Catherine Scott: A burning question posed by a taste of summer

It seems there are few things that divide men more than which barbecue is best.

My husband is a charcoal man through and through.

Despite often not eating until 10pm because a) the coal’s too cold b) the coal’s too hot or c) the coal’s gone out he refuses to be seduced by the convenience of gas.

To him it would be tantamount to signing a pact with the devil and moving over to the “dark side”.

And down the pub there is hardly any more hotly debated topic at this time of year. No matter who won the Canadian Grand Prix, forget the return of José, the talk is all about that male bastion, the barbie.

Ask any barbecue buff which they prefer and you’ll find most people are wedded to one or the other.

According to research from barbecue experts Weber, my husband’s beloved charcoal barbecues are still the most popular with 65 per cent of people using one, as opposed to 34 per cent gas and one per cent electric.

So does food cooked on a charcoal barbecue really taste better than food cooked on a gas one?

My husband would declare so, undoubtedly.

Clare Edwards, manager, chef and head tutor at the Oxfordshire based Weber Grill Academy, gives some food for thought on the subject.

“Charcoal fans prefer the romance and authenticity of the coals and say that you can’t beat the taste of food cooked on a charcoal barbecue.

“Also it’s a good introduction to BBQ cooking as most charcoal barbecues start at a lower price point and all you need is a bag of briquettes and a light, then you’re all set to cook up a feast.”

Briquettes? I’m not sure my husband would agree with that surely it’s lump wood all the way?

“Barbecue enthusiasts who choose gas over charcoal often do so for the added control it gives them – the heat is simple to control with the turn of a dial.

“One touch of a button and your barbecue is fired up and ready to go – the ultimate in barbecue convenience.

“Gas doesn’t mean an oven cooked taste,” Clare says.

At Weber, apparently, they believe there is little or no difference – it is definitely a personal preference and delicious food can be produced on both, says Edwards.

While of course, supporting my husband and his boyish love of fire, I do have to admit to hankering after the convenience of gas.

As we wait for more coals to heat and the children, and adults are starving, 
how simple it would have been to flick a switch and get heat.

But it’s just not the same.