"WeeWilly" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks for the replies so far..
>
> But, my question is.. why should I buy a gas vs a charcoal burner..

IMO, food cooked on charcoal, especially natural lump tastes better. Much
better. A gas grill is certainly more convenient, but if you are willing to
sacrifice some convenience for taste, then cook on charcoal (or wood burned
to coals). Ask yourself, "Why am I getting in to this, and what end result
do I seek?"

>
> What is the upside / downside of each.. other than the obvious.. cost of
> fuel, availability of fuel.. etc

Gas. Turn on, cook. Buy a refill tank of propane.
Charcoal. Load the cooker, start the fire, wait until it's ready. Cook.
Empty ashes. Buy charcoal.

>
> I'm really interested in the versatility of each and the quality of
product.

There are hundreds of choices for both kinds. Your question is like asking,
"Which car should I buy?" Spend some time reading the faq and you may come
to your own conclusions http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/

Jack Curry