Gas vs Charcoal: Which one is Better to Use?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (37621)
August 19, 2023 4:59pm CST
With summer nearing its end and those final Labor Day cookouts for Americans (at least) around the corner it got me to thinking about the pros and cons of grilling. I have a gas grill but noticed my neighbors using the old-fashioned charcoal kind.
So, which is better? Here are a few facts to consider when making comparisons.
GAS GRILL BENEFITS:
-They heat up more quickly, are more convenient, and are easier to clean.
- Gas grills don’t produce messy piles of ash.
- Gas grills don’t emit nearly as many harmful air pollutants—including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and soot.
-Gas grilled meats contain fewer carcinogens compared to charcoal grilled meats.
So, seems gas grills have a lot of advantages.
*** Are there any benefits to buying and using a charcoal type of grill? Yes, there are...
CHARCOAL GRILL BENEFITS:
-Charcoal grilling adds a certain smoky flavor not found in a gas grill.
-Charcoal can reach a higher temperature, great for searing meat.
-And well, their cheaper. 
If you're a summertime griller which one, do you use. If not, you can inform your neighbor and friends about these facts.
Some Source Info- tasteofhome.com
If you're a summertime griller which one, do you use. If not, you can inform your neighbor and friends about these facts.
Some Source Info- tasteofhome.com19 people like this
19 responses
@FourWalls (86575)
• United States
19 Aug 23
Neither. You go to a BBQ restaurant and eat some of their hickory-wood smoked chicken instead. 
7 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
Sounds tasty for sure. But exxxxxpensive versus home grilling. 
2 people like this
@RubyHawk (99367)
• Atlanta, Georgia
20 Aug 23
@Treborika The danger-of a fire breaking out.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
I see. For that grilled smokey flavor I think charcoal is better. But from what I've researched, using a grill is more environmentally friendly and healthier overall than charcoal.
In case your curious here is what one source cited when making a comparison:
Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food.
Also, I personally find gas more convenient. -They are easier to control and adjust the temperature, which allows for more versatility. -They have drip trays for grease.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
You are right about the taste Amber. I've heard the same.
Other factors some might consider for choosing a gas grill:
-They are easier to control and adjust the temperature, which allows for more versatility.
-They are better for your health and the environment.
-They have drip trays for grease.
Finally, Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (189792)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Aug 23
So it's one or the other. I bet the charcoal sticks.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (189792)
• Boise, Idaho
25 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 ........The less the better I'm sure. I don't grill so I am looking at it from a heating standpoint. We have electricity here. I don't like gas. I have had several bad experiences. Gas never warms an area it seems. Not for me. I have to keep turning it on again. I think it is a jip. I can see where it is cleaner and less messy but when it doesn't do the job I don't think it is worth the rate. Charcoal stinks. I guess electricity is more expensive but I like it better.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189792)
• Boise, Idaho
25 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 ......... I don't grill so I am looking at it from a heating standpoint. We have electricity here. I don't like gas. I have had several bad experiences. Gas never warms an area it seems. Not for me. I have to keep turning it on again. I think it is a jip. I can see where it is cleaner and less messy but when it doesn't do the job I don't think it is worth the rate. Charcoal stinks. I guess electricity is more expensive but I like it better.
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
Not necessarily. It always seems with these types of debates, there is arguments for both. But here was some additional information you might be interested in reading about when it comes to the gas vs charcoal debate.
Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food.
While it’s yet to be determined how much grilled food is too much in regard to cancer risks, experts say propane is safer than charcoal on the whole.
Personally, I think gas is better especially when it comes to being more environmentally friendly and producing healthier food. And a plus for me is a grease drip tray and temperature control knobs providing more convenience and less mess too.
Although don't tell that to the charcoal or wood burning grillers. Thanks for responding!
Thanks for responding!1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84699)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
20 Aug 23
I don't recall ever using gas grills, but I do like the taste of charcoal.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84699)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 I could see that being a concern if you don't really know what you're doing, or if you grill regularly. I don't eat home-grilled food often, and when I've used girls in the past, the smoke produced wasn't as much as some might think. If you know what you're doing, it can be as safe as anything else. Life is meant to be enjoyed. It's not healthy to worry about everything that possible that can harm or kill you. It's how use and do things and the extent of exposure, then you'll be fine.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
Many sources do tout the taste being better than gas grilled. However, I wonder if it is healthier? Here were some interesting facts I found when further researching...
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food. Something to consider if you have a history of cancer in your family or want to reduce risk factors in the foods you consume.
Another consideration would be the environment. As more smoke is released from wood or charcoal burning grills.
Thanks for your input.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (97908)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 Aug 23
I have no idea. In Latvia when I had the garden we got a metal box-like thing on tall legs, Cut up wood and used the burning wood to grill things on a metal grill, Old fashioned but it worked well,
4 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
Interesting. I remember doing something similar making a homemade grill with a friend and cooking hot dogs on it.
In answer to which is better I personally think gas is better for the environment and the food cooked is healthier.
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food.
2 people like this
@Treborika (18194)
• Mombasa, Kenya
20 Aug 23
That's so great my friend. I like that thing so much
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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20 Aug 23
Ha, ha. I've done that with hamburgers on my propane grill. The temperature can heat up quickly much faster than charcoal so one must pay attention. Which I learned the hard way. Fortunately, I like my hamburgers and hot dogs' medium to well-done, so if I'm off on my timing a bit, I'm still ok.
Anyway, here are some interesting facts about grilling I found that may interest you...
Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
While it’s yet to be determined how much grilled food is too much in regard to cancer risks, experts say propane is safer than charcoal on the whole.
And personally, I find propane gas grills are better for the environment. Too much smoke with charcoal.
And an additional plus, easier cleanup with their grease drip trays. 
Anyway, here are some interesting facts about grilling I found that may interest you...
Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
While it’s yet to be determined how much grilled food is too much in regard to cancer risks, experts say propane is safer than charcoal on the whole.
And personally, I find propane gas grills are better for the environment. Too much smoke with charcoal.
And an additional plus, easier cleanup with their grease drip trays. 1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
21 Aug 23
I love the old bbq grill..never used a gas one.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
24 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 Is it now..that makes sense DB.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
23 Aug 23
It seems you can't beat it for giving meat that special flavor!
One benefit of a gas grill is they are better for your health and the environment.
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food.
While it’s yet to be determined how much grilled food is too much in regard to cancer risks, experts say propane is safer than charcoal on the whole.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
Yes, Judy many sources cite the same reason as you for charcoaled food.
Others prefer propane gas grills for these reasons:
-They are easier to control and adjust the temperature, which allows for more versatility.
-They are better for your health and the environment.
-They have drip trays for grease.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238275)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 All I have here is a charcoal grill.
@JudyEv (381810)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 Vince always says that barbecueing leads to the ruination of many a good steak! But of course it all depends how you cook it.
But of course it all depends how you cook it.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
Yes, that is true and something to consider when choosing. Here are some additional facts I found.
Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food.
While it’s yet to be determined how much grilled food is too much in regard to cancer risks, experts say propane is safer than charcoal on the whole.
1 person likes this
@Treborika (18194)
• Mombasa, Kenya
20 Aug 23
Wood/ charcoal is still widely used here
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222286)
• United States
20 Aug 23
We just have charcoal grills. We don't grill often enough for a gas grill; and the gas cylinders make me nervous. Enjoy your Sunday.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222286)
• United States
20 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 Thank you. I like those carcinogens when they catch the meat on fire; and it gets a little crunchy. Especially like to burn hot dogs a little bit. It's a good thing we hardly ever grill.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
I see your point about propane gas and safety. 
For me, I prefer gas over charcoal because it's easier to maintain, better for the environment, and produces healthier food.
From additional research I found these facts which helped with my decision:
Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food.
Thanks for your input! Enjoy your day too...
For me, I prefer gas over charcoal because it's easier to maintain, better for the environment, and produces healthier food.
From additional research I found these facts which helped with my decision:
Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food.
Thanks for your input! Enjoy your day too...1 person likes this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
21 Aug 23
I have used both and have both. I prefer the Charcoal grill myself, but the Gas is nice if you are in a hurry. I just like the taste from charcoal much better.
I seen the comment below from @FourWalls about going to a restaurant for the hickory flavor. You can get hickory, or a number of other chips to put in the grill to get those flavors. Depending on what I am cooking I like to use apple would chips often to give the meats a little apple smoke flavor.
2 people like this
@Bensen32 (28658)
• United States
23 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 No problem and you know just use a little aluminum foil for a drip pan and when all cooled down take it out and toss it in the garbage...easy clean up.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
23 Aug 23
Yes, probably the best feature of having a charcoal grill for sure!
Gas grills do offer some useful benefits:
-They are easier to control and adjust the temperature, which allows for more versatility.
-They are better for your health and the environment. (More carcinogens with charcoal)
-They have drip trays for grease.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 Sounds like a plan to me. Good eating for sure.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
31 Aug 23
Yes, a very good point. Charcoal grilling is very messy!
Other gas grill benefits:
-They are easier to control and adjust the temperature, which allows for more versatility.
-They are better for your health and the environment.
-They have drip trays for grease.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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29 Aug 23
Yes, the added taste is a plus. One drawback mentioned is the additional carcinogens in charcoal grilling which are linked to cancer. But done in moderation it should be safe.
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
20 Aug 23
I would always use gas instead of charcoal to cook. I rarely grill. In India most oven have grills which is easy to clean.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
21 Aug 23
@dgobucks226 In India most ovens are electric and we don't need the gas.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
I would agree, my preference is gas too. I found some good reasons cited by sources in my research to support my choice.
-These arguments support Gas being better for your health and the environment:
Propane grills make “clean” tasting food with less build-up of the carcinogens that charcoal grilling can produce.
Charcoal creates more carcinogens than propane because it produces far more smoke, which is how carcinogens get into your food.
While it’s yet to be determined how much grilled food is too much in regard to cancer risks, experts say propane is safer than charcoal on the whole.
Thanks for your response!
1 person likes this
@Treborika (18194)
• Mombasa, Kenya
20 Aug 23
For me I would go for charcoal. This is because charcoal is a little bit cheaper in my country compared to the grass.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
20 Aug 23
That is very true about expense Trebor With the price of gas and propane tanks these days I can see why you would make this choice.
Thanks for responding!
With the price of gas and propane tanks these days I can see why you would make this choice.
Thanks for responding!