Buying a Patio Barbecue - Gas or Charcoal?

6 May 2008 When it comes to which kind of patio barbecue you want for your garden, the two most likely heat sources are gas or charcoal. Both kinds have their advantages and disadvantages and the one that you choose will ultiimately be down to your own personal preference. Gas barbeques are increasing in popularity over the more traditional charcoal type and here we take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages to be had from either owning a gas or a charcoal barbecue for your patio: Gas barbecues are easy to operate and you do not have to bother with messy charcoal or starting fluid when using one - just light up and go.  Don't forget that you will need the correct type and size of gas canister, so make sure you can obtain replacements locally. Larger barbeques will require use of a hired gas bottle, for which you will pay an initial hire contract charge, plus a refill charge each time you exchange an empty bottle for a full one.  You will probably need to purchase the right type of coals for your gas barbecue and these can prove to be quite expensive in comparison to charcoal.  A charcoal barbeque is often less expensive to buy than a comparable size gas version.  Other than buying charcoal and starting fluid there is very little further expense in running a charcoal barbeque.  It does takes time for a charcoal barbecue to be ready before you can start cooking on it, so a little more forward planning is necessary than with gas, where the coals will reach the correct temperature in minutes.  When using charcoal you must wait for the flames to die down as the coals start to grey before you can actually start cooking. Getting an even heat accross the bed does require some attention - for some people this is part of the fun, for others the important thing is to get cooking as soon as possible. One of the advantages that the gas barbecue has over the charcoal version is that it can have a lot more accessories that you can use with it. Many of the gas patio barbecues you see for sale today come with a side burner that allows you to cook side dishes or sauces whilst the main food is cooking on the barbecue. Also, you can now get for these barbecues pan roasters, rotisseries and smokers.  Environmentally, gas is a 'cleaner' fuel than charcoal, producing less carbon monoxide and soot, although the use of lumpwood charcoal is a good alternative to standard briquettes. When it comes to the taste of the food that these types of barbecues provide, it really comes down to the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chef ! Take a look at our full barbecue range now.