Fire Up the BBQ, Gas or Charcoal?
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I am asked quite often if I think gas or charcoal BBQ’s are better. I like both and each have there benefits. Having personally used charcoal since 1978, I’m more comfortable grillin’ with charcoal. The main reason that I prefer using a charcoal BBQ is the flavor that you get grillin’ over coals. The down side is that you have to wait 20 to 25 minutes for the coals to be ready and you have to empty the ashes. During the time that I am waiting for the charcoal to be ready I am preparing everything for the grill, so the waiting is part of my system.
Gas BBQ’s are great and 75% or more of the BBQ’s out there are gas. You only need five to ten minutes to heat up a gas grill and no ashes to throw out. It is easier for some people to control the temperature of the grill. I like to add different types of wood chips (hickory, pecan, etc.) soaked in water for about a half-hour to the BBQ just before you start to grill to enhance the flavor of what you are grillin’. The smell of the wood chips smoldering will activate your salivary glands. Always check your propane; it sucks to run out while you are in the middle of grillin’ your dinner. Be sure to check the hoses that connect the tank to the grill. If you see any wear, replace the connections and hose, a propane gas leak is extremely dangerous. For both types of BBQ’s, I clean the grates as soon as I am through grillin, while I let the meat rest in the kitchen. This way you are ready for the next time you BBQ and your grates stay clean.
