You’ve decided to buy a barbecue and are choosing between gas or charcoal. Although charcoal is a common cooking fuel in the United States, it lacks the convenience, safety, and versatility of gas. Gas grilling has been associated with summer cooking since the invention of propane grills over 50 years ago.
Before purchasing your next grill, evaluate the following benefits of gas grilling:
Gas Grills are Convenient
Among the most significant advantages of gas grills is the convenience they provide. When cooking with gas, all you have to do is ignite the grill and you’ll be able to cook in minutes. On the other hand, charcoal grills require time to heat up and keeping the coals lit when cooking can be difficult.
With gas, you can easily change the temperature and select how many burners are burning. Putting off the grill is as easy as turning off the gas. There is no other way of outdoor cooking that is as easy as a gas grill.
More Temperature Control
Gas grills are popular due to their ease of use and capacity to control temperatures quickly. Most gas grills have two or three burners, which allows for different temperature areas. Instead of repositioning the charcoal, just switch the burners off or on. This is perfect for grilling with indirect heat while the hood is down.
Ambient temperatures are also easier to regulate in a gas grill, which is critical when roasting, baking, or slow grilling. Changes to the burner controls are reflected easily, resulting in a reduction in overall cooking time.
Coal grills can be regulated, but there is a steep learning curve and perhaps some trial and error as you get familiar with how the vents function. With gas grills, it’s as simple as using your kitchen’s oven or stovetop.
Gas Grills are Safer
While the design of charcoal grills has improved dramatically in recent years, gas remains the master of safety. Since all cooking equipment poses some danger, it is important to safely use your grill in accordance with all manufacturer protection guidelines.
Gas has intrinsic safety benefits that cannot be overlooked:
- After grilling, there are no remaining coals.
- Gas grills can be fully extinguished in a moment.
- Toppling a charcoal BBQ grill poses a significant safety danger and increases the risk of burning. Toppling a gas BBQ grill is still risky, but it is easier to turn it off and avoid injury or damage.
- Gas grills are less prone to flare-ups.
- The burner knobs on a gas grill make it easier to adjust the heat.
If you are inexperienced in grilling and want to put your safety first, a propane or natural gas grill is the best option.
Meals Grilled Over Gas Grills Taste Better
You will enjoy tasty meals with the ideal gas grill. Charcoal grill fans will claim that only charcoal grills will provide a traditional smoky taste, but this isn’t entirely true. When you cook with charcoal, the juices vaporize on the burning coals and are reabsorbed into the meal as a crust or moisture on the outside. This is where a charcoal grill gets its smoky flavor.
Gas grills can achieve the same output as long as the burners are covered by stainless steel or iron flame tamers. These are also referred to as flavorizer bars by some manufacturers. Liquids and fats from foods and marinades can vaporize on the bars, providing the beloved outdoor cooking flavor.
Gas Grill Tips
Here are a few basic rules to remember when using gas grills:
- Keep your gas grill clean.
- Grill ribs or chicken coated with flavorful rubs.
- Watch your grill while cooking.
- Keep extra fuel at hand.
- Grill at the right temperature.
- Perform routine grill maintenance.
Homeowners should avoid connecting new gas grills to the natural line by themselves. Only a professional should install gas lines. Gas grill manufacturers advise homeowners to use the support of insured and licensed plumbers for installation and maintenance.