Buying a new barbecue is an exciting investment, but one question almost everyone asks before making a purchase is whether to choose a gas or charcoal BBQ. While there are plenty of opinions online, the reality is that neither option is universally better than the other. Both can produce fantastic food, both have their own strengths, and both can provide years of enjoyable outdoor cooking.
The right choice comes down to how you like to cook. Do you want something that's quick and convenient for family dinners during the week, or do you enjoy spending a lazy afternoon tending the coals and experimenting with low and slow barbecue? Understanding how you'll use your BBQ is often more important than simply comparing features.
In this guide, we'll look at the benefits of both gas and charcoal barbecues to help you decide which is best suited to your cooking style, garden and budget.
The Benefits of a Gas BBQ
For many people, convenience is the biggest reason for choosing a gas barbecue. With the turn of a control knob and the push of an ignition button, your BBQ is ready to cook within minutes. There's no waiting for charcoal to light or reach the perfect temperature, making gas barbecues ideal for spontaneous meals or busy family evenings when time is limited.
Another major advantage is temperature control. Most gas BBQs feature multiple burners that can be adjusted independently, allowing you to create different cooking zones across the grill. You might use one side for searing steaks over high heat while gently cooking vegetables or keeping food warm on the other. This level of control makes it easier to cook a complete meal without worrying about food cooking too quickly or unevenly.
Modern gas barbecues have also become far more versatile than many people realise. Features such as warming racks, side burners and lids designed for indirect cooking mean you can do far more than simply grill burgers and sausages. With the lid closed, many gas BBQs allow heat to circulate evenly around the food, making them suitable for roasting larger joints of meat or cooking whole chickens while keeping them tender and juicy.
Cleaning is another area where gas BBQs are often favoured. Once you've finished cooking, there's no charcoal ash to dispose of, and many models include removable grease trays that make maintenance quick and straightforward.
For anyone looking for reliable performance, quick cooking and simple temperature management, a Gas BBQ offers an excellent balance of convenience and versatility that makes outdoor cooking easy to enjoy throughout the year.
The Benefits of a Charcoal BBQ
For many barbecue enthusiasts, charcoal offers something that gas simply can't replicate, the traditional barbecue experience. From lighting the fire to cooking over glowing coals, charcoal cooking is as much about the process as it is about the finished meal.
Perhaps the biggest attraction is flavour. As charcoal burns, it naturally produces subtle smoky aromas that enhance meat, vegetables and seafood. When juices drip onto the hot coals, they create additional smoke that rises back through the food, adding another layer of flavour that many people associate with authentic barbecue cooking.
Charcoal barbecues are also incredibly versatile. They can easily handle everyday favourites like burgers, sausages and kebabs, but they're equally capable of cooking steaks over intense heat or smoking brisket, ribs and pulled pork over several hours. Ceramic kamado-style BBQs, in particular, excel at retaining heat, making them perfect for both high-temperature searing and low and slow cooking.
While charcoal does require a little more preparation, many people see this as part of the enjoyment rather than a drawback. Learning how to control airflow using the vents, managing the fire and experimenting with different types of charcoal all become part of the outdoor cooking experience.
Using quality fuel also makes a noticeable difference. Premium products such as Kamado Joe Big Block Charcoal burn for longer, produce consistent heat and create less ash than lower-quality alternatives. If you're new to charcoal cooking, accessories such as a Charcoal Chimney Starter can also make lighting your barbecue quicker, cleaner and much easier.
If you love traditional barbecue flavour and enjoy spending time perfecting your cooking techniques, a Charcoal BBQ is likely to provide a more rewarding outdoor cooking experience.
Which BBQ Gives the Best Cooking Experience?
Rather than asking which BBQ is better, it's often more helpful to think about which one best matches the way you cook.
If your barbecue is mainly used for quick family meals during the week, a gas BBQ is difficult to beat. It heats up quickly, offers consistent temperatures and allows you to spend more time with family and friends rather than preparing the fire. It's a practical option for anyone who values convenience and wants dependable results every time they cook.
Charcoal, on the other hand, often appeals to those who see barbecuing as an occasion rather than simply preparing dinner. It's ideal for slow weekends, experimenting with different cooking techniques and creating rich, smoky flavours that have become synonymous with traditional barbecue.
It's also worth remembering that modern charcoal BBQs have evolved considerably. Products such as the Masterbuilt Gravity Series combine authentic charcoal flavour with digital temperature control, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of charcoal without constantly managing the fire. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want the flavour of charcoal with the convenience often associated with gas.
Whichever option you choose, investing in quality accessories such as a reliable meat thermometer will also improve your results. Products like the MEATER Pro Wireless Meat Thermometer help ensure everything from steaks to brisket is cooked perfectly, regardless of whether you're using gas or charcoal.
Which BBQ is Right for You?
The good news is there's no wrong choice when deciding between a gas or charcoal BBQ. Both are capable of producing fantastic food and creating memorable outdoor cooking experiences.
If you enjoy quick, hassle-free cooking with precise temperature control and minimal preparation, a Gas BBQ is likely to suit your lifestyle perfectly. They're ideal for frequent use, family meals and entertaining guests without the wait.
If you enjoy the theatre of outdoor cooking, love experimenting with different techniques and appreciate the distinctive flavour that charcoal provides, a Charcoal BBQ may be the better option. Although it requires a little more preparation, many people find the experience every bit as enjoyable as the food itself.
Ultimately, the best barbecue is the one you'll use most often. Think about how you like to cook, how much time you want to spend preparing your BBQ and the type of food you enjoy making. Once you've answered those questions, choosing between gas and charcoal becomes much easier.
Whether you decide on the convenience of gas or the authentic flavour of charcoal, you can browse our full range of Gas BBQs and Charcoal BBQs to find the perfect barbecue for your garden.