launderess
Well-known member
Gas or charcoal grill and why?
The All Important Summer BBQ Poll
- Thread starter launderess
- Start date
Help Support AutomaticWasher.org:
mrb627
Well-known member
GAS
Because it is all I have available currently.
Malcolm
Because it is all I have available currently.
Malcolm
I grew up with a natural gas grill, never having to replenish a propane tank. Simply snap the hose onto the quick-connect by the patio and away you'd go! Once I left home, I didn't have a grill for years. Bought a propane-fueled Weber Genesis model about seven years ago, but have used it so little the past couple of summers I gave it away last week. Will go to the local steak house on the rare occasion I crave a rib eye.
Gas offers convenience and precise control of heat, especially handy when in need of a combination of hot and warm heat on the same rack. A foil packet of soaked wood chips lends authentic grilling flavor. Nothing beats charcoal for true grilling flavor, but gas is easier to control.
Gas offers convenience and precise control of heat, especially handy when in need of a combination of hot and warm heat on the same rack. A foil packet of soaked wood chips lends authentic grilling flavor. Nothing beats charcoal for true grilling flavor, but gas is easier to control.
[No message]
verizonbear
Well-known member
Charcoal
Charcoal is a PITA sometimes to get lighted and the coals hot. However the results with more fatty meats, fish and poultry are better. Carcinogens aside, I now go old school with grilling .
Using an electric started instead of lighter fluid with the charcoal is best, alleviates that chemical smell and taste that can linger
Charcoal is a PITA sometimes to get lighted and the coals hot. However the results with more fatty meats, fish and poultry are better. Carcinogens aside, I now go old school with grilling .
Using an electric started instead of lighter fluid with the charcoal is best, alleviates that chemical smell and taste that can linger
Both!
I prefer charcoal, but appreciate the convenience of gas. Plus, I use the gas grill for "holding" food until everything is ready. I have two Green Eggs, large and small, and a gas grill that always get a workout. I smoked a pork roast yesterday with charcoal and hickory that turned out pretty good---notice the smoke ring in the pic. I did other meats, but the pork roast was my favorite!
The little Green Egg was recently given to me by a neighbor and it is quite old (20-25 years)--like most things, some of the parts are NOLA
. I have been working on it for the past month and finally broke it in this weekend.
Thanks,
Mitch
I prefer charcoal, but appreciate the convenience of gas. Plus, I use the gas grill for "holding" food until everything is ready. I have two Green Eggs, large and small, and a gas grill that always get a workout. I smoked a pork roast yesterday with charcoal and hickory that turned out pretty good---notice the smoke ring in the pic. I did other meats, but the pork roast was my favorite!
The little Green Egg was recently given to me by a neighbor and it is quite old (20-25 years)--like most things, some of the parts are NOLA
. I have been working on it for the past month and finally broke it in this weekend.Thanks,
Mitch
dustin92
Well-known member
GAS! It's far easier than trying to start a charcoal fire, waiting for it o burn down, and the hoping you've used enough charcoal! I don't really like the flavor from charcoal either. To me it always tastes like lighter fluid, no matter how long it's been burning.
launderess
Well-known member
@verizonbear
There are ways to start a charcoal fire without lighter fluid. Indeed the pros never touch the stuff. Even Alton Brown uses a chimney starter.
http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide/grills/charcoal_grills_vs_gas_grills.html
There are ways to start a charcoal fire without lighter fluid. Indeed the pros never touch the stuff. Even Alton Brown uses a chimney starter.
http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide/grills/charcoal_grills_vs_gas_grills.html
But lighter fluid is SO MUCH FUN. 
launderess
Well-known member
I Love The Smell Of Napalm In The Morning
Find lighter fluid scent rather gross and certainly do not like it on foods. Dearest Papa and the rest of the men that did BBQ when one was coming up drenched the charcoal in the stuff as one recalls. Then came the big *KaBooom* and "Whoosh* as a match as lit and the grill went up in flames to get "started".
Persons have been building fires for cooking for ages before petrol. Nobody starved and food got cooked.
Find lighter fluid scent rather gross and certainly do not like it on foods. Dearest Papa and the rest of the men that did BBQ when one was coming up drenched the charcoal in the stuff as one recalls. Then came the big *KaBooom* and "Whoosh* as a match as lit and the grill went up in flames to get "started".
Persons have been building fires for cooking for ages before petrol. Nobody starved and food got cooked.
They didnt have a chinmey starter back when my family first started grilling. It was charcoal and stinky lighter fluid. In 1965, my grandmother bought us a Caloric gas grill, which I still have, but cant find a replacement burner. I have a Kenmore thats 15 years old now and still works perfect. Only propane by the little white Blue Rhino tanks around here.
launderess
Well-known member
Caloric Gas Grill?
Knock yourself out! *LOL*
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-1960s-...1378387838?pt=US_Cooktops&hash=item4ad3a5077e
Knock yourself out! *LOL*
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-1960s-...1378387838?pt=US_Cooktops&hash=item4ad3a5077e
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
kb0nes
Well-known member
Charcoal
While I'd appreciate the ease and control of gas I just find that charcoal cooking tastes better.
I use an age old Weber kettle and a chimney starter. Use whole lump charcoal and get 3 lumps burning in the bottom of the chimney with a propane torch. Toss in additional charcoal and it will be ready in 15 min.
Mitch's answer is likely the best to have both on hand as each has it's advantages. But if I had to pick one or the other I have no interest in gas.
While I'd appreciate the ease and control of gas I just find that charcoal cooking tastes better.
I use an age old Weber kettle and a chimney starter. Use whole lump charcoal and get 3 lumps burning in the bottom of the chimney with a propane torch. Toss in additional charcoal and it will be ready in 15 min.
Mitch's answer is likely the best to have both on hand as each has it's advantages. But if I had to pick one or the other I have no interest in gas.
Best GRILLING Method
Charcoal OR 240 Volt Electric, having had a large Sears dual control natural gas grill for nearly 20 years and using many propane grills I have found nothing beats Charcoal OR Electric. My electric Jenn-Air grills have perfect heat control at the turn of a knob, if you follow the guide the food is cooked properly every time. I have even installed two JA down-draft Electric grills outdoors in covered screened porches, the JA grilles work beautifully out doors as the fan eliminates most of the eye irritating smoke while still allowing you to smell whats cooking. Many of you probably know that JA makes electric DD grills for outdoor use.
My brother Jeff converted a Weber Charcoal grill to 240 volts. He installed an infinite heat control so you can exactly control the heat input and he also installed a thromostat so you can put the lid on and bake a cake or slow cook without problems. For grilling electricity is less expensive than Charcoal or Propane and far safer than either.
John L.
Charcoal OR 240 Volt Electric, having had a large Sears dual control natural gas grill for nearly 20 years and using many propane grills I have found nothing beats Charcoal OR Electric. My electric Jenn-Air grills have perfect heat control at the turn of a knob, if you follow the guide the food is cooked properly every time. I have even installed two JA down-draft Electric grills outdoors in covered screened porches, the JA grilles work beautifully out doors as the fan eliminates most of the eye irritating smoke while still allowing you to smell whats cooking. Many of you probably know that JA makes electric DD grills for outdoor use.
My brother Jeff converted a Weber Charcoal grill to 240 volts. He installed an infinite heat control so you can exactly control the heat input and he also installed a thromostat so you can put the lid on and bake a cake or slow cook without problems. For grilling electricity is less expensive than Charcoal or Propane and far safer than either.
John L.
Those sure look like MY owners manuals I posted on HERE. I know remember the stains on them. But my grill is exactly like that. The missing base depends on whether it was a permanent in the ground or seperate small propane tank with legs.
cornutt
Well-known member
Gas. I will admit that charcoal does taste better with some things, but I don't have the time or the patience to mess with it. I've got a small Weber. Propane, but it doesn't need its own tank -- it's connected to the house supply.
whirlcool
Well-known member
We used to have a Weber charcoal grill. These things need a little bit of wind to circulate the air around inside the grill. In Houston we have plenty of days where the air is positively still. When this happens the charcoal in the Weber goes out. Then you have to relight. Again and again.
So we have a nice gas grill and don't have that problem. We don't use it as often as we thought we would though. With all the bugs and mosquito's it's an event going inside and outside the house to check on things on extremely hot days which is usually the case down here in the summer.
So we have a nice gas grill and don't have that problem. We don't use it as often as we thought we would though. With all the bugs and mosquito's it's an event going inside and outside the house to check on things on extremely hot days which is usually the case down here in the summer.
launderess
Well-known member
You're right Laundress
Because the manuals are still safe and sound right here with me. The grill, with its base with legs and the very important burner control is in my garage attic, but unfortunately, minus the specially made cast iron burner.
Because the manuals are still safe and sound right here with me. The grill, with its base with legs and the very important burner control is in my garage attic, but unfortunately, minus the specially made cast iron burner.
Charcoal for really good cuts of meat. I use Varsol aka mineral spirits instead of lighter fluid -- it works more quickly but doesn't "whoosh" like lighter fluid. The grill is a 1960s "Portable Kitchen" in cast aluminum. The company has been out of business for decades, but it doesn't need any breeze to draw well. I wasn't aware that was an issue.
Gas is faster and less fuss so it gets used more often.
I've never tried an electric grill, sounds interesting! It would be nice not having to mess with those propane tanks...I don't really feel comfortable with them around, anyway.
Gas is faster and less fuss so it gets used more often.
I've never tried an electric grill, sounds interesting! It would be nice not having to mess with those propane tanks...I don't really feel comfortable with them around, anyway.
launderess
Well-known member
Sorry Laundress, that one is not the same as mine. I have the lava rock one just like your original post to me and both have the same burner control underneath you can put a lock in so kids cant turn it on. That Caloric did its job for a long time and if I can find a cheap burner {note I am known as being excessively "thrifty"}. I have replaced the 3 burners in my Kenmore twice from a company in the mid west for the same price as buying one from Sears.
Gas!
I am a bit of a grill snob. I will ONLY have a Weber Genesis on my patio. I have never seen ANY other grill that cooks as well or lasts as long. Here is the one I currently have.
WK78
I am a bit of a grill snob. I will ONLY have a Weber Genesis on my patio. I have never seen ANY other grill that cooks as well or lasts as long. Here is the one I currently have.
WK78
bluejay
Well-known member
I have the same grill as Nick. While charcoal produces better results, I use gas because I'm not a fire whisperer and have awful luck getting charcoal started (unless I use lighter fluid).
Question???
Why do we have to choose one when they BOTH have their advantages.
I have a Weber 22" One Touch Gold Kettle Charcoal Grill AND a CharBroil 4 burner Gas Grill. And love them both. I have had each for about 7 years. Both were given to me. I have become an expert at using them both
They say that there is nothing you cant cook on a Weber and they are right. I use some good charcoal, a chimney starter, (NEVER LIGHTER FLUID) and a single sheet of newspaper and never have any issues. The Webers even cooking gives all meat a nice tender texture and taste. I have even made cookies with the Weber once. I love that you can get parts for them anywhere
That CharBroil is powerful and fast. Love it when i don't have time and just want to sear some steaks quickly. It also has a huge capacity to cook for a lot of folks, which the weber cant.
The CharBroil is a pain to clean and has a lot of parts, where the Weber just has the grid.
Still, they are great grills. i like them both!
Why do we have to choose one when they BOTH have their advantages.
I have a Weber 22" One Touch Gold Kettle Charcoal Grill AND a CharBroil 4 burner Gas Grill. And love them both. I have had each for about 7 years. Both were given to me. I have become an expert at using them both
They say that there is nothing you cant cook on a Weber and they are right. I use some good charcoal, a chimney starter, (NEVER LIGHTER FLUID) and a single sheet of newspaper and never have any issues. The Webers even cooking gives all meat a nice tender texture and taste. I have even made cookies with the Weber once. I love that you can get parts for them anywhere
That CharBroil is powerful and fast. Love it when i don't have time and just want to sear some steaks quickly. It also has a huge capacity to cook for a lot of folks, which the weber cant.
The CharBroil is a pain to clean and has a lot of parts, where the Weber just has the grid.
Still, they are great grills. i like them both!
Alas it is forbidden to use gas or charcoal grills on terraces or balconies in NYC. So that leaves me only with electric grilling. However, in hubby's apartment in Seville, he had a Weber charcoal grill on his terrace. I have to say, nothing beats charcoal. Not briquettes, but real wood charcoal. Everything always tasted wonderful.
Good thread!
I would wager that all of us that grill, regardless of method, could create some mighty fine morsels
@phil--I have been using that same method with the chimney and propane ignition. Though of late I have been using an electric starter. Home Depot here has been selling a big bag of Royal Oak lump charcoal for 12.88. I have no complaints with it--some of the lump will spark like the 4th of July and this does not.
@john--we had a Jenn Air in an older rental house that I liked a lot. First time I ever grilled with electricity @ 240 volts. You are so right, that fan would clear the smoke for sure! If I ever get my dream outdoor kitchen, would love to have another one to use. I would love to see a picture of your brother's converted Weber!
I started out with a Weber kettle grill and loved it! I still have one that gets used. You cannot beat one of these! The coolest thing I have found lately for them are the side charcoal baskets they make (my brother tunred me on to these) that easily allows for indirect heat and plenty of smoke flavor. Two baskets that mount on the side of the kettle on each side.
I would wager that all of us that grill, regardless of method, could create some mighty fine morsels
@phil--I have been using that same method with the chimney and propane ignition. Though of late I have been using an electric starter. Home Depot here has been selling a big bag of Royal Oak lump charcoal for 12.88. I have no complaints with it--some of the lump will spark like the 4th of July and this does not.
@john--we had a Jenn Air in an older rental house that I liked a lot. First time I ever grilled with electricity @ 240 volts. You are so right, that fan would clear the smoke for sure! If I ever get my dream outdoor kitchen, would love to have another one to use. I would love to see a picture of your brother's converted Weber!
I started out with a Weber kettle grill and loved it! I still have one that gets used. You cannot beat one of these! The coolest thing I have found lately for them are the side charcoal baskets they make (my brother tunred me on to these) that easily allows for indirect heat and plenty of smoke flavor. Two baskets that mount on the side of the kettle on each side.
norgeway
Well-known member
Neither!
If I can help it..I DO NOT cook out!, I go to a nice air conditioned restaurant for a steak!!LOL
If I can help it..I DO NOT cook out!, I go to a nice air conditioned restaurant for a steak!!LOL
We have a dual grill. Either characol or gas. In the 5 years we have owned it, we have only used the gas side, twice. The only reason for us using it in the first place was when we had large gatherings and needed the extra cooking. We typically will grill using characol at least once a week, sometimes more. We cook more than steak, we will also grill burgers, hotdogs, chicken, and fish.
mieleforever
Well-known member
Well here in South Africa we use wood.
I do however have a Weber that use the charcoal brikettes but there always is an taste to charcoal. You do get beter charcoal sometimes and then there is no taste to the meat at all.
There is a new wave nowadays of people getting gas BBQ/grill, but we don't have natural gas here so it is up to propane to do the trick.
Cheers all.
I do however have a Weber that use the charcoal brikettes but there always is an taste to charcoal. You do get beter charcoal sometimes and then there is no taste to the meat at all.
There is a new wave nowadays of people getting gas BBQ/grill, but we don't have natural gas here so it is up to propane to do the trick.
Cheers all.
Similar threads
