Charcoal vs Gas Grill: How to Set Up the Ultimate Backyard BBQ

Grilling season is almost here and the debate over charcoal vs gas grill setups has fueled countless backyard cookouts. Some grillmasters swear by the deep, smoky flavor of charcoal, while others prefer the convenience and precision of gas. But which grill is right for your backyard BBQ? The answer depends on your cooking style, time commitment, and taste preferences.

Whether you’re grilling with charcoal in your Austin, TX home, using gas in a Chicago, IL apartment, or hosting a cookout in Miami, FL rental, choosing the right grill is key to a great backyard BBQ.

What is a gas grill?

A gas grill is a barbecue that runs on either propane or natural gas, allowing for quick ignition and consistent temperature control. These grills are designed for ease of use, making them an excellent choice for busy households or those who value efficiency over tradition.

Lynchburg, TN-based recipe blogger and competitive pitmaster, Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill, explains, “Gas grills are fantastic for quick weeknight meals. Just turn a knob, fire it up, and you’re cooking in minutes.” Unlike charcoal, which requires preparation and fire management, gas grills provide a nearly instant cooking experience.

However, some believe convenience comes at the cost of flavor. Mike Steele, of BBQ pitmaster school BBQ Champs Academy in Decatur, TX points out, “Gas grills offer a quick and easy way to cook while delivering consistent heat for quick meals, but lack the rich, smoky flavor that charcoal provides.”

What is a charcoal grill?

A charcoal grill relies on lump charcoal or briquettes as fuel, providing a unique smoky essence that gas simply cannot replicate. The cooking process is more involved, requiring skill to maintain temperature, but the reward is an unparalleled depth of flavor.

Wes Wright of CookOut News in Rochester Hills, MI praises the experience of cooking over charcoal, stating, “Charcoal grills are perfect for when you want the most smoke flavor and a fun live-fire cooking experience. The downside to that is they take a little more time and skill to get right.”

Author and food blogger Matthew Eads of Grillseeker in Washington, DC echoes this sentiment, saying, “It’s hard to beat the flavor and heat that can be achieved with a charcoal grill. That said, the time commitment and clean up associated with charcoal cooking can be undesirable.”

Charcoal vs gas grill: shared features

Despite their differences, both gas and charcoal grills share a few commonalities. They both allow for cooking in an outdoor kitchen, can reach high temperatures, and offer ways to cook food indirectly. 

San Diego, CA-based recipe blogger, Jeremy Pike of AngryBBQ highlights their versatility. “I personally love charcoal grills for their versatility. With enough charcoal, you can achieve high heat for perfect grill marks or lower the temperature for smoking. But if you’re into quick weeknight grilling, a gas grill is perfect for fast cooking.”

Both types of grills can also be enhanced with accessories. Food blogger Kita Roberts of Girl Carnivore in Los Angeles, CA points out, “Nothing compares to the flavor you get from a charcoal grill. However, if you want the ease of a gas grill, you can get a boost of flavor by using a smoker box filled with wood chips and still have those coveted grill marks.”

Charcoal vs gas grill: key differences

The primary differences between charcoal and gas grills come down to convenience, flavor, and cooking technique. 

Gas grills provide near-instant heat and precise temperature control, making them ideal for quick meals. Craig Muccini, General Manager of The Flying Butcher in Amherst, NH, explains, “Most people think first about flavor when they’re deciding between gas and charcoal, but we find that it’s just as important to consider your lifestyle. If you want to be able to come home after work and grill up a couple of brats or a steak, a gas grill may be a better fit.”

Charcoal, on the other hand, requires more patience but delivers a richer flavor. Mike Steele of BBQ Champs states, “If the pursuit of deeply flavorful, backyard-style barbecue is priority, the extra effort required for charcoal is well worth the reward.”

John Fuhrman from Bub ‘N Mutha’s, a gourmet barbecue spice company in Columbia, SC simplifies the debate. “There are two types of BBQ on this planet. Competition-style, which follows strict rules and requires wood or wood pellets. The second type of barbecue is for eating and enjoying. And if you like what you’re eating, keep doing what you’re doing.”

What to consider when choosing between grills

1. Cooking style and convenience

Choosing the right grill for your backyard depends on how you like to cook. Damon Holter of Hudson, WI-based barbecue products manufacturer Croix Valley Foods explains, “Charcoal grills give smoky flavors and high-heat searing but require time and effort to manage the fire. Gas grills heat up quickly and provide control, ideal for convenience and easy weeknight meals. Alternatives like pellet grills burn real wood while offering gas-like simplicity.”

Melissa Reome, author and food blogger at Grill Momma, agrees. “It really comes down to whether you’re in it for the flavor or the convenience. If you are fortunate to own both, it is great to have the flexibility to choose which you prefer to cook with on any given day.”

For those looking for an optimal setup, grilling accessories company, Easylife Tech BBQ in Pembroke Pines, FL, recommends a combination approach. “The ideal setup is a large, propane grill for most meals and a smaller, tailgating charcoal grill for adventures away from home.”

2. Assembly or setup

Setting up a gas grill involves connecting a propane tank or a natural gas line, which makes it relatively straightforward. Charcoal grills require arranging coals and using a fire starter to get the flames going. 

Encino, CA-based chef Byron Talbott shares his expertise, “Making sure you get an even hot bed of coals is the trick of the trade and will always be the biggest goal before you get started. Gas on the other hand offers modern grilling with tech integration, extra burners, and precise digital temperature control for convenience.”

3. Flavor

Charcoal wins in the flavor department. Muskox Flannels  in Detroit, MI puts it simply, “While the flavor coming through from charcoal can’t be beat, the truth is you’ll use it far less than a gas grill.“ Gas grills may lack the intense smokiness of charcoal, but they can still achieve great results, especially when used with flavor-enhancing accessories.

Pellet grills offer a middle ground in both convenience and flavor. “Pellet grills provide real wood-smoke flavor with precise temperature control, combining the best of both worlds,” says Stephanie Schroeder from Knotty Wood BBQ in Woodland, CA. “No matter your choice, use premium wood like Knotty Wood BBQ pellets or our wood splits, which enhance flavor and elevate your backyard BBQ.”

4. Cost and budget

Charcoal grills tend to be cheaper upfront, but the ongoing cost of charcoal adds up over time. Gas grills have a higher initial price but save money on fuel in the long run.

5. Health and sustainability considerations

When it comes to health and barbecue safety, gas grills are the safer option. Best in Nature, a dietary supplement company warns, “Cooking meat over charcoal results in the release of chemicals known as HCAs and PAHs that can bind to your food, which have been linked to cancer.”

Apurva Goel of Decoding Biosphere, an environmental awareness platform, also suggests, “Avoid chemical lighter fluids that release VOCs into the air. Instead, use chimney starters, natural wood firelighters, or electric starters. Opt for sustainable cookware and choose eco-friendly fuel.”

5. Cleanup and maintenance

Gas grills are significantly easier to clean than charcoal grills, which produce ash and soot. Easylife Tech BBQ highlights another advantage of gas grills. “The ease of use allows for a large selection of usable accessories, such as the ceramic grilling tiles we offer to give foods an even cook and prevent potential flare-ups.” These accessories also contribute to reducing mess and making gas grilling more user-friendly.

That said, for those who prefer an authentic charcoal grilling experience, a few best practices can ease maintenance. Lump charcoal produces less ash than briquettes, while a grill liner or drip pan simplifies cleanup. Regularly emptying ash and scrubbing grates with a stiff brush helps keep your grill in top shape.

So, will you choose a charcoal or gas grill?

Ultimately, the best grill depends on your priorities. If flavor is your main concern and you’re willing to put in the effort, charcoal is the way to go. However, if you need a quick and convenient grilling experience, gas is the better option.

Amy from kitchen gadgets and appliance company Bitimexhome in Allen, TX suggests, “For ultimate versatility, consider a dual-fuel grill or combine a compact charcoal model with a gas setup to enjoy the best of both worlds.” No matter what you choose, the goal remains the same; great food and memorable backyard cookouts. 

As Chris Marks of Three Little Pigs Rubs, a barbecue products company puts it, “The ‘right’ answer depends on your BBQ style, flavor preference, convenience level, and how much time you’ve got.” Whichever grill you decide on, fire it up, throw on some quality meat, and enjoy the experience; because at the end of the day, grilling is all about good food and good company.

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