| Let's compare the benefits and disadvantages of | | | | more expensive than charcoal grills. And usually, food |
| using gas grills or charcoal grills. This is always a | | | | cooked on a gas grill does quite have the smoky |
| heated debate with fans from both sides. But let's | | | | intensity and flavor you would get from a charcoal |
| consider these points before we choose grills. Once | | | | grill. |
| you decide what grill fits your needs, then use this | | | | Charcoal Grill:The most die-hard charcoal grill users will |
| guide to help you choose which features you would | | | | tell you there is no other grill to consider. The whole |
| like with your grill. | | | | process of building and tending to the fire is a big |
| Gas Grill:First we will start with the gas Grill. Gas grills | | | | part of the excitement of charcoal grilling. |
| give you the most control over the temperature, and | | | | Construction of the Charcoal Grill: As with gas grills, |
| are much easier to start than a charcoal fire. Other | | | | look for a body that is constructed of high-grade |
| points to consider when looking at the gas grill option: | | | | steel. A baked-on finish is better than a painted-on |
| Construction of the Gas Grill: Choose among gas grills | | | | one. Parts that are welded instead of screwed |
| that are made of the highest grade of steel. They | | | | together are better. |
| should have a baked-on finish, or a thick, quality | | | | The Basic Features: The grates found on charcoal |
| stainless steel body. | | | | grills are either nickel plated or stainless steel. This will |
| The Basic Features: Your basic gas grill contains a | | | | make them easy to clean and rust resistant. Wooden |
| quality food grate, burners, and angled metal bars. | | | | or plastic handles help you open the lid without |
| Lava rocks or ceramic briquettes distribute the heat | | | | burning yourself. Choose a charcoal grill that is large |
| evenly. Look for a gas grill that has at least two | | | | enough to leave you room to grill over indirect heat. |
| burners, and an angled metal piece over those | | | | You want to be able to build a fire over on one side |
| burners. Lava rocks collect grease, which causes | | | | of the fire pit instead of both. This gives you better |
| flare-ups. These features allow for the best heat | | | | heat control. |
| control. | | | | Other Conveniences: A hinged food grate allows you |
| Other Conveniences: Side burners are an option on | | | | to add more charcoal when necessary. A charcoal grill |
| some grills, and allow you to cook side dishes and | | | | with a thermometer is very helpful. |
| sauces there, keeping every part of the cooking | | | | Advantages of Charcoal Grills: They are generally |
| process in one spot. Condiment holders and other | | | | much more inexpensive than gas grills. And they give |
| side tables add convenience to your gas grill. | | | | food a stronger smoky flavor. |
| Advantages of Gas Grills: As stated before, gas grills | | | | Disadvantages of Charcoal Grills: The coals can |
| are very easy to start, in most cases with a button | | | | sometimes be difficult to light, and when they do, it |
| or rotary starter. Other accessories to consider are | | | | takes quite a bit more time to get ready for cooking. |
| electric rotisseries, smokers, and steamers to expand | | | | The heat is often difficult to regulate. Cleanup is |
| your grilling options. Lastly, cleanup is very simple. | | | | more difficult than with gas grills. |
| Disadvantages of Gas Grills: Gas grills are quite a bit | | | | |