Exploring Different Types of BBQ Grills: Pros and Cons

 The world of BBQ grills is a diverse and exciting place to explore, providing numerous options for everyone from the newest amateur to the most seasoned veteran. The type of grill you choose to use and why is a personal decision you must arrive at on your own, but it helps to have a guide to help understand the available options and the pros and cons of each. When it comes to outdoor kitchens, which grill offers you the best cooking, flavor, and versatility?

6 Different Types of Grills

Kirsty from Garden Living Company said “There are no right or wrong answers in the world of BBQ. What you need depends on what you are cooking, where you are going and how you like to use your equipment”. No matter the desired fuel source or flavour profile, today you can find what you are looking for when searching for the perfect outdoor cooking apparatus. What are your options?

1. Charcoal Grills

As the name suggests, charcoal grills burn charcoal as a fuel source to provide heat for you BBQ needs. Additionally, charcoal provides a smoky, delicious flavor that is highly sought after in the BBQ community.

PROS

- Reusable briquets can save you money
- Amazing smoky flavor
- Can add heat by adding more charcoal

CONS

- Uneven heat distribution
- More time and effort spent lighting charcoal
- Regular cleaning maintenance is necessary

2. Electric Grills

Electric grills have many significant benefits and are a BBQ enthusiasts’ best friend, particularly if you are short on time. These grills are fun to work with and provide you with as much cooking power as you need, quickly and effectively.

PROS

- Compact design
- Quick and easy setup
- Fast to heat and easy to clean

CONS

- Small cooking areas
- No extra flavor profiles
- Inaccurate temperature control

3. Pellet Grills

This is a smoky-flavor lover’s dream. Pellet grills burn pellets in smoker boxes, creating smoke which is then used to cook while imparting its delicious smoky flavor to every part of the meat.

PROS

- Made for smoking meats
- Can be used for almost any type of meat
- Consistent, even cooking

CONS

- Fuel (pellets) can be destroyed by moisture
- Electricity needed for use
- Pellets required for smoking meats

4. Propane Grills

One of the most common BBQs around, the propane grill has been at the centre of barbequing for decades. Different from charcoal or gas, propane provides versatility like no other fuel source.

PROS

- Portable
- No electricity needed
- Very high burn temperature

CONS

- More expensive than gas
- Easily run out of fuel
- Refills necessary often

5. Gas Grills

Hardwired into a natural gas line, gas grills are great options to make sure that your cooking space is equipped to deliver the best BBQ around. Natural gas gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll never run out like propane tanks will.

PROS

- Eco-friendly fuel source
- Can create amazing sear on meats
- One of the least expensive fuel sources around

CONS

- Requires an installed gas line
- Can only be used in that location
- Permitting issues

6. Portable Grills

Small, portable grills that use several different sources of fuel are designed to be moved from one place to the next, bringing your BBQ fun with you, wherever you go.

PROS

- Portable and can be brought with you to any location for easy grilling solutions
- Different fuel source options
- Great for a limited number of people

CONS

- Small cooking space
- Low heat can lead to long cooking times
- Smoking meats can be a challenge

Let the Journey Begin!

Grilling is a lifelong journey and experimenting with different grill types will give you the confidence to forge your own path, grilling delicious food from one side of the grilling spectrum to the other. Grill away my friends!