Posts Tagged ‘gas grilling’
Charcoal VS. Gas | The Great Debate
The history of grilling food over an open fire can be dated back to Paleolithic times of the caveman. While there is no real concrete evidence of who invented the barbeque in the States, the debate between charcoal and gas is one not to be taken lightly. The preference between the two ultimately comes down to convenience and taste, although grill masters will defy the art of grilling with charcoal as one of the highest status.
The invention of charcoal was patented in 1897 by a man named Ellsworth Zwoyer after World War One. There are circulating debates that Henry Ford invented the briquette in 1920, although he just invented a more efficient way to make the briquettes out of left over sawdust from the process of milling wood. It was mixed with various binding agents and then formed into neat little cubes that ignited with the assistance of lighter fluid.
Purists will proclaim that there is some residue always left over and that it can alter the flavor of whatever is being grilled.
For the proclaimed home pit masters, charcoal is the only option. The authentic smoky flavor off the fire is the strongest with wood or charcoal and generally requires the most work keeping the grill’s flame consistent. That’s why beginner grillers, who have not had much experience cooking over an open flame, opt for the ease of temperature control of gas fueled grills. There tends to be less fire or smoke with gas grills which is ideal for smaller spaces.
