Barbecues: Charcoal or Gas ? If you’re thinking of buying a barbecue, you have a key decision to make: you have to decide whether to choose from the wide range of charcoal barbecues or gas barbecues available. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons for both: The Price is Right When it comes to cost, charcoal barbecues are generally cheaper. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should discount gas as an option if you’re on a budget, because good deals on gas barbecues are available if you look hard enough.

The Convenient Truth

It’s far easier to get your hands on charcoal than it is to find gas cylinders, which immediately makes a charcoal barbecue that little bit more convenient.

On the other hand, it is often said that the cooking process is far more straightforward on a gas barbecue as you have better control over the heat source. You can also light a gas barbecue instantly and without the need for separate firelighters or special techniques.

Space – the final frontier

If space is at a premium in your garden, there are many small charcoal barbecues that can be easily stored away when not in use. Unfortunately, despite being more technologically advanced, gas barbecues tend to be much larger and more cumbersome.

The Taste Test

Barbecue purists will always argue that food tastes far better when it’s been cooked on a charcoal barbecue. Other’s disagree and say you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. The truth? That’s up to you, really.

A definite advantage that the gas barbecue holds is that it’s a much more versatile cooking device as you can control the heat and use accessories like side burners and rotisseries to conjure up all kinds of delicious food, whereas a charcoal barbecue is usually more limited.

The Fun Factor

I’ve mentioned that a gas barbecue is far easier to light and control, but not everyone wants that from a barbecue. For some, a barbecue is all about performing the rituals and well-honed techniques of lighting and controlling a charcoal barbecue. You might not want to give up the personal touch of charcoal for the more standardised process of cooking on gas.

It’s also been said that the smells and atmosphere that a crackling charcoal barbecue produces can’t be replicated with the more modern gas cooker, but once again that’s more down to personal preference than solid fact.

So what’s the answer, gas or charcoal?

Well, that’s for you to decide, really. Do you want the reliability and versatility that a gas barbecue can offer, or do you prefer the more unpredictable and traditional pleasures that charcoal provides? It’s a tricky one, but have fun deciding… and cooking.

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