How to Decide Between a Gas and Charcoal Grill

Grilling can be intimidating.

But community aside, it can be hard to know where to get started.

The first question you should probably ask yourself: gas or charcoal?

But thenI got a Weber Kettle, and became the BBQ Dad I needed.

Why do you want to grill?

There are several reasons to get into grilling, and they are all valid.

The by-products of their combustion are mostly just water vapor and carbon dioxide.

At the same time, theres a competing source of flavor: vaporized drippings from your food.

This happens regardless, whether your heat source is charcoal or gas.

Smoke obviously has one drawback: It smells, and it makes you smell.

Charcoal is also dirtier, and creates ash, which has to be disposed of.

It is very easy to get a gas grill going.

Turn the knob and press the little lighter button.

Its on, and it gets hot very quickly (about five to 10 minutes).

Controlling the temperature on a charcoal grill requires manipulating the air flow.

It is a useless number.

BTU is just a measure of how much gas is used, like mpg in a car.

Not very helpful if you want to know what top speed is.

I do, however, like having the option.

I have had great success using my Weber Kettle as a smoker.

[*This is a gender-neutral term.]

All you have to do is toss some wood on the hot coals.

This is by design and is intended as a safety measure.

All it would take then is a tiny spark, and BOOM.

A gas grill will give you more distinct grill marks, butthats not a good thing.

Thin strips of browning mean thin strips of flavor.

With a charcoal grill, your food is seared by the direct, radiant heat of the coals.

The hotter and closer they are to your food, the better sear youll get.

Gas grills are kind of the opposite.

The good news is that there are several grillsboth gas and charcoalthat fit into smaller spaces.

Where am I going to put it?How much space do you have?

Do you want to be able to take it to the park, the beach, or camping?

Are you even allowed to have a grill at your condo?

Charcoal grills make better smokers, and are better suited for those looking for weekend projects.