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Charcoal BBQ vs Gas BBQ: Which is Right for You?

Written by Ian Soma

Choosing between a charcoal and gas BBQ can be tough! Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on what you're looking for. Do you love that classic smoky flavour or prefer a quick and easy grilling experience? In this post, we'll compare the pros and cons of both charcoal and gas grills to help you decide which one is perfect for your outdoor cooking!

charcoal vs gas BBQ

What is a Charcoal BBQ?

Charcoal BBQs use charcoal as their primary fuel source to cook food, producing heat and smoke that give food a distinctive flavour. They're ideal for those who love traditional BBQ flavours and a hands-on grilling experience.


These grills are known for their smoky, authentic flavour and versatility – perfect for grilling, smoking, and rotisserie cooking. While they do require building and tending a fire, using a chimney starter gets coals ready in 15-20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love a Charcoal BBQ

Unbeatable Flavour

Cooking over charcoal adds a unique, smoky taste to your food that’s hard to replicate with gas.

Affordability

Charcoal BBQs tend to be more budget-friendly than gas grills, both in terms of upfront cost and maintenance.

Satisfying Process

There’s something deeply gratifying about building a fire, maintaining it, and cooking over it. It adds an element of artistry to your barbecue.

Things to Consider

Setup Time

Charcoal grills take a bit longer to heat up—around 20-30 minutes on average.

Cleaning Up

The ashes left behind after cooking require proper disposal, and charcoal grills can be a bit messier.

Temperature Management

Managing the heat on a charcoal grill can take some practice, but once mastered, it offers great control.


Upgrade your BBQ game with the CosmoGrill XL Smoker or XXL Smoker! Both offer generous cooking space, adjustable charcoal trays for precise temperature control, and that unbeatable smoky flavour charcoal grills are known for. Perfect for any gathering, these smokers provide the versatility and flavour you need to impress. Find the perfect charcoal smoker for your next cookout!

Small Charcoal BBQCharcoal BBQ for Outdoor Cooking
Jr. Smoker Charcoal Barbecue
Sale priceFrom £99.99
CosmoGrill XL Smoker Charcoal Barbecue with Side TableXL Smoker Charcoal Barbecue
XL Smoker Charcoal Barbecue
Sale priceFrom £159.99
XXL Smoker Charcoal BarbecueXXL Smoker Charcoal Barbecue
XXL Smoker Charcoal Barbecue
Sale priceFrom £219.98
Full view of CosmoGrill XXXL Smoker Charcoal Barbecue with offset smokerOutdoor setup of large charcoal grill with offset smoker in garden setting
XXXL Smoker Charcoal Barbecue
Sale price£399.99

 

What is a Gas BBQ?

Gas grills are perfect for busy days when you just want to get dinner on the table quickly. They are all about convenience; they heat up fast under 10 minutes, are easy to use, and offer consistent temperature control. With gas, you won't have to deal with the mess of charcoal, so you can enjoy a more pleasant cooking experience overall!

Why You’ll Love a Gas BBQ

Quick and Easy

Gas grills heat up fast, and with just a turn of a knob, you can adjust the heat with precision.

Low Maintenance

No ash, no messy residue, and less to clean. It’s easier to keep your gas grill in top shape.

Consistent Results

Temperature control is effortless, making it easier to cook your food just the way you like it.

Things to Consider

Lacks Smoky Flavour

While gas grills are efficient, they don’t impart the smoky flavour that many BBQ enthusiasts crave. For some, cooking on a gas grill feels no different than using a stove.

Refilling Gas

Running out of gas mid-cook can be frustrating, and finding a refill during a cookout isn’t always easy.

Durability

Over time, gas BBQs may require part replacements, such as burners or gas lines, which could add to maintenance costs.


Experience hassle-free grilling with the CosmoGrill Yamara 6+2 or Wabaya 3 Burner Gas BBQ! These grills are perfect for quick heat-ups, precise cooking and easy maintenance, with features like high-performance burners and multi-zone cooking. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just the family, we have a gas BBQ to suit your needs. Check out our gas BBQ range today!

Compact Stainless Steel 2 Burner Gas BarbecueCompact Stainless Steel 2 Burner Gas Barbecue
Compact Stainless Steel 2 Burner Gas Barbecue
Sale priceFrom £124.99
Wabaya 3 Burner Gas BBQWabaya 3 Burner Gas BBQ
Wabaya 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
Sale priceFrom £189.99
#Option_Yamara 6+2 Gas BBQPlatinum Yamara 6+2 Gas Barbecue
Platinum Yamara 6+2 Gas Barbecue
Sale priceFrom £639.99
Platinum Yamara 4+2 Gas BarbecuePlatinum Yamara 4+2 Gas Barbecue
Platinum Yamara 4+2 Gas Barbecue
Sale priceFrom £569.98

 

Choosing between charcoal and gas BBQs depends on your priorities. Charcoal delivers a classic BBQ flavour and experience, perfect if you enjoy the process of building and managing a fire. Gas heats up quickly, is user-friendly, and minimises cleanup, ideal for convenience. Both options offer a fantastic way to enjoy outdoor cooking and socialising.

 

Ready to find the perfect BBQ? Explore our range of charcoal and gas barbecues to elevate your grilling! Visit our store for expert advice, exclusive offers, and the best BBQs available. Happy grilling!

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