Gas Grill vs Charcoal: Which is Right for You?

Are you torn between gas and charcoal grilling? In this video, I break down the key differences between these two popular grilling methods, exploring the pros and cons of each. From flavor and convenience to cost and maintenance, we cover everything you need to know to help you choose the best grill for your needs!

Here are the grills used in the video. These are affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you use them to make a purchase:

Equipment I use to make videos:

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[DjNotNicesNucka]

Absolutely diabolical pour on that cold one

[jaredhuang]

You have one of the best channels on Youtube, no BS, no filler, straight to the point, keep it up. I think you can point out that a steak spends a very short time on the grill so the smoke flavor is very subtle, if you would cook something that takes longer like a spatchcock chicken you could notice a bigger flavor difference.

[nulatosr]

I too started on a gas grill. Went to charcoal and now I have 4 22" kettles and 2 smokey joes. I like to believe I can cook just about anything with my weber.

[joshbaker]

As a one grill owner, the charcoal grill can do it all. It does take time to get going, but the results are worth it.

[RADERFPV]

I've been using gas grills all of my life, amd after 35 years of gas grilling I just switched to charcoal. I have a weber performer deluxe showing up today, I'm super excited!

[michaelcertain]

I prefer charcoal, but there is a time and place for both. For me, I use gas for weekdays when I want/need something fast. I use charcoal for weekends, camping and long cooks when I'm not pressed for time and can enjoy the whole experience.

[bllawnservicellc]

As a first time grill buyer I am going with Charcoal after watching this

[poland]

great video, and the masters know that its not a competition, we can have both! lol

[johnn]

I have a gas grill, but I have many Weber kettles and prefer charcoal over gas!

[drweeks]

I like my Weber Kettle, but I love my Weber Smokey Mountain.

[marcoVB]

The undeniable but only advantage of the gas barbecue is the practicality of lighting. The difference in taste on the steak is perhaps negligible, but smoking in the low and slow with charcoal is better than gas, because the gas bbq has too many air currents.

[Donny]

I got a $21 webber charcoal grill an let me tell you best grill ever. Sure it's probably going to rout out in 2 years. But for 21 I'll buy another.

[relicboxing]

Maybe you should have used a wood chip insert for the gas grill & rerun this test. I don't know because I only have a weber kettle, but I'd think it's a much more similar comparison?

[timothysteenwyk]

Gas is great for marinated meats that wouldn’t benefit as much from the additional smoke flavor. Nearly everything else I think would benefit from charcoal though

[raymondjbarron]

Rotisserie Turkey on the Weber kettle this weekend.

[suhtangwong]

We've only cooked on charcoal grills because gas was too pricey for us. But I hate how it takes forever for me to clean the grill, start up the fire then wait for it to be ready then having to keep an eye on it in case it burns or under cooks. Also really hate the smokey smell all over my clothes. I think I may try gas pretty soon.

[toddjones]

Charcoal with a chunk or two of real wood always reminds me how much tastier live fire cooking is than gas…

[MrShooter]

I do prefer the taste from a charcoal grill, but there’s nothing wrong with using a gas grill on occasion. I certainly do.

[derekp]

just depends tbh, sometimes I want the smokey charcoal flavor sometimes I just want a quick burger/grilled chicken without the hassle.

[JoeHcook]

I started on Weber Q 15 years ago, that thing would run on single tank for more than a season. Only one burner though so setting up zones or smoking takes finagling. Later i got Jumbo Joe, there is definitely a learning curve to charcoal :( but the flavor! I agree the bag don't last long. I also got used Weber Genesis 3 burner plus sear plus side burner. Let that thing preheat and tank is gone after a few cooks... :( sold them all and will go back to Q or the smallest two burner Spirit and maybe a Weber kettle again or their smoker if i can find it cheap used. Wish Q came with two side by side burners, it's just three of us, no huge cooks. Love your channel, thanks for sharing.