Charcoal vs. Gas: How to Choose the Right Grill for You

There’s nothing like the sizzle of a grill on a cosy evening, whether it’s steaks, veggies, or burgers on the menu. But the question is, which type of grill is the best for your outdoor kitchen? This is a common debate, and everyone has their own opinion on charcoal and gas grills. In fact, each has its loyal fan base and distinct benefits, and making the right choice can take your grilling game to a whole new level.

At Alfresco Outdoor Kitchens, we believe your outdoor kitchen should reflect how you love to cook and entertain. That’s why we’ve broken down the key differences between charcoal and gas grills to help you choose the one that best suits your style, needs, and taste.

What You’ll Learn in This Blog:

Want to see everything we’ve discussed in the blog at a glance? Here’s an overview:

• The Flavour Showdown

Discover how charcoal and gas grills affect the taste of your food, whether you’re chasing that bold, smoky BBQ flavour or prefer clean, consistent cooking.

• Ease of Use & Convenience

Learn which grill suits your lifestyle best. Are you after quick weeknight meals, or do you enjoy the hands-on ritual of lighting coals and managing fire?

• Mastering Temperature Control

Find out which grill gives you more control for different types of cooking, from searing steaks to slow-smoking ribs.

• Cost Breakdown

We compare the initial investment and ongoing costs of both grill types, helping you make a budget-friendly decision that still delivers on performance.

• Environmental Impact

Understand the sustainability side of grilling, including which option is more eco-friendly and better for your outdoor space.

• Your Cooking Style, Matched to the Right Grill

Whether you’re a casual cook, a weekend warrior, or a BBQ pitmaster, we help you match your personality and habits to the perfect grill setup.

• Hybrid Grills:

Curious about grills that combine gas and charcoal? We explore innovative options that are the best of both.

Charcoal and Gas Grills

Both grills can create delicious, smoky-flavoured meals with tempting grill marks. And the difference, if not yet obvious, lies in their fuel source. While charcoal grills heat up by burning coals, gas grills use gas. This primary factor makes all the difference, especially when selecting the right fit for your custom-built outdoor kitchen. Let’s dig in deeper:

Flavour Profile

Flavour often influences the grill you choose. While charcoal grills are associated with that traditional smoky taste, the flavour difference is not always as dramatic as people expect, especially considering the time and effort involved. Charcoal requires hands-on fire building, longer heat-up times, and more cleanup afterwards.

Gas grills, on the other hand, offer convenience without compromising on great taste. With consistent heat and easy temperature control, you can still achieve a beautifully seared steak or crisp-skinned chicken. Add a smoker box or wood chips, and you can infuse smokiness without the mess. For those who want reliable performance, quicker prep, and tasty results every time, gas grills are a practical and flavour-friendly choice.

Winner? If you’re after that authentic smoky flavour, charcoal has the edge. But for reliable, everyday cooking with convenience, we believe that gas holds strong.

Convenience & Ease of Use

Let’s face it: life is busy. The type of grill you choose will impact how often you use it in your outdoor kitchen.

Gas grills are incredibly user-friendly. They turn on with the push of a button, heat up quickly, and offer precise temperature control. Cleanup is a breeze, and you can go from zero to dinner-ready in minutes.

Charcoal grills, while loved for their authenticity, do take more effort. Lighting the coals, waiting for them to reach cooking temperature, and then managing the heat throughout the cook needs time and attention. Not to mention the ash cleanup afterwards.

Winner? If you are looking for convenience and quick weeknight dinners, gas is the clear champion. But if you enjoy the process as much as the result, charcoal might be worth the effort.

Temperature Control and Versatility

Controlling the heat is key to perfect grilling. Here’s how each grill stacks up:

Gas grills give you precision control. With dials to regulate flame and built-in thermometers, you can easily manage different heat zones. This is a perfect option for everything from searing steaks to slow-cooking ribs.

Charcoal grills provide intense, high heat. This is perfect for searing and smoking. But managing temperature requires skill. You need to know how to adjust vents, shift coals, and watch closely to avoid flare-ups. The learning curve is steeper, but the payoff is big for experienced grillers.

To sum up, gas wins for consistency and ease. Charcoal wins for high-heat searing and smoky slow cooks, especially if you’re up for the challenge.

Cost and Maintenance

Your budget matters, and so does the long-term cost of keeping your grill in its best shape. Charcoal grills are usually less expensive upfront. You can get a high-quality charcoal grill for a fraction of the cost of a premium gas model. However, you’ll need to regularly buy charcoal, fire starters, and replacement grates.

Gas grills have a higher initial cost, especially if you opt for built-in models or ones with multiple burners. But gas (whether propane or natural) is cheaper per use than charcoal, and these grills are more durable with less mess to clean.

So, the winner? Charcoal for low entry cost, gas for long-term savings and lower maintenance.

Environmental Considerations

In today’s world, sustainability matters. Gas grills are cleaner-burning and produce fewer carbon emissions than charcoal. They don’t create ash or lingering smoke, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Charcoal grills typically release more carbon dioxide and particulate matter. The process of making charcoal also contributes to deforestation and energy consumption.

Winner? Gas grills are the greener option.

Your Cooking Style

Your ideal grill depends on how you like to cook. Charcoal grills are made for the pitmaster who loves slow-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and artisan-style grilling. They’re also great for getting that perfect steakhouse sear (if you know what I’m talking about).

Gas grills are the go-to for quick weeknight meals, impromptu weekend BBQs, and reliable temperature control. They’re incredibly versatile and need less prep time.

Winner? Well, it’s a tie. It all comes down to your grilling personality.

Innovation & Hybrid Options

Today, technology has changed the entire game of grilling. Now, you can enjoy the benefits of both gas and charcoal in one grill.

Hybrid grills combine gas and charcoal chambers, so you choose depending on the occasion. Start with gas for a quick cook, or go full charcoal for that authentic BBQ experience. Many modern grills now include built-in thermometers, digital timers, and even app connectivity.

Winner? Hybrid grills offer flexibility for those who want it all!

Choose What’s Right for You with Alfresco Outdoor Kitchens

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the charcoal vs. gas debate, and that is what makes outdoor cooking exciting. The right grill for you depends on how often you cook, what flavours you enjoy, how much time you have, and your overall budget. Some lean towards the rich, smoky flavours of charcoal, while others prefer the ease, speed, and control that gas grills, like those from Masport or Bull, bring to the table.

At Alfresco Outdoor Kitchens, we help you make that choice with confidence. Imagine stepping into a well-designed, weatherproof outdoor kitchen tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you are a seasoned entertainer or a weeknight griller, a reliable gas grill can be a game-changer, bringing both efficiency and elegance to your cooking experience. We offer fully customisable outdoor kitchen setups designed to thrive in New Zealand’s unique climate, built around how you love to cook and live.

If you are a fan of outdoor cooking and entertaining, you cannot do without a grill. We can design the perfect layout and setup to match your needs. From outdoor benchtops and tempered glass kitchen cabinets to fully integrated BBQs, our kitchens are built to last and made to impress.

Ready to build the perfect backyard entertaining space? Let’s bring your dream kitchen to life. Contact us and let’s start planning your perfect outdoor space together today!