What's the point of grilling with propane?

[ElFenix]

On a charcoal grill you're better off putting the chips straight on the coals. If you've soaked then sufficiently they will just smolder.

if you're using a charcoal you should use lump hardwood to smoke, not chips.

 

[Jeff7]

The flames and such cook in a different way that adds more flavor. It does not burn as clean as an electric element.

This of course depends on how clean the fuel source for the electricity is.

And there are the efficiency losses.
Electric: Burn/consume fuel, make heat, make steam, spin turbine, make electricity, step up electricity, send over long distance, step down electricity, make heat where it's needed.

Propane/charcoal: Burn fuel, make heat where it's needed.

 

[Red Squirrel]

This of course depends on how clean the fuel source for the electricity is.

And there are the efficiency losses.
Electric: Burn/consume fuel, make heat, make steam, spin turbine, make electricity, step up electricity, send over long distance, step down electricity, make heat where it's needed.

Propane/charcoal: Burn fuel, make heat where it's needed.

I meant at the oven itself. So the 100% clean cooks differently than propane or natural gas that may be a bit "dirty" (which adds extra flavor).

But yeah if the power is being generated by dirty plants like coal it's less efficient than propane or natural gas and harder on the environment. In fact if the electricity comes from any substance being burned it's less efficient to use electric heat, because something is already producing heat to make that electricity, then it's being reconverted again. May as well just use that heat source directly. Unless it's coal. The food will have a funny taste to it. :biggrin:

 

[iRONic]

I have had Weber kettle charcoal grills and they always did a great job then we bought a Kenmore 4 burner 4 years ago. It works great but is Chinese built crap and all the burner mount points have completely rusted away, the mount points for the burner covers have rusted away and the plates themselves have rust holes in them. Every review I have read of Weber gas grills says you can get 15 years use out of them easy so I decided the expense was worth it. Even better Lowe's stepped up to the plate and gave me 10% off because of the delay in delivery.

Sweet!

 

[SP33Demon]

My natural gas Genesis can heat up to 500+ degrees in about 5 minutes, have a steak seared and cooked to a nice medium rare in another 8-10. Then be turned off and put away in another two or three. No charcoal to deal with on either of cook. And I can do other stuff like big loaf of bread in there while I'm at.

As far as flavor, the fat that renders off the steak hits the flavorizor bars and turns to smoke that in turns adds a bit extra shot of flavor to a steak that is already getting a nice tasty sear to it.

If I want something with more smoke flavor I'll use my charcoal smoker 🙂

Yep, way way faster is the advantage. We don't have all day to just sit there on a work night.

 

[Jeff7]

I meant at the oven itself. So the 100% clean cooks differently than propane or natural gas that may be a bit "dirty" (which adds extra flavor).

But yeah if the power is being generated by dirty plants like coal it's less efficient than propane or natural gas and harder on the environment. In fact if the electricity comes from any substance being burned it's less efficient to use electric heat, because something is already producing heat to make that electricity, then it's being reconverted again. May as well just use that heat source directly. Unless it's coal. The food will have a funny taste to it. :biggrin:

Solution to two problems: Capture the ash and soot from coal and oil power plants, bottle it, and sell it as "natural flavoring."

(Fossil Flavoring?)

 

[The Boston Dangler]

Solution to two problems: Capture the ash and soot from coal and oil power plants, bottle it, and sell it as "natural flavoring."

(Fossil Flavoring?)

hmmm, what do i want on this burger...light sweet crude or kentucky bourbon and coal? maybe i'll try the middle eastern medley.