Grill: Charcoal or Propane?

[Pieceofsand]

Basically I'm looking to buy a grill for my house for the on coming summer. We're barely hitting spring here in Northern Michigan. Looking for something very basic for a household of 3, and hoping to spend around $150-ish. I want one that's going to last. It isn't very much money but that's irrelevant from the topic. ' What would you guys pick? Charcoal for great taste? Or the Gas for convenience? I can use some suggestions. Also let me know what you have at home and why you picked your choice. Thanks folks

 

[mm84321]

My family has a gas grill at home. I would suggest you look for a grill that has cast iron grates. They are the extremely durable and will retain the most heat, ensuring a nice even sear.

 

[Lighthouse]

Don't get charcoal if you have young kids.

 

[JayJay]

I prefer charcoal but use propane mostly for convenience and health.

 

[MrG]

Lump charcoal, FTW.

 

[videocrew]

Propane: Taste the meat not the heat.

 

[BP348]

Originally Posted by Lighthouse

Don't get charcoal if you have young kids.

Why not?

I actually have both but only use the charcoal grill. Never would have bought the propane grill but my wife wanted it for hurricane season.

 

[dragon8]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I prefer charcoal but use propane mostly for convenience and health.

Charcoal gives better heat but gas is so easy and convenient.

 

[ramp]

Propane

 

[Stazy]

Gas

 

[Runningman411]

Originally Posted by Pieceofsand

Basically I'm looking to buy a grill for my house for the on coming summer. We're barely hitting spring here in Northern Michigan.

Looking for something very basic for a household of 3, and hoping to spend around $150-ish. I want one that's going to last. It isn't very much money but that's irrelevant from the topic. '

What would you guys pick? Charcoal for great taste? Or the Gas for convenience? I can use some suggestions.

Also let me know what you have at home and why you picked your choice.

Thanks folks

Will you be grilling mostly or actually BBQ-ing? If you're only grilling, gas wins by a landslide. You do lose some of the smoky taste but it's a lot better than lighting the charcoal, waiting for the charcoal to be ready and then disposing of the ashes. Tastewise, a charcoal pit with wood chips is admittedly much better.

 

[Pieceofsand]

BBQ and grill equally. There is a meat specialty store where I work that have a large selection of meat with homemade sauce that are delicious.

I think I will stick with charcoal based on the votes, plus I'm all for the taste.

 

[aphextwin07]

obviously charcoal tastes better, the only reason for the existence of propane is the relative convenience.

 

[Lighthouse]

Originally Posted by BP348

Why not?

I actually have both but only use the charcoal grill. Never would have bought the propane grill but my wife wanted it for hurricane season.

The coals stay hot for hours; they look like they have cooled down. Grills knocked over; pets; hot coals; etc.

 

[foodguy]

i started on charcoal, had propane for probably 20 years, went back to charcoal. buy a chimney and starting the fire really is a breeze. takes 20 minutes instead of 10. big whoop.