Gas vs. Charcoal: The Best Grills for BBQ Compared in 2025
Hey, BBQ fans! I’m diving into a fun comparison of gas versus charcoal to find the best grills for BBQ. I picked these based on flavor, heat control, and ease of use. We’ll look at pros and cons, test temperatures, and taste steaks and ribs cooked on both. Curious about the results? Check my affiliate links below for grill deals. Let’s get started!
Why Compare Gas and Charcoal Grills?
I wanted to settle the debate on the best grills for BBQ by testing gas and charcoal head-to-head. Here’s how they stack up.
Pros and Cons: Gas Grills
Advantages
Gas grills shine for convenience—just hit the igniter and go. They’re easy to clean with stainless steel surfaces, and temp dials make heat control simple. Versatility is a plus, with side burners and accessories like rotisseries.
Drawbacks
Cost can be high for top models, portability is limited, and they lack the intense searing heat of charcoal.
Pros and Cons: Charcoal Grills
Advantages
Charcoal delivers smoky flavor and high temps (up to 900°F) for perfect sears—ideal for the best grills for BBQ steaks. They’re great for low-and-slow cooking and offer versatile accessories.
Drawbacks
Cleaning is messier, heating takes longer, and adding charcoal mid-cook is inconvenient.
Temperature Test: Which Heats Faster?
I fired both grills to 500-550°F and tested with a temp gun. After 10 minutes, a pan on the gas grill hit 315-320°F, while the charcoal reached 390-410°F. Direct fire temps showed gas at 500-600°F and charcoal soaring to 800-900°F, even touching 1,000°F in hot spots. Charcoal wins for raw heat!
Taste Test: Steaks and Ribs
Steaks – Hot and Fast
I cooked salt-and-pepper New York strips on both. My wife’s blind taste test favored the charcoal steak for its robust, smoky flavor and better cook-through. My daughters agreed—charcoal had more char and taste.
Ribs – Low and Slow
I rubbed pork ribs with Yardbird and smoked them. Charcoal hit 190°F internal temp faster than gas (160°F). After saucing with Blue Hog, the charcoal ribs were tender, fall-off-the-bone, and smokier. Gas ribs were good but less tender and flavorful.
My Verdict: Which Are the Best Grills for BBQ?
Both grills produced tasty BBQ, but charcoal edged out for tenderness, smokiness, and speed—especially for ribs. Gas is solid for convenience and quick cooks. For accessories like Grill Grates (great for heat control), check my links below.
Find Your Perfect Grill for BBQ Today!
Ready to pick the best grills for BBQ for your backyard? Click my affiliate links below to shop top BBQ grills—gas or charcoal. Prices may change—check links for the latest deals. Gas or charcoal fan? Comment below and let’s BBQ!