Gas or Charcoal? Why choose when you can have both?

Unlock a World of Culinary Possibilities through a Hybrid Braai and the power of MCS.

Outback Hybrid Braais deliver the authentic taste of charcoal with the effortless control of gas, blended perfectly. But the versatility doesn't end there. With an Outback Dual-Fuel also comes the Multi-Cooking Surface (MCS) system. 

What is MCS?

MCS is your ticket to cooking anything outdoors! This system allows you to quickly interchange cooking surfaces – think griddle for breakfast, pizza stone for dinner, or a wok for stir-fry – expanding your braai menu dramatically. Since 2020, Outback has championed this hybrid approach, offering the ultimate convenience of gas ignition with the beloved taste of charcoal. 

For over 35 years, Outback products have been a lifestyle choice for braai enthusiasts, always putting outdoor living and bringing people together at heart.

Among enthusiasts, the debate still rages to which is better – a gas braai or a charcoal braai?

Hosting a family braai comes with pressure – everyone's counting on you to get it just right! You've heard the classic advice: "Gas or charcoal, it's just personal preference." But what if you love the perfect control and convenience of gas, yet crave that authentic, smoky taste only charcoal delivers? For those caught in the middle, an Outback Hybrid Braai is the answer. You no longer have to choose sides in the dual-fuel debate. Get the best of both worlds, seamlessly blending the reliable heat of gas with the unmistakable flavour of charcoal for a braai that truly satisfies everyone.

Discover the future of outdoor cooking with hybrid braais!

These innovative units are designed for those who want it all: the effortless convenience and perfect temperature control of gas, combined with the unmistakable taste and authentic feel of a charcoal braai. Getting that charcoal flavour is now faster than ever – just load your briquettes into the charcoal basket, ignite them quickly using the gas burners, and you're ready to cook. Or skip the charcoal and enjoy it as a powerful standalone gas braai. This unparalleled flexibility is the true beauty of our hybrids. You have the freedom to choose the best fuel for every meal, easily handling everything from flaky fish requiring gentle heat to thick, smoky steaks seared to perfection. With such complete versatility at your fingertips, why are so many still stuck choosing between gas and charcoal?

Cooking with charcoal is a popular option for many people, and there are several reasons why:

1. Charcoal braais provide a smoky flavour that cannot be replicated with gas alone. This smoky flavour is highly desirable for many people and is often associated with traditional outdoor cooking.
2. Charcoal braais can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from steaks and burgers to vegetables and even desserts. The smoky flavour of charcoal can enhance the flavour of almost any type of food.
3. Charcoal braais can get hotter than gas braais, which is beneficial when cooking certain types of food. The high heat of a charcoal braai is great for searing meat or creating a crispy crust on pizza.
4. Charcoal is generally less expensive than gas, making it a more cost-effective option for outdoor cooking.
5. Many people enjoy the ritual of lighting a charcoal braai, as it is a traditional and time-honored part of outdoor cooking.

So, traditionalists say that cooking with charcoal provides a unique and flavourful experience that cannot be replicated with gas. While charcoal braais can require more effort and take longer to heat up than gas braais, the results are considered worth it for those who appreciate the smoky flavour and the ‘authentic’ experience of charcoal cooking.

Why do other people swear by gas braais?

1. One of the biggest benefits of cooking with gas is the convenience it offers. Gas braais heat up quickly and temperatures can be easily controlled.
2. Another advantage of cooking with gas is the level of control it provides. Gas burners can be adjusted quickly and precisely, allowing for greater control over the cooking process and making it easier to achieve perfect food every time.
3. Gas burners are generally easier to clean than charcoal braais, as there are no ashes or residue to dispose of.
4. Gas is a relatively energy-efficient fuel source, and many gas braais are designed to be efficient.
5. While gas braais don’t provide the smoky flavour of charcoal braais, many people still enjoy the flavour of food cooked on gas braais. Gas braais can also be used with wood chips or smoking boxes to add additional flavour to the food.

Overall, it’s the convenience, temperature control, and easy cleaning of gas braais that are key reasons why people prefer gas over charcoal braais. Gas is just less fussy. It’s like cooking indoors, but outdoors. Some also argue that the taste difference between gas and charcoal is negligible once you’ve added toppings and other sides.

Hybrids. What Else Should I Know?

An Outback Hybrid Braai offers the best of both worlds – the convenience of gas alongside the flavour of charcoal. This makes it a versatile option for outdoor cooking, as you can use gas for quick and easy braaiing, and charcoal for getting that rich, smoky flavour.

While traditional charcoal braaiing can be time-consuming and requires more effort to get started, using gas to light the briquettes delivers quick and easy heat with no taste of firelighters. This makes it really handy for weeknight dinners or last-minute braaiing sessions, when time is limited.

Many Outback hybrid models offer additional options like built-in rotisseries, side burners, side tables and chopping boards too. 

And there’s Outback’s integrated Multi-Cooking Surface system. Here your porcelain-coated cast iron interchangeable braai can be switched to use the Outback pizza stone, griddle, paella/skillet pan or our other cooking surface add-ons for extra versatility in your cooking experience. 

Converting Your Hybrid Braai

Converting your hybrid braai from gas to charcoal is easy:

• Remove the cast iron grates and place the patented charcoal tray into the braai.
• Place the briquettes and put the grate back in place. The bottom of the tray should be covered.
• Turn on the burners and wait for around 15 minutes with the lid closed. Your charcoal will be nicely lit and ready to use for cooking.
• If you’re converting from charcoal to gas, simply remove the charcoal tray and replace with the flame burners. Then replace the cast iron grates.