Charcoal or Propane/Gas

ExplorerDMB · 03-29-2006, 03:39 PM

So, I was starting the grill and I was wondering: how many people use charcoal and why? And how many people use Propane/Gas and why? More than likely people use propane gas because its less maitnance, easy to start, and maybe for the flavor (if any). Charcoal, however has always been a BBQ-ers best friend (especially with ribs/steak). Anyhow, whats your reasoning?

-Drew

**FROADER** · 03-29-2006, 04:04 PM

I have both, but I use gas only because of how quick it is. I know you lose flavor compared to the charcoal but it's quick and easy.

spindlecone · 03-29-2006, 04:18 PM

Used Charcoal for yrs, thinking it added flavor to meat, than I read an article stateing that the meat juices and fat dripping and smoking back up created the barbecue flaver.
Not the Charcoal.
Use propane now, cannot tell any diff in flavor.
As a quiz, do you know how charcoal briquits are made?

'97 V8 · 03-29-2006, 04:18 PM

in the winter i'll use gas, but charcoal when its above 50 degrees hehe. in my family..well at least my dad and i, we bbq almost everyday, when im not at uni ofcourse. But charcoal, is what lets you have flavor.

*EMG7895* · 03-29-2006, 04:20 PM

I have 2 grilles, gas for the wife and charcoal for me, I only use real hardwood charcoal, none of that fake stuff. The only gas grill that has ever impressed me is one that my good friend has, but I cant justify the price tag because it costs way more than my explorer, $7500.

spindlecone · 03-29-2006, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMG7895

I have 2 grilles, gas for the wife and charcoal for me, I only use real hardwood charcoal, none of that fake stuff. The only gas grill that has ever impressed me is one that my good friend has, but I cant justify the price tag because it costs way more than my explorer, $7500.

Good point
Mesquite charcoal rules, the briquits suck, have no wood in them

drake437 · 03-29-2006, 04:33 PM

I got one of these last year and it has totally replaced our large bbq. It does food PERFECT, very easy to clean, and gives the flexibility to throw it in the back of the Ex. When not hooked up to a 20lb. tank I just keep it in the garage. The cast iron grates give great searing and flavor.

http://www.weber.com/q/100_detail.aspx

*EMG7895* · 03-29-2006, 04:35 PM

Real wood adds flavor, briquets leave a nasty taste (to me atleast). I've done side by side tests between wood and propane to prove that wood is better. Most people dont like wood because they think that its more work but it really is very easy, although I do agree that propane can be very convenient in the winter and when the weathers bad, just pull it up to the slider and grille.

spindlecone · 03-29-2006, 04:41 PM

I use real wood with my propane Que, couple small pieces of Oak, or oakbark soaked in water, lay them across the burners, you get plenty of smoke to flavor the meat

'97 V8 · 03-29-2006, 04:41 PM

i use the wood kind, none of that put a flame to it and it lights stuff charcoal. True wood takes awhile but its worth it...when its warmer.

**rizzjc** · 03-29-2006, 04:42 PM

Propane. Grill more that way.

*DirtyDog* · 03-31-2006, 09:23 PM

I use a propane grill currently. I used to, and will once I buy a house, use a natural gas grill. Never need to fill that stupid tank again.

**james t** · 03-31-2006, 09:40 PM

I prefer charcoal. I usually keep some mesquite out back and cut a few slices off and pitch in there. I also have a nice gasser, and honestly we use it alot more than charcoal because its so easy. If its cheap stuff like chicken, fish, hot dogs, it gets the gas. If its steaks or burgers then i use the 'coal.

camaro_guy_z28 · 03-31-2006, 10:35 PM

I use propane at home and charcoal when camping. I prefer the charcoal

trucku · 04-01-2006, 12:38 AM

I use charcoal with my small grill on the firescape...got no yard..

**DeRocha** · 04-01-2006, 08:57 AM

Gas..
I grew up on charcoal, but only use gas now.. I just don't have the time to start the coals and wait for it to heat up.. My family tends to be spur of the moment with everyone going in multiple directions all the time; waiting for coals won't cut it.. Not that is a huge concern, but I would also be slightly worried a charcoal grill could get tipped over while the coals are still smoldering and cause a fire.. We have lots of deer around and if one got spooked it could bump into the grill knocking it over..

cybergasm · 04-01-2006, 09:21 AM

i would BBQ if i had a grill!

*vervepipes* · 04-01-2006, 01:31 PM

propane using wal-mart's 65$ special, just have to get used to where the hot and cold spots are!

**Turdle** · 04-10-2006, 07:58 AM

I used to use charcoal
Then one night, My neighbors were in the house sleeping after a late night cookout, their dog knocked the grill over on their deck.
The coals weren't out, 3:00 AM sirens woke the nieghborhood.
The entire rear of their house was in flames.
Since I also have a deck, and 2 dogs, and I sleep like a log, well It's gas for me.
I have a 25 year old Falcon grill
It is well seasoned, gives great flavor
For more smoke flavor, I add some wild cherry sticks once in a while

**leebo** · 04-10-2006, 08:51 AM

I've used Charcoal for some time now, in the cold or hot. It only takes around ten minutes for the wood to get good and ready. For years now I'll take some vegatable oil and drizzle some onto a piece of newspaper. I'll add the wood into a charcoal starter and put the paper under the starter. Light the paper and walk away. In a few minutes the oil has burned off, and the coals are all but ready. I like coals best not so much due to the flavor, but how much easier it is to control the heat. Plus it's a heck of alot cheaper.

Besides, one of my favorite ways to cook in the summer is using a dutch oven. Can't do that very well with gas.

Just add the charcoal to the lid of the oven, and walk away. Makes for a great time camping by not having to watch over the food all the time.

View Poll Results: Charcoal or Gas/Propane
Charcoal	23	53.49%
Gas/Propane	19	44.19%
I Don't Grill At All	1	2.33%
Voters: 43. You may not vote on this poll

03-29-2006, 03:39 PM	#1
ExplorerDMB Moderator/Technician Mechanicsville, Virginia 2004 Acura TL Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6,263 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Charcoal or Propane/Gas So, I was starting the grill and I was wondering: how many people use charcoal and why? And how many people use Propane/Gas and why? More than likely people use propane gas because its less maitnance, easy to start, and maybe for the flavor (if any). Charcoal, however has always been a BBQ-ers best friend (especially with ribs/steak). Anyhow, whats your reasoning? -Drew __________________ My Useful Threads (38 Entries and Growing)

03-29-2006, 04:04 PM	#2
FROADER Moderator Huntington Beach, CA Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 20,043 Vehicle Specs	I have both, but I use gas only because of how quick it is. I know you lose flavor compared to the charcoal but it's quick and easy. __________________ COLIN IGNACIO FORUM RULES My 2010 Explorer - Explorer #1 (sold) - Explorer #2 (sold) - My F-150 (sold) - My Ranger (sold) - My Videos

03-29-2006, 04:18 PM	#4
'97 V8 Wannabe Elite Explorer Lima, Ohio '97 mounty 5.0 4x4 baby!! Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,696 Vehicle Specs	in the winter i'll use gas, but charcoal when its above 50 degrees hehe. in my family..well at least my dad and i, we bbq almost everyday, when im not at uni ofcourse. But charcoal, is what lets you have flavor. __________________ 1997 Mercury Mountaineer 4x4 V8 3" bl, manual t-case. Dana 60/14 bolt combo with 36x13.5x17 iroks on H2 rims. 5.13's. Future plan: 3.9 or 5.9 Turbo diesel cummins

03-29-2006, 04:41 PM	#10
'97 V8 Wannabe Elite Explorer Lima, Ohio '97 mounty 5.0 4x4 baby!! Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,696 Vehicle Specs	i use the wood kind, none of that put a flame to it and it lights stuff charcoal. True wood takes awhile but its worth it...when its warmer. __________________ 1997 Mercury Mountaineer 4x4 V8 3" bl, manual t-case. Dana 60/14 bolt combo with 36x13.5x17 iroks on H2 rims. 5.13's. Future plan: 3.9 or 5.9 Turbo diesel cummins

03-29-2006, 04:18 PM	#3
spindlecone B San Jose, Calif 2003 sport trac Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 4,921 Vehicle Specs	Used Charcoal for yrs, thinking it added flavor to meat, than I read an article stateing that the meat juices and fat dripping and smoking back up created the barbecue flaver. Not the Charcoal. Use propane now, cannot tell any diff in flavor. As a quiz, do you know how charcoal briquits are made?

03-29-2006, 04:20 PM	#5
EMG7895 Elite Explorer '91 xlt, 93 Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,715 Vehicle Specs	I have 2 grilles, gas for the wife and charcoal for me, I only use real hardwood charcoal, none of that fake stuff. The only gas grill that has ever impressed me is one that my good friend has, but I cant justify the price tag because it costs way more than my explorer, $7500.

03-29-2006, 04:33 PM	#7
drake437 Wannabe Elite Explorer wooster, ohio 2001 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 165 Vehicle Specs	I got one of these last year and it has totally replaced our large bbq. It does food PERFECT, very easy to clean, and gives the flexibility to throw it in the back of the Ex. When not hooked up to a 20lb. tank I just keep it in the garage. The cast iron grates give great searing and flavor. http://www.weber.com/q/100_detail.aspx

03-29-2006, 04:35 PM	#8
EMG7895 Elite Explorer '91 xlt, 93 Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,715 Vehicle Specs	Real wood adds flavor, briquets leave a nasty taste (to me atleast). I've done side by side tests between wood and propane to prove that wood is better. Most people dont like wood because they think that its more work but it really is very easy, although I do agree that propane can be very convenient in the winter and when the weathers bad, just pull it up to the slider and grille.

03-29-2006, 04:42 PM	#11
rizzjc Scubajoe - Radio Mod Garner, NC '97 AWD V8 XLT Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,246 Vehicle Specs	Propane. Grill more that way. __________________ *Joe, N1LVN* '97 XLT AWD V8 STOCK Amsoil Synthetics throughout. Amsoil Ea air filter. Bilsteins. Scanguage. Search ExplorerForum

03-31-2006, 09:23 PM	#12
DirtyDog I will not! Lethbridge,Alberta,Canada 04 Aviator Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,283 Vehicle Specs	I use a propane grill currently. I used to, and will once I buy a house, use a natural gas grill. Never need to fill that stupid tank again. __________________ 04 Aviator 06 F-150 Lariat 99 F-150 XLT[/B]

03-31-2006, 09:40 PM	#13
james t moderation Texarkana AR/TX 94 SAS sport Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 11,248 Vehicle Specs	I prefer charcoal. I usually keep some mesquite out back and cut a few slices off and pitch in there. I also have a nice gasser, and honestly we use it alot more than charcoal because its so easy. If its cheap stuff like chicken, fish, hot dogs, it gets the gas. If its steaks or burgers then i use the 'coal. __________________ my rebuild "It started as a hobby, slowly turned into a lifestyle, then spiralled downward into mental illness. My lawnmower has tree rash on it."

03-31-2006, 10:35 PM	#14
camaro_guy_z28 Wannabe Elite Explorer Pittsburgh PA 2002 explorer Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 201 Vehicle Specs	I use propane at home and charcoal when camping. I prefer the charcoal __________________ 93 ford explorer 124,000 still strong. Sold. It will be missed 2002 ford explorer = (pos)oversized mini van long live the first generation explorers 2004 chevy cavalier 1997 kawasaki kdx 220 1994 camaro z28 gone but not forgot RIP chevy camaro, pontiac firebird, enjoy your nap, c-ya soon

04-01-2006, 12:38 AM	#15
trucku Wannabe Elite Explorer Queens, New York and living in Budd Lake, NJ now. 2002 Explorer XLS 4.0 4x4 Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,054 Vehicle Specs	I use charcoal with my small grill on the firescape...got no yard.. __________________ 2002 XLS 4.0 SOHC 4x4. Frantz Bypass filter, Mobil 1 5W30.Perma-cool dual remote (2 full flow PureOne PL30001). Perma-cool remote transmission filter (Pure One PL30001). Scanguage II, Sunpro Oil Pressure Guage Gen 4 mirrors "The More Complex The Mind, The Greater The Need For The Simplicity Of Play"

04-01-2006, 08:57 AM	#16
DeRocha NEX Vice President Brockton, MA '93 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 6,641 Vehicle Specs	Gas.. I grew up on charcoal, but only use gas now.. I just don't have the time to start the coals and wait for it to heat up.. My family tends to be spur of the moment with everyone going in multiple directions all the time; waiting for coals won't cut it.. Not that is a huge concern, but I would also be slightly worried a charcoal grill could get tipped over while the coals are still smoldering and cause a fire.. We have lots of deer around and if one got spooked it could bump into the grill knocking it over.. __________________ John D-"Search first, Ask questions later" & "You can have my Explorer when you pry the keys from my cold dead hands." <<<Forum Rules >>>My Truck 4x4 Trouble Shooting Guide See how cars work Axle and tire calculators U-joint replacement info/pics Repair info NEX-New England Explorers NEX: Club Events

04-01-2006, 09:21 AM	#17
cybergasm B Humboldt Ks 1997 Mountaineer 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,603 Vehicle Specs	i would BBQ if i had a grill!

04-01-2006, 01:31 PM	#18
vervepipes Elite Explorer Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada '98 XLT Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 429 Vehicle Specs	propane using wal-mart's 65$ special, just have to get used to where the hot and cold spots are! __________________ "great minds discuss events, lesser minds discuss people"

04-10-2006, 07:58 AM	#19
Turdle Old and in the way Humboldt, Kansas 2000 Mounty Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 23,740 Vehicle Specs	I used to use charcoal Then one night, My neighbors were in the house sleeping after a late night cookout, their dog knocked the grill over on their deck. The coals weren't out, 3:00 AM sirens woke the nieghborhood. The entire rear of their house was in flames. Since I also have a deck, and 2 dogs, and I sleep like a log, well It's gas for me. I have a 25 year old Falcon grill It is well seasoned, gives great flavor For more smoke flavor, I add some wild cherry sticks once in a while __________________ Jon 2000 Mountaineer Turdle-gone Vitamin D Wagon Sold also

04-10-2006, 08:51 AM	#20
leebo Moderator Mingo Junction, OH 1994 Explorer Sport Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 3,940 Vehicle Specs	I've used Charcoal for some time now, in the cold or hot. It only takes around ten minutes for the wood to get good and ready. For years now I'll take some vegatable oil and drizzle some onto a piece of newspaper. I'll add the wood into a charcoal starter and put the paper under the starter. Light the paper and walk away. In a few minutes the oil has burned off, and the coals are all but ready. I like coals best not so much due to the flavor, but how much easier it is to control the heat. Plus it's a heck of alot cheaper. Besides, one of my favorite ways to cook in the summer is using a dutch oven. Can't do that very well with gas. Just add the charcoal to the lid of the oven, and walk away. Makes for a great time camping by not having to watch over the food all the time.