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For many people, grilling is associated with summertime. From delicious beer brats and burgers to grilled vegetables and kebabs, cooking over those seasoned grates can enhance the atmosphere for the upcoming months and create unforgettable cookouts.
However, if you’re purchasing a grill for the first time, there are crucial aspects to remember as you explore the top grill options available. Here are essential considerations before purchasing a grill, beyond just deciding on the best type for your needs.
Table of contents
Which Types of Grills Are Best?
What Are Grills Made Of?
How Much Do Grills Usually Cost?
What Foods Work Best On A Grill?
Which Types of Grills Are Best?
Not all grills are created equal. | RgStudio/E+ Collection/Getty Images
Even if you’re not quite a grill master yet, you probably already know that there are multiple types to choose from—and that they rely on different heating and fuel sources. From charcoal to gas, electric, and pellet grills, the right one will probably depend on your budget, space, grilling style, and most of all, the sorts of foods you’re planning to sear.
Let’s take a closer look at what distinguishes them, along with some pros and cons of each.
Grill type
Fuel source
Pros
Cons
Charcoal grills
Charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal
Imparts a smoky, aromatic flavor on food; no maximum temperature settings; highly portable; can be more affordable than other grill types.
Charcoal can be messy to clean up and not very eco-friendly; takes longer to heat up compared to other grill types; charcoal may burn unevenly, meaning less temperature precision.
Kamado grills
Lump charcoal is usually preferred
Ceramic material can be corrosion-resistant and easy to clean; durable; can reach high temperatures and be great for heat retention.
Expensive; very heavy; can be difficult to move around and not very portable.
Gas grills
Natural gas or liquid propane
Heat up quickly; offer more precise temperature control; multiple burners mean you can prepare multiple dishes at once; easier to clean than charcoal grill types; minimal learning curve.
Regular gas grills without a smoker won’t offer the same flavor as charcoal grill types. Can be expensive and more parts included might mean higher maintenance fees. Propane tanks may require frequent refills; if grill uses natural gas, it requires professional installation and can’t be moved.
Pellet grills
Wood pellets
Emits an aromatic smoke like charcoal grills do, so it’s great for added flavor; eco-friendly and may emit fewer emissions than charcoal; many come with digital controls, so may offer more temperature precision than charcoal grills.
Take longer to heat up compared to gas grills; most only reach a maximum temperature of 450°F, so may not be ideal for all food prep; pellets may be a hassle to clean up after.
Electric grills
Electricity
Suitable for indoor/outdoor use; usually affordable and easy to maintain; light and easy to move around for portability; may offer more temperature control than charcoal or pellet grill types.
Electric grills can consume a significant amount of electricity, leading to potential high costs over time. They lack the smoky, aromatic flavor that other grill types provide and are less durable. Additionally, they may not be suitable for all settings, such as camping or the beach, and can be challenging to use for cooking large quantities of food.
Infrared grills heat up quickly and can achieve high temperatures, ensuring even heat distribution and juicier meats. They are also easy to clean. However, they are bulky, heavy, and not very portable, making them challenging to move around. Additionally, they can be expensive to purchase and maintain, especially when it comes to refilling propane tanks.
Pellet Grills: These grills are fueled by food-grade, aromatic wood pellets sourced from oak, alder, apple, cherry, hickory, and other trees. They’re sort of a middle ground between charcoal and gas models, as they function as both a grill and smoker so you get that kick of smoky flavor. You can even use cedar or other wood planks on top of the grate to impart an extra zing to meats and seafood. These types of grills do tend to be fairly user-friendly, heat up faster than charcoal grills do, and offer better temperature control. As a downside, however, cleaning up the burnt pellets after the fact might be just as annoying as it would be with charcoal grills. Also, most pellet grills only reach a maximum of 450°F, so if you’re looking for high heating capability, they might not be the best choice.
Electric Grills: Live in an apartment? You might want to consider an electric grill. There are plenty of models—including countertop and pedestal varieties—that you can just plug in and use right at home. These compact, convenient devices are great for quick and easy cooking year-round, and some are designed for outdoor use too (you’ll just need to have an exterior outlet nearby). One potential downside is that they tend to use up a lot of electricity, so they’re not always as economical in the long run, and while they tend to be lightweight, you probably won’t be able to use one while camping or at the beach. Additionally, most average electric models can only hit up to 450˚F.
Infrared Grills: While typical gas and charcoal grills work via convection heating (meaning the air gets heated, rises, and then circulates around the food on the grill’s grate, causing it to cook), these types of grills don’t. Instead, they produce actual heat, usually through a hot object inside the grill, and that is what causes the food to cook. As such, they can reach very high temperatures—up to 1200˚F—and they can warm up within minutes of use. Many infrared grills are powered by natural gas or liquid propane but can be very pricey (they can cost well up to $2000 and beyond). Some are powered by electricity, however. Regardless of the fuel types, these kinds of grills can be bulky and not very portable.
What Are Grills Made Of?
Grills are made from all kinds of materials, but stainless steel is usually the most common component. Cast aluminum, powder-coated steel, and cast iron are often used, too. For grates, porcelain-enamel cast iron pops up a lot because it’s great for heat retention, although stainless steel, plated steel, and regular cast iron grates are widespread.
How Much Do Grills Usually Cost?
Want a grill that will really last? Expect to spend around $400 and up. When it comes to getting a charcoal grill, be prepared to shell out anywhere from $100 to $600 for a reliable model like Weber’s Original Kettle Premium that will last you for many seasons. It’s always a good idea to set a budget before you start shopping, but the actual amount you spend will depend on the specific features you’re looking for. Charcoal grills from brands like Cuisinart or Weber’s Smokey Joe line can be found for under $50, while higher-end models can go up to $600 for top-notch quality.
For gas grills, expect to spend at least $400 for a dependable model that could last you for over a decade with proper maintenance. Brands like Char-Broil and Coleman offer units under $400, but Weber is considered the gold standard in this category, with models like the Weber Spirit II E-310 receiving high praise from reviewers.
If you’re interested in a pellet grill, Traeger is a popular choice with units ranging from $450 to $2000. Electric grills vary widely in price, with brands like Hamilton Beach offering models under $100 and Breville having options just under $400.
Don’t forget to pick up a grill cover while you’re at it. Most covers are priced under $50 and are essential for protecting your investment from rust, rain showers, and unwanted guests like spiders.
When it comes to cooking on a grill, the options are endless. While hot dogs and burgers are classic choices, you can also grill a wide variety of meats, fish, fruits, and veggies. Different types of grills excel at cooking certain foods, so choose accordingly based on your preferences.
For example, charcoal grills are great for imparting a smoky flavor to steaks, shrimp, ground beef, and veggies like zucchini and eggplant. On the other hand, gas grills are ideal for quicker-cooking foods like chicken breasts, hot dogs, and pork chops. Pellet grills work well for foods like salmon, which can be cooked on planks for added flavor.
In conclusion, the key to successful grilling is choosing the right grill for the foods you love to cook. Whether you prefer the smoky flavor of charcoal, the convenience of gas, or the versatility of pellets, there’s a grill out there to suit your needs. sentence in a different way. sentence: “The dog ran quickly through the park.”
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