Nothing like the taste of meat off a charcoal grill.
Gas might be easier, but better BBQ is worth the effort.
I bought a combo grill.
You use a gas burner to light the coals...then shut the gas off
No Honest! they are available
I switched to using real wood and nothing compares to it. I was using a regular grill, but quit charcoal after having tried real wood chunks one time. I can't use charcoal anymore; everything tastes like tar compared to real wood. Another reason I switched was when I watched the food channel show that showed Kingsford making their briquettes out of aspen - hence the tar I imagine.
Having said that, I did just buy a gas grill. I use wood smoking chips in it and I get the flavor of wood with the convenience of gas. It's not quite up to par with a regular wood fire, but it's close and IMO much better tasting than charcoal.
OK, you asked.......
Charcoal is better but gas is easier.
I cooked on a charcoal grill with smoker capabilities for years. It can produce some scrumptious food.
I bought a medium price gas grill to replace on older one nd it doesn't seem to do a very good job. I'm not happy at all but too lazy to replace it.
My son cooks on a gas grill almost every night and does an excellant job. A few minutes and chicken breasts are flavorfully done. The charcoal would not even be hot by the time it's done. He motivatred me to try it again and I put in the ceramic bricks and it seems improved.
Weber Q. You can use them either way.
Charcoal!!!!!
I read down thru the first 5-10 posts, and I'm going to disagree:) Several reasons.
1. It was explained to me that it is not the charcoal that gives food the taste, it is the drippings from what is being cook dripping on to the hot coals and the smoke coming back up. You get the same effect from using gas with those rocks.
2. Personally, I don't care how long I burn the charcoal before starting to cook, I think you can always taste the lighter fluid. That may be just me.
I use a portable gas grill almost everynight to cook my meat, I dont't even have the rocks in it, and it always taste like good grilled meat to me.
Becky
Alternatively, wrap the soaked chips in foil -- works well, but I don't like it as much.
Everyone got there opinions but a well seasoned (used) gas grill adds just as much to the taste of good bq than burning wood, I'v done the side by side test, I'm a mesquite man myself but Love grilling on a gas grill also, I just bought the new see through propane bottle on Ebay and it is to cool You can see how much you have and actually see the gas boil while using it. Happy grillin