If you haven’t purchased a grill yet this summer, it’s not too late — they may even be on sale. But the question of whether to invest in a gas grill or buy a charcoal grill often perplexes homeowners. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but whichever you choose, you’ll love the variety of delicious grilled foods they add to your menu. Before you buy, check out the pros and cons list below.

Charcoal Grill Pros

• Inexpensive
• Easy to move around
• Charcoal imparts a unique flavor to food

Charcoal Grill Cons

• Difficult to light
• Hard to clean
• Doesn’t always heat the food evenly

Charcoal Grill Buying Tips: When buying a charcoal grill, make sure you choose one with a large surface area, a sturdy cover, and an adjustable vent. It’s also a good idea to buy a chimney along with it. A chimney is a cylindrical device used for lighting charcoal briquettes. It allows you to light your charcoal easily and evenly without use of lighter fluid, which can give your food a chemical flavor.

Gas Grill Pros

• Easy to turn on
• Easy to clean
• Great temperature control

Gas Grill Cons

• Expensive
• Can be heavy and cumbersome
• Doesn’t have the flavor of charcoal, although you could add wood chips

Gas Grill Buying Tips: When buying a gas grill, look for one that is quick to heat and sturdy enough to be worth the investment. Choose one with a porcelain-coated grate to prevent sticking (plus whatever extra features appeal to you).

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