Kitchen Tidbits

Charcoal or gas: which is the best choice in a BBQ? People have been arguing this point for many years. There are pluses and minuses to each, but many people have a strong loyalty to whichever type they prefer. But if you’re new to barbeque cooking and you don’t know where to start, here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Gas

* Fast. In just 10 minutes, the grill is ready.

* You can easily control the heat. You have more leeway when it comes to timing the meal. Sometimes you need to cook something over low heat for an extended period, and other times it needs to be at a higher temperature for less time. With gas, it’s easy to handle these things.

* Versatile. You can use the gas burner on the side to cook some vegetables, and the rotisserie attachment is ideal for slow cooking a roast.

* Taste. There are those who don’t enjoy the taste of food that’s been cooked over a gas flame. Plus, you won’t get the aromatic flavor of wood smoke that you will with a charcoal flame.

* Easy cleaning. There are no ashes to clean up. A tray to catch the drippings handles most of the cleaning, and you can increase the heat for several minutes in order to burn off the remains so that they can be more easily removed.

* Cost conscious. One gas cylinder is enough for 8 hours even at maximum setting.

* The initial cost may be high; however there is a wide range of prices to suit any budget.

* It can save you money over the long term if you maintain it properly, provided gas doesn’t skyrocket in price.

Charcoal

* The flavor and aroma of wood smoking can’t be matched.

* Initial cost is low, but it may not be efficient in the long run.

* They require a lot more time, not just to cook but also to prepare. From the time the briquettes are lit and have burned down enough to start cooking, 40 minutes have probably gone by. This won’t work for the times when you have a sudden desire to barbeque.

* Timing is important. There is no heat control, so you have to keep a close eye on your food.

* If you barbeque a lot, the expense of charcoal briquettes can really add up.

* Ashes are a pain to clean out. You have to let the grate cool down completely before you can clean it, and it’s a tough job.

Hopefully you’ll find these BBQ tips useful in your choice of charcoal or gas. You should choose the one which fits not only your budget, but also your lifestyle. Those who lead busy lives might prefer a gas barbeque because they require less time in order to fully cook a meal. However, if you have some time on your hands, you can’t beat the flavor that charcoal gives.