Grillmaster answers age-old question: What's better, charcoal or pellet?

March 11, 2025 at 10:31 AM EDT

(BPT) - With warmer temps comes the return to grilling, one of America's most beloved pastimes. Given all the options available today - from equipment, fuel and methods to what you can grill (answer: pretty much everything) - your choices may seem overwhelming. But one fundamental question is paramount: Should you opt for a charcoal grill?

Whether you're new to grilling or looking to upgrade this year, you'll want to know why so many grillmasters prefer charcoal. If you're looking for real BBQ flavor, there's one fuel source that pitmasters, backyard pros, and competition teams choose: charcoal. Pellet grills may have the reputation of being easy to use, but they can't match the depth of smoke, searing power, or versatility of charcoal cooking. And with today's technology, charcoal grilling is just as easy - if not easier - than pellets.

To help you better understand the ins and outs of charcoal grilling, one of Masterbuilt's chef partners and star of the Netflix series "American BBQ Showdown," Rasheed Philips, answers questions you may have about charcoal grilling, and about his experiences.

What first drew you to charcoal grilling?

The aromas. They remind me of grilling and cooking with my grandfather. Cooking with coals just imparts such a deeper level of flavor than using something like propane or pellets. It also provides a much higher BTU (British thermal unit) output, making it perfect for grilling.

Man setting the temperature on a Grillmaster grill.

How does the flavor differ between wood pellet and charcoal grilling?

Pellets are compressed sawdust particles. Though it is technically wood, it loses so much of the flavor and cooking attributes that are found in cooking with an actual piece of wood.

What kinds of dishes does charcoal grilling excel at?

Everything. It may seem like the easy answer, yet it is true: Roasted/charred veggies, grilled chicken. There's nothing like a steak grilled over coals with the fat rendering, hitting the coals and releasing smoke elements back into the meat ... And no one has ever said, "Hmm, love that propane/pellet taste."

Man grilling beef on a Mastergrill grill.

When it comes to temperature control, is charcoal or pellet preferred, and why?

I prefer charcoal for several reasons, including the level of consistent burn and heat output. Charcoal also adds a true char and smoke flavor, whether it be briquettes or lump charcoal.

Besides flavor and temperature control, are there other benefits of one fuel source over the other?

The honest answer is rather simple: Damp or wet coal can still be lit and cooked with. I don't know if you've ever seen a pellet get the slightest bit of moisture, but it immediately turns to sawdust.

Many people think charcoal is more complicated. What do you say to someone hesitant to make the switch?

Most things seem complicated or intimidating until you try them. It's like riding a bike; once you do it you never forget it, and it's never as scary after the first time. Charcoal allows you to impart amazing flavors, while giving you a consistent and even cooking experience.

Do you have tips for someone transitioning from a pellet grill to charcoal?

1. You don't need nearly as much coal for a cook as you do pellets. Most cooks can be done with one-half to one full chimney of charcoal.

2. Experiment with flavors. Try adding fresh herbs to your bed of coals toward the end of the cook for additional flavor. Adding wood chunks also helps add additional depth of flavor.

3. Safety first: Make sure to have proper heat/fire handling equipment.

4. Lastly, have fun. Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, not one that you stress over.

Getting started with charcoal

Don't settle for a shortcut - have the real backyard BBQ experience with charcoal grilling. If you're ready to experience the enhanced flavor and temperature control with a charcoal grill, check out the Masterbuilt Gravity Series. Here are some benefits you'll enjoy using a product like the new Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1150 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker:

Better temperature control - You'll be able to get higher temps with your charcoal grill for a better sear, which is key to maximizing flavor. You can't sear with pellets, as they don't get hot enough. The Gravity Series grills get to your desired cook temp quickly - up to 225F in nine minutes, and 700F in fifteen minutes. Charcoal also allows for better low-and-slow cooking for longer smoking.
Better flavor - And you can enhance that further by adding your choice of herbs and/or wood chunks.
Better overall experience - The open flame is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but you'll also be able to gauge the cooking process more accurately, to see and understand how your food is cooking.
Easy to use - The latest grilling technology improves your experience and control you'll have while cooking. Push a button, set your temp, and let the grill do the work - just like a pellet smoker, but with better results.

Thinking about buying a pellet grill? Don't settle. Get bold, smoky flavor, real fire cooking, and easy digital control - all with charcoal. Upgrade to the Masterbuilt Gravity Series today. Learn more about your grilling options, find amazing recipes and where to locate Masterbuilt Gravity Series grills, smokers and useful accessories near you at Masterbuilt.com.

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Grillmaster answers age-old question: What's better, charcoal or pellet?

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