One of the greatest kitchen debates is whether you should use a charcoal or gas grill for cooking your meats and veggies. Both types will do the job, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
To help you decide, here are some pros and cons of both grill types that should help you settle the debate. With that in mind, here is your guide to charcoal vs. gas grills: which is better for your restaurant?
The Pros and Cons of Charcoal Grills
One of the most significant advantages of using a charcoal grill is that it can reach higher temperatures than a gas grill. For example, if you want to sear your meat, your grill must reach a minimum of 600 degrees Fahrenheit. (Some grilling enthusiasts swear by charcoal and the smoky flavor it gives your food.)
Charcoal can easily reach 700, but fewer gas grills can reach that high of a temperature unless they are incredibly expensive. Another advantage is that charcoal grills are cheaper than gas grills. However, charcoal takes longer to heat up than gas, and the fuel cost will be more expensive.
The Pros and Cons of Gas Grills
One of the greatest conveniences of gas grills offer is that they have a short start-up time. All you have to do is press the ignition button and turn the dial, and your flames will spark right up. They also give you greater temperature control than charcoal grills; all you need to do is turn a dial to determine how much or how little heat you need to cook your food.
If you need to lower your heat for chicken or crank it up for steak, you won’t have to move hot coals around. A gas grill won’t make your food taste smoky, either.
Unfortunately, they have more significant safety concerns than charcoal grills. Gas leaks or grease fires are common risks. So, if you plan on cooking with a gas grill, be very careful so these things don’t happen.
Which Is Better for Your Restaurant?
Overall, both types of grills have their strengths and weaknesses. If you plan on keeping your restaurant open all day, you might want to use restaurant BBQ charcoal since it’s safe and stays warm for a long time. If your business will only stay open for a few hours at a time, a gas grill offers you a quicker start-up time and greater heat control.
Your preferences will determine which one is best for your restaurant. So now that you know the difference between the two, you’ll have no problem answering the question of charcoal vs. gas grills: which is better for your restaurant?