All things considered, I prefer gas, too, as charcoal and wood can be so unpredictable. DH has a "health" contest at work and if he hits certain targets--which he undoubtedly will--he'll get a sizeable GC to Home Depot, and we already have our eye on a much nicer/bigger grill than we currently use. We can always use a smoker box for a bit more authenticity, but we don't typcially even bother with that. I'd probably only opt for electric if space and safety was a concern.