Whether you are looking at a gas grill or a charcoal grill, each has their merits and disadvantages. Depending on your own personal preferences on food taste or grilling experience, you may swear by one and curse the other. One man’s grill may be another one’s . . . whatever. Here’s a quick look at each, so you can get a feel of which grill is best for you.

Charcoal Grill Pros:

1. Cheap-Charcoal grills, though not as cheap as ordering off the drive-thru dollar menu, are a lot more inexpensive than gas grills on the whole. They are of simpler design, less gizmos, and charcoal is cheaper than a propane tank.
2. Durable-Less things can go wrong with a charcoal grill. There aren’t any buttons, wiring, or mechanisms that can break off or get screwed up. The most you can do to a charcoal grill is dent it.
3. Flavor-It seems to be a consensus that charcoal grills give your food better texture, smoky flavor, and deeper taste. Because charcoal grills have hotter flames, this is also an optimal grill for searing steaks and other meats.
4. Impressive- Starting a fire from scratch will impress friends and may get you dates.

Charcoal Grill Cons:

• You have to start a fire from scratch.
• The heat is hard to control.
• You have to clean up the ashes and grease after grilling.

Gas Grill Pros:

1. Controllable-The heat is even and consistent when grilling with a gas grill. Thus, you’re less likely to burn your food.
2. Easy-You just turn the knob and boom. You’ve got a grilling fire.
3. Cleaner-No ashes and hardly any grease to speak of. A dream come true.

Gas Grill Cons:

• You have to put in more money for a gas grill—a much larger investment.
• Some can take a long time to heat up, so longer cook times.
• You look like a sissy.

Now that you are armed with knowledge, you can go forth and find the perfect outdoor grill . . . or get a new one now that you know better.