BBQ question of the day: Charcoal vs. Gas whats your take?

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:16:40 -0400

Full disclaimer, I own both a Weber 22inch charcoal grill, and a Weber Q 100 propane grill.

Both have their place, I can do everything on the 22 inch, but it is time consuming. If time is available, it is my go to tool in the BBQ QUIVER.

Flip side, is my Q 100, portability like no other grill out there, you can tail gate, camp, do anything with this portable grill. I make the most awesome salmon burger you will ever taste. But can you smoke a piece of meat on this, yes, and no. It will do the job the 22" will do. So Rally Point what is your take on this choice of fuels?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 27 at 2015 1:19 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:19:19 -0400

Charcoal!

Response by SPC Greg K. made Jul 27 at 2015 1:22 PM

SPC Greg K. — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:22:07 -0400

I prefer smoking...though second would be charcaol...then gas with wood chips wrapped in foil....and finally just propane for something quick that requires lots of heat...ie steak...Sear, turn, sear done!!!

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 27 at 2015 1:24 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:24:53 -0400

Mesquite !

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Jul 27 at 2015 1:25 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:25:17 -0400

Definitely charcoal when time permits or the crowd is small. Also when portability is a factor. Gas when time is constrained and the crowd is larger.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 27 at 2015 1:30 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:30:08 -0400

l Like Gas but also enjoy smoke from wood chips

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 1:32 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:32:01 -0400

Charcoal, 24/7 and 365.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 27 at 2015 1:32 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:32:16 -0400

It all depends on what is being cooked. But for straight up barbeque, I will take a smoker.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Jul 27 at 2015 1:32 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:32:48 -0400

Gas for grilling because of the zone control. Charcoal's for the smoker.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 27 at 2015 1:49 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:49:32 -0400

I only use gas because there is a fire hazard in my area when it is dry.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 27 at 2015 1:55 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:55:58 -0400

No question, charcoal give you the far better taste. You can also put wood chips and other flavor enhancers on charcoal. Gas is just cooking on a flame. It is good in a pinch and if you are not allowed to use anything else but Charcoal is far better.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 27 at 2015 3:13 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 15:13:17 -0400

Gas just ain't BBQ.
Oak, Mesquite or go home!

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Jul 27 at 2015 3:13 PM

CSM Michael Poll — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 15:13:49 -0400

How can you even ask this question????? CHARCOAL!!!!!

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 27 at 2015 3:22 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 15:22:28 -0400

For GRILLING, gas. For BBQing, it's hardwood. If you don't understand the difference, then the question is moot.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 3:37 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 15:37:33 -0400

If there isn't any mesquite laying around, Lump Charcoal and not those processed briquettes.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 27 at 2015 4:06 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 16:06:38 -0400

Charcoal and wood for the full flavor.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 21 at 2015 1:47 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:47:42 -0400

I like your setup and I'd do the same if necessary, but I like to grill at home and that's where I have my Weber 22in Performer that I bought about 3 years ago to replace my Weber Kettle (Red) that lasted me more than 25 years - and was in good enough condition to give to a young lady who was moving and wanted a grill - she loves it.

Anyway - charcoal is the way to go for me.

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made May 2 at 2016 4:35 AM

MSgt Richard Rountree — Mon, 02 May 2016 04:35:10 -0400

Wood pellets. Quality pellets made from hardwoods known for their unique flavors such as hickory, apple, pecan, oak, mesquite, alder, etc. Best used in a pellet fed grill/smoker such as Traeger.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 29 at 2021 7:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 19:35:40 -0400

I want to share an incredible technique. Make shish kabobs with steak and veggies. Use the hot natural fireplace. The intense heat will sere the meat. Oh so delicious.