The barbeque world is split between hardcore gas bbq fanatics and charcoal fans, The manufacturers of gas barbeque are offer many different accessories to replicate the flavours from a charcoal.. So what is the real difference?
In the article we will cover the following points:
- Convenience and speed
- Cost
- Flavour
- Temperature range
Gas barbeques are undoubtably more convenient and quicker to set up than charcoal, In fact - from switching it on to actual cook time can be just a few minutes whereas a charcoal BBQ can take 20-30 minutes to get up to the right temperature. If you're buying a BBQ just to cook sausages, bacon and burgers etc to keep the smell out of your house - A gas BBQ would probably be your best option.
Winner: Gas
Barbeques can vary wildly in cost - from £100 to several thousand pounds, In general, a gas BBQ will probably cost more to purchase outright but will actually be cheaper to run ongoing. If cost is a big factor in your decision - a gas barbeque might be a better investment. If you just want a low cost BBQ regardless of ongoing costs then a charcoal BBQ will be the lowest cost.
Winner - Tie
The number one reason why people invest in premium charcoal barbeques is for the flavour. Despite all the flavour bars and additional equipment offered by Weber, Napoleon and other premium gas barbeque manufacturers - you cannot replicate the real barbeque flavours found with charcoal barbeques - the reason for this actually has very little to do with the charcoal itself except that charcoal runs way hotter than gas. When food is cooking on a charcoal BBQ - the fats, proteins and sugars drip off the food and land onto the charcoal at the bottom of the BBQ, these drippings instantly vaporise on contact with the charcoal sending flavour back up to the food in the form of steam. Gas burners normally have a deflector plate on top to prevent the burners being clogged up with drippings etc. If your priority is maximum flavour then charcoal is the way to go.
Winner: Charcoal
Whether you're cooking brisket or tandoori style chicken - you will need to be able to regulate the temperature of your cooking, a gas grill may offer an easier way to control the temperature however at lower temperatures - will not give the same flavour profile. If you are cooking something that requires high heat, most gas grills max out at around 280C whereas charcoal can heat above 400C. Tandoori style chicken uses this high heat to lock in the moisture, tandoor ovens generally run at very high temperatures and gain most of the flavour from the fats and oils dripping onto the hot coals. For regulating the temperature of your cook - gas is easier but charcoal has a wider cooking range.