The Breakdown
If you're in the market for a new grill and wondering whether to go with charcoal or pellets, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions among both new grillers and seasoned backyard pitmasters. And while pellet grills have built a reputation around convenience, charcoal continues to lead the way when it comes to real BBQ flavor, high-heat versatility, and pure firepower.
To break down the pros and cons of each, we turned to someone who knows his way around smoke—Rasheed Philips, chef, Masterbuilt ambassador, and star of Netflix's American BBQ Showdown. Spoiler alert: Rasheed is Team Charcoal all the way, and here's why.
Charcoal Just Hits Different
When asked what drew him to charcoal grilling in the first place, Rasheed didn't hesitate:
"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."
That depth of flavor is what continues to set charcoal apart. Pellet grills may use compressed sawdust, but they simply can't recreate the richness and smokiness of lump charcoal or briquettes. Rasheed puts it plainly:
"Though pellets are technically wood, they lose so much of the flavor and cooking attributes that are found in cooking with an actual piece of wood."
Charcoal Wins on Flavor and Versatility
So what foods shine over charcoal?
"Everything," Rasheed says. "Roasted or 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."
It's that real-time interaction between the food and fire that sets charcoal apart. It's more than just heat—it's a flavor enhancer, a crust builder, and the heart of every memorable cook.
The Myth of Pellet Convenience
Many people assume charcoal is harder to manage, but with innovations like the Masterbuilt Gravity Series®, that's no longer true. These digitally controlled charcoal grills offer push-button ignition, app-based temp monitoring, and steady temperature control—just like a pellet grill, but with better results.
"Most things seem complicated or intimidating until you try them," Rasheed says. "It's like riding a bike. Charcoal gives you consistent and even cooking—and amazing flavor."
Tips from Rasheed for Pellet-to-Charcoal Conversions
If you're switching from a pellet grill to charcoal, Rasheed recommends starting simple:
- "You don't need as much charcoal as you think. One chimney is often enough."
- "Play with flavor—try adding herbs or wood chunks toward the end of the cook."
- "Always keep proper heat/fire tools nearby."
- "And most importantly—have fun."
Cooking outdoors should be enjoyable, and charcoal gives you a deeper connection to the process. There's something rewarding about managing a real fire and seeing (and tasting) the results.
Why the Masterbuilt Gravity Series Makes It Easy
If you're ready to give charcoal a try—or upgrade your current grill setup—the Masterbuilt Gravity Series is the ultimate choice. You get all the convenience of a pellet grill with the flavor of real charcoal.
Key Benefits of the Gravity Series:
- Better temp control: Go from 225°F to 700°F with ease for low-and-slow or high-heat searing.
- Faster startup: Ready to cook in just 9 to 15 minutes.
- Superior flavor: Charcoal + wood chunks = real BBQ.
- Ease of use: DigitalFan™ control and app integration mean you can manage your cook without babysitting.
- No compromise: Sear, smoke, grill, or bake—all in one unit.
Final Word: Don't Settle for Less Flavor
If you're tempted by the plug-and-play convenience of a pellet grill, Rasheed offers a reminder:
"Damp or wet coal can still be lit and cooked with. But even a little moisture can ruin pellets."
At the end of the day, grilling should be about bold flavor, the satisfaction of fire, and sharing great food with the people you care about. Charcoal delivers that experience—and now it's easier than ever with Masterbuilt.
Don't just grill—master the fire. Explore the full lineup of Masterbuilt Gravity Series grills and smokers and bring home the flavor Rasheed trusts in his own backyard. Not sure yet? Learn more about charcoal vs. pellet grills for cost and versatility.
