Americans share in a sharp divide every grilling season. Does the experienced grill cook use charcoal or propane gas in Orlando? Here is a (mostly) unbiased comparison.
Cost
The average Central Florida propane grill will easily cost you a few hundred dollars, possibly even a thousand or more if you splurge for one of the high-end models. Comparatively, basic charcoal grills can run as low as twenty bucks, with even the most elaborate brands costing a few hundred. In overall savings, however, Florida propane prices are a wise choice. A tank of propane will cook for substantially longer than a similar purchase of charcoal. Both options can be cost-effective, depending on the initial investment you are willing to make.
Mess
The number one attribute of propane gas in Orlando over charcoal is the simple convenience. Charcoal is messy, and you will be forced to scrape and clean the remnants of the grill after every use. Propane, on the other hand, is as simple as turning a switch, and clean up is quick. An experienced charcoal griller will use gloves or tongs with minimal stress, but for general cleanliness, propane is the first choice.
Time
Users of propane in Orlando largely favor the time-saving convenience of propane grills. True, the initial installation and assembly are much longer, compared to charcoal grills that are often ready to grill straight out of the box. Nevertheless, in the time it takes you to pour out the coals, light, and wait for the optimum cooking temperature, a propane grill will be well ahead.
Temperature
Charcoal grills get somewhat hotter than typical propane grills, with the exception of more impressive models. The additional heat makes very little difference for most foods, but if you like your meats cooked with a crispy sear on the outside you need charcoal for that effect. Some propane grills offer a searing feature for avid grillers that need it.
Even if not as hot, Central Florida propane grills have the additional benefit of accurate temperature control. With a charcoal grill, it can be difficult to precisely measure your cooking temperature or to adjust it as needed. Propane grills, though, have easily adjustable settings for precise cooking and very little guesswork.
Environment
The general environmental effect of charcoal and propane gas in Orlando is marginal, but propane is approved by the 1990 Clean Air Act as a clean fuel alternative. Charcoal releases twice as much carbon dioxide into the air as propane and is known for creating thicker, heavier smoke. However, because charcoal can be returned to the ground as a natural carbon source, many people consider it to equal out as generally eco-friendly.
Taste
The prime argument in the divide between charcoal and propane in Orlando and across the country is continual disagreement on taste. Fans of charcoal insist that grilling on coals gives the meat a noticeable smoky flavor that cannot be replicated on a gas grill. Propane enthusiasts applaud the clean burning nature of the gas grill, noting how the cleaner vapors lock moisture. Discernment on taste vary wildly, and use of sauces, seasonings, and rubs can affect taste to the point where grill choice is sometimes said to be negligible, but the feud continues.
