As temperatures warm across the country, a new season has begun. Officially, it’s known as spring. Among a certain breed of outdoor specialists, however, it’s better known as grilling season.
What’s fueling your grill is important, of course — whether it’s charcoal, gas, wood pellets, or even electricity. There’s no grill shaming. Each has its advantages. Charcoal grills, for example, are a traditional standby for backyard grilling thanks to their portability, affordability, and ability to provide a great sear. And as Shawn Hill, Pitmaster from Your Resource For All Things Grilling notes, wood pellet grills are a great option for those who like their meat to have a smokier flavor.
So what about gas? After all, gas grills are the most popular type in the U.S., outpacing charcoal and electric grills combined. According to Hill, gas is notable for its precision temperature control, as well as its ability to cook quickly. As one might imagine, certain foods are especially well-suited to this style of grilling. Yes, steaks taste great on gas grills — but so, too, do several other food favorites.
A guide to gas grilling steaks and more
Hill has some very specific advice for those cooking with gas. “If you’re using a gas grill, stick with foods that cook quickly and benefit from more precise temperature control. Think barbecue-grilled vegetables, fish, and thin cuts of meat like chicken breasts, pork chops, or thin steaks. Basically, anything that doesn’t need a lot of time to cook and tastes great with a sear goes great on a gas grill.”
Does it matter if you’re cooking with natural gas or propane? Hill approves of both options. Propane heats up more quickly, but natural gas allows for higher temperatures. The latter, it should be noted, is important to getting the barbecue flavors associated with grilling. Thus natural gas, in addition to the fact that it never needs to be replaced, allows for a slightly better sear on steaks and burgers. “Natural gas grills are the Cadillac of grilling, in my humble opinion,” Hill says. “Yes, the setup cost can be prohibitive, but the quality is almost unmatched.”
