Posting on this blog has become almost an annual event. With so much going on in life's everyday events, posting on a blog isn't high on the list. Probably easier to post on my Facebook page, but that is another post. But now it is getting into good grilling & gardening weather and I can share my adventures with the flame.I own both a charcoal (Weber) and a gas (SunBeam) grill and enjoy using them both. These are only "urban" sized and not meant to be pulled behind a truck or big enough to cook for a large event, but the charcoal vs. gas debate is the same, no matter the size.
Speed. Gas is fast. Charcoal is slow. You don't want to wait 30 to 45 minutes for the coals to get ready to cook on after work, you want to grill & eat. Gas grills were made for this. And with smoke boxes and different drip flavorizor devices, you can get some of the grill smoke flavor on your gas grill.
Now, charcoal may be slow, but that is the advantage you need at times. Now, I do not use self lighting charcoal or starter fluid. I really don't like petroleum flavored food. I bought a charcoal chimney starter and it lights the coals first time, every time, with only a match and a piece of newspaper. If you own a charcoal grill, this is a must-have piece of equipment. You can prep your grilling items while the coals burn down to that perfect gray ash consistency. As far as charcoal itself goes, I normally use the regular Kingsford brickettes. I have used the natural hardwood lump charcoal as well. Lump will burn hotter, but quicker and the brickettes will burn more even and slowly. I like the lump charcoal for steaks and the brickettes for ribs and chicken. You will get more smoke from the lump, but some soaked wood chips put onto the brickettes will smoke nicely as well.
You can grill on direct or indirect heat on both grills and they will take up about the same amount of space in your garage. I consider buying charcoal and refilling propane tanks a wash as well. Gas has an edge on being cleaner (no ash to dispose of). It really just depends on what you need to grill and how much time you have. Stopping from a summer event or fixing supper on a weekday evening, you will want to do gas. But a lazy Sunday afternoon, sitting out by the grill (in the shade), partaking in a nice cold beverage of your choice, cooking on a charcoal grill will provide great relaxation and cheap therapy to boot!
I own one of each and love them both. They both have their advantages and their place in the spotlight. Get one of each and go grill!
