Is A Gas Bbq Cheating?

StitchUp

StitchUp

Joined
Mar 12, 2012
Posts
1,458
Likes collected
1,722
Location
Bridgend, South Wales
Funster No
20,125
MH
Lunar Roadstar 720
Exp
On & off 5 years.
I've always considered a gas BBQ as cheating but is there a difference between gas and charcoal?

Any BBQ experts out there :)
 
Both methods reduce the fat when cooking, gas is more convenient but food cooked on charcoal has more flavour imo.
 
StitchUp said:
I've always considered a gas BBQ as cheating but is there a difference between gas and charcoal?

Any BBQ experts out there :)
Click to expand...

BBQ "experts" will tell you that a gas BBQ is like cooking on a cooker. It's complete hogwash. The reason BBQ is different is that you're actually cooking using the fat emitted by the food. This fat is emitted because the food is initially heated to release it. It doesn't matter if it is charcoal or gas that does this initial heating as long as the design allows the fat to drip off and ignite to provide the flavour. Once it gets started, the starter fuel is of no real significance. Charcoal doesn't taste nice. Of course, it is possible to design a BBQ that doesn't allow the fat to ignite, or channels it away. They'll be a bit rubbish regardless of what fuel powers them.
 
Our gas BBQ has a layer of Lava Rock above the gas burner. The rock gets hot which cooks the meats, thereby causing the juices to drip on to the hot rock, which then smokes off giving the smoked BBQ flavour to the meats.

It's no different to the flavours acquired by cooking over charcoal, and is much safer if accidentally toppled over. (y)

A pal of mine scoffed our gas BBQ in favour of his charcoal job. We had cooked, eaten, and washed up in the time it took his to become hot enough to cook on. Nuff said. ;)

Cheers,

Jock. :)
 
Best to use wood, cut down a local tree build a fire pit from stones get your fire going. Let the wife maintain the fire whilst you hunt a deer, pig, chicken, hedgehog. Place on embers enjoy. That is a real bbq.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
JockandRita said:
Our gas BBQ has a layer of Lava Rock above the gas burner. The rock gets hot which cooks the meats, thereby causing the juices to drip on to the hot rock, which then smokes off giving the smoked BBQ flavour to the meats.

It's no different to the flavours acquired by cooking over charcoal, and is much safer if accidentally toppled over. (y)

A pal of mine scoffed our gas BBQ in favour of his charcoal job. We had cooked, eaten, and washed up in the time it took his to become hot enough to cook on. Nuff said. ;)

Cheers,

Jock. :)
Click to expand...
I had a lava rock gas bbq once. Mrs B gave some chicken to cook which had been marinated with allsorts including sherry. It was self combusting and I could not stop it.

Gas for me, less faffing about.
 
At one time I would have said a gas fired (note I said "fired" not "heated" ?) bbq was cheating, but now I've had the chance to use one myself, I think they're acceptable ?
Up until I got my gas Webber (£50 from a scrap yard !) and tried it out with my own foodstuffs (we rarely cook burgers, sausage or chicken legs) I've been pleasantly surprised with the results, and this is coming from someone who makes their own charcoal !
The convenience factor is probably the main reason for using it, but I still do all my low and slow stuff on the charcoal Webber.
 
When on holiday and you have the right place and time to do a charcoal Id do it. There is something about real coals, real flames, real fire. In the MH we have a Cadac and a firepit/BBQ. If the location allows and we have the time we will use the charcoal BBQ and once done chuck the logs on for an evening fire.

If we don't have the time/location doesn't allow we use the Cadac but it's not the same.

At home I use charcoal because I can and a gas one would feel like I'm just cooking in the kitchen.
 
Cheating? mmmm nope, no more than using a combustion engine and wheels rather than walking everywhere... Preferences are always fine but “cheating”...
 
StitchUp said:
I've always considered a gas BBQ as cheating but is there a difference between gas and charcoal?

Any BBQ experts out there :)
Click to expand...
Yes, it is cheating but I really don’t care when out in the MH As we use a Cadac which is technically a grill. Got both at home and use the charcoal job for mostly smoking stuff
 
Catpirate said:
Best to use wood, cut down a local tree build a fire pit from stones get your fire going. Let the wife maintain the fire whilst you hunt a deer, pig, chicken, hedgehog. Place on embers enjoy. That is a real bbq.
Click to expand...
I was once involved in cooking(spit roast) a full size red deer over an open fire , you would not believe the amount of wood it took and how long the cooking went on for , but the flavour was worth it . :)
 
Verteuil Man said:
I had a lava rock gas bbq once. Mrs B gave some chicken to cook which had been marinated with allsorts including sherry. It was self combusting and I could not stop it.

Gas for me, less faffing about.
Click to expand...
Sounds like operator error to me. ;)

Cheers,

Jock. ;)
 
So what does the team think of the Lotus style bbqs...worth a punt?
 
Last edited:
Dramfineday said:
So what does the year think of the Lotus style bbqs...worth a punt?
Click to expand...
I have the Lidl equivalent which from memory cost about £30 operates the same as the Lotus.
Works well for two of us and is cooking over charcoal. I always line the bowl with foil for ease of cleaning.
 
Small folding Cadac as I’ve a PVC. Most of the steaks on it have been wow. I think the quality of the meat counts for a lot. If I’m lucky enough to be cooking outside the camper then an extra €5 to €10 a kg is an easy decision.
 
We have a Cadac & a Webber Q1200BBQ for the van.
A top tip I have yet to try is when using The Webber, is to place some pre-soaked Oak woodchips wrapped in a home made tin foil envelope with one end open, place it beside your meat or large joint, close lid and let the magic happen.
I used to do this on our Webber Charcoal Kettle BBQ at home and the Leg of Lamb/Whole Chicken, even Whole Turkeys were fantastic!
We have yet to try when away in the van, but I cant wait to see how it turns out, especially pre marinated Chicken Tandoori whole or pieces.
LES

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Another vote for gas on the go (Cadac) and charcoal at home.

The best restaurant steaks are cooked over charcoal.
 
I don't have an opinion on which is best, but I have observed that many amateur barbecue "chefs" insist on keeping the lid open and are forever turning and moving whatever is on the grill. My method on my gas Weber is: Turn it on, let it heat up to 200°, stick the food on the grill, close the lid, turn the temperature dial down to midway and return after a suitable time to turn the meat, etc.
...... you won't believe this, but as I was typing the above post I heard a slight crashing sound outside. When I looked out of the window I could see that the cover of the Weber barbecue had blown off and was heading like a parachute into my neighhbour's garden!
We've got quite a storm blowing here. I'd better go and check on the motorhome winter cover. I've already taken down the Ukrainian flag as it's disintegrating in the wind. I hope that's not a bad omen.
 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Join us

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top