When it’s time to start grilling outside, the classic debate rears its head: charcoal grill vs gas grill. Each approach has devoted fans who swear by their preferred method.
But which should you go with? Here, we’ll break down both by various factors, from ease of use to depth of flavor. Then with all of the information, you’ll feel confident in deciding which grill best suits your culinary style.
Charcoal Grill vs Gas Grill Explained
The Smoky Charcoal Tradition
It’s no surprise that charcoal grills are the go-to for those seeking that unmistakable smoky grilled flavor. But charcoal grills aren’t just about the taste. These types of grills offer a hands-on grilling experience that many chefs love.
Here’s why you may lean towards a charcoal grill:
- Smoky flavor: There’s nothing quite like the rich, smoky aroma of food grilled over charcoal, perfect for cooks who want a traditional barbecue taste
- High heat: Charcoal can reach high temperatures quickly, allowing for a perfect sear on steaks and veggies
- Portability: Without the need for gas tanks or outlets, charcoal grills are best for on-the-go grilling, from beachside to campground
Gas Grill Convenience
Meanwhile, gas grills offer ease of use and temperature control. This makes them ideal for grillmasters who prefer straightforward cooking or who are pressed for time.
Here are just a few reasons people prefer gas grills:
- Immediate start: Gas grills ignite instantly and are ready to cook in minutes
- Temperature precision: You can easily adjust the flame to grill even delicate dishes like fish
- Eco-friendly: Gas grills burn cleaner than charcoal, producing fewer pollutants
Your Grilling Style: A Personal Choice
Truthfully, when it comes to choosing a charcoal grill vs gas grill, it really boils down to what you value most in your grilling experience. Do you enjoy the ritual of lighting and tending to charcoal? Or, do you prioritize convenience and consistency?
Ready to Grill? Here Are Some Grills Worth Considering
So if you’re ready to buy a grill, here are a few standouts for different cooking styles and budgets, broken down by type: charcoal grill vs gas grill.
Charcoal Grills
Enjoy the Classic Charcoal Experience With a Webber Grill
If you’re team charcoal in the charcoal grill vs gas grill debate, you can’t go wrong with classic charcoal grilling, and the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grilll 22″ will give you just that. Perfect for creating traditional flavors with modern conveniences, this oldie but goodie makes charcoal grilling as straightforward as it gets.
Some other features of this tried-and-true grill include:
- Large capacity to easily fit up to 13 burgers at once
- One-TouchTM Cleaning System with a high-capacity ash catcher for simple cleanup
- A porcelain-enameled lid and bowl protect against rust and peeling
- A hinged cooking grate for easy charcoal loading
- Built-in lid thermometer for accurate grilling
Grill Like a Pro Without Breaking the Bank With Char-Broil
Unleash the potential of outdoor cooking with the Char-Broil® Performance Series™ Amplifire™ 4-Burner Gas Grill. Using Amplifire cooking technology, this grill ensures an even heat distribution across the whole cooking surface, eliminating flare-ups, and locking in juices for more flavor.
Other things about this grill we love are:
- Its 435 sq. in. of primary cooking space to easily grill up to 20 burgers, 8 chicken breasts, or 4 steaks
- A top-ported stainless steel burners that even heat across the entire grilling surface
- A total of 25,000 BTUs for powerful grilling
- Porcelain-coated steel grates, which are durable, easy to clean, and deliver even cooking
- Versatile warming rack for indirect cooking and to help keep food warm
- 2 large side shelves for prep and for keeping grilling essentials close
Experience the Latest in Charcoal Ceramic Grilling With a Kamado Joe Digital Grill
If you want your grilling to have a touch of tech, consider the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe™ Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker. This smart grill simplifies the process without sacrificing that authentic charcoal taste. Just note that because this is a smart grill, it does come at a luxury price.
Yet, despite the price tag, here are some reasons this grill may be for you:
- Automatic Fire Starter for hassle-free ignition and a digital Kontrol Board for precise temperature control
- The Kamado Joe App, which allows you to adjust settings and monitor what you’re grilling, complete with temperature graphing and alerts
- Offers both Automatic Cook Mode for digital precision and Classic Mode for those who love the traditional Kamado grilling feel
- The Kontrol Fan, which maintains your desired cooking temperature, ranging from 225-700 degrees F
- Equipped with a 2-Tier Divide & Conquer® Cooking System, you can prepare various dishes simultaneously at different temperatures
- Comes with a heavy-duty powder-coated steel grill cart with locking wheels for easy movement and stability
Gas Grills
Create Meals on a Family-Favorite Gas Grill From Webber
On the other side of the charcoal grill vs gas grill debate, if you’re looking for hassle-free grilling, the Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill fits the bill perfectly. Whether it’s family dinners or casual gatherings, this three-burner powerhouse allows for easy multitasking.
This gas grill has a lot going for it, including:
- 30,000 BTU-per-hour across three stainless steel burners for consistent and even cooking temperatures
- A primary cooking area of 424 sq. in. plus a 105 sq. in. warming rack
- An open-cart design for convenient access to grilling tools and accessories
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates are durable and easy to clean
- 2 side tables for extra prep space and 6 tool hooks
Webber Strikes Again With a Gas-Grilling Game-Changer
The Weber GENESIS E-315 Gas Grill is a flagship in Weber’s vast stable of grills. This may be your pick if you take outdoor cooking seriously. So whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or a casual gathering with friends, the Genesis E-315 has you covered with ample cooking space and innovative features.
Why we love the Webber GENESIS E-315:
- Weber “PureBlu” burners provide uniform heat across the entire grilling area for flawless cooking
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates retain high heat for perfect sear marks
- “FLAVORIZER Bars” vaporize juices with high heat, adding a rich, smoky flavor to your dishes
- A grease management system with a pull-out tray for easy cleanup
- Side tables for easy access to tools and seasonings, and a warming rack to keep food ready to serve
- A large total cooking area of 640.5 sq. in., so you can grill an entire meal at once
Consider a Versatile Gas Grill From Monument Grills
The Monument Grills Denali 605 Dual Fuel Gas Grill is a smart solution if you love to entertain. It’s main feature is that it has natural gas and propane options. But the Denali 605 also combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making it a standout choice.
Other features of this grill include:
- Compatibility with both natural gas and propane, offering flexibility for any outdoor cooking situation
- The ability to easily monitor your grill’s temperature and cooking times with intuitive Bluetooth app control
- The Full Window Lid, which lets you keep an eye on your food without lifting the lid
- An LED screen and indication knob lights for clear visibility, day or night
- A 640 sq. in. primary cooking area complemented by an 84,000 BTU output, ensuring ample space and power for even the largest meals
- A versatile side burner, perfect for preparing sauces or side dishes
Is a Combo Grill the Ultimate Answer to Charcoal Grill vs Gas Grill?
If you’re having a hard time deciding between charcoal grill vs gas grill, meet the PIT BOSS Memphis Ultimate Combo Grill. This 4-in-1 sturdy piece of equipment combines a gas grill, charcoal grill, electric smoker, and the capacity for indirect cooking, for an all-encompassing outdoor cooking experience.
Besides its versatility, you may opt for this combo grill because it features:
- A gas grill with three stainless-steel burners producing 36,000 BTUs, a charcoal grill with an adjustable grate, and a lower electric analog smoker
- 1,850 sq. in. of cooking area for large-scale entertaining
- Adjustable vents enable offset smoking or cold smoking by directing the smoke from the electric smoker into either the gas or charcoal chambers
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grilling surfaces and warming racks for even heating and easy cleanup
- 2 drawer storage, tool hooks, a prep side shelf, and locking caster wheels for easy mobility
Let Your Tastebuds Decide Between Charcoal Grill vs Gas Grill
No matter if you go for a charcoal grill vs gas grill, choosing the right option for you will elevate your outdoor cooking game. So, whether you lean towards charcoal’s rich flavors or gas’s straightforward ease, all you have to do is make sure your choice lines up with your cooking style and you’ll love your choice.
