Propane, Natural Gas, or Charcoal Grill?

The big difference between propane, natural gas and charcoal is not one thing in particular. When shopping for a grill, you are going to be motivated by many things. Price, ease of use, durability, and quality of food are the main factors people consider when buying a new grill. Here is the good and not so good for each method…

PROPANE

  • Fuel is inexpensive.
  • Portable.
  • Electronic ignition.
  • Instant heat.
  • Fast warmup to temperature.
  • Precise temperature control.
  • Not prone to hot spots.
  • No flareups (with more expensive grills).
  • Fewer carcinogens than charcoal
  • Safe if used properly.
  • Easy cleanup.
  • Tedious/lengthy assembly.
  • Propane tank must be filled regularly.
  • You may run out of fuel in the middle of dinner.
  • Flareups likely with inexpensive grills.
  • Difficult to reach searing temps (600F) with inexpensive grills.
  • Must add wood chips to get wood flavor in food.

NATURAL GAS

  • Fuel is very inexpensive.
  • You will never run out of gas.
  • Electronic Ignition.
  • Instant heat.
  • Fast warmup to temperature.
  • Precise temperature control.
  • Not prone to hot spots.
  • No flareups (with more expensive grills).
  • Fewer carcinogens than charcoal.
  • Relatively safe if used properly.
  • Easy cleanup.
  • Tedious/Lengthy Assembly.
  • Must install gas line/outlet.
  • Less BTU’s than Propane.
  • Not portable.
  • Flareups likely with inexpensive grills.
  • Difficult to reach searing temps (600F) with inexpensive grills.
  • Must add wood chips to get wood flavor in food.

CHARCOAL

  • Easy to Assemble.
  • Portable.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Food tastes great.
  • Easy to reach searing temperature.
  • Charcoal is readily available.
  • Feels, smells like a real barbecue.
  • Possible flareups.
  • Hot spots.
  • You have to build a fire.
  • Takes time to reach ideal cooking temperature.
  • Hard to control temperature.
  • Possible charcoal starter fumes.
  • Fuel cost can add up.
  • Greater risk of burns/fire.
  • Higher heat means more carcinogens.
  • Dirty to handle/clean up.
  • Disposal of embers can be difficult.