Gas or charcoal grill? Choose your Weber grill

When we considered adding grills to the store I was very clear about which manufacturer would be chosen. We analyzed several alternatives, but in the end Weber Stephen was confirmed as the best option.

This manufacturer, established in Chicago, is synonymous worldwide with quality grills and the benchmark of a mature and highly competitive market such as the North American one. In the United States we can say there is no balcony or garden where we don't see a Weber grill.

And since I mention the popularity in other countries of having a grill at home, I believe this trend is crossing borders, and that it is increasingly popular to have a grill, gas or charcoal, and, more importantly, to make the most of it: the grill is and always will be a symbol of lively outdoor meals, but they are increasingly used for everyday cooking.

The evolution of grills means their use is becoming more common and I really love the idea! Many current grills are used as outdoor kitchens: more pleasant, food turns out perfect and we make less mess in the kitchen.

Regarding the review we did of the different gas or charcoal grill options, it was certainly not in vain, since we also decided to add the Eva Solo grills to the store. All products from this Danish manufacturer, which we have known for some time (and I'm convinced many will recognize the brand category), have their own design and exceptional manufacturing quality, and their grills do not disappoint in the least.

Eva Solo porcelain tabletop grill (left) and Eva Solo To Go portable grill (right)

Gas or charcoal grills?

Back to Weber, we decided to include both their most popular gas models and some charcoal ones. We love charcoal grills. At home we often prepare them when we have guests and I am more than used to serving something to nibble on and a good wine while the charcoal changes color. That wait always helps create a pleasant atmosphere and enjoy the gathering even before sitting at the table.

Anyway, I must also confess that, after trying gas grills, their advantages have completely won me over. Being able to start cooking in a couple of minutes and produce no smoke has allowed us to use the grill daily. There are even days when we use it for every meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Believe me, even the most ardent charcoal supporters switch to gas if they have the chance to try a good grill.

Contrary to popular belief, it is quite difficult to know whether a meat was cooked on a gas grill or charcoal based on flavor alone. If the meat is well seasoned, it becomes an impossible task. This is a very controversial topic, so there are many comparisons and studies (oddly enough in the United States it is almost a scientific subject) and it has been shown that the taste of grilled food is owed more to the direct heat than to the charcoal smoke itself.

In addition gas, together with the thermometer some Weber grills include, allows us perfect control of the cooking temperature, so we can cook everything by closing the grill lid, from a roast chicken well done inside to a risotto in a casserole (it cooks in a Weber grill as if it were an oven).

Advantages of Weber grills

Since 1952, the year in which Weber made its first grill, this company has devoted itself body and soul to the concept of outdoor cooking. All their models inherit all these years of experience and allow us to enjoy the authentic experience of outdoor cooking that Weber has been able to create. It's no wonder they are the best-selling grills in the world.

Their grills are safe, attractive, sturdy and full of details to enjoy the Weber experience, regardless of the model we choose. Thanks to the lid they are equipped with we can use the grill both both for cooking on the grill and for cooking as if it were a traditional oven. The lid allows even and uniform cooking, preserving all the flavor and aroma of the food.

The grill lids and their ample interior space allow us to prepare many recipes, using accessories and utensils like pizza trays, steel vegetable pans, skillets, cast-iron grates or even with a casserole Le Creuset.

Additionally, with a gas grill we can control the cooking temperature exactly, so we can sear the food and then lower the temperature so it cooks evenly at low heat (on some occasions we have cooked meats for more than two hours on the grill at low heat). With charcoal grills we can achieve a similar effect by moving embers to the sides of the grill so the cooking is indirect.

Which grill model to choose?

If we talk about gas grills, the first thing we must decide is whether we want a fixed grill for our terrace or a portable grill.

Among fixed grills we have two grills with very similar features but different styles. The Weber Spirit E-210, with a sober and classic design, has a cooking surface of 52x44.5 cm. The Weber Q3000 has a more modern and casual design and an even larger cooking surface: 64x44 cm.

On the left, the classic Weber Spirit E-210 model, and on the right, the Weber Q3000 model. Both grills are gas.

We also offer the Weber Q1200, a more manageable model than its bigger sister (Q3000), but which maintains a good cooking surface (43x32 cm). This Weber gas grill has practical foldable side tables and the possibility of being used on specific optional legs (a table-cart).

Weber Q1200 gas grill, standard and mounted on a table-cart

If we are planning to acquire the best charcoal grill on the market, the traditional Weber Compact Kettle are some of the best charcoal grills. Available in 47 cm and 57 cm diameters, they are robust grills created to enjoy outdoor cooking with all Weber grill features and a good cooking surface.

Another option if we want a portable grill, is the Smokey Joe Premium model since it maintains the same concept as its bigger siblings but with a smaller size (37 cm diameter).

The famous Weber Compact Kettle model (left) and the Smokey Joe Premium portable model (right). Both charcoal grill models.

We also offer two charcoal grill models from the manufacturer Eva Solo. The beautiful porcelain grill, ideal for cooking at the table or for very small spaces.

Also remember that in our grill section you will find a multitude of accessories and complements for your barbecues. We have both Weber accessories such as covers, iron griddles or ignition kits, as well as various utensils ideal for barbecues such as skewers, cast iron grills, or stainless steel trays and pans.