Not Your Daddy’s Grill: 5 Types of Grills with Pros and Cons

Did you know that 75% of Americans own a grill or smoker? Are you looking to buy or get a new grill?

Look no further than this complete guide on the different types of grills. Read on to discover the best grills out there, plus the pros and cons of each to help you pick out the perfect grill.

1. Gas Grills

Gas grills are one of the most popular grills out there. They reach optimal temperatures quickly and use liquid propane for convenience. They also cool fast and are easy to clean.

Built-In Gas Grill

Built-In Gas Grills are much smaller than full-sized or freestanding gas grills. They’re perfect for those who want a gas grill that takes up little space.

Freestanding Gas Grill

Freestanding Gas Grills can be moved much easier than a class grill. They’re convenient and easy to use.

Natural Gas Grill

They’re easy to use and fast. They’re normally powered by the same pipeline that connects to the gas line inside your home.

Infrared Gas Grill

Infrared Gas Grills use natural gas or propane across the tile. The heat spreads evenly so you can quickly cook your meal similar to a regular grill.

Pros & Cons

Great for anyone who wants healthy meals made quickly whether meat or some delicious fruit and vegetables.

Gas grills don’t get as hot as charcoal grills. Foods cooked on gas grills don’t have that classic BBQ taste.

What to look for: Look for a gas grill that has many heat sources and good propane consumption. Take a look at the grill material and how many burgers you can cook at the same time.

2. Charcoal Grills

Charcoal Grills are the original grills. When you’re looking for authentic grilling flavor you’ll want to go with them. They have longer prep times for that smoky flavor and a longer cleanup than other grills.

Charcoal Kettle Grill

These are considered the classic American grill. The bottom chamber holds the charcoal and is shaped like a kettle. It distributes heat evenly.

Kamado-Style Charcoal Grills

Kamado-Style Charcoal Grills are normally made of ceramic. They’re extremely versatile since ceramic retains heat better and would look great in your outdoor kitchen.

Traditional Barrel Charcoal Grills

They resemble a steel drum barrel. The bottom half holds the charcoal and the top half is the lid.

Charcoal Smokers

Charcoal Smokers are made for just smoking. You can get them in a vertical box or bullet shape.

Pros & Cons

Charcoal grills can reach up to 700 degrees so you can grill a wide variety of foods. You can also enjoy that natural smoky flavor.

They do take a while to heat up than other grills. Since there are no knobs, you can’t control the temperature. Cleaning a charcoal grill is messy and takes a while.

What to look for: Remember to not go for the cheapest option when looking for a charcoal grill. Pay attention to the grates the grill comes with. Stainless steel or cast iron grates are the best.

Remember that you’ll always need coal and that you’re ready to put in the work to clean them.

3. Pellet Grills

When you’re looking at the different types of grills out there, pellet grills are becoming a popular choice due to convenience and quality. They provide a unique wood fire taste to their food.

They also have a dial so you can conveniently choose the temperature. The built-in controller will feed it pellets to keep it at the temperature of your choosing. Some pellet grills have sensors that allow you to have more control over the temperature.

Pros & Cons

They’re great for anyone who wants more of the traditional BBQ style.

It takes a while for the fire to get burning and you have to wait for it to burn down to cook. You also need to watch it to see when you should feed it more wood. It can get expensive with wood pellets.

What to look for: Make sure the pellet grill you choose is easily controlled and safe.

4. Electric Grills

Electric Grills are easy to operate. You can also use them indoors. You just plug them in and go.

Pros & Cons

They’re great for those who live in apartments or for those who don’t want the maintenance of traditional grills.

You don’t get a BBQ experience the traditional way. If you don’t have an outlet nearby you can’t use them.

What to look for: Look for an electric grill that has a timer, is easy to start up, and doesn’t use a lot of power.

5. Portable Grills

They’re small and you can easily bring them along for camping or for transporting anywhere. They’re either a toolbox shape or a miniature kettle. The legs usually will fold over the lid and lock in place.

Pros & Cons

They’re great if you’re looking for a smaller grill or one that can be moved easily. Since it’s smaller, it limits how much you can cook at the same time.

What to look for: It depends on how much you’re looking to spend and your preferences. Take a look at the surface area, energy consumption, and material.

Checking out the Different Types of Grills

When taking a look at the different types of grills out there it’s important to decide whether you want more convenience or that classic taste for more work along with determining the pros and cons.

Are you ready to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams? Schedule your consultation with us today to make your dreams a reality.