The argument about gas vs. charcoal grilling is as old as the barbecue itself, and individuals are frequently entrenched in one side or the other. But is one really superior to the other? In this blog article, we will have a look at gas BBQ from all angles and discuss its strong and weak points.

How does a gas BBQ work?

Propane and natural gas-fueled grills are one of the most common types of outdoor cooking equipment. They are equipped with a lidded cook box placed on a wheeled cart to make a BBQ portable. Small flames, emitted by the burners beneath the cooking surface, rise upward and radiate heat toward the dish. The grill can link to the home’s supply of natural gas (natural gas BBQs) or use portable tanks connected to the burners with a hose and regulator to draw fuel from them (propane gas BBQs).

Gas grills are extremely convenient, efficient, and ready to use in a flash. Gas grills have gotten a somewhat bad reputation, but they do the job for most people who only want to cook outdoors with ease. They quickly reach the desired temperature for cooking, and you may regulate the heat as needed.

What are the benefits of a gas BBQ?

  1. Easy to use. The main benefit is its simplicity and speed, since you may cook dinner in less than ten minutes.
  2. Controllable temperature. A high-quality gas grill will allow you to precisely set temperatures, giving you greater overall control.
  3. Direct and continuous heat. It comes from two to three sets of burners and allows for easy searing. It also frequently has add-ons such as griddles and side burners.
  4. Quick heat-up time, and flexibility in the small kitchen. Gas BBQs are ideal for summer midweek cooking as well as cooking for larger gatherings.

What are the cons of a gas BBQ?

  • Heat retention issues. Gas barbecues lack the even blanket of heat provided by a traditional charcoal BBQ. Gas barbecues try to make up for it with technological innovation (lava rocks and ceramic plates, for example), but they don’t always succeed. You are likely to have a hard time retaining heat and forming flavorful crusts on bigger cuts.

Furthermore, gas burns cooler than charcoal, limiting the effectiveness of the heat. You’ll be unable to perform indirect cooking or smoking.

Moreover, the in-built thermometers on some of the cheaper gas versions are not particularly dependable.

  • Higher cost. Charcoal barbecues are normally more affordable to buy and maintain.
  • Weight. Propane tanks are typically heavier than charcoal BBQs. if you want to go outdoors with your BBQ, it can be inconvenient.
  • No authentic flavour. On most gas BBQ models, you won’t always get the same smoky flavour as with charcoal.

Which BBQ to choose?

In the end, it all comes down to personal preferences. If you’re a serious cook who wants to perfect and learn how to properly prepare over wood or charcoal, go for it. However, if you just want to cook for a large gathering without much preparation or planning, or simply want to do some immediate outdoor grilling, then buy a durable gas BBQ.

It’s difficult to know what type of BBQ to get when there are so many brands and variants on the market. Whether you’re shopping for your first gas or professional grill, Which BBQ has got you covered with our BBQ reviews and ratings.