If you’ve ever been to a backyard barbecue, or a neighborhood cookout, chances are the main attraction was at the grill. There’s nothing quite like the flavor that comes with grilling your favorite meats, veggies and even fruit. But grilling enthusiasts across the country have always been torn between the choice of a propane or charcoal-powered grill.
Both options will get the job done, but the benefits of propane make it the best choice for a large majority of grill masters in the U.S. In fact, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) notes that seven in ten American adults own a grill or smoker, and that propane is the most popular fuel of choice, continuing to gain admiration in both the U.S. and Canada.
Benefits of propane-powered grills
So what makes gas grilling a better alternative to charcoal? For starters, propane allows for an easier, more convenient experience on the grill. Gas grills have long been praised for their ability to heat up quickly and distribute that heat evenly across the surface of the grill. Unlike charcoal grills, which require several minutes to get hot, you can simply turn on a gas grill and rest easy knowing that your food will start cooking instantly thanks to a strong, direct heat. You also have the added benefit of controlling your grill’s temperature when cooking with propane, allowing you to evenly cook your thicker cuts of meat, or just keep food warm over an indirect heat.
Apart from convenience and control, gas grills provide versatility. The accessories that you can add to your propane-powered grill give you several options on how you want to prepare your next meal. Side burners, smoker boxes and pouches are all great ways to utilize the space on your gas grill.
The biggest debate between fans of charcoal and propane often comes down to taste. Some grill enthusiasts will argue that the smoky flavor you get from a charcoal grill is unmatched. However, grilling with charcoal can make your food taste like butane due to the lighter fluid used to fire up the coals. On the other hand, because propane is a clean burning fuel, you’ll be able to enjoy the natural flavors of your food when grilling with gas.
It’s also important to consider the environment when grilling, and propane tops its competitors there as well. Gas grilling produces far fewer carbon emissions than charcoal when burned. Recent studies indicate that charcoal emits nearly three times the carbon dioxide that propane does, which poses a significant risk to your health and the health of the environment.
Finally, the cleanup process on a propane-powered grill is a lot quicker and simpler than with a charcoal grill. The last thing anyone wants to do after a delicious feast is tidy up, but with a gas grill, there are no coals, soot, or ash to worry about. For the best method to cleaning off your grill, check out these tips.
For many grill experts, the choice is simple. Gas grills provide a range of benefits designed to make life in front of the grill much easier. If you’re thinking of making the switch to a propane-powered grill, this is the time to do so. And once you’re ready to fire up your gas grill, be sure to check out these recipes that will make you even happier about your decision.
Published: 2019.02.01