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Grilling6 min readUpdated March 20, 2026

By Proven Pantry Editorial Team

How to Choose Between Gas and Charcoal Grills

Both have merits. Here's how to decide which is right for you.

The gas vs charcoal debate has strong opinions on both sides. Here's what to consider.

Gas grills offer convenience: turn on, wait for heat, cook, turn off. No setup, no mess, easy cleanup. The Weber Spirit is excellent.

Charcoal offers flavor: the smoke from burning charcoal adds a taste that gas simply can't match. More work, better flavor.

Consider your priorities: if convenience matters most, go gas. If flavor is paramount, go charcoal.

Some people have both—a gas for weeknights, a charcoal for weekends when there's time.


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Proven Pantry Editorial Team

We research and compare kitchen products using manufacturer information, published reviews, and product specifications. Our guides explain the sources and tradeoffs behind our recommendations. Research-based comparisons do not represent in-house product testing.