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Charcoal or gas: which is the best choice in a BBQ? The debate has been going on for quite a long time now. Each has its pros and cons, and people are often fiercely loyal to their chosen method of grilling. But if you’re new to barbeque cooking and you don’t know where to start, here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Gas

* Fast. In just 10 minutes, the grill is ready.

* The heat is controllable. You have more leeway when it comes to timing the meal. Some foods need to cook low and slow, while others need high heat for just a short time. Gas can help you easily manage these requirements.

* Versatile. You can use the gas burner on the side to cook some vegetables, and the rotisserie attachment is ideal for slow cooking a roast.

* Flavor. Some people don’t like the flavor of food prepared on a gas grill. Plus, you won’t get the aromatic flavor of wood smoke that you will with a charcoal flame.

* Easy cleaning. You don’t have to sweep away ashes. A tray to catch the drippings handles most of the cleaning, and you can increase the heat for several minutes in order to burn off the remains so that they can be more easily removed.

* Cost effective. You can get eight hours of grilling out of a single propane tank.

* The initial cost may be high; however there is a wide range of prices to suit any budget.

* It can save you money over the long term if you maintain it properly, provided gas doesn’t skyrocket in price.

Charcoal

* The flavor and aroma of wood smoking can’t be matched.

* Initial cost is low, but it may not be efficient in the long run.

* They require a lot more time, not just to cook but also to prepare. Lighting the briquettes and letting them burn down sufficiently can take up to 40 minutes. This can be a problem if you have a sudden urge for barbeque.

* Timing is important. There’s no way to regulate the heat, so it’s important that you watch your food carefully while it’s cooking.

* If you barbeque a lot, the expense of charcoal briquettes can really add up.

* Cleaning out ashes is a tedious job. The grate is hard to clean, and it takes a long time for the unit to cool down enough to clean it.

So there you have some BBQ tips to help you decide between gas and charcoal. You should choose the one which fits not only your budget, but also your lifestyle. Busy people might want to get a gas grill as they are highly effective time wise. However, if you have some time on your hands, you can’t beat the flavor that charcoal gives.