I Love Cooking BBQ

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Got Gas?... or Charcoal?

I absolutely love cooking, and I'm sure many of you reading this blog share the same passion. Whether it's the joy of preparing delicious meals or the pleasure of savoring them, cooking is undeniably a wonderful experience. And one of my favorite ways to cook is through BBQ.

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to BBQ, and I, for one, adore charcoal grilling. That said, I own both charcoal and gas grills, and I enjoy firing them up equally. There's something quite satisfying about building a fire and tending to it – it's almost meditative, and it gives that manly, back-to-nature vibe that I can't resist.

Furthermore, let's not forget the fun of roasting marshmallows over the fire with kids after dinner. (Charcoal definitely gets the kids' vote; otherwise, they might as well hold a marshmallow on a twig over the stove in the house – not quite as exciting, right?)

Now, let's take a moment to explore some simple differences between charcoal and gas grilling:

Charcoal Grills:

  • Charcoal grills are budget-friendly.
  • They are easy to transport to different locations. Have you seen the grills that attach to the trailer hitch of your vehicle? They're perfect for tailgating and incredibly cool.
  • Though you may have to wait a bit for the coals to heat up, it's barely noticeable if you time things right, like prepping the food. (And if you're ahead of the game, you can even enjoy a couple of icy cold beverages. Wink.)

Gas Grills:

  • Gas grills offer greater control over temperature and are quick to light and heat up.
  • They often come with a side burner, which is fantastic for making sauces and vegetables.
  • Additional options like steamers, smokers, and electric rotisseries are available.
  • Grills with two or more burners provide better control over heat.
  • Food grates with angled metal bars over the burners are the best to prevent flare-ups during grilling, as ceramic briquettes and lava rock tend to collect grease.

When purchasing a grill, consider the following features:

  • Look for a grill made of aluminum or high-grade steel with a baked-on porcelain enamel finish – they last longer and look good too.
  • Thankfully, they don't make many grills with viewing windows anymore, as they are dangerous (prone to breakage) and don't retain heat well. Grilling is serious business, not like cooking with an easy-bake oven.
  • Choose one that feels heavy for its size, especially the lid. This indicates better heat retention and more even cooking.
  • A grill large enough to cook both directly and indirectly over the heat is essential.
  • Wooden or plastic handles are a plus since they stay cooler.

Regardless of your preference – Grilling Rocks!

Whether you're a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, I trust you'll find some fantastic recipes and tips in this blog that cater to your taste.

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