BBQ: Gas Vs Charcoal

Glaucus said:
Because bbqing is the while experience, gas tales away 80% of said experience, more expensive, less versatile etc. And relay isn't much mire convenient. Light charcoal and go do some prep work for 20mins.
That's before you even get to indirect cooking with added wood which most gas bbqs you can't do. Unless you spend a hell off a lot, then they are more convenient but again takeaway what a BBQ is all about.
Click to expand...

I agree that charcoal does add to the fun and experience of a BBQ. I have been using the instant light charcoal which makes it easier than messing with lighter fluid or solid fire lighters.
 
I can understand the charcoal love in a country with 20 sunny days a year but over here I'm afraid gas wins out - I'll fire up the BBQ to grill a couple salmon fillets or something at least a couple times a week and that's just not happening with a charcoal BBQ :p

I tend to take the best of both worlds, gas BBQ for regular cooking then can always take a bag of charcoal down to the public grills by the beach if I ever feel the need to be more 'manly'. I make sure to drive a massive truck and wolf whistle at every thing with a pulse while I'm at it too, just in case.
 
Last edited:
Glaucus said:
Because bbqing is the while experience, gas tales away 80% of said experience, more expensive, less versatile etc. And relay isn't much mire convenient. Light charcoal and go do some prep work for 20mins.
That's before you even get to indirect cooking with added wood which most gas bbqs you can't do. Unless you spend a hell off a lot, then they are more convenient but again takeaway what a BBQ is all about.
Click to expand...

Exactly. As well as the flavour, its all about the cooking experience. Lighting the fire, positioning the coals and standing around looking at it with a beer in hand are staples of the BBQ'ing experience (not in my opinion, in fact!).
 
Which is fair enough but you're surely kidding yourself that 'lighting the fire and positioning the coals' requires a form of expertise greater in magnitude than turning a knob and clicking an ignite button - its not rocket science we're talking here :p

In the same vein are chimney starters frowned upon because they detract from the vital standing with a beer until the coals are ready time vs the standing with a beer after the coals are ready time :p
 
Last edited:
Rich_L said:
- I'll fire up the BBQ to grill a couple salmon fillets or something at least a couple times a week and that's just not happening with a charcoal BBQ :p
Click to expand...

Why not? Plenty of us do even without the nice weather. I'll only cook steak on BBQ, regardless if it's raining or snow.
 
Well for one leaving hot coals unattended and subsequent disposal in an intensely flammable part of the world is not a particularly desirable trait :p Generally speaking I find charcoal is messy and time-consuming which I can happily do without for everyday cooking, especially given the minimal taste difference.

I'm a fan of charcoal BBQs as an event but as an extension of your kitchen for everyday usage the convenience of a gas bbq makes a lot more sense to me.
 
Glaucus said:
Because bbqing is the while experience, gas tales away 80% of said experience, more expensive, less versatile etc. And relay isn't much mire convenient. Light charcoal and go do some prep work for 20mins.
That's before you even get to indirect cooking with added wood which most gas bbqs you can't do. Unless you spend a hell off a lot, then they are more convenient but again takeaway what a BBQ is all about.
Click to expand...
So gas takes away the 80% of ball ache. Yes. Yes it does
 
Glaucus said:
Why not? Plenty of us do even without the nice weather. I'll only cook steak on BBQ, regardless if it's raining or snow.
Click to expand...

I've never eaten a grilled steak that rivaled one cooked in a pan. :)

Tbh this subject is done to death every year. I don't see the point of limiting yourself to one over the other, they both have their places. I do a leg of lamb on mine on xmas day and with everything else going on I prefer to do that with gas.

As has been proved many times there is nothing in the flavour, smoker boxes and lava rock can do the same job but I also understand a lot of perceived flavour comes from the experience of using fire! :)

I BBQ all year. So for that reason if I had to limit to one it would be gas.
 
I BBQ all year over charcoal and the only grief I have is buying charcoal in December.

Winter bbqing is fantastic as no one bothers you whilst you're outside.
 
Rich_L said:
Which is fair enough but you're surely kidding yourself that 'lighting the fire and positioning the coals' requires a form of expertise greater in magnitude than turning a knob and clicking an ignite button - its not rocket science we're talking here :p
Click to expand...

For many it is, as being real British BBQ men they still can't get their heads around not rubbing two sticks together to light the fire. Given that the majority have never experienced cooking on a good gas one before their views on the differences can be taken with a pinch of salt... or hot ash... :p
 
Gas for me, easier to adjust temperature, cleaner, faster from start to finish.
I occasionally cook directly over a campfire as well, using a cast iron plate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom