When anyone asks us if we have a preference between charcoal and propane, we have to ask them to be more specific. Both forms of fuel provide their own benefits, and it’s impossible to pick which one is best without knowing where you are and what you’re cooking. So when we’re asked which is best for tailgating: charcoal or propane; we need to take a few things into consideration before determining a favorite.
Baton Rouge Tailgaters: Charcoal or Propane?
If you are reading this blog, it is likely you are in the South Louisiana regions, so you already understand that tailgating is a religion in these parts. There are levels to tailgating expertise, and LSU tailgaters are revered throughout the world as the best of the best. So, the menu at an LSU tailgate tends to reflect that reputation. You will find tailgate parties that have varied items coming off the grill all day long -- from a cochon-de-lait to alligator. If the location of your tailgate is anywhere close to the campus of Louisiana State University, there are some important factors to keep in mind.
What is a more convenient option for tailgating: charcoal or propane?
Convenience - First of all, there’s convenience. Propane is very suitable for tailgating. It’s clean and packs well into your vehicle. There’s no messy coals or ash to throw away at the end of the day. It turns on and heats up quickly. If this fits your tailgating needs, it’s a big plus for propane. For great propane grill options, the Companion from Holland Grills and the grills from Napoleon provide a nice variety for tailgaters searching for convenience.
Propane and Charcoal: Does cooking time matter?
Time - When weighing your options between charcoal and propane, you should take into account how long you’ll be cooking. If you are like most LSU fans, anything under 2 hours is considered "amateur hour" by tiger tailgaters. So, if you are going "all-in" on Saturdays in Baton Rouge, then you will exceed the two-hour hour grill time, and charcoal will be your most efficient fuel source. With charcoal, it is easier to cook things “low and slow” with indirect heat where propane is better for direct heat “turn and burn” cooking. The other rational reason for cooking with charcoal for long periods of time is the fuel savings.
Charcoal and Propane: Is there a difference in cooling time?
Cooling Time - One factor that is often overlooked is the cooling time. When you turn off the propane tank, you turn off the fire, so the required cooling time is minimal. This is great for last minute tailgaters who want to eat and run. With charcoal, you need to be able to let it burn out. Leaving hot coals unattended is not recommended, and it can actually be quite dangerous. Even if the coals are inside a closed pit, a late arriving fan could accidentally bump into that pit and knock it over, creating a fire hazard. Once again, time plays a major role in your choice. If you know you won’t be done cooking until right before kickoff, then propane is your best bet. On the other hand, if there are a few hours between cook time and departure time, charcoal deserves serious consideration.
How Do I Eliminate the Smell of Smoke from a Tailgate Event?
Aroma - There is one other thing to consider when weighing the benefits of propane versus charcoal at your tailgate, and it might be a little sensitive to bring up, but there are lingering aromas. Remember, you’re going to be sitting next to people in the stadium, so you don't want to smell like a smokehouse. Propane burns cleaner and creates less smoke than charcoal. Less smoke means fewer smells. The charcoal grill is a little less forgiving when it comes to smoke and aromas. Knowing this, the seasoned Tailgater always has an extra game day shirt ready for kickoff time. If packing and planning ahead are not your thing, propane is the more courteous choice for the folks with seats in your section.
Charcoal and Propane Grills for Tailgating: The Happy Medium
The Big Green Egg grills blend the tasty tradition of charcoal grills with the modern convenience of propane grills providing tiger tailgaters with the best from both worlds. Unlike most charcoal grills, lighting the charcoal of the Big Green Egg grill is always quick and easy, as the design of the Big Green Egg allows air flow to circulate efficiently. The Big Green Egg grills are also a safer option to most traditional charcoal grills as the ceramic surface doesn’t get as hot as a metal grill, and the heat source is protected within a ceramic fire box inside the base. For the last minute grillers, the Green Egg grills are built with a professional-grade stainless steel cooking grid that wipes clean easily without chemical cleaners. Additionally the lingering heat burns away any grease build-up within the grill– just like a self-cleaning oven.
At the end of the day, the truest determining factor of what is better between charcoal and propane all comes down to one thing -- you. If you’re not sure which is best for you, we have plenty of options at Casual Creations to help you make up your mind.
