Charcoal grill vs. gas grill in terms of food flavor.?

Question

I love the taste of meat cooked on an outdoor grill. I've always used a charcoal grill and I thought it was the charcoal that imparts the flavor. I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to grilling. I like the ritual of actually building the fire. My brother uses a gas grill and says it makes no difference -- that the smoke from the fat that hits the flames is what makes barbequed meat taste good. If that's the case I may get a gas grill. Anyone with experience with both types of grills? Are the results the same?

Answer 1

It is true that the juices burning off from the meat is what adds the flavor to the meat.  Some ppl swear by charcoal but I prefer using a gas grill since its just less hassle for the most part.  Also, you can add smoke packs to your gas grill to bring out a smokier flavor, but thats only if your cooking something longer than a half hour or so.  Anyway, I really dont notice a difference in flavor.

Answer 2

I think both taste great... but there's just something about that charcoal that makes it taste better!

Answer 3

I think my charcoal grilling tastes better. I usually throw in some mesquite chips with it too.  I use my gas grill for corn on the cobb -(in the shucks) - or hot dogs on the side,  while the better meats get put on the charcoal grill. Sometimes, if there are no guests, and I need to cook a little something quick, then I use the gas. But for showing off, I use charcoal definitely.  I think your brother is right to a degree in that the fat-dripping smoke from gas grills make them better than pan-fried with no flame. But with charcoal you get fat-dripping smoke and wood smoke, too. There are other woods you can try, too. My friend does very well in rib competitions, and he uses apple wood.

Answer 4

The results are not the same. Gas grills are fast and efficent. Charcoal is for the more experinced outdoorsman. Full flavor, long lasting, sometimes romantic, and always a conversation starter.

Answer 5

i really dont know.  i use a charcoal grill and i always have.  i think its more fun and more primitive lol.  i like to think charcoal tastes better and im not looking forward to check and see if there is a difference. i might be disappointed lol