Both camps will argue this at length. The honest answer depends on how you cook.
| Factor | Charcoal | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Deeper smoky, charred flavor | Cleaner, milder |
| Startup | 15-20 min with a chimney | 5 min |
| Temp control | Vents; takes practice | Knobs; very easy |
| Best for | Searing, smoking, low and slow | Weeknights, quick meals |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront |
The takeaway: Gas wins on convenience and charcoal wins on flavor. If you cook for fun, buy charcoal. If you cook on busy weeknights, buy gas. Many serious cooks own one of each.
