Bbq's, gas or charcoal??

[BIRD]

We need to buy a new bbq, the question is do we stick to charcoal or do we go with the gas bbq?? Do you still get the flavour with a gas bbq and is there as much smoke? Can I have your opinions please??

[Thunderbird+]

Hi BIRD, I'm a dyed in the wool charcoal fan, although I can fully understand some folks prefering gas which I must addmit seems far simpler but personally, I think the traditional charcoal method (back to basics) albeit sometimes a bit hit and miss, is all part of the fun, but there again, I was always a bit of a dinosaur, If you start getting too hi tec, well then you might as well have cooked your food indoors in the first place, thats my take on it anyway.
Flavour ? I dont think theres much in it but put me down as a charcoal man! whatever you decide- Good Luck Tbird+

[chazza]

I would agree, stick with the charcoal

[McNoodle]

Charcoal 'n' chippings.

[CSG2306]

Hi Bird,

I've got to agree with the others BUT for convenience sake the gas or electric BBQ'S are second to none.

I use a Cobb bbq all the time but on certain camp sites charcoal is barred and I have to use gas. Electric bbq's are just the same as grilling on your stove at home and not worth the money.

The choice is yours???
Regards

[McNoodle]

How do you get the smokiness with a gas one though, and isn't it more of a pain to clean?

[jake-the-peg]

If you do get a charcoal one buy one that's at least twice as big as you need.

When you spread the charcoal after it's lit, pile most one end and then lesser amounts down towards the other.

That way you will have a hot end and a warm end which means that you can cook slower and avoid the "burnt outside, frozen inside" phenomina. You'll also be able to keep stuff warm while you cook other things.

[BillyBB]

I have a Chiminea which also BBQs. I can use wood or charcoal and it serves as a patio warmer later.

[pingping]

i have both a gas and a charcoal bbq, and while i prefer the taste with the charcoal one, the gas one cooks much faster (so no dodgy sausages!) also with some gas ones you can buy special coals which release the bbq flavour.

[LiamDS]

I found this article useful
https://www.topbbq.co.uk/news/gas-bbq-vs-charcoal-bbq-which-is-better/
Gas BBQ's are easy to light and control
Charcoal offers the ability to add some great smoky flavours (by using different types of wood chips).