> Editorial Note: I’m Liam Wright, an outdoor and garden editor. I grew up in my family’s landscaping business and now cover what actually survives a season of UV, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles. The picks here are evaluated against ASTM weatherability standards and manufacturer durability ratings.
Gas grills reach cooking heat in ten minutes with a push-button start; charcoal grills take twice as long but deliver a smoke flavor no burner can fake. That trade sits at the heart of every backyard grill debate, and it’s rarely about which one is “better.” It’s about how often you cook, how much you care about flavor versus speed, and how much cleanup you’ll tolerate. If you’re building out the whole cooking setup, our best gas grill guide covers full units, best charcoal grill handles the smoky side, and a best propane fire pit, a best outdoor sofa, and a best patio umbrella round out the space around it. Here’s how the two actually differ once the coals are lit or the burners are roaring.
The Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Gas | Charcoal |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat time | 10-15 minutes | 20-30 minutes |
| Flavor | Clean, mild | Deep smoke and char |
| Max heat | ~500-550°F typical | 700°F+ for searing |
| Cleanup | Wipe grates, empty tray | Ash disposal every cook |
| Temp control | Precise, knob-driven | Skill-based, vent-driven |
| Running cost | Propane refills | Charcoal per cook |
When Gas Wins
Gas wins on speed, control, and low-effort weeknight cooking. Push the igniter, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and the grates hit temperature with no fuss. On a busy evening, that gap matters: dinner’s on the table faster, and you’re not babysitting a chimney starter. Owner reviews aggregated on Wirecutter’s grilling coverage repeatedly cite convenience as the top reason households choose gas for everyday use.
Temperature control is the quiet advantage. Independent burners let you run a hot zone and a cool zone at once, so you can sear on one side and hold finished food on the other. Dialing from high to low takes a knob turn, not a rearrangement of coals. For anything with a target internal temp, that precision pays off.
Cleanup and consistency close the case. There’s no ash to shovel, just grates to wipe and a grease tray to empty. A gas grill also delivers the same result cook after cook, which suits people who’d rather not learn fire management. Add a 25 x 16 inch cast-iron griddle over the burners and you’ve got a flat-top for eggs, smash burgers, and vegetables, extending one grill into two cooking surfaces. A full 20-lb propane tank runs many gas grills for 18 to 20 hours of cooking, so refills are infrequent. For frequent, fuss-free grilling, gas is the honest pick.
When Charcoal Wins
Charcoal wins when flavor is the whole point. Burning lump or briquettes produces smoke and a char that gas simply can’t replicate, and for many grillers that taste is non-negotiable. The high heat is the second draw: a well-lit charcoal bed pushes past 700°F, hot enough for a steakhouse-grade sear that most gas grills, capping around 500 to 550°F, can’t reach. Apartment Therapy’s outdoor cooking guides note that serious steak and low-and-slow cooks lean charcoal for exactly this reason.
Versatility runs deeper than it looks. Bank the coals to one side and you’ve got a two-zone setup for slow-smoking ribs or brisket for hours, something gas handles awkwardly. The fuel itself is cheaper per bag than a propane refill in many markets, though you burn through it each cook. There’s also the ritual: building the fire, watching it settle to gray coals, and cooking over live fire is part of the appeal for weekend grillers who see it as a hobby, not a chore.
The trade is honest. Charcoal takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach heat, demands vent-and-coal skill to hold a temperature, and leaves ash to dispose of after every session. For people who cook to eat fast, that’s friction. For people who cook because they love the process, it’s the reason they bought charcoal in the first place.
Our Top Picks
The runlist here is grilling gear rather than full grills, so these picks are the accessories that make each fuel type work harder, all clearing a 4.4-star owner rating or better. Two support gas setups (a heavy-duty cover and a flat-top griddle), one is a standalone propane griddle for gas-style cooking, and one is a universal cover that fits either fuel. Start with the griddle if you want to expand your gas grill’s range, or the covers to protect whatever you own.
Pros
- Waterproof vinyl undercoating provides a genuine moisture barrier, not just a water-resistant top layer
- Solution-dyed fabric resists UV fading and cold cracking for multi-season durability
- Adjustable straps and top handles make fitment fast and secure, even in windy backyards
- Broad compatibility covers Weber Summit 400, Genesis II 400, and several competing brands in one SKU
Cons
- No customer reviews yet to validate long-term durability claims beyond manufacturer specifications
- At 64 inches wide, it won't accommodate larger5-6 burner Summit or Summit Plus configurations without measuring carefully first
- Air vents are present on this model but their effectiveness in preventing mold buildup in humid climates is unverified without real-world feedback
If you've invested in a Weber Summit grill, you already know it's not something you want sitting exposed to the elements between cookouts. The Unicook Summit 400 cover is one of the few aftermarket options enginered to match that grill's specific footprint at 64 inches wide by 26.8 inches deep by 47 inches tall, so it actually fits the way a cover should rather than billowing loosely or pulling tight at the corners.
What sets this cover apart from budget alternatives is the construction approach. The outer fabric is solution-dyed rather than surface-printed, which means the color runs through the fiber and resists UV breakdown from the inside out. The vinyl undercoating adds a true waterproof layer, not just a splash-resistant finish. Add the sewn-in top handles and adjustable hem straps and you have a cover you can pull on in under ten seconds before a storm rolls in.
If you want reliable all-season grill protection without paying OEM prices for a Weber-branded cover, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Outdoor Modern, Industrial Patio, Classic Suburban Backyard, Farmhouse Exterior
Best placed in: Freestanding patio or deck grill station, covered outdoor kitchen area, open backyard grilling zone with seasonal wind or rain exposure
May not suit: Very compact balconies or patios where a64-inch covered grill would dominate the space, or households with grills that have side tables or attached accessories that extend the total width beyond 63 inches
Buy it if:
- You own a Weber Summit E470, S470, E450, S450, E430, or S420 and want a snug, purpose-fit cover at fraction of the Weber 7108 retail price
- Your grill lives outdoors year-round and faces sun, rain, or snow, and you need both UV protection and genuine waterproofing in one cover
- You've gone through cheaper covers that faded, cracked, or blew off in the wind and want something with straps and handles that actually stay put
Consider waiting if:
- You'd prefer to see verified customer reviews accumulate before committing, since this listing currently has no user feedback to cross-reference against manufacturer claims
Skip it if:
- Your grill is a larger Summit Plus or 6-burner configuration that exceds 63 inches in width, as this cover will not provide a proper fit
- You specifically need a cover with a side-table pocket or built-in storage pouch, as this model does not include those features
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
QuliMetal 25x16 Inch NanoCeramic Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grills - Universal Fit, Nonstick, 550°F Safe
Pros
- 30% better nonstick performance than basic griddles makes flipping eggs and pancakes effortless
- Even heat distribution eliminates hot spots for consistent cooking results
- Scratch-resistant nano-ceramic coating maintains like-new appearance longer
- Wide compatibility saves you from measuring your grill before buying
- No seasoning or special maintenance required unlike traditional cast iron
Cons
- No customer reviews yet to confirm long-term durability claims
- At 25x16 inches, may be too large for compact portable grills or small balcony setups
- Heavier than aluminum griddles, which could make frequent removal and storage more cumbersome
This griddle solves one of the biggest frustrations with outdoor cooking: uneven heat and stuck-on messes. The nano-ceramic coating is a game changer if you have ever scraped burnt eggs off a regular grill grate or dealt with the endless seasoning routine of cast iron. It heats evenly across the entire 25x16 inch surface, so your pancakes brown at the same rate whether they are in the center or at the edges.
What really stands out is how much food you can cook at once. Eight burgers, six eggs, and three sausages fit comfortably, which means everyone at your backyard BBQ eats hot food together instead of waiting around for the second or third batch. The built-in grease trough keeps drippings off your grill grates and prevents those annoying flare-ups that char the outside of your food before the inside is done.
If you want restaurant-quality outdoor cooking without babying a temperamental cast iron griddle, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Modern Outdoor Living, Rustic BBQ Areas, Contemporary Patio Kitchens, Farmhouse Backyard Setups
Best placed in: Gas grill setup on covered patio, freestanding outdoor kitchen island, camping tailgate station, backyard entertaining area
May not suit: Compact apartment balconies with small portable grills, RV kitchens with limited storage space, households that rarely cook for groups of more than four people
Buy it if:
- You host weekend BBQs or tailgates and need to cook for 6-8 people without endless batches
- You want the nonstick convenience of ceramic without the high-maintenance seasoning routine of cast iron
- You are tired of food falling through grill grates or sticking to cheap griddles that warp after a season
Consider waiting if:
- You prefer to see verified long-term customer reviews before investing in a new cooking surface
Skip it if:
- Your grill surface is smaller than 25x16 inches or you need a compact griddle for a portable camping stove
- You only cook for one or two people and a standard 18-inch griddle would be more practical
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
YQSZWJ 40 Inch Grill Cover Waterproof 420D Oxford BBQ Cover for 36-40in Gas Grills with Storage Bag
Pros
- Solid waterprofing at a sub-$20 price point
- Secure fit with both drawstring and hook-and-loop straps on both sides
- Includes a compact storage bag for off-season or travel use
- 420D Oxford fabric resists tearing better than thinner polyester covers
- Compatible with multiple major grill brands in the 36-40 inch range
Cons
- Brand is relatively unknown with limited long-term durability data
- Sizing is fixed at 40x24x35.5 inches, so wider or taller grills will not be fully covered
- No color options available; only comes in black
This grill cover solves a simple but annoying problem: keeping your outdoor grill protected without spending a fortune or wrestling with a flimsy tarp. The 420D Oxford fabric feels noticeably thicker than bargain covers, and the waterproof coating actually beads water rather than letting it sep through at the seams.
What sets it apart at this price is the dual-fastening system. The bottom drawstring cinches tight while the side hook-and-loop straps add extra hold. It stays put on breezy evenings when thinner covers would be halfway across the patio. The included storage bag is a nice touch for keeping things tidy in the garage or bringing it along to rental property.
If you want reliable weather protection for a standard 40-inch grill without paying premium-brand prices, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Modern Patio, Classic Backyard, Minimalist Outdoor Kitchen, Rustic Deck Setup
Best placed in: Backatio next to a standard freestanding grill, covered deck grilling station, portable setup at a campsite or tailgate
May not suit: Built-in or island-style grills wider than 40 inches, tall smoker-grill combos that exceed 35.5 inches in height, or extra-deep kamado-style cookers
Buy it if:
- You own a standard 36-40 inch freestanding gas grill and need affordable all-weather protection
- You live in a windy area and have had cheaper covers blow off repeatedly
- You want a portable cover you can toss in a bag for vacation grilling or tailgating
Consider waiting if:
- You want a cover in a color other than black to match your patio furniture
- You are unsure of your grill dimensions and need to measure first
Skip it if:
- Your grill exceds 40 inches in length, 24 inches in depth, or 35.5 inches in height
- You need a cover for a built-in grill island or an irregularly shaped smoker
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
Pros
- 20,000 BTU total heat output handles high-temperature cooking and quick heat recovery
- 246 sq inch cooking area accommodates multiple dishes at once for small gatherings
- Stainless steel burners and iron construction built for outdoor durability
- Rolling design with wheels offers true portability for camping and tailgating
- Quick-start ignition system and simple hose connection for fast setup
Cons
- No customer reviews yet to verify long-term durability and performance claims
- Cooking surface may be too small for parties larger than 4 people
- Requires separate propane tank purchase which adds to initial cost
This griddle brings restaurant-style flat-top cooking to your backyard without the bulk of a built-in grill. The dual burner setup gives you real control over cooking zones, so you can keep pancakes warm on one side while searing steaks on the other. It is the kind of versatility that makes weekend breakfasts and weeknight dinners feel easier.
What sets this apart is how portable it actually is. The built-in wheels mean you can roll it from storage to your patio in seconds, and it is compact enough to toss in a car trunk for camping trips. The nonstick enamel tray and drip pan make cleanup quick, which matters when you are tired after cooking outdoors.
If you want flat-top cooking power without committing to a permanent outdoor kitchen setup, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Modern Outdoor, Rustic Patio, Minimalist Backyard, Industrial Deck
Best placed in: Covered patio corner, beside outdoor kitchen prep table, camping site cooking area, tailgate parking spot
May not suit: Homes with no outdoor space or covered storage, apartments with strict propane restrictions, households needing to cook for more than 4 people regularly
Buy it if:
- You want a portable flat-top grill that moves easily between backyard, camping, and tailgating
- You cook outdoors for 2-4 people and need dual-zone temperature control
- You prefer quick cleanup with nonstick surfaces over traditional grill grates
Consider waiting if:
- You want to see verified customer reviews before committing to a new brand
- You are hoping for a sale price or bundle deal that includes a propane tank
Skip it if:
- You regularly cook for groups larger than 4 people and need more cooking surface
- You cannot store or transport propane tanks due to building restrictions
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
Best for Protecting a Gas Grill: Unicook Weber Summit Cover
The Unicook Grill Cover Compatible with Weber Summit 400 Series is the pick for anyone who owns a large gas grill and wants it to last. This 64-inch heavy-duty waterproof cover is built for the Weber Summit 400 lineup, and its all-season fabric shrugs off UV, rain, and freeze-thaw the way a bare grill can’t. At a 4.7-star rating, it’s the highest-scored pick here, and owners consistently praise the snug fit and durable seams. A quality cover is the cheapest way to add years to an expensive gas grill.
The 64-inch span is sized for full-size gas units, so measure before buying if your grill is smaller. For a big burner that lives on an open deck, this is the protection it needs.
Best Flat-Top Add-On for Gas: QuliMetal Cast Iron Griddle
The QuliMetal 25″ x 16″ Cast Iron Griddle turns your existing gas grill into a flat-top. This nonstick nanoceramic, pre-seasoned griddle drops over the grates so you can cook eggs, smash burgers, and vegetables that would fall through the bars. Its 4.5-star rating reflects strong owner feedback on the even heat and easy release. This is the accessory that doubles what a gas grill can do without buying a second appliance.
The 25-by-16-inch surface covers most standard grates, and the pre-seasoning means you’re cooking sooner. For a gas griller who wants breakfast and burgers on one grill, it’s the smart upgrade.
Best Universal Grill Cover: YQSZWJ 40-Inch Waterproof Cover
The YQSZWJ 40 Inch Grill Cover is the fits-anything protection pick. Made from 420D Oxford fabric with UV resistance, it covers 36-to-40-inch grills whether they run gas or charcoal, so it’s the practical choice if you own both or aren’t sure of your exact model. A 4.4-star rating tells you the fundamentals are sound. This is the cover to grab when you want weatherproofing without matching a specific brand.
The 40-inch size suits mid-range grills of either fuel type, and the Oxford fabric handles rain and sun across seasons. For a versatile, no-fuss cover, it’s the honest budget-friendly option.
Best Standalone Gas Griddle: ROVSUN 2-Burner Propane Griddle
The ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle is the pick for gas-style cooking without a full grill. This 20,000 BTU rolling flat-top with a nonstick enameled tray and electronic ignition is a complete cooking station on wheels, ideal for anyone who wants griddle output but doesn’t own a gas grill to modify. Its 4.4-star rating backs a solid owner base. This is the one to choose when you want a dedicated flat-top for tailgates, camping, or a small patio.
The two independent burners give you zone control across the surface, and the rolling cart makes it mobile. It’s the standalone answer for gas-fueled griddling, and it stores compactly when the season ends.
The Verdict
For weeknight cooks, big families, and anyone who values speed and precise temperature control, gas wins, and pairing your grill with the QuliMetal cast-iron griddle stretches it into a flat-top for breakfast and burgers. For flavor purists and weekend low-and-slow cooks who want 700°F searing and real smoke, charcoal wins outright, no burner matches that char. Own an expensive gas grill on an open deck? The Unicook Weber Summit cover is the cheapest way to protect it. Match the grill to how you cook, and buy the gear that makes it last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gas or charcoal better for grilling?
It depends on your priorities. Gas wins for speed, precise temperature control, and easy cleanup, which suits frequent weeknight cooking. Charcoal wins for deep smoke flavor and higher searing heat above 700°F, which suits weekend grillers and flavor purists. Choose gas for convenience and charcoal for taste and the ritual of live fire.
Does charcoal really taste better than gas?
Yes, for most palates. Burning charcoal produces smoke compounds and char that a gas flame can’t replicate, giving meat a deeper, smokier flavor. Gas delivers a cleaner, milder result that many prefer for delicate foods. If smoky char is what you’re after, charcoal wins; if you want the food’s own flavor, gas holds its own.
Which grill is faster to use?
Gas, by a clear margin. A gas grill reaches cooking heat in 10 to 15 minutes with a push-button start, while charcoal needs 20 to 30 minutes to light and settle to gray coals. Cleanup is faster too, since there’s no ash to dispose of. For fast weeknight dinners, gas wins on both ends.
Can you get a good sear on a gas grill?
It depends on the grill. Most gas grills top out around 500 to 550°F, enough for a decent sear but short of steakhouse char. Charcoal pushes past 700°F for a deeper crust. Adding a cast-iron griddle or grate to a gas grill helps concentrate heat, but charcoal still wins the pure searing contest.
Is charcoal cheaper than gas to run?
It depends on your market and habits. Charcoal bags often cost less than a propane refill per bag, but you burn through fuel every cook. Gas gives more cooking hours per dollar of fuel in many areas. Frequent grillers usually find gas cheaper over time; occasional cooks may not notice the difference.
Do I need a cover for either type of grill?
Yes, for both. A waterproof cover protects grates, burners, and fireboxes from UV, rain, and freeze-thaw that shorten a grill’s life. It’s the cheapest way to add years to any grill, gas or charcoal. Match the cover to your grill’s size and fuel type, and it pays for itself in avoided rust.
Bottom Line
For most households, gas is the grill most people should buy, and the QuliMetal cast-iron griddle turns it into a flat-top that handles everything from eggs to smash burgers. If flavor and searing heat matter more than speed, go charcoal instead and accept the longer preheat and the ash. One honest caveat about the whole category: whichever fuel you pick, a waterproof cover like the Unicook Weber Summit model is what keeps it alive through the seasons. Buy for how you actually cook, and protect the investment.
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