![\"Charcoal](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Charcoal-vs.-Gas-Grills-Which-Is-Better_FT_PKedit.jpg?fit=700,1024\")
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Charcoal vs. gas grill\u2014<\/span>also known as the “great summer debate.” Our simple pros and cons list will help you decide which grill is best for your family.<\/p>\n Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to grilling. Which type of grill is the best? Is there a correct choice for whipping up amazing grilling recipes? You have to consider the desired flavor, of course, as well as space constraints, budget and style.<\/p>\n Rather than guessing which to use at your next cookout, we\u2019ve tested and reviewed\u00a0gas grills<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0charcoal grills<\/a>\u00a0so you can make a well-informed decision.<\/p>\n Our\u00a0Test Kitchen<\/a>\u00a0expert,\u00a0Catherine Ward<\/a>, recently tested 15 models from brands like Weber, Napoleon and Char-Broil. Here we weigh the pros and cons of each grill type so there\u2019s nothing standing in the way between you and the best barbecue.<\/p>\n If it\u2019s not already obvious, the key difference between charcoal and gas grills is the fuel source. Charcoal grills rely on burning coals to heat, whereas gas grills utilize gas, either from a hard-wired\u00a0natural gas line or a propane tank<\/a>. They operate similarly to a gas range, where you simply press and turn a knob to start cooking.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also notice a size and shape distinction. Charcoal grills are typically kettle- or barrel-shaped, but there are also Kamado grills which are oblong and egg-shaped. Gas grills are often large and rectangular, with a hinged lid.<\/p>\n According to some die-hard barbecue fans, charcoal is the only way to grill. Charcoal provides that rich, smoky flavor that gas, even with an attached smoker box, just can\u2019t match.<\/p>\n A grill has to reach a temperature of at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve a nice sear on your meat. This is no problem for a kettle grill filled with red-hot charcoals, which can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit. That higher heat is key to charcoal\u2019s scrumptious, smoky flavor. When the drippings from your steak, chicken or veggies fall on the hot coals, they turn into flavor-packed steam and smoke that goes right back into the meat. While there are gas grills that can reach higher temperatures, they\u2019re usually on the pricier end.<\/p>\n Speaking of price, charcoal grills are easier on your wallet. A basic charcoal grill will run you about $60, while a moderately priced one can be found for around $200. Of course, higher-end models go up from there, but charcoal grills are generally far less expensive than gas grills. However, you have to consider the fuel cost, too, when pricing out a grilling session. A 20-pound propane cylinder can provide around 25 days of cooking time, whereas a 20-pound charcoal bag will yield only three grilling sessions. The\u00a0type of charcoal<\/a>\u00a0you cook with can change the way your food tastes as well. Clean-burning hardwood\/lump charcoal can go for $35 to $40 for a 20-pound bag.<\/p>\n There are some important downsides to charcoal grills. For starters, they take much longer to heat up. Charcoal grills, on average, take about 15-20 minutes to reach the proper cooking temperature (not including the time it takes to light the charcoal), whereas gas grills instantly light up and take about 10 minutes to reach the cooking temperature.<\/p>\n Charcoal grill cleanup is also a bit more cumbersome. Unlike a gas grill, which only needs a quick brushing, a charcoal grill must be emptied of its used ashes before scrubbing.<\/p>\nWhat\u2019s the difference between charcoal and gas grills?<\/h2>\n
All About Charcoal Grills<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Charcoals](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/TOHA24_Charcoals6-copy_Taste-of-Home_01_YVedit_social.jpg?fit=680%2C995\")
TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHow We Tested Charcoal Grills<\/h2>\n
![\"Weber](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/TOH24_Weber-OG_Taste-of-Home_01_YVedit.jpg?fit=680%2C995\")