Types of Barbecue: Charcoal vs Gas

The hottest debate in the world of barbecuing is "Which is best? A charcoal or a gas BBQ?" Supporters of each method will defend their choice with great passion; gas grillers like having a perfect fire at the push of a button and appreciate the precision temperature adjustments gas grills can provide. They're glad there's no charcoal to mess with before they cook and no ashes to deal with when they are done. Meanwhile, charcoal grillers feel there's nothing like the smell and taste of cooking over hot coals. They take a pride in their ability to get the fire started and tend it properly whilst they cook.

However, when it comes down to it, both parties are right; taste tests have shown that there's no significant flavour difference between both methods. The choice is strictly personal and depends mostly on how you plan to use your barbecue. Are you cooking turkey and roasts or hot dogs and burgers? Are you going to barbecue every night or just on special occasions?

Charcoal Barbecues

The traditional wood or charcoal barbecue is traditionally the most popular choice of BBQ; they are available in a range of styles and prices; from lightweight picnic models to built-in brick barbies. Lumpwood charcoal or charcoal briquettes are heated to produce an even cooking temperature, giving food a distinctive flame grilled appearance.

Easy to light, charcoal needs to be lit at least 40 minutes before you intend to cook to ensure a high cooking temperature. To adjust the heat, simply raise or lower the grill.

Barbecues made of high-grade steel are the best choice.
Look for a model with a baked-on finish rather than sprayed-on, as this will protect the steel, preventing the grill from rusting, fading and peeling.
Grate supports and leg couplings should all be welded for added stability and strength.
Look for stainless steel or nickel plated cooking and charcoal grates - they clean up easily and help prevent rusting.
Kettle barbecues feature a lid, allowing you to braise or roast food, good for cooking meats such as chicken and beef. For flexibility, look for lids that can also be used as protection against the wind.
Be sure that the grill has plastic or wooden handles that stay cool when the unit is in use.
Storage features such as side hooks for barbecue tools and shelves or side tables for holding sauces and condiments make entertaining much easier.
Wheels made of heavy duty plastic won't crack in extreme cold or heat.
If you are considering a grill with a work surface, make sure that it is made of a material that will clean easily and stand the test of time.
A hinged cooking grate will make it easier to add briquettes.
Some grills feature a cleaning system that sifts the ashes for you and makes clean-up easy.

The better the quality of grill, the more confident the manufacturer is with the guarantee. The very best manufacturers warrant their charcoal grills for at least 5 years, gas grills for 25 years or more - obviously your best choice.

Gas Barbecues

Like charcoal barbecues, the gas barbecue cooks over direct heat. The difference is this grill gets its heat from butane or propane, which doesn't give the meat the same smoky flavour as wood or charcoal, but it does light much quicker. Quick cooking times make gas barbecues perfect for entertaining large groups.

Whilst gas barbeques are initially more expensive, they cost less to operate over time. With no ash to remove after cooking, cleaning is quick and easy - just wipe with a damp soapy cloth. For even easier cleaning, look for models featuring a 'one-touch' cleaning system.

Choose a model made of high grade steel.
Make sure that the barbeque comes from a company with a good reputation and a well trusted brand name. This will ensure that you'll be able to get accessories, replacement parts and servicing easily. Look for a customer service phone number and a web site address.
Look for a model with a baked-on finish rather than sprayed-on, as this will protect the steel, preventing the grill from rusting, fading and peeling.
The cart should be sturdy, with legs and grate supports that are welded for stability and strength.
Cooking grates should be stainless steel or coated with durable, porcelain enamel for easy cleanup and rust resistance.
Gas barbecues feature a number of gas burners - the more burners, the more heat and the more options you will have for controlling heat and cooking different types of food.
Look for a barbecue with a lid or two or more evenly spaced burners to cook food evenly, with no hot spots.
Consider a gas barbecue grill with a side burner or warming racks as these will provide additional cooking areas, to cook and warm food, allowing you to cook a range of different foods simultaneously.
Look for angled steel bars at the bottom of the cooking compartment rather than lava rocks. This flavourising system prevents juices from collecting and catching fire, virtually eliminating flare-ups. The angled bars vaporise the juices, turning them into smoke that rises and gives the food its great, grilled taste.
Look for easy-to-follow instructions and precision cast and die-cut parts for easy, accurate assembly.
Choose a barbecue with more pre-assembled and/or welded parts - they're more stable, and are less apt to rust.

Heat output for gas barbecues is measured in Kilowatts (kW), ranging from 8.2 - 15.5 kW, with larger grill sizes generally requiring a higher number of kWs. Look for models with flexible heat controls that allow you to adjust heat output to suit your cooking needs.