Summer is a season synonymous with the sizzle of sausages on the BBQ, the laughter of friends gathered in sun-drenched gardens, and the clink of ice cubes in refreshing beverages. But as you gear up to replace or acquire a new BBQ, you face a difficult choice to way up: gas or charcoal.
Your choice will reflect on what type of BBQ master you are. Do you revel in the sheer convenience and speed of a gas BBQ, or are you a purist drawn to the primal allure of a charcoal grill? By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clearer idea of which type of BBQ chef you are and which type of BBQ is right for you. We’ll take you through the benefits of gas and charcoal grilling, which is easier to use and which is more affordable so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What are the Benefits of a Gas BBQ?
As we wrote in our Top Grilling & BBQ Tips blog, gas BBQs are the epitome of convenience. Cooking on a gas BBQ is, in essence, bringing the indoor cooking experience outside, turning your patio into an open-air oven space which allows you to feed the crowds quickly with its short warm-up time. A gas BBQ heats up in a mere 5 minutes and cools down just as fast, perfect for those spur-of-the-moment garden parties.
What are the Benefits of a Charcoal BBQ?
For those who swear by tradition, charcoal BBQs deliver that authentic, smoky flavour that’s simply unmatched. They are made for smoking foods, which require patience and constant attention, but deliver freshly-charred food that is twice as satisfying. You can see the results in the food produced by each BBQ; while gas BBQing creates succulent chicken, charcoal BBQing gives it an all-over browning that looks utterly divine.
Our charcoal BBQs lock in the moisture that is paramount to the smoked flavour. A smoky effect can also be created with our gas BBQs, but the superior heat retention a charcoal BBQ offers allows for a variety of cooking methods, specifically slow cooking under the fire which delivers almighty bouts of meaty flavour and charcoal texture.
Gas or Charcoal: Which BBQ is More User-Friendly?
Gas BBQs typically offer a user-friendly experience with their consistent, easily adjustable heat – perfect for grilling novices. Heat control with a charcoal BBQ is a challenge and it should be welcomed beforehand. Since you’re working with live fire, it can take a while to get going in the first place.
Be that as it may, charcoal BBQs have seen a resurgence, meaning that they have been developed to be more efficient, simple to use and quicker. For example, where other charcoal BBQs usually take half an hour to warm up, our charcoal BBQs from Everdure feature the Fast Flame Ignition System™ to cook in 10 minutes. The process has been made much more intuitively, with functions such as the ‘Push and Forget’ electronic control that turns the ignition off automatically once the charcoal has warmed up, as well as an electronically-controlled rotisserie.
Cleaning a gas BBQ is as straightforward as tidying up after using your oven—minimal fuss. Charcoal BBQs, however, do require a bit more elbow grease to clean, but with the right tools from our range of BBQ accessories, plus a Brillo Pad for scrubbing, you can render the leftover food, grease and ash a distant memory. Plus, with our range of premium BBQ covers which are tailor-made to fit each of our individual BBQ models, you won’t have to spare a thought about cleaning the outside of your BBQ whichever type you choose.
Cost of Gas BBQ vs. Charcoal BBQ
At Kettler, we offer budget-friendly gas BBQs that are more affordable than their charcoal counterparts, however, at Kettler, our Fusion Charcoal BBQ is a cost-effective alternative for those who desire the versatility of charcoal cooking for less.
Don’t underestimate the efficiency of a charcoal BBQ when it comes to heat retention. The blanket of naturally aspirated heat of a charcoal grill’s natural flame is not only cost-effective but also provides a rich, smoky flavour that’s hard to replicate.
How Do the Features Compare?
To give you a final roundup of the pros and cons of gas and charcoal BBQs, we’ve arranged lists for each below:
Gas BBQs:
Advantages
- Cheaper to buy
- Easier to clean
- Simple to use
- Electronic controls
- 5-minute warm-up
Disadvantages
- Lacks smoky flavour
- Higher running costs
- Limited temperature range
Charcoal BBQs:
Advantages
- Cheaper to run
- Smokey flavour
- More cooking options
- Simple to use
- Electronic controls
Disadvantages
- Harder to clean
- Takes time to get to the right temperature
Both types of BBQ have their advantages and disadvantages, and the question of which is better rests solely on your personal preferences and what you are willing to do to get the most out of your BBQ experience. However, with our range of BBQs, courtesy of Everdure by Michelin Star chef Heston Blumenthal, whichever model you choose will deliver unforgettable dishes cooked in the warmth of the summer sun.
Create Delicious Meals with Summer Memories with Kettler
At Kettler, we are about creating outdoor cooking equipment and furniture that define the scenes of lifelong memories. With a commitment to quality that has fueled us since the 1960s, our team is here to help you perfect your outdoor space. Whether it’s choosing the right BBQ or garden furniture, let us aid in making your outdoor gatherings unforgettable. Contact us today with any queries – let’s make your garden a stage for those special summer moments.
