When it comes to barbecue cooking, the debate over gas versus charcoal grilling is age-old and people often fall firmly into one camp. Is one really better than the other? Let us break it down for you. Convenient, efficient and ready-in-a-flash. Gas grills get a bad rap but in reality, and for most people who simply want to cook outdoors with relative ease, they do the job, allowing you to get cooking with the flick of a switch charcoal is a little — but only a little — messier, as we explain below.
The accuracy of a good gas grill will allow you to set temperatures with precision, allowing better overall control. The heat is very direct and consistent , usually coming from set of burners, allowing you to sear with ease, which is perfect for barbecue staples. The speed and instant adaptability are great for summer midweek cooking, as well as churning out the goods for larger groups.
This pinpoint precision has its pitfalls, reducing the overall radiant heat unless the lid is shut. Because they lack the even blanket of heat of a traditional charcoal barbecue, many gas barbecues try to compensate with added tech lava rocks and ceramic plates etc.
Further, gas burns cooler than charcoal, restricting the efficiency of the heat. Imparting wood smoke will also be slightly more tricky, with soaked wood chips above the flames being your only real option. Read our review of the best two-burner gas barbecues.
We pick out our favourite models, from budget buys to blowout options. We also explain what to look for when buying a gas barbecue — some key things to consider include build time, storage options, versatility and sturdiness.
A charcoal barbecue is versatile, allowing you to cook super-high or way-down low. Invest in an affordable charcoal chimney, which allows you to light them with just a few sheets of newspaper, funneling oxygen up through the coals.
Versatility is really the key here with the consistent radiant heat helping you along the way. Indirect grilling , which is cooking slowly with the heat source to the side of the produce the key to smoking , is also more viable thanks to the radiant heat. The cast aluminium construction will make the grill itself easy enough to take on the go, and you can even remove it from its plastic stand.
The BBQ has only one burner but the grates are wide and square enough to offer enough room for plenty of burgers and hot dogs. Ignition is electric and the cast iron cooking grate is guaranteed to inject any meal with smoky flavour. This BBQ comes on four wheels, with a base that makes it look built-in to any outdoor space. It has three burners and a side burner, which is great for boiling corn on the cob or frying off any extras that may fall through the grate.
Other extras we love include a drip tray and the trusty warming rack to keep your hot dogs hot. Enter the Weber Pulse , a totally electric barbeque. This not only avoids excess fumes but also dodges the use of fossil fuels, making it a far more environmentally friendly way to cook out. This is all about accuracy with that 1. It comes with an internal probe meaning you can monitor the internal temperature of your food.
This is done via the Weber app so you can actually keep an eye on your food from the comfort of indoors, while this grill does all the work out on the balcony. It also looks brilliant.
The air-flow tech will have this up to temperature in no time and will allow you to easily keep it within a few degrees throughout cooking. The fact it grills, bakes, sears and stays hot for up to 10 hours is just a bonus and is probably why this is the grill of choice for many professionals.
One of the most forgiving barbeques out there right now, with a price to reflect that. The most major priority is price, so start out with a rough idea of what you want to spend. Next up is fuel. This subject is an area of debate.
Some claim that charcoals offer the very best flavour, while others claim gas gives the same result. Then, to make it more complicated, there are gas barbecues that use gas flames to heat charcoals.
For more outdoor essentials check out the best fire pits. Lose the coals and you lose this extra flavour. So if you want authentic flavour, coals can be the best way to cook.
Then there are the smokers which take this idea to the next level and offer slow cooking which not only packs in the smokey flavour but also allows you to give the perfect tenderness to joints of meat. The problem with gas and charcoal is that you need to buy the fuels, which can be a hassle. Of course, many will argue this is akin to cooking indoors. Related: How to clean a BBQ. If you want to enjoy alfresco dining properly during the summer then a barbecue is a must.
Best Buy gas and charcoal barbecues are sturdy, safe, well-made and easy to use. They cook deliciously tasty chargrilled food. Our Test Labs compare features and prices on a range of products. Try Which? You'll instantly be able to compare our test scores, so you can make sure you don't get stuck with a Don't Buy. Don't get lumbered with a barbecue that falls over in a high wind, makes it impossible to control the temperature or incinerates your dinner when you turn your back for two seconds.
We test gas and charcoal barbecues from big brands such as Weber and Outback , as well as own-label models from the likes of Cadac and Landmann , to reveal sizzling Best Buys that cook great tasting food.
So whether you want a barbecue that will grill, roast, fry or boil, and whether you fancy a large gas three-burner or a charcoal kettle, our in-depth barbecue reviews have got it covered.
Some barbecues are packed with fancy features but offer up tasteless and dry food. Others look basic but cook delicious barbecue fare.
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