Grilling... Propane vs coals

[eppo]

I've been using a Weber Genesis silver BBQ for about 6 years or so. I just started smoking with a charcoal smoker, I have been using a propane vertical up til now (still going to use it). So since i have coal on hand, i was wondering if any of you had a preference when grilling?

Back when i was a kid, my dad used to grill with charcoal, then got a propane. For grilling steaks and burgers, does the fuel you use really change the taste of the food your grilling? Or should I just stick with propane, and not waste my time grilling with coals?

Just wondering if any of you have the ability to do it both ways, can you tell the difference?

Thanks

Joe

 

[diggingdogfarm]

I certainly think that there's a big difference in flavor, real lump charcoal is far superior to propane.


~Martin

 

[rtbbq2]

I have used both propane and charcoal/lump charcoal. I prefer the lump the best. It burns much hotter and little ash..

That is how i roll...............

 

[jirodriguez]

Yeah... charcoal does give a great flavor... but propane is easier. I have a charcoal smoker (WSM), so I stuck with the same fuel source for grilling, but there are times I do miss turning a valve and hitting the igniter button.

 

[thenovaman]

I have a Weber kettle and my dad has a gasser.  For things like burgers, dogs, and stuff that doesn't spend alot of time on the grill, I think there isn't really that much difference.  But for anything that's going to spend some time on the grill to cook with indirect heat, I think charcoal is vastly superior in terms of taste.  I guess I should probably do an actual side-by-side test sometime...