Towable Charcoal Grills vs. Commercial Gas BBQ Grills

Towable Charcoal Grills vs. Commercial Gas BBQ Grills: Which Is Better for Your Business?

Published April 7, 2026
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When you are cooking for lots of people at a fair, party, or event, you need the right grill. A good grill helps you cook faster, safer, and with better flavor. Two popular types of grills are towable charcoal grills and commercial gas BBQ grills. But which one is better for your business?

At Holstein Manufacturing, we build both kinds of grills. Our job is to help chefs, food vendors, and event teams choose the best grill for their needs. In this guide, we will show you the key differences between charcoal and gas grills so you can decide which works better for you.

What Is a Towable Grill?

A towable grill is a large grill that is mounted on a trailer. You can attach it to your vehicle and drive it to events, parks, or job sites. This makes it perfect for food trucks, catering companies, or mobile BBQ businesses.

Towable charcoal grills use charcoal as the heat source. These grills are known for giving food a smoky flavor. On the other hand, gas grills use propane or natural gas. They are quick to start, easy to control, and clean to use.

Flavor: Charcoal Grills Win for Smoky Taste

One reason many people love charcoal is the taste. When food is cooked over hot coals, it gets a smoky flavor that many customers enjoy. The smoke from the burning charcoal mixes with the meat juices and creates a special taste that is hard to beat.

This is why BBQ lovers often pick charcoal over gas. If your business is focused on smoked meats like ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, then towable charcoal grills might be the best choice for you.

Speed: Gas Grills Start Faster

While charcoal grills make tasty food, they take longer to heat up. You need time to light the coals and wait for them to get hot. This can take 20 minutes or more. If you are serving a crowd and need to cook fast, this might slow you down.

Gas grills are ready much faster. Just turn on the fuel, ignite the burners, and you can start cooking in minutes. This is why towable gas grills are often used at busy events where time matters. At Holstein Manufacturing, we design our gas grills to heat evenly and stay hot all day.

Temperature Control: Easier with Gas

Cooking with charcoal takes practice. You have to move the coals around or add more to change the heat. It’s not easy to cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.

With gas grills, you have full control. You can turn each burner up or down, just like on a stove. This lets you cook burgers on one side and keep food warm on the other. If you’re working in a fast-paced setting, towable commercial gas grills give you the control you need.

Clean-Up: Gas Grills Save Time

After cooking, you still have to clean the grill. With charcoal, you have to remove all the ashes, clean off the soot, and wipe down the surfaces. It can be messy and take a long time.

Gas grills are easier to clean. There are no ashes, and most grease goes into a drip tray that is easy to empty. Our towable gas grills at Holstein Manufacturing are built for simple cleaning and fast pack-up after long events.

Fuel and Storage: Propane Is Simple

Charcoal can be heavy and dirty. You also need to store it in a dry place so it doesn’t get wet. Plus, you may need a lot of it for a full day of cooking. Propane tanks are cleaner, smaller, and easier to carry.

Gas grills use propane more efficiently, and one tank can last several hours. We design our towable commercial gas grills to hold one or two tanks, so you always have a backup ready.

Safety: Gas Is Safer in Most Cases

Charcoal stays hot long after you finish cooking, which can be risky. Ash and leftover coals can still burn someone if not handled carefully. Also, open flames are harder to control.

Gas grills are safer to shut down. Just turn off the burners and close the valve. Our towable gas grills also come with safety features like heat shields, temperature controls, and shut-off valves.

Where You Can Use Each Grill

Some places have rules about which type of grill you can use. In cities or public parks, you might not be allowed to use charcoal. Propane is often safer and more approved in these areas.

If your business travels to many different events, it’s good to check local rules before choosing a grill. Our towable charcoal grills are great for outdoor spaces with fewer restrictions. Gas grills work best in city settings or near buildings where open fires are not allowed.

FAQs

Q1: What does “towable” mean?

A towable grill is built on a trailer, so you can attach it to a vehicle and take it to events. All our grills at Holstein are made to be safe for towing.

Q2: Is charcoal better than gas?

It depends on your goals. Towable charcoal grills give you smoky flavor, while gas grills are faster and easier to use.

Q3: Are gas grills safe to use at events?

Yes. Towable gas grills from Holstein are built with safety in mind. They have flame guards, shut-off systems, and solid construction.

Q4: How long does it take to set up a Holstein grill?

Most of our grills can be set up and ready to use in about 10 to 15 minutes. Just hook up the tank, light the burners, and you’re ready.

Q5: Can I customize my grill?

Yes. At Holstein Manufacturing, we offer custom features like rotisserie kits, warming trays, storage shelves, and more.

Connect Now!!

Choosing between charcoal grills and towable commercial gas grills depends on your cooking style, schedule, and where you plan to use the grill. Charcoal gives great flavor but takes more time and cleanup. Gas is faster, cleaner, and easier to use in most places.

At Holstein Manufacturing, we help businesses like yours find the perfect grill. Whether you want the deep flavor of charcoal or the speed of gas, we have a towable grill that fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more or visit our website to explore our models.

Let us help you cook better, serve more, and grow your business with the right grill.

Towable Charcoal Grills vs. Commercial Gas BBQ Grills: Which Is Better for Your Business?