Do Gas Barbecues Need Lava Rocks?

Gas grills are revered for the instant gratification they provide, but many purists feel that they deliver insufficient smoke flavor. In an effort to amp up the volume, so to speak, manufacturers recommended adding a layer of lava rocks to the base of the grill.

Can lava rocks be used on any gas BBQ?

Nope! You don't need lava rock in a gas grill that's equipped with heat plates. In fact, adding lava rock could damage it.

Does a gas BBQ need coals?

For the majority of gas grills, you should not be adding charcoal. They are designed to handle the heat created by burners and not the heat created by burning charcoal. ... It's also very likely that you will have hot burning embers falling out of your grill.