You may be one of the many prospective BBQ customers who are struggling to decide on whether or not to purchase a Charcoal or Gas fuelled barbecue.
Why not purchase a BBQ that can use both? Browse our range if Dual/Hybrid barbecues below, which include BBQ models from Grillstream and Char-Broil.
You can read more about the choice between Gas and Charcoal BBQs right here.
A hybrid/dual fuelled BBQ is a barbecue that can be fuelled using either Charcoal or Gas. Some even let you cook using both at the same time.
Most hybrid's also allow you to use the gas function to light the charcoal. This is safer and quicker than using traditional lighter fluids or similar to ignite the charcoal.
Whilst this varies from model-to-model, the basic elements of the hybrid BBQ are the same. With a few quick changes to the BBQ you'll be able to replace the trays that sit under the grilling elements of the barbecue, to allow you to load charcoal. Alternatively these can be left out to allow the gas to do the work.
Some barbecue's allow each of the burners to work independently, so one burner could be using gas, the other charcoal.
The below video provided by Char-Broil is a great example of how they work. Char-Broil's Charcoal can be lit via gas or by more traditional lighting methods:
Grillstream, another brand which produces fantastic hybrid BBQs also have a great video which shows clearly how easy they are to use. Unlike the Char-Broil models, the Charcoal on a Grillstream models must be lit by the built in gas lighting function.
Two of the larger brands when it comes to barbecues, it can be a daunting decision on choosing which of the two to spend your money on.
Here are a few pros and cons for each of these major brands which may help with your decision making:
Cooking with Gas or Charcoal produces different results. This in turn sometimes means some households choose to have two BBQs, each fuelled in a different way.
Gas lights quicker, has more consistent heat and is easier to control the heat on, whilst Charcoal can produce a smokey taste and smell, reach really hot temperatures and be cheaper to purchase.
Hybrids allow for you to combine the benefits of both versions, giving you just one appliance to keep clean and find space for.
Considering the benefits of a Hybrid, it is important to note that they do tend to have a bigger footprint, so always ensure you measure the area where you are considering this BBQ to be to ensure it is a large enough space.
Yes, you can typically use any Charcoal on a Hybrid BBQ. It is always worth checking the instructions for your particular make and model however, just in case.
Grillstream BBQs are easier to use with Charcoal Briquettes thanks to the included trays which , whilst the Char-Broil ones