Charcoal or gas? Battle of the barbecues

When people visit Weber BBQ World at Bents Garden Centre in Leigh, one question that is often high on their list is which is better, charcoal or gas barbecues?

The simple answer is that you can't really go wrong either way. Each fuel type has its own characteristics, but both are extremely popular, so it's down to personal preference.

If you're not sure which you prefer, here are some of the main differences between charcoal and gas barbecues, to help you make your decision.

Why charcoal barbecues are good

For many people, the main reason why charcoal BBQs are good is the flavour you get from cooking over hot smoking coals.

Nothing can really reproduce the taste of food cooked on a charcoal grill, whether it's the flavour of the smoke or the seared pattern from the metal of the grill itself.

Once up to temperature, a charcoal barbecue can stay at cooking heat for a good length of time, and you can add more coals if you need it hot for longer.

Some people don't like the delay of waiting for the coals to reach temperature in the first place, but accessories like Weber Charcoal Chimneys make short work of that by pre-heating the coals ready to transfer to the grill.

Why gas barbecues are good

If you're always impatient to get to grilling as fast as possible, you probably don't need to be told why gas barbecues are good.

The gas supply produces an immediate flame, so you can start cooking meat, fish, vegetables and other ingredients right away - perfect for entertaining if you don't have time to prepare the hot coals in advance.

Gas barbecues can include different sizes of burner, as well as controls to adjust the temperature in an instant, effectively giving you a kitchen cooker in the great outdoors.

Really the only downside is that grilling with gas will not produce that iconic smoky charcoal taste, but you still get all the rest of the experience of cooking outside on a sunny day.

Charcoal or gas BBQ?

When weighing up the decision of whether to buy a charcoal or gas BBQ, it's a question of time versus taste.

Do you want the full experience of cooking on a charcoal BBQ, including lighting the coals and watching as the ash layer forms, signalling that your barbecue is ready to start cooking?

Or do you want the quick and easy option of a gas barbecue, which you can ignite and start to use almost immediately?

Whichever you choose, Weber BBQ World at Bents has the grills, consumables and accessories you need to get started and to stay supplied for the future too.

Ask us for help

If you still can't choose between gas and charcoal barbecues, just ask one of our outdoor living experts during your next visit to the Weber World Store at Bents Garden Centre in Leigh.

We'll be happy to guide you through the different types of barbecues we have in stock, to help you make your decision, and to highlight some of the BBQ accessories that can help you get the best out of your grill either way.