Gas or charcoal grill? Choose your Weber grill

When we set out to add barbecues to the store, I was very clear about which manufacturer would be chosen. We looked at several alternatives, but in the end Weber Stephen proved to be the best option.

This manufacturer, based in Chicago, is synonymous worldwide with quality barbecues and the benchmark in a mature, highly competitive market like the North American one. In the United States, we can say there is no balcony or garden where we don't see a Weber barbecue.

And since I'm mentioning how popular it is in other countries to have a barbecue at home, I think this trend is crossing borders, and that having a gas or charcoal barbecue is becoming more and more popular, and, even more importantly, getting a lot of use out of it: the barbecue is and always will be a symbol of lively outdoor meals, but it is increasingly being used for everyday cooking.

The evolution of barbecues means their use is becoming more and more common, and honestly, I love the idea! Many modern barbecues are used as outdoor kitchens: more enjoyable, the food comes out perfect, and we make less mess in the kitchen.

As for the review we did of the different gas and charcoal barbecue options, it certainly was not in vain, since we also decided to add Eva Solo barbecues to the store. All the products from this Danish manufacturer, which we have known for a long time (and I'm sure many people will recognize it because of the brand's standing), have a distinct design and exceptional manufacturing quality, and their barbecues do not disappoint in the slightest.

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

Gas or charcoal barbecues?

Going back to Weber, we decided to add both its most popular gas models and some charcoal ones. We love charcoal barbecues. At home we fire them up often when we have guests, and I'm more than used to serving some snacks and a good wine while the charcoal is getting going. That wait always helps create a pleasant atmosphere and enjoy the get-together even before we sit down at the table.

Even so, I must also admit that after trying gas barbecues, I was completely won over by their advantages. Being able to start cooking in a couple of minutes and produce no smoke at all has allowed us to use the barbecue every day. There are even days when we use it for all meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Believe me, even the most die-hard charcoal fans switch to gas if they have the chance to try a good barbecue.

Contrary to popular belief, it is quite difficult to tell whether meat has been cooked on a gas barbecue or charcoal based on taste. If the meat is well seasoned, it becomes an impossible task. This is a very controversial issue, so there are countless comparisons and studies (oddly enough, in the United States it is almost a scientific topic), and it has been proven that the flavor of barbecue comes more from direct fire than from the charcoal smoke itself.

In addition, gas, together with the thermometer found on some Weber barbecues, lets us have perfect control over cooking temperature, so we can cook anything with the barbecue lid closed, from a roast chicken cooked through to a risotto in a casserole (it is cooked on a Weber barbecue as if it were an oven).

Advantages of Weber barbecues

Since 1952, the year Weber made its first barbecue, this company has devoted itself body and soul to the concept of outdoor cooking. All its models inherit all these years of experience and let us enjoy the authentic experience of outdoor cooking that Weber has managed to create. It is no coincidence that they are the best-selling barbecues in the world.

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

The lid on the barbecues and their large interior space let us prepare countless recipes, using accessories and utensils such as pizza trays, steel vegetable trays, skillets, cast-iron grates, or even a Le Creuset casserole.

In addition, with a gas barbecue we can control the cooking temperature precisely, so we can sear foods and then lower the temperature so they cook evenly over low heat (on some occasions we have cooked meat for more than two hours on the barbecue over low heat). In charcoal barbecues we can achieve a similar effect by moving coals to the sides of the barbecue so cooking is indirect.

Which barbecue model should you choose?

If we're talking about gas barbecues, the first thing we need to decide is whether we want a fixed barbecue for our terrace or a portable barbecue.

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

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

We also have the Weber Q1200, a more manageable model than its bigger sister (Q3000), but one that retains a good cooking surface (43x32 cm). This Weber gas barbecue has practical folding side tables and can be used on optional specific legs (a wheeled table).

Weber Q1200 gas barbecue, standard and mounted on a wheeled table

If we're thinking of buying the best charcoal barbecue on the market, the traditional Weber Compact Kettle are among the best charcoal barbecues. Available in 47 cm and 57 cm diameters, they are sturdy barbecues created to enjoy outdoor cooking with all the features of Weber barbecues and a good cooking surface.

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

The famous Weber Compact Kettle model (left) and the take-anywhere Smokey Joe Premium model (right). Both charcoal barbecue models.

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

Also remember that in our barbecue section you will find countless accessories and add-ons for your barbecues. We offer both Weber accessories such as covers, iron griddles, or ignition kits, as well as various ideal barbecue utensils such as skewers, cast iron grills, or stainless steel trays and pans.