Coal, gas, or both? We asked
He's a fixture in our community: our Eugen. With his grilling tips, he not only enriches our newsletter but also ensures plenty of variety on the grill. We spoke with him about the differences between charcoal and gas grills, the do's and don'ts of grilling, and his personal grilling preferences.
Campingaz: Dear Eugen, you're a real grilling pro. What's your favorite thing to grill with?
Eugen: Personally, I grill on both gas and charcoal grills. When I'm in a hurry, especially during the week, I mostly use my gas grill. I'm simply more flexible. But when I have more time, I also grill on the charcoal grill.
Campingaz: That brings us to the next point. Can you tell us more about the biggest differences and the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of grills?
Eugen: Basically, the biggest difference is the type of fuel. With coal, I need a bit more equipment, such as a barbecue lighter, a lighter, or a chimney starter. A gas grill has a clear advantage here: I only need the gas bottle or cartridge, and thanks to the piezo ignition, I can even do without a lighter. Furthermore, grilling with gas is faster: the heat is available immediately after lighting, and I can start grilling right away. With a charcoal grill, on the other hand, I have to allow a bit more time – it takes around half an hour for the coal to reach the right temperature. It also needs time to cool down. The gas grill, on the other hand, cools down very quickly after being turned off. Both types of grills are mobile because they don't require a power source. However, you should be aware that grilling with charcoal is prohibited at many campsites or in nature, especially in dry summers. Flying sparks pose an increased fire risk. This is not the case with gas grills. I also see a big advantage for gas when it comes to cleaning: a charcoal grill is a bit impractical to clean, especially when you're on the go. Gas grills, on the other hand, have a grease tray filled with water. You can simply tip the water out, wipe the grill clean with a cloth, and then pack it away in your backpack or trunk. Another factor is certainly taste. Opinions differ here, and I personally think that both grills can prepare delicious meals. However, those with less experience will benefit from easier temperature control with a gas grill. With a charcoal grill, this is regulated via the air supply at the top and bottom, which can be a bit tricky at first. If you prefer the ease of use of a gas grill but prefer a smokier flavor, you can create great flavors on a gas grill with smoker accessories such as wooden planks – there are many options here.
Campingaz: What should I keep in mind when grilling food – can I grill anything on any grill?
Eugen: A definite yes! In principle, you can grill almost anything – whether on charcoal or gas. For some dishes, you'll need additional equipment, such as griddles for making pancakes or fried eggs. These are available for both types of grills, and handling a gas grill is perhaps a bit easier than a charcoal grill, thanks to the easily adjustable temperature.
Campingaz: Speaking of accessories, what are your favorite grilling accessories and why?
Eugen: Definitely a pizza stone! I also really enjoy grilling with a wok and plancha plates. You can be really creative with them and conjure up amazing dishes. For example, I use the Campingaz Culinary Modular System for this: The middle unit is easy to remove, and I can use different equipment as needed. Nothing slips, and it's very easy to handle – especially with the wok, I can play around with the temperature and cook with complete flexibility.
Campingaz: Do you have any insider tips for us regarding gas grills?
Eugen: Probably not a secret, but it's practical [laughs]. I'm absolutely thrilled with the InstaClean Aqua System. I don't think I've ever cleaned a grill so quickly and easily. Simply fill it with water, drain it after grilling, rinse it out, and you're done. It's super fast and simply worth its weight in gold. This way, the grill is perfectly maintained and ready to use again without much effort, scrubbing, or cleaning products.
Campingaz: What are the biggest do's and don'ts for you when grilling?
Eugen: Staying on the topic of cleaning: You should never line the grill with aluminum foil. While it's tempting to "simply" replace the foil afterward, it can release toxic substances at high temperatures. Furthermore, dripping fat is highly flammable and can lead to sudden, massive flames. Systems that fill a drip tray with water are much safer and still easy to clean. Wrapping grilled food in aluminum foil isn't the best option for me personally either – I prefer baking paper or grill trays as an alternative.
Do's: You should always have a spare cylinder handy somewhere. With gas grills, regular equipment checks are also important. For example, I check the hose for leaks every time I change the cylinder. This takes just a few steps, but is essential for safe grilling.
Campingaz: Grilling is a real national pastime, especially in Germany. What do you think has changed most significantly in grilling in recent years?
Eugen: I think people have become more experimental and creative at the grill. Where once they grilled sausages and neck steaks, today many new ingredients and grilled foods come into play. This creates a completely new menu selection.
Campingaz: What do you think will be the grilling trends for the coming years?
Eugen: Definitely vegetarian or vegan barbecues. I can speak for myself here: My awareness of what kind of meat we eat, where it comes from, and how it's raised has grown enormously. Barbecues are a pleasure, and this trend toward high-quality food will continue with barbecues. Barbecue behavior has also changed: Today, it's not just a means to an end, but an occasion to get together. Often, we prepare, chop, and grill together. Moreover, the barbecue is no longer a male domain!
Campingaz: Where and for whom do you like to grill the most?
Eugen: I love grilling in my outdoor kitchen, for and with my family and friends. Although I also enjoy camping, I prefer to pack a grill rather than a cooking pot. You can grill anywhere!
Thank you, Eugen, for the fascinating information and tips. If you're still looking for the right grill, be sure to check out our online shop. And don't forget: the trend is toward second grills.
