The Pros and Cons of Gas Vs Charcoal Grilling

There has been a debate with gas (propane) or charcoal (wood) grilling since gas grilling was introduced probably because charcoal grilling was here first. Which one is the best? The general opinion of how people feel about this is dependent on several things, Convenience, Authenticity, and Taste that determine which way to go. The number one thing to consider is Convenience. Gas grilling is easier but it sacrifices taste according to some and charcoal grilling is messy and requires constant attention.

Basically if you're hungry and want a quick meal go with gas. If, on the other hand you want a great tasting meal and don't mind the extra work, go with charcoal. Authenticity is a very important factor because originality was based on outdoor grilling and what is natural outside when you cook. Gas grilling just does not go hand in hand with nature. It was actually introduced to cut out the messy work of fire, smoke, and wood. When you think of the old west and how they fed themselves you never saw a cowboy with a propane tank hanging from the back of the horse. Taste of course is really the determining factor of which way to go. If taste is what you're after then the decision lies on what taste you like. If you like your meat without the BBQ smoked taste, go with gas. If you fear the flare-ups and smoke also go with gas.

One good way to cover both gas and charcoal is to get you a griller that can do both. If you know that you will definitely cook both ways but you don't want two grillers why not purchase a gas/charcoal griller. There is no best way to go because it solely depends on how you feel that day. Sometimes we are so hungry we take shortcuts to circumvent the added work so we may just want to throw a chicken breast or steak on the grill and wait a few minutes till its done. This is done quickly with gas.

On the other if you're going to cook on a family and friends cookout you want the whole show. You can then pull out the same gas/charcoal grill and do you're rituals with the fire, smoke, and smells of the art. Ah yes, how sweet it is for the expert BBQ cook to be in the smoke of things. This is the person that even has stories of how he managed to be the best in the trade. Just remember, what ever you do, do it with safety in mind and have a great cookout!

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