With the summer and BBQ season just around the corner, BEC Ingoldmells weighs up the pros and cons of gas barbecues and charcoal barbecues.
Charcoal barbecues
A charcoal BBQ is the more traditional outdoor grill which, as its name suggests, uses charcoal a manmade solid fuel, to smoke-cook the food. People with their feet planted firmly in the charcoal barbecue camp say they are more versatile and that the food produced on them is more flavoursome.
Gas barbecues
A gas BBQ is much more like a domestic hob than a charcoal grill is, as it features gas burners, each individually controlled, under a grill. Advocates of the gas barbecue argue that there is very little wait time and you can start cooking almost immediately after you have fired the barbecue up.
The pros and cons of a charcoal barbecue
- Levels of heat are more consistent allowing larger pieces of meat to be slow-cooked.
- Usually cheaper to buy than a gas barbecue due to the simpler design involving fewer moving parts.
- Bags of charcoal are generally cheaper to buy than bottles of gas so ongoing costs are more economical.
- Charcoal BBQs can be slow to ignite, requiring firelighters in the absence of a charcoal chimney.
- Heat control can be haphazard and the grill can take a while to get going.
- Longer to clean after use as ashes and coals have to be cleared before cleaning can begin.
The pros and cons of a gas barbecue
- Gas BBQs are less messy to start up than charcoal.
- Quick and easy to turn on and can be ready to use within as little as ten minutes.
- They produce a direct, consistent heat allowing food to be seared easily.
- For many, the main advantage is the taste of the food which takes on a charcoal, smoked flavour.
- Easier to clean after use
- Initial cost is higher due to their sophisticated design and ongoing, gas prices are higher than charcoal.
Ultimately the decision whether to go for a gas barbecue or a charcoal barbecue will come down to personal preference. If you are a static caravan owner who rents out their caravan and you provide a grill for guests, you may prefer a gas barbecue for ease of maintenance and less risk of smoke damage or fire. However, if your grill is being used by you and your family only, charcoal, with its wonderful smokey taste, may be just what you want.
Barbecues and accessories from BEC Ingoldmells
We are a family-run business and have been supplying quality holiday equipment and supplies to holidaymakers on the East Coast for over 40 years. Our selection of charcoal and gas barbecues and accessories includes models suitable for static caravans as well as gas camping BBQs. For help or advice about any aspect of BBQ grills, send us an email, call us on 01754 871152 or pop in to see us at one of our shops.
