Gas BBQs seem to be gaining popularity with more and more models taking up retail space, and I understand why.

In this world of convenience the gas BBQ offers just that, you simply turn it on and you’re ready to go. Compared to a charcoal BBQ which often needs ‘encouragement’ to get going and then you have to wait for the coal to stop flaming and die down to an even heat.

That’s great but what about flavour? I have used gas BBQs and found that they don’t give the same smokiness as the charcoal type.

You do get some flavour of course just not the same level of depth which the charcoal naturally brings.

I also think that charcoal BBQs offer extra options. You can move the heat anywhere within the pan to create cold and hot spots for cooking different foods. It also lets you use woodchips. Woodchips are essential for smoking flavour right into the food, but they’re just not compatible with gas BBQs.

As a huge fan of slow smoking food in a closed BBQ, the use of woodchips is a must for me.

When it comes to the actual fuel for the respective types of BBQ, almost every corner shop and petrol station sells charcoal. I wouldn’t even know were to start if I needed to replace a gas bottle.

So it seems this is a simple convenience vs. taste question. For me this is not a hard choice.

Despite the sometimes difficult start and longer time to get to cooking temperature I will be sticking with my charcoal BBQ.

What about you? Did I miss the point of gas BBQs?

Remember to share you thoughts on this divisive topic in the comment below!

Michael Robinson

Author information

The Food Curator

The Food Curator (AKA Michael Robinson) is an aficionado of all things food and bon viveur based in London. A passion for cooking and dining has driven him to put fingers to keyboard to bring you his thoughts on the world of food. When not writing, eating or cooking he has a love of American muscle cars. Pop on over to my Facebook page and let's start a Facebook food revolution together: http://tinyurl.com/thefoodcurator

|

The post Which is better a gas or charcoal BBQ? appeared first on Food on the Blog. Post by The Food Curator