Gas barbecue vs charcoal barbecue: which one should you choose?

Choosing between a gas or charcoal barbecue isn’t so simple. Two philosophies. Two experiences. Two ways to cook outdoors. Charcoal wins you over with its flavour and authenticity. Gas reassures with its simplicity and precision. In this guide, we compare everything: flavour, budget, maintenance, convenience.Goal: help you make the right choice for the way you cook. Charcoal barbecue: for the love of fire and flavour The charcoal barbecue embodies the tradition of cooking over fire. The slow burn of charcoal, combined with fat dripping onto the embers, creates A unique aromatic smoke.It’s this reaction that creates that deep grilled taste—almost impossible to reproduce any other way. Benefits Unbeatable flavour: Charcoal brings an authentic smoky taste that’s highly appreciated for grilling and cooking over fire. Affordable price: Often more affordable than a gas barbecue, it remains a great option for getting started. Very high temperatures: Ideal for quickly searing meat and getting a beautiful caramelisation. Smoking capability: Lets you do slow cooking like ribs, pulled pork or brisket, with real smoky flavours. Wide choice of models: From compact barbecues to more professional models, there are formats to suit every space and budget. Works without gas or electricity: A simple, self-sufficient solution—practical even in remote outdoor settings. Natural power ramp-up: Direct cooking over the embers makes it easy to achieve very intense heat. A more immersive experience: managing the fire, embers and temperatures offers a more “hands-on” approach to cooking. Drawbacks Longer lighting time: You generally need to wait between 20 and 40 minutes before reaching a stable temperature. Ash management: Cleaning is needed after cooking. More variable temperature: Heat control takes a bit of experience, especially for long cooks. Less convenient day to day: lighting and managing charcoal can be less suited to a quick midweek cook. Gas barbecue: summer cooking without the hassle With a gas barbecue, it’s all about convenience.Simple, fast operation—almost like cooking indoors. Turn a knob. Light it. Ready. Gas gives you precise temperature control.Ideal for cooking back-to-back without stress. Benefits Instant ignition: A gas barbecue is ready to cook in seconds, with no special prep. Precise adjustment: Temperature is easy to control thanks to the burners, for consistent, well-controlled cooking. Easy indirect cooking: Ideal for cooking poultry, roasts or vegetables with more even heat. Safe to use: No flying embers or glowing charcoal during cooking. Perfect for everyday use: fast and practical, it’s particularly well suited to last-minute meals or frequent weeknight cooking. Drawbacks More neutral flavour: Cooking generally delivers less smoky flavour than charcoal or a Kamado. Reliance on gas: An empty bottle can quickly interrupt cooking if you don’t plan ahead. Bulky footprint: Between the frame and the gas bottle, some models take up a lot of space. Technical maintenance: Burners, injectors and hoses require regular maintenance over time. Sometimes a higher investment: Premium models represent a significant budget, especially with options. Sometimes uneven heat-up: Depending on the model, some cooking zones heat more than others. Variable lifespan: Entry-level models can wear out quickly with heat and humidity. Comparative analysis: the head-to-head, point by point Criterion Charcoal barbecue Gas barbecue Flavour Smoky, authentic More neutral Speed Slow (20–40 min) Fast Cooking control Approximate Very precise Maintenance Ash + grates to clean Grates, burners and drip tray Durability Varies depending on the materials Good on premium models Budget Low to moderate Moderate to high Health impact Higher if fats burn Better controlled Convenience A more traditional, hands-on experience Very comfortable Everyday use Less practical during the week Suitable for frequent use   In reality, the choice between a charcoal BBQ and a gas BBQ often comes down to two different ways of cooking. A charcoal BBQ wins people over with the taste of fire, slow cooking, and a more authentic experience. But it takes time, a bit of know-how, and some organisation. By contrast, a gas BBQ brings real everyday convenience: instant ignition, precise temperature control, fast cooking. In return, some users find the flavours more neutral and the experience less “alive”. That’s exactly where many users end up feeling frustrated: want the smoky taste of charcoal without the hassle of lighting it, get gas-like precision while keeping real fire cooking, be able to do quick grilling as well as slow cooking or pizzas, use a high-performance appliance all year round, without multiplying your equipment. Dilemma solved: what if the answer was a Kamado? What if you didn’t have to choose between gas vs charcoal BBQ?The Kamado combines the best of both worlds. The flavour of charcoal The precision of gas Why the Kamado changes everything Thick ceramic: retains heat and moisture for longer, for more even, tastier results. Precise airflow control: helps maintain a stable, controlled temperature, both for slow cooking and high-heat cooking. Uses very little charcoal: thanks to its excellent thermal insulation, the Kamado is very economical to run. Extreme versatility: one single appliance lets you cook in different ways: grilling rotisserie smoking pizza (up to 400°C) The result: precise, flavourful, consistent cooking. Either way, barbecue is first and foremost an experience.Cooking outdoors, sharing a moment, and taking your time around a great table. Discover our complete Kamado comparison