Learn about the many benefits of gas grills and why you should add one to your outdoor kitchen. Read on to learn about the gas grill advantage.
Before you go and spend your money on a grill, you’ll want to make sure that you will often use it. That means it should be easy to fire up, cook evenly, be easy to clean, and be versatile.
In this article, we’ve broken down all the benefits of choosing a gas grill over a charcoal or electric grill.
So if you’re still weighing the pros and cons of grills before buying, now’s the time to focus on the advantages of a gas grill.
In This Article, We’ll Explore:
Click a topic below to be taken directly to that section.
Why Choose a Gas Grill?
When compared to charcoal or pellet grills, gas grills are by far the most convenient for cooking. Instead of waiting for pellets or charcoal to ignite and reach the desired temperature, gas grills provide instant heat with the turn of a knob and a quick light.
Generally speaking, gas grills are also much easier to clean up. Simply remove the drip trays and wipe out the grease rather than disposing of ash build-up like charcoal grills.
Because heating is so quick, it means that heat levels are easier to maintain and control as opposed to charcoal. Not to mention you’ll never have to pause the cooking process to reload pellets or add charcoal.
High Heat
Many gas grills can get up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Some high-end grills can even reach over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Higher heat is great for steaks, pork chops, kabobs, and tuna steaks. It will decrease cooking time and ensure that you’re left with those beautiful sear marks.
Many gas grills can top 700 degrees Fahrenheit, and some are even capable of reaching over.
Instant Start-Up
Lighting charcoal can be frustrating and requires a level of skill and practice.
We all have that impatient friend that soaks the charcoal in lighter fluid only to leave behind that chemical aftertaste on your hotdogs. Don’t be that guy.
If you want a grill that starts up quickly and efficiently with literally no practice or skill needed whatsoever, go with a gas grill.
All you have to do is push a button and turn a knob. If the igniter fails, that’s no problem. Just turn the knob and use a long-reach lighter to get it up and running instantly.
Faster Preheating
Not only will your grill start up faster, but you won’t need to wait long for it to preheat.
Once lit, the gas grill will reach the desired temperature fairly quickly. You’ll spend less time waiting around and more time serving up your delicious masterpieces.
In total, you should only have to wait around ten minutes to get the grill up to the desired temperature.
By contrast, charcoal grills take around 15-20 minutes, but that’s only after the coals have burned long enough to become white and ashy. Once they reach that point, THEN you can close the lid and let the grill heat up.
Skip that annoying step and preheat extra fast with a gas grill!
Easier Temperature Control
Gas grills can maintain heat at any level with minimal to no interaction whatsoever.
They are also designed to spread the heat evenly across the cooking surface, making it easy to control the temperature of your grill and therefore, your food.
Overall Versatility
While gas grills are excellent at delivering that high heat for those desirable sears, it doesn’t mean they don’t have other benefits.
Gas grills are also designed with multiple burners so you can cook food at different temperatures using the Zone Cooking Method.
Many gas grills are even designed to allow you to slow cook certain meats at low temperatures.
Some even come with built in smoke tubes or charcoal trays.
Low Learning Curve & Easy to Use
Because gas grills don’t require any guesswork or heat control as charcoal grills do, anyone can grill on them regardless of their experience level.
That’s because gas grills feature independent burners that can be turned on and off in an instant.
It is also easier to adjust and maintain the gas grill’s temperature and takes the guesswork out of grilling.
Many Gas Grills are Customizable
Gas grills can be easily customized to fit your style of cooking and budget.
Choose from various shapes, sizes, and colors to find one that fits your outdoor kitchen the best.
From there, design your grill in a way that makes the most sense to you. Choose from different configurations, burners, and accessories to make the grill exactly how you want it.
Gas Grills Typically Bring the Style!
If you want to make an impression on your guests that goes beyond your juicy steaks, a gas grill can do just that.
With options like LED light displays, matching outdoor kitchen equipment, and mirror-polished stainless steel, you’ll not only cook like a grill master, but you’ll look like one!
Gas Grills Cool Down Much Faster than their Charcoal Counterparts
A defining feature of both charcoal grills and ceramic cookers is their lengthy cool-down time. Gas grills, on the other hand, cool down much faster.
That means, once dinner is served, you can clean up and shut down the grill for the night, giving you more time to spend with your family and friends and less time putting out flames.
There are two ways to cool down charcoal grills:
- Add water or sand
- Close all the vents and lid to suffocate the fire
Both of these methods are time-consuming. Adding water can be messy, and when done incorrectly, it can be dangerous. If you go with the second option, coals can stay hot in the grill for up to 2 days!
But with a gas grill, all you have to do is turn the switch off the burner and disconnect the gas. This means less time waiting afterward for the grill to be cool enough to put on the cover for the night.
From Start to Finish – Overall Time Saved
One of the main advantages we keep revisiting with gas grills is their ability to save time. They light up easier, preheat faster, cook quicker, and turn off instantly.
Overall, you will save several hours of prepping, cooking, and clean up/put away time. Hours you could be spending enjoying the meal you’ve worked so hard to cook with your friends and family.
They’re Better for The Environment & you
Did you know that charcoal-grilled meats, although delicious, can be harmful to your health? That’s right.
Experts say that gas-grilled meats contain far fewer carcinogens compared to charcoal-grilled meats. Why take the chance?
Additionally, gas grills are said to take up one-third of the carbon footprint of charcoal grills.
When you buy a gas grill, you benefit yourself, your loved ones, and the environment.
Gas Fuel Tends to be Cheaper than Charcoal
Why wouldn’t you want to save money?! The initial investment in gas grills is indeed typically higher. However, they cost less money per use than charcoal grills.
On average, a 20-pound propane bottle will last you around 25 uses. Meanwhile, 20 pounds of charcoal costs around $10 but only lasts for about three to four cookouts. If we break it down further, that means that it costs $0.60 per use of a gas grill but $3.50 per use of a charcoal grill.
Even if you only use your grill on average once a week, you can expect to pay around $31.00 for a gas grill or $182.00 for a charcoal grill per year.
So while gas grills cost a little more upfront, they will quickly pay for themselves within a year or two of use.
Clean Up is Easier than with a Charcoal Grill
No more scooping out charcoal or ash between cookouts like you have to with a charcoal grill.
Gas grills only require you to clean the grate and clean the grease out of the catcher at the bottom of the grill. It’s simpler, faster, and a whole lot cleaner to maintain.
You can Hook your Gas Grill up to the Gas Line in your Home
If you already use natural gas in your home, you can hook up your gas grill to the line for convenient fuel access.
Once this has been hooked up, you’ll never have to remember to add charcoal to your shopping list again or haul propane tanks down to the gas station.
Just don’t forget to pay your monthly utility bill, and you’ve got it made. What could be more convenient?
Some Locations only Allow Gas Grills
Because charcoal grills can be considered hazardous, some apartment complexes and home owner’s associations don’t allow them. They worry that although charcoal grills are generally safe, loose ember or ash could damage structures or even cause a fire.
Gas grills, conversely, are easy to control and thus dubbed as the safer alternative. You shouldn’t have a problem owning a gas grill regardless of where you live.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Gas Grills
As with any appliance, you have to weigh the pros and cons.
Gas grills have many advantages over charcoal grills. They are easier to use, especially for beginners. They cost less per use, are better for your health, and make less of an environmental impact.
If you are new to grilling or would just like to simplify the grilling process, it is well worth the time to investigate the benefits of a gas grill.
If you want more info on the difference betwen gas and charcoal grills, you can check out my quide on Gas Grills vs. Charcoal Grills.
Next Steps:
The Ultimate Gas Grill FAQ
The Ultimate Gas Grill Buyers Guide
The 10 Best Built In Gas Grills
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