Grill: Charcoal or Gas?

[Patronus]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 12:13pm

My current charcoal grill is weather beaten and I'm going to head over to Lowe's this weekend and grab a new one.

I've always used charcoal for various reasons, but every time I've had to buy a new one I entertain the thought of getting gas because of how much easier it is to start up and cook quickly.

I also plan to use it fairly regularly. 2-3 times a week at least.

A quick search online has shown that this is quite a passionate issue for a lot of people so I wanted to get some opinions.

I'd like to stay right around the $200 mark so infrared is probably out.

What say you?

[bdwaygirl]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 12:41pm

I love a good charcoal fire. Love.

Wouldn't get a gas grill for the longest time, because I was afraid of the propane tank, changing it, etc.

For the, quickness after work, issue (charcoal taking a bit to long to heat up), I broke down a few years ago and bought a gas grill, fully put together. My friend hooked up the tank for me, cause as I said, I'm afraid of it. It's just me and so far, I haven't had to change it yet. But I love coming home and throwing some chicken or whatever on it. Since it is just me, I bought a very simple CharBroil, I think it is. it does have a shelf on one side and a burner on the other.

[Patronus]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 12:44pm

Yeah, I have a little bit of the fear factor too. The concept of having a canister full of liquid gas on my back porch baking in the Texas heat is slightly terrifying.

[artscallion]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 12:46pm

I have charcoal, gas and a smoker. The gas grill is the one I use most often and love the most. As has been said, it eliminates the start-up wait time. It's also much simpler to control the amount of heat you're getting, cleanup is a snap and no charcoal or lighter fluid to buy and store.

[artscallion]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 12:51pm

Also, those tanks as so well insulated, there's no danger to them. I mean millions of people have them and have you ever heard of one exploding? On the other hand, I've heard of several lighter fluid disasters over the years.

Refilling them is also a snap. Our local UHaul rental place fills them and they do all the work. You just screw the connecting hose from your grill onto the tank when you get home.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 1:13pm

SIZ IT!

[Eris0303]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 1:14pm

I have heard warnings about buying those gauges to stick on top of the propane tank. I have heard that they the pressure inside can blow them right off the tank.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 1:21pm

Mine sits outside, under a cover, year round. Been out there for 11 years. It not go boom!

[artscallion]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 1:24pm

Yeah, you don't need a gauge anyway. You can tell how full the gas tank is by feeling it. Propane is cold. If you live in a humid area, you can also tell by where the condensation ends on the tank.

But really what most people do is have two tanks. Then you never have to think about it. When one runs out, switch it off for the spare. Then get the empty one filled at your leisure and use it as the spare.

[bdwaygirl]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 1:28pm

I don't have a shed or a garage. The only place for me to store a spare would be in the basement, and that ain't happening.

When I used charcoal, I used to buy the ones already treated. No lighter fluid involved.

[Patronus]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 1:46pm

Yep, I buy Match Light.

Good tips on both side guys. Thanks.

[John Adams]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 1:55pm

Nothing beats the flavor of charcoal. I had a gas grill for a long time and although it was very convenient, I always missed the flavor and aroma of meat cooked over charcoal.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 2:02pm

I also prefer coal, though gas is likely more environment-friendly and is certainly more convenient. I never use pre-soaked coal or lighter fluid because it affects the taste. It takes a little longer, but I prefer using
a charcoal chimney starter

[ArtMan]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 3:47pm

Why not an electric grill?

[John Adams]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 3:56pm

Like an electric rangetop, electricity is more difficult to regulate (cool down and heat up take longer).

Is there such a think as an electric grill, though? I thought the definition of a grill implied "open flame".

[ArtMan]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 4:08pm

I own a condo in Florida and our association does not allow charcoal or gas, just electric. Everybody seems to have one. I do not. So can't give you an opinion about it. Just know people use them to cook out.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 4:11pm

I would never use an electric grill. Way too hard to regulate temperature. I don't even like cooking on electric stovetops.

[bdwaygirl]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 4:16pm

When we moved into our new house back in the late 60's, my folks bought an electric grill. It had a curved electric element running through it, and lava rocks on the bottom. That's actually what I learned to grill on. It didn't take long to heat up or cool down.

Never had a problem and if I had an outside outlet now, that's probably what I would've gotten instead of the propane.

[Patronus]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 4:23pm

Not interested in an electric grill.

I would consider infrared, but the price point jumps up quite a bit.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 4/26/13 at 1:44am

Let's ask an expert:

Would you buy a charcoal grill?

http://replygif.net/i/655

Updated On: 4/26/13 at 01:44 AM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/26/13 at 10:40am

I want my grill solid gold.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 4/26/13 at 12:12pm

We have a gas grill on our deck. Never had a problem with it.

[suestorm]

Posted: 4/26/13 at 2:48pm

I asked my dad about this, we have a gas grill cuz its convienant and cleaner, but all he does is complain that the coal ones make the food taste better... but coal is a pain, cuz it takes longer, the coals are hard to expose. i hope that helps.

Updated On: 4/26/13 at 02:48 PM

[SNAFU]

Posted: 4/26/13 at 7:26pm

I asked your dad something too. He apologized and said it was after a night of drunken revelry and a broken condom.

[Patronus]

Posted: 4/27/13 at 5:28pm

My search took me to Lowes and had the sales guy really push an Infrared to me. It seemed decent enough, but that felt too much like cooking on an electric stovetop to me.

I ended up spending more than I intended, but I got the entry level Weber Spirit 2-Burner (26500 BTU)that is reviewed very well and felt a lot sturdier than the lower end models. This was a big plus for my wife who is a bit freaked out by gas grills so it gave her some peace of mind.

I was also very impressed that it had an actual iron grills like the higher end models as opposed to the metal "rack" style.

I'm going to cook up something tonight and again tomorrow so hopefully it'll be great.

Thanks for all the opinions!