Barbecueing 101...Gas or Charcoal?

[ref1655]

I have two Webers...one is a traditional 'kettle' & the other is a gas grill. at one time, I used the kettle for 100% of my outdoor grilling/smoking. when I got the Weber gas grill, it became a more convenient option for grilling steaks, burgers, chops & seafood. the kettle then became relegated for slow cooking...things like smoked turkey, pulled pork, brisket et al.

there tends to be two camps...the traditionalists (Weber kettle/charcoal/wood chips) & the propane users who rely on gas & the metal 'flavor bars' to accomplish a similar outcome. I have found that each design/concept has its advantages depending on time constraints (ignition & cooking duration) + the particular item being grilled/smoked. personally speaking, I have always preferred the Weber kettle for just about everything but the gas grill cannot be overlooked for its overall convenience.

with Memorial Day & summer rapidly approaching, how many stick to one preferred concept of barbecuing or incorporate both for their outdoor cooking?

[NKflyer]

Living in Florida, I grill at least 3 times per week, year round, and nothing beats the convenience of gas, especially during the workweek. Although the coffee can type charcoal starters can make charcoal almost as quick to get going, it's still kinda messy.

[GerardoG]

I agree with you. Gas is convenient, BUT the flavor from using charcoal makes EVERYTHING taste better! New Weber starters and chimney makes firing up a breeze.

[wantonebad]

gas is convenient as heck, charcoal is better for flavor but a PITA, and if you want to get into smoking at all neither will do you very well. So I don't subscribe to the one size fits all. I've got a gas grill, a weber kettle and a smoker and I use all three.

[SearChart]

We have a weber coal grill, coal is the best IMO. Would love a green egg but they're a bit expensive and we don't bbq that often so not really worth it then.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

When you guys REALLY want to elavate your game...try "real" Mesquite!

Charcoal briquettes are known in the food circle as "diesel cubes"

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by TheRolexKingofLV

When you guys REALLY want to elavate your game...try "real" Mesquite!

Charcoal briquettes are known in the food circle as "diesel cubes"

I never use pressed briquettes only real charcoal

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

I never use pressed briquettes only real charcoal

Same here. I have tried briguettes but they left a very odd chemical-like taste. Then tried wood which was amazing but takes damn long before it's a nice bed of coals.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

I never use pressed briquettes only real charcoal

Definitely the way to go is with the real charcoal as well...I was refering to the Kingsford Match Light, or the add lighter fluid stuff...horrible! BTW...What's for dinner Marc?

[cop414]

Agree with the above, I've got a Weber Genisis propane which during the summer I'll use 3-4 times a week as well as a smoker that I'll break out on occasion. I agree that charcoal gives a better flavor but I've become a slave to the convenience of gas. The Weber flavorizer bars seem to do a pretty decent job as far as flavor is concerned.

[returntorolex]

Use both here

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by TheRolexKingofLV

Definitely the way to go is with the real charcoal as well...I was refering to the Kingsford Match Light, or the add lighter fluid stuff...horrible! BTW...What's for dinner Marc?

Tonight, Chinese takeout LOL it's still 40 degrees here in the Northeast

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Tonight, Chinese takeout LOL it's still 40 degrees here in the Northeast

OOOps. I forgot...being its in the high 80s everyday here in Vegas, I assumed everywhere is in the 80s...doesn't it work like that

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by TheRolexKingofLV

OOOps. I forgot...being its in the high 80s everyday here in Vegas, I assumed everywhere is in the 80s...doesn't it work like that

That's what they keep promising us with global warming...

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Now let's get back to the BBQ thread...

[uscmatt99]

I've only ever grilled with lump charcoal in a Big Green Egg. I guess gas would be easier, and we have a perfectly good gas line waiting to connect up to right where I have the BGE. But I just love cooking with that thing. The worst part is hauling the bag of charcoal to and from the grill to refill it. Otherwise, if you can put up with a 10-15 minute wait, it's pretty convenient even without a chimney to light it. Easy to go slow and low, easy to do a quick steak sear and drop the temp right away. Cleanup is fantastic. Leave the top and bottom vents fully open, heat to 700F, and everything turns to fine grey ash, take it out the next day.

[GerardoG]

I agree, Trace. Back to main topic

[zama]

I think the OP summed it up, if you have both then charcoal is the way to go for a nice smoked taste, or use a professional smoker for that, I have a baby weber which I use probably 4 days a week, wish it had a bigger flame but it is enough to cook for wife and I. I did red wine and sweet chilli infused baby octopus on it last night to go with the Salt and Pepper calamari I did in a wok on the stove.

[mmutte]

Lump charcoal, green egg and a looftlighter. Egg is ready in 10 min.
Gas is slightly faster, but honestly, I used to let the gas grill warm up for 5-6 min anyway before using it.
Cant beat a green egg

[vaulter1]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Tonight, Chinese takeout LOL it's still 40 degrees here in the Northeast

So you're one of those 'fair weather' barbecuers? Nothing like grilling steaks with a toque and a parka on. As for the Gas or Charcoal debate - currently gas is the only option due to location but I do miss those lazy evenings waiting for the wood to burn down to just the right coals. Gas always feels more like a means to an end while charcoal seems to draw everyone around for a chat - like moths to a flame

[Mr Kram]

charcoal most of the time. i have a medium size webber for our family that i use. however, if we have a fair amount of company i fire up the gas grill.

[bayerische]

Wouldn't mind using charcoal. But gas it is. Ready in 5min.

[junbug5150]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

Living in Florida, I grill at least 3 times per week, year round, and nothing beats the convenience of gas, especially during the workweek. Although the coffee can type charcoal starters can make charcoal almost as quick to get going, it's still kinda messy.

A charcoal starter is a must! But I bet I'd be grilling more frequently if I had a gas grill.

[swils8610]

I have both also. I use the gas for convenience and the charcoal when I have time to.

[rod727]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I have both also. I use the gas for convenience and the charcoal when I have time to.

I'm planning on getting a Weber kettle to supplement the gas grill......the gas works great especially during the week when you want to go with the quick option. On the weekends I want charcoal to go with that butcher shop cut o beef

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

I agree with you. Gas is convenient, BUT the flavor from using charcoal makes EVERYTHING taste better! New Weber starters and chimney makes firing up a breeze.

Very true!

[texex91]

Like my Weber and Green Egg, but started thinking about pellet smoker.

[srvrf]

I'm not very picky when it comes to food but once I bought a natural gas Weber I just fell in love with it. It hooks up to the house and I've always got an endless supply of gas. Now the downside is that if you leave it on it will continue to burn. At least a tank would run out at some point. But I love never running out of gas during a cookout now.


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[Vinyasa]

I have a confession... I have a Weber gas grill. Recently, on one of the nicest days of Spring thus far in northern New England I bought some very nice marinated beef tips and put them in the oven. Forgive me.

[antbkny]

Propane for quick after work meals. Charcoal on occasion