Which Is Better? Charcoal vs. Propane Grills

Up Your Grilling Game This Season and Beyond!

It’s an age-old debate. Is it “better” to cook on a propane grill or a charcoal grill? The short answer is that—except for a very specific type of barbecue and smoked foods—a propane grill will perform better. In fact, you can achieve a slow cooked, smoked effect with a propane grill with just some simple tricks!

14 Advantages of Propane Grills

From easier cooking to healthier foods to safety, here are 14 reasons why propane is considered a better choice than that of charcoal.

1. Starting up a propane grill is as easy as turning on your kitchen cooktop! Flip a switch, turn a knob and set your heat level. Lighting a charcoal grill requires starter fluid, matches and, often, a bit of patience alongside the manual labor.
2. Charcoal takes a long time to heat up. In some cases, it might be at least about 30 minutes before the coals hot. With propane, you only need 10 minutes or less for the grill to heat up.
3. Propane grills cool down quickly, allowing for quick, easy cleaning thereafter.
4. Charcoal takes a long time to cool down, and embers can reignite if you aren’t careful.
5. Charcoal grills need to be emptied and cleaned. Ash can blow and lead to additional cleaning, so it must be completely cool before you dispose of it.
6. A propane grill is more expensive than a charcoal grill but filling up a 20-pound cylinder is around $20 and lasts for about 25 grilling sessions, rather than go through multiple bags of charcoal bricks in the same span.
7. A 20-pound bag of charcoal will only get you through three meals, and can cost anywhere from $10 to $60, depending on the type of charcoal you use.
8. You can opt for a built-in propane grill with a connection to your home’s main propane line, eliminating the need for portable cylinders altogether.
9. Propane offers more precise temperature control. You can grill all kinds of food, from meat to more delicate food, including fish, vegetables and even fruit.
10. Charcoal technically offers a bigger temperature range but offers virtually no control. Maintaining a steady temperature requires a lot of attention and a lot of practice.
11. Propane is more efficient. You can also close the lid to maximize heat retention.
12. Putting the lid on a charcoal grill while you’re cooking will cut the flow of oxygen and stifle the flame.
13. Foods grilled over charcoal have more carcinogens.
14. Propane burns cleanly—so it’s better for the air and for your food.

Of course, you can always keep a charcoal grill for the ultimate smoky, low, and slow barbecue, but the bottom line is that propane makes grilling an easy, healthy option for even a busy weeknight, instead of just the weekend special.

Looking to Upgrade Your Grill? Visit the SWVA Gas Service Showroom Today!

Ready to see the possibilities of an upgraded grilling setup? Come visit our Radford showroom! Whether you’re looking create a deluxe outdoor kitchen and entertaining space, or just need to replace your old propane grill, SWVA Gas Service offers a full range of Broilmaster grills from classic styles to top-of-the-line built-in units.

Whatever you need, our trained, experienced propane service technicians will safely and properly connect your new built-in gas grill to your home’s propane supply.

Prefer to use a propane cylinder? You can take advantage of our convenient cylinder refills, too. Contact the pros at SWVA Gas Service today to learn more.