Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill
Majestic Distributing Co.

If you’re looking for a way to impress your friends and family with your grilling skills, consider adding a new gas or charcoal grill to your outdoor space. At Majestic Distributing Co-The House of Fireplaces, we offer an impressive selection of premium gas and charcoal grills designed to take every backyard barbecue to the next level — but which option suits you best? Our team has outlined the benefits of a gas grill vs. charcoal grill in the following overview to help you decide.

Visit our showroom in Elgin, IL, to choose the ideal grill model, and reach out to our experienced team online if you have questions about installation. Call us at (847) 741-5903 for a free estimate, and request a callback if you’d like to be contacted at a later time.

The Benefits of a Gas Grill

When you want a quicker and more controlled cooking experience with added style in your backyard, a gas grill can be a great option. It produces direct heat through connected propane or natural gas that allows your food to cook quickly while still delivering a classic grilled flavor. Gas grills are simple to operate and clean and allow for easy temperature control when needed. They are also a more eco-friendly option, emitting fewer emissions and less smoke compared to a charcoal grill.

The Benefits of a Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grills are a popular choice among backyard “grill masters” for many reasons. They’re typically smaller than gas grills, making them an ideal option for a more compact outdoor space. Their size also makes them more portable, and charcoal grills have a simple setup: usually just a grill grate, a round metal chamber, and attached legs or a stand. People often choose charcoal grills for the smokey flavor they give food, and you can even customize the type of flavors you give your meat by selecting charcoal from specific wood types, like hickory or maple.

Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill

Start-Up Time

While gas and charcoal grills have similar preheating times, their difference in start-up might impact your decision of which to choose depending on your priorities. Gas grills are a convenient option, typically taking about ten minutes to reach the appropriate grilling temperature. Additionally, since the grill is connected right to the gas source, there’s no need to take the time to manually light it. 

With a charcoal grill, you must first ensure that it’s stocked with enough charcoal briquettes to properly heat the grill and cook your food. Once you light the charcoal, you must wait for it to turn into embers. Those embers will radiate the heat that’s used to cook the food. Charcoal grills can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes to preheat to the appropriate temperature.

Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill

Price Range

Trying to maximize your outdoor grilling experience while staying within your budget? It’s important to consider both short- and long-term costs when choosing between gas and charcoal grills. Charcoal grills can be purchased for $100 depending on the retailer, and they often top out at about $150. This is due to the fact that they are smaller and more simply constructed than gas grills.

Gas grills are typically sold within the $200 to $300 range with some of the more upscale models being priced at over $1,000. However, gas grills offer a lower fuel economy than their charcoal counterparts, so investing in a gas grill can save money in the long run.