Grill Types
Charcoal Grills
A charcoal grill is a great outdoor bbq appliance. It gives your food a sort of chargrilled flavor, and also sears your meat quite nicely. Plus, they are quite inexpensive, and you can even find grills under 200.
However, a charcoal grill heats up way slower than other types, especially compared to, for instance, kamado grill. And once the charcoal grill heats up, you won’t be able to control the heat as easily.
Gas Grills
A propane or gas grill is the most popular kind of outdoor grill - with about 61% of Americans owning it. And the reason for its popularity is that gas grills are very convenient to use and maintain. These allow for some easy lighting and they heat up pretty quickly. Moreover, they are pretty easy to use, since you can control the temperature with the knobs. On the other hand, a propane grill needs a lot of fuel, more specifically a propane tank, unless you connect a gas line. Generally, a 20-pound propane tank gives you a good 25 hours of grilling. Plus, these don’t give your food the same rich taste as the charcoal grill does.
Electric Grills
An electric grill works best for people who do not have a large backyard or who live in apartments. It is a small device that works well in small spaces. It does not require any prep, heats up quickly, and needs a very little cleaning. But on the downside, since an electric grill doesn’t use actual flame, your food won’t have that delicious smoky aroma and taste.
Pellet Grills
A pellet grill uses wood pellets as its fire source. And since there are many types of wood pellets, you can choose a specific type to make your meal even better. Different types of wood will give your BBQ a different taste, and you can experiment with flavors to find the one that would be the best for you. This kind of grill gives you the most nuanced flavor. It renders your meat a smoked wood flavor that can be a game-changer for the dish. Also, different pellets have different flavors, and if you can find one that compliments your dish.
Which One Is the Best for You?
Best Grills for Beginners
If you are a beginner, you might want to start off with something that is comparatively easier to use. An infrared grill or an electric one could be your ideal choice. While some people think they are the same, there is a difference between the two in terms of the way they heat your food. Both do not need preparation and require less effort in cleaning up. And while the infrared models are usually quite pricey, you can still find some good infrared grills under 500.
Best Cheap Grills
If you want to go for cheap grills, charcoal fueled ones are the best option. Because all you need to do is put in some effort in preparation and clean up, and it can give you outstanding results every time you have a party. Plus, you can easily find some good charcoal grills under 200. On top of that, charcoal is the cheapest fuel compared to pellets and gas, so you will save some money in the long run.
Best Indoor Grills
Electric and gas grills are the great option if you need a good indoor grill. While the electric grill can be used even in the smallest setting, the gas grill might need a little more space on the balcony. Nevertheless, both of them can be great for indoor use. Just as long as you follow the proper safety rules, of course.
Best Portable Grills for Tailgaters
For people who love to camp and have adventures now and then, a portable grill is a must-have. If that is the model you want, then you might want to pay attention to a charcoal or pellet grill. These are very good and portable grills that make grilling pretty easy. But make sure that you carry enough fuel with you to propel your grill.
All and all buying or using a grill is not difficult once you know which one is best for you. Thus, weigh your finances, convenience, purpose, and space available before you make the final decision.