Quick Answer
For most home cooks, the Weber Genesis E-415 Liquid Propane Gas Grill is the better pick — The gas case — push-button ignition, fast even heat, and precise control for easy weeknight grilling. The Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill wins on value and is the right call if budget is the deciding factor.
It's the oldest debate in the backyard: gas or charcoal? The honest answer is that they're built for different priorities. Gas is about convenience and control — push a button, dial in a temperature, and you're cooking in ten minutes with easy cleanup. Charcoal is about flavor and heat — it sears hotter, adds real smoke, and costs far less up front, in exchange for a slower start and more fuss. Here's how a Weber Genesis gas grill and a Weber Master-Touch charcoal kettle stack up, and which one fits the way you actually cook.
How We Picked These
For this gas vs charcoal grill comparison, we applied the framework laid out in our Editorial Policy: we evaluate materials and construction first, then weight long-term durability heavily — six-month and one-year owner-review patterns matter more than first-week impressions. We hold each candidate to the same criteria (material quality, real-world performance, warranty terms and how the manufacturer actually honors them, and value at each price tier), then note where one option clearly wins, where the difference is marginal, and where the cheaper option is good enough for most people.
1.: Weber Genesis E-415 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Weber Genesis E-415 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Weber
- 4 burners with even, controllable heat
- Ready to cook in about 10 minutes
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
- Push-button ignition; simple cleanup
Pros
- Ready to cook in about 10 minutes
- Precise, even temperature control
- Clean, low-effort cooking
Watch-outs
- Less smoke flavor than charcoal
- Higher up-front cost
2.: Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Weber
- 22-inch kettle with hinged Gourmet grate
- Higher searing heat than gas
- Tuck-Away lid holder and ash catcher
- Doubles as a smoker for low-and-slow
Pros
- Higher searing heat and real smoke
- Far cheaper than a gas grill
- Doubles as a smoker
Watch-outs
- Takes longer to light and manage
- Messier ash cleanup
The Comparison Table
| Product | Brand | Role | Key spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber | Weber | Contender A | 4 burners with even, controllable heat |
| Weber | Weber | Contender B | 22-inch kettle with hinged Gourmet grate |
The Verdict
Get gas if you grill on weeknights and value speed and control above all. It lights instantly, holds a precise temperature with a knob, cooks evenly, and wipes clean — no waiting on coals, no ash to dump. The trade-off is a higher up-front price and milder flavor.
Get charcoal if you want maximum flavor, the highest searing heat, and the lowest price. A charcoal kettle costs a fraction of a comparable gas grill, sears steaks harder, and adds genuine smoke — and it doubles as a smoker. You'll just spend 15–20 minutes lighting coals and managing airflow.
It really comes down to flavor vs. convenience. Side by side, charcoal-grilled food has a deeper, smokier char that many cooks prefer; gas is cleaner-tasting but faster and more repeatable. Neither is 'better' — it depends on whether you optimize for taste or for getting dinner done on a Tuesday.
Why not both? Plenty of serious grillers keep a gas grill for everyday speed and a charcoal kettle for weekends and low-and-slow smoking. If you can only buy one and you grill often, gas wins on practicality; if flavor is the whole point, start with charcoal.
Buyer Scenario Decision Matrix
Stop comparing specs. Start with what you're actually doing, then the right product is obvious:
| Your Situation | Buy This | Skip This | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most people — daily use, no compromises | Weber Genesis E-415 Liquid Propane Gas Grill | Premium-only sets you won't grow into | 4 burners with even, controllable heat |
| Budget-conscious or first-time buyer | Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill | Premium upgrade you may not need yet | 22-inch kettle with hinged Gourmet grate |
Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
For most people: the Weber Genesis E-415 Liquid Propane Gas Grill. The gas case — push-button ignition, fast even heat, and precise control for easy weeknight grilling.
On a budget: the Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill. The charcoal case — higher searing heat, real smoke flavor, and a fraction of the price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does charcoal really taste better than gas?
Most people can taste a difference — charcoal burns hotter and the rendered fat dripping onto coals creates more smoke and char, giving a deeper grilled flavor. Gas is cleaner and milder. It's a real difference, but a smaller one than purists claim, and good technique matters more than fuel.
Is a gas or charcoal grill cheaper?
Charcoal grills are far cheaper to buy — a quality 22-inch kettle costs a fraction of a comparable gas grill. Over time, gas fuel (propane) is cheaper and more convenient per cook than buying charcoal, but the up-front gap is large enough that charcoal wins overall on cost.
Which is easier to use, gas or charcoal?
Gas, by a wide margin. It lights with a button, reaches temperature in about 10 minutes, holds a steady temp with a knob, and has almost no cleanup. Charcoal takes 15–20 minutes to light, requires managing airflow to control heat, and leaves ash to dispose of.
Can you smoke on a gas grill?
You can, but not as well. With a smoker box of wood chips and the burners set low on one side, a gas grill adds light smoke for indirect cooking. For serious low-and-slow smoking, a charcoal kettle (or a dedicated smoker) holds smoke and low temps far better.
What is the top-rated pick for gas vs charcoal grill?
The Weber Genesis E-415 Liquid Propane Gas Grill is our top-rated choice — The gas case — push-button ignition, fast even heat, and precise control for easy weeknight grilling. Choose the Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill if the charcoal case — higher searing heat, real smoke flavor, and a fraction of the price.
Is charcoal really better than gas for flavor?
For flavor, yes — charcoal produces real smoke that gas can't match, plus higher peak temperatures for harder sears. For convenience, gas wins by miles — ready in 10 minutes vs 30+ for charcoal. Pick based on whether you grill on weeknights (gas) or weekends with intention (charcoal).
Which is cheaper to run — gas or charcoal grill?
Propane is cheaper per cook (~$0.50 for a typical session vs $2-3 for charcoal). But quality charcoal grills (Weber) cost less than equivalent gas grills upfront. Total 5-year cost is similar; gas wins on time, charcoal on flavor.
Want to dig deeper? See our guides to Best Gas Grills (2026), Best Charcoal Grills (2026), and Best Pellet Grills (2026).