Are you thinking about buying a grill, but aren’t sure which one to choose?
A grill can really help take your summer backyard parties to the next level. However, choosing the right grill can be difficult, as many of them are similar in appearance. Many people fall into the trap of choosing the shiniest grill on the market and hoping for the best.
But, the shiniest grill isn’t always the best grill. To figure out which grill you need, you first need to learn about the different types of grills.
Check out this guide to learn about the different types of grills you have to choose from.
1. Gas Grill
Gas grills are the most popular type of backyard grill. They can either run on natural gas or bottled propane provided by your utility provider. Gas grills are known for being convenient, versatile, and efficient.
They’re perfect for the beginner or casual griller because of how easy they are to use. Gas grills can reach high temperatures quickly with minimal effort, so you can whip up some quality gourmet food for your friends and family in no time. Gas grills are also known for being very easy to clean.
You have several different types of gas grills to choose from, including:
- Propane Gas Grills: These are easy to use, but the propane tank will need to be refilled from time to time
- Natural Gas Grills: These connect to your home’s gas line and they eliminate the need to buy fuel from the store
- Infrared Gas Grills: These are either powered by natural gas or propane and they rely on infrared technology to spread heat
- Flat Top Gas Grills: These tend to produce juicier food, and they’re great for grilling burgers, veggies, and breakfast items
The biggest downside to gas grills is that they don’t tend to produce that smokey flavor that so many people love with grilled meat. Also, if your gas grill is poorly made, it’ll distribute heat inconsistently and unevenly. Make sure to choose a unit that’s made from sturdy material like stainless steel.
2. Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grills are the second most popular option after gas grills. If you’re after that smoky, grilled flavor in your meats and other foods, then a charcoal grill is for you. Many grilling “purists” say that charcoal grills are the only “real” grills, as they produce the best smokey flavor.
Another great thing about charcoal is that it burns at a higher temperature than gas, so it’s great for those who like to sear their meat. It’s also easy to find lightweight models of charcoal grills that you can take with you camping or tailgating.
Charcoal grills also tend to be more affordable than other grill options on the market. That being said, you need to make sure you invest in high-quality charcoal that will help retain the flavor of the meat. If you’d like to bring out different flavor profiles, you can also experiment with different types of wood chips on your charcoal grill.
The biggest downside to a charcoal grill is that it can take as long as 30 minutes to get the charcoal to the right temperature. It can also be difficult to maintain consistent temperatures on your charcoal grill during cold or windy weather.
3. Electric Grill
As the name suggests, electric grills are powered by electricity. No fire is required, and the meat is warmed through a heated grill plate.
Because electric grills don’t need fire to operate, they’re great for city dwellers who live in areas with strict fire regulations. Electric grills are very simple to operate- all you need to do is plug in the cord and you’ll be ready to go.
You can also use an electric grill indoors, and you can even use one on your apartment balcony. However, if your electric grill emits any kind of smoke, you should not use it indoors, as the smoke emitted from the grill could damage your walls and apartment.
The biggest downside to an electric grill is that they don’t produce the smokey flavor that charcoal grills do. Plus, these grills don’t come with a ton of cooking space, so don’t plan on using an electric grill for a big party or family reunion.
4. Pellet Grill
This type of grill is fueled by little flavored wood pellets. You can purchase these wood pellets in a variety of flavors, including:
- Cherry
- Maple
- Hickory
- Apple
- Pecan
- Mesquite
These grills are known for being technologically advanced, and they come with a variety of features to make your grilling experience easy. Because of the wide variety of pellet flavors available, you can whip up all kinds of dishes on your pellet grill.
This grilling cookbook can tell you more about what you can make on a pellet grill. Clean up is also very easy with pellet grills, as they come with built-in ashtrays and management systems.
The biggest downside to a pellet grill is that you’ll frequently need to replenish your wood pellet supply, so ongoing costs can be expensive. These grills also tend to be more expensive, but with the unique flavor they produce, they’re well worth the investment.
Types of Grills: Which One is Right for You?
Now that you know about the different types of grills, it’s time for you to decide which one is right for you. Pretty soon, you’ll be grilling up a storm with your new grill.
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more grilling-related tips and tricks.
