Grilling 101: Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill

So you’re ready to grill but can’t choose between a gas grill vs charcoal grill. This guide will cover what a gas grill is, what a charcoal grill is, and the benefits of both types of grills. At the end, you’ll be able to tell the difference between a gas grill vs. charcoal grill and be able to choose the right one for you and your needs.

In this guide:
Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: Which Should You Get?
What Is a Gas Grill?
Benefits of Gas Grills
What Is a Charcoal Grill?
Benefits of Charcoal Grills

Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: Which Should You Get?

Choosing between a gas and a charcoal grill? Use our comparison above or keep reading below to see how these two types of grills stack up against each other.

What Is a Gas Grill?

Gas grills are grills that get their fuel by being hooked up to a tank – like a propane tank – that releases a steady flow of gas. Once the gas is lit, the grill can keep a steady flame for grilling. Think of it as an outdoor gas stove.

Benefits of Gas Grills

Gas grills have many selling features that make them a great choice. They offer more temperature control than charcoal grills, making them ideal if you want to cook many different types of food. Because gas grills use gas to cook, there won’t be any additional smoky flavor added to your foods like with charcoal cooking. Unlike charcoal, gas doesn’t leave any additional smokey flavor to your foods. Read on for more features of gas grills.

• Quick Set-Up: Gas grills take little to no time to set up. Grilling with a gas grill for the first time will require you to hook up your grill to your gas source, like a propane tank. Grilling after the initial setup simply requires that you turn the grill and gas source on.

• Easy to Use: Gas grills are easy to use because of their similarity to stoves. Gas grills cook and operate just like gas stoves. If you know how to work a gas stove, you can apply what you know to a gas grill. This includes how to use gas grill accessories like griddles and warming racks. Opt for a gas grill if you like the look and feel of cooking on a stove, but want to be able to grill foods outside as well.

• Electronic Ignition: Gas grills with electronic ignition are easy to start because they create a spark that lights the gas. This eliminates the need for matches and lighters.

• Rotisserie Burner: A rotisserie burner offers you a place to make rotisserie right on the grill. If you love slow roasted foods, opt for a gas grill with this feature.

• Porcelain-Coated Grates: Gas grills with porcelain-coated grates offer a unique way to keep your food warm and protect the metal grate underneath at the same time. If you’re looking for a grill that retains more heat for longer periods of time and a way to ensure your grates last, opt for a gas grill with this feature.

• Lights: Gas grills with lights included offer you flexibility and convenience. The lights allow you to see while you're grilling at any time. This is great if you like to grill later in the day or if your outdoor area doesn’t get much sunlight.

• Side Burner: Sideburners are an extra burner that is placed outside of the grill. Sideburners are a great feature to have if you like to cook food separately. Opt for a gas grill with a side burner if you like to cook with precision, as it will allow you to cook separate things in different ways.

• Storage: Want more storage? Opt for a gas grill that comes with a cabinet. These are the best places for storing propane tanks, grilling tools, and anything else you might need to prepare your food.

• Infrared Main Burner: Grilling with infrared heat helps food retain more moisture as it cooks the meat without drying the air around it. If you prefer your food to be tender and moist when you eat it, opt for a gas grill with this feature.

• Smoker: Gas grills with smokers allow you to smoke your foods. If you like to enjoy your food with smoky flavors, opt for a gas grill with a smoker.

What Is a Charcoal Grill?

Charcoal grills get their name from their heat source – charcoal. Charcoal is what’s left of wood after it's been heated at extreme temperatures to dehydrate it. A charcoal grill uses charcoal to burn fire at an even pace, around an evenly distributed area. For more information about types of charcoal grills, their specific features, and how to use them, check out our guide How to Use a Charcoal Grill.

Benefits of Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are typically very straightforward. Unlike gas grills, they usually don’t have any knobs or switches that need to be operated. Because of this, these grills are very low maintenance. If you’re looking for a simple grill without a lot of bells and whistles, charcoal grills may be best for you. Read on for more charcoal grill features.

• Easy Setup & Use: To set up your charcoal grill, you’ll want to cover the inner grate of the grill with charcoal in a pyramid shape, then light a piece of paper and place it in the middle of the coals. Once the coals are hot, you can grill on the top grate. The placement of your charcoal can also allow you to create more intense heat in certain parts of the grill. Opt for a charcoal grill if you like an uncomplicated start and cooking process.

• Smoky Taste: Charcoals produce a smoke that will naturally flavor whatever food is being cooked on the grill. Opt for a charcoal grill if you prefer the hint of a smoky taste in your food. If you really love smoky flavor, choose a charcoal grill that doubles as a food smoker.

• Nonstick Grates: Opt for a charcoal grill with a non-stick grate and maintaining your grill will take minutes. If you like the idea of appliances that are easy to take care of and clean, a nonstick charcoal grill is for you.

Tip!

If you like the benefits of gas and charcoal grills equally, check out gas and charcoal grill combos. These grills give you the best of both worlds, as they allow you to cook foods using both gas and charcoal. Opt for this kind of grill if you like to customize your cooking processes.

Now that this guide has shown the difference between a gas grill vs charcoal grill and has introduced you to the different features of both, you can choose the right one for your needs.