Grilling is in Aussie DNA. Almost two-thirds of Australian households own a barbecue. In some areas, this figure rises to more than three-quarters of households. That’s how passionate Aussies are about barbeques. When you love something so much, it’s bound to have die-hard fans and, of course, different opinions.
One such never-ending debate is – gas vs charcoal BBQ.
Both have their own loyal fan bases. Each grilling technique brings a unique flavour and experience to your backyard barbie sessions.
So, is one better than the other?
Let’s find out!
Gas BBQs: Pros and Cons
The first gas grills came to life in the 1960s and quickly became popular. Today, Aussies use gas grills from leading brands like Weber BBQ. Their popularity seems to be rising, especially in urban areas.
Pros of Gas BBQs
- Gas grills are super convenient. You can get your grill ready with just a push of a button.
- Secondly, gas BBQs heat up fast. If you want to throw an impromptu barbecue bash for your mates, there is no better option than a gas grill.
- Similarly, temperature control is a breeze. It’s easier than making the perfect rub for your meat.
- But above all, gas BBQs are easy to clean. You don’t have to deal with ash residue.
Cons of Gas BBQs
- The first downside of gas BBQs is the upfront cost. The initial cost can be higher compared to charcoal grills.
- Secondly, gas grills are not as portable as their charcoal counterparts. You need propane or LPG tanks or a natural gas line. Also, you need a professional to assemble and install your gas barbie. That would add to your upfront costs.
- But the biggest downside is gas barbies miss out on the classic smoky flavour. That’s the reason many hardcore barbecue enthusiasts choose wood or charcoal-fired grills.
Charcoal BBQs: Pros and Cons
Charcoal BBQs have been around for a while. George Stephen, a welder at Weber Brothers Metal Works, built the original round charcoal kettle grill in 1951. This was how the iconic kettle Weber BBQ was born. Today, this kettle barbie remains one of the most popular products all over the world.
Pros of Charcoal BBQs
- Charcoal grills are revered for their smoky flavour. Gas grills cannot match this unique taste.
- You also get a traditional, hands-on BBQ experience. Many grillers consider this a sacred practice.
- The upfront cost is also lower than gas grills. You don’t need to hire a professional to put together these grills, especially the Weber BBQ Kettle series.
Cons of Charcoal BBQs
- The first downside is that charcoal grills require more time and effort. You will need to light the charcoal and wait for it to reach the right cooking temperature. This could take several minutes.
- Another challenge is temperature control. You will need experience and skill to maintain the perfect cooking temperature.
- Cleaning a charcoal BBQ is a messy affair. You have to deal with ash and leftover coals after every grilling session.
- Charcoal grills are usually less expensive to buy, but the fuel adds up over time.
Comparing Gas Vs Charcoal BBQ: Which Brings You More Flavour
When it comes to flavour, the gas vs charcoal BBQ debate heats up. As mentioned, charcoal BBQs are known for their classic, smoky flavour. BBQ enthusiasts crave this taste and argue that gas grills fail to match this unique flavour – and that’s a fact!
Gas BBQs lack the smoky intensity. But, they also help the natural flavour of the food stand out. Whether you are roasting veggies or grilling hotdogs, gas grills will bring out their natural flavour.
However, comparing gas vs charcoal BBQ isn’t just about flavour.
Other factors you need to consider, include:
1. Your Lifestyle
Gas grills are considerably faster. They are perfect for a last-minute grilling excuse. There is no waiting or mess. Just flip on the switch, and you are good to go, like the Weber BBQ gas range.
However, if you enjoy grilling as much as eating, get a charcoal BBQ. It’s the best way to enjoy the slow and immersive grilling process.
Although it takes time, the results are worth it. Your mates will love the slow-roasted chicken every time they dig in. And there is no better to make that happen than the Weber BBQ charcoal range. Weber charcoal barbies provide a perfect barbecue experience every time.
2. Operating Cost and Maintenance
Operating costs and maintenance are equally important. Typically, charcoal grills are less expensive to buy. However, the cost of charcoal adds up over time. Plus, cleaning a charcoal BBQ is more demanding. On the other hand, gas BBQs are expensive but more economical to operate in the long run. And cleaning them feels like a breeze compared to charcoal grills.
3. Temperature Range
It’s easy to maintain the perfect cooking temperature in gas BBQs. You can use them to grill a wide range of meat and veggies. However, charcoal grills have a higher maximum temperature. That’s an added advantage for searing meat.
4. Environmental Impact
Charcoal grills often produce more pollutants than gas BBQs. Gar grills are a relatively clean source of energy. The latter may align more with your values if you are environmentally conscious.
5. Safety
Safety is another crucial factor. Gas BBQs are generally considered safer. Unlike charcoal BBQs, they don’t cause flare-ups or flying sparks. That said, you need to check your gas connection to avoid leaks.
6. Space
Space can be a major constraint, especially in crowded urban areas. A compact gas barbie might be more practical if you live in a city and have a small outdoor area, like a balcony. However, if you live in the suburbs or have more space and love hosting barbecues for your mates, you are better off with a charcoal BBQ.
The Bottom Line
The gas vs charcoal BBQ is never likely to end. It all comes down to choosing a method that best fits your grilling needs and tastes. That’s what we recommend. Go with a charcoal grill if you love the authentic barbecue flavour and grilling experience. On the other hand, a gas grill is a great fit if you want a quick but tasty meal, even on weekdays. So, think it over and take your pick.
And whatever you choose, we’ve got your back. At BBQ Adelaide, we sell charcoal, gas, and wood-fired BBQs. Visit our Gepps X or Mile End store to check out our full range of Weber BBQs. Call us today!
