You are probably used to the gas grill your parents have always had sitting out on the deck, but did you know there are actually many different types of grills you can have? Each type of grill comes with it’s advantages and disadvantages. For example, a pellet grill can be used to smoke a brisket but you might prefer to grill burgers on a gas grill instead. Let’s take a look at the different types of grills so you can get a better understanding of each type. Whether you are starting fresh with your first grill, or looking to make a switch, this guide will give you a basic understanding of each grill type.
Gas Grill
Gas grills are the most common type of grills. Most households will have a gas grill that they use on occasion for most of their grilling needs. Gas grills are easy to use, easy to maintain, and get the job done. Another good thing about gas grills is that they heat up the fastest. They are similar to gas stoves because once they are turned on, they don’t need long at all to heat up. There are many different types of gas grills but they all operate the same.
One of the biggest disadvantages to gas grills is the gas does not add much flavor to your food. For example, a charcoal grill will add some of that distinct charcoal flavor to your food. If you want something that is convenient, easy to use, and can grill all the basics, I would go with a gas grill. The gas grill is the most popular and user friendly.
Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grills are another really popular grill type. These type of grills use heat from burning charcoals, rather than propane, to cook food. They are still easy to use but will take a little bit of getting used to at first. They all operate the same way. The charcoal is lit and then air flows into the grill via the air intake vents. This air was keeps the charcoal burning. If the oxygen supply is shut off, the charcoal will go out, so it is important to make sure that the air vents are open when you are grilling.
One reason for their popularity is the smoky flavor that the charcoal gives off. This type of smoky flavor is not something you can get when grilling on propane. Another advantage is that most charcoal grills are fairly portable. When empty, they are not that heavy and easy to move around. This makes charcoal grills a good option for grilling when camping or tailgating.
One disadvantage of charcoal grills is the maintenance needed. Unlike propane with gas grills, you can not just turn the charcoal on and off. If the charcoal is lightly used, you can reuse it, but if it has been burned you will need to replace it with new charcoal. Before you can even throw the charcoal and ash out, you have to wait for it cool, usually for about 48 hours.
Pellet Grill
Pellet grills have grown in popularity over the last decade. The most popular brand of pellet grills is Traeger. Pellet grills are basically a combination of a smoker and a grill. These grills use all natural hardwood pellets as the fuel source and require electricity to run. All you have to do is load the pellets into the hopper and set the grill to your desired temperature.
One of the biggest advantages of the pellet grill is that it makes it easy to cook difficult cuts of meat, like brisket. The technology in the grill makes grilling the low and slow way a breeze, and you can better control the temperature of the meat. Smoking with a pellet grill is basically a “set it and forget it” process.
One of the disadvantages of a pellet grill is that they require electricity. If your deck is not within range of an outlet, you will not be able to take advantage of a pellet grill. Some users of pellet grills have also complained that pellet grills do not sear as well as other grills do. If you don’t care about cooking things low and slow and really only grill on high temperatures, pellet grills may not be the best option for you.
Kamado (Egg) Grill
Kamado grills, also known as egg grills, are similar to charcoal grills. The differences are in their shape, material, and fuel source. Kamado grills are made from a thick ceramic material and are shaped like an egg. They also use all-natural, hardwood lump charcoal which is different from the briquettes you would use on a charcoal grill. Kamado grills take about an hour to pre-heat because of its thick ceramic walls.
One advantage of kamado grills is their versatility. Because of how hot kamado grills get and their unique design, they can easily be used as ovens. One thing that users like to do with their grill is get a heat deflector and make pizzas in their kamado grill. They are extremely versatile grills and can do much more than just grill a steak. Don’t be afraid to get creative when using a kamado grill.
A disadvantage for the kamado grill is that it is one of the more difficult grills to get used to. Kamado’s are more sophisticated than even charcoal grills and can be harder to master. The high heat of the grill can make it tricky to grill things you would normally be able to grill with a simple gas grill.
I hope you found this breakdown on the different types of grills helpful. For more articles on grilling, be sure to check out our grilling section!