Which one will suite my lifestyle?
Which one will give me the flavor that I am looking for?
The debate over charcoal vs gas vs wood flavored grills is a debate that will live on forever. When deciding, the one thing you need to know is that it is a matter of taste and convenience. You could also throw in electric grills into the equation.
Convenience: The best way to think about this problem is to remember that generally the more convenient a grill becomes the less really smoke flavor you are going to get. An electric grill is easiest to use but doesn't have that real fire flavor, gas grills will be the next quickest with some smoke flavor, while charcoal or hardwood fires give you the best flavor, but take the most time. However, some people think the flavor is worth the wait. The authentic smoke, off the fire taste of grilled foods is strongest with the original heat source, wood. As you move to electric you find very little of this flavor left. In fact, many electric grills add virtually nothing to the taste of foods. However the simplicity of flipping a switch and grilling can't be beat.
Taste: When cooking hamburgers it is hard to tell the difference between the charcoal or gas, but there is a difference with the steak. The charcoal grilled steak had more distinct smoke flavor. Grilling or smoking ribs is whole another story. Ribs have the best taste using a wood flavored smoker grill. You can use your wood of choice as in Apple, Alder, Cherry, Maple, Mesquite, Oak, Hickory or Pecan. You may have to experiment with which wood is the flavor of your choice.
Space or Transporting: To decide what kind of grill is right for you, first you need to decide where you are going to be using your grill. If you need a grill for tailgating, the best grill I have found can be attached to your hitch on your pickup or SUV. There are various camping grills to choose from, what you need to consider is what would be the most convenient to transport. If using in the back yard, a small patio or covered area is not the place for a large charcoal grill. Electric grills produce no flare-ups and are safer in smaller areas. Gas grills do produce flare-ups and need to be away from any structure to avoid those pesky house fires. Charcoal can be lit with an electric starter and therefore can be used with virtually no open flame.
Grilling: Another thing to consider is how you plan to grill. If you want to be able to come home from work and throw a couple of steaks or chicken breasts on the grill with virtually no hassle then electric or gas might be what you are looking for. If you are planning a weekend party you could consider the charcoal or wood smoker grills to impress your guest with some the best flavored barbecue.
I have friends that have more than one grill. They have a gas grill on the patio for the quick barbecue, they have a wood smoker for the weekend bash and a gas tailgating grill that attaches to their SUV hitch.
| Price : $79.99
