal grilling in cold, wet or windy weather.

Waiting for the charcoal to reach cooking temperature is half the fun for these folks (not to mention the post-dinner marshmallow roast over glowing coals). And the portability of the smaller grill is a must for grillers on the go.

Other folks want convenience and spontaneity. A gas grill allows them to instantly “fire it up” anytime and get down to cooking. Adjusting temperatures is as easy as turning a knob. Gas grills are inexpensive to operate, offer easy cleanup (the residue will burn off during preheating) and offer no resistance in inclement weather.

But what about flavor?

Charcoal fans insist the smoke from the coals best flavors a barbecue. Gas folks claim that quick cooking is the tastiest. Actually we think both are right. In blind taste tests we’ve run, people can’t detect significant taste differences between foods cooked on charcoal or gas grills. But then, taste is a personal issue, so we leave it to the backyard debaters to define their own standards. It’s a harmless sport, and it helps work up a good appetite.

Contact The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center at West Sport in Sudbury.

Source: weber.com