|
Charcoal grills |
Kamado grills |
Gas grills |
Pellet grills |
Electric grills |
|
Charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal |
Lump charcoal is usually preferred |
Natural gas or liquid propane |
Wood pellets |
Electricity |
|
Imparts a smoky, aromatic flavor on food; no maximum temperature settings; highly portable; can be more affordable than other grill types. |
Ceramic material can be corrosion-resistant and easy to clean; durable; can reach high temperatures and be great for heat retention. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
|
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. |
Expensive; very heavy; can be difficult to move around and not very portable. |
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. |
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 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.
|
Looking for a new grill but not sure where to start? Let’s break down the options for you.
When it comes to charcoal grills, you can find affordable options from brands like Cuisinart or Weber’s Smokey Joe line for under $50. If you’re willing to splurge for top-notch quality, higher-end models can go up to $600.
For gas grills, expect to spend at least $400 for a reliable model that could last you over a decade with proper maintenance. Brands like Char-Broil and Coleman offer units under $400, but if you want the gold standard, look no further than Weber, with models like the Weber Spirit II E-310 receiving rave reviews.
If you’re considering a pellet grill, Traeger is a popular choice with units ranging from $450 to $2000. Electric grills have a wide price range, with options from brands like Hamilton Beach under $100 and Breville just under $400.
Don’t forget to grab a grill cover to protect your investment from rust, rain, and unwanted guests like spiders. Most covers are priced under $50 and are essential for keeping your grill in top shape.
When it comes to cooking on your new grill, the possibilities are endless. While classics like hot dogs and burgers are always a hit, you can also grill a variety of meats, fish, fruits, and veggies. Different types of grills excel at cooking certain foods, so choose accordingly based on your preferences.
Charcoal grills are perfect for adding a smoky flavor to steaks, shrimp, ground beef, and veggies like zucchini and eggplant. Gas grills are ideal for quick-cooking foods like chicken breasts, hot dogs, and pork chops. Pellet grills are great for foods like salmon, especially when cooked on planks for extra flavor.
In the end, finding the right grill for the foods you love to cook is key. 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. So get grilling and enjoy delicious meals all summer long! “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” as, “The fast brown fox leaps over the inactive dog.”
