7 Types Of Grills With Their Pros And Cons

Grilling is a popular method involving cooking food over an open flame. It can cook various foods, including meats, vegetables, and bread. Grilling gives food a distinct flavor that many people often enjoy. In addition, it can be a healthy cooking method, as it helps to lock in moisture and prevent the formation of harmful chemicals.

Most people enjoy cooking because it’s intriguing. When utilizing a grill, cooking is fun. Additionally, it provides a robust, deep flavor that is challenging to imitate using a stove in a home kitchen. To grill in a heart-healthy way, you must keep a few key tips in mind. 

There are a few different grills to choose from, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and preferences. For instance, gas grills are convenient and easy to use, while charcoal grills require a bit more effort but can add a smoky flavor to food. Electric grills are another option, and they’re ideal for small spaces or if you don’t want to deal with charcoal or gas. Whichever type of grill you choose, read the instructions carefully so you know how to use it safely.

The 7 Types Of Grills

1. Gas Grill

   Natural gas is used as fuel by gas grills. You need to be able to access a gas line to install a gas barbecue. It is useful and fairly priced for people with homes that already have a gas line installed. Installing a gas connection could be pricey if you don’t have one.

   While it is possible to do it yourself, hiring a more qualified individual is usually best. With a guide’s assistance, there is plenty to learn. Outdoor kitchens frequently employ built-in grills. In the lower cabinets, they are organized. The opportunity to own a freestanding gas grill is unusual, though.

   Pros

   • Natural gas is used as the fuel source, hence it is seen as being environmentally beneficial

   • Cheap installation

   • No need for electricity

   • Do not require petrol refills or tanks

   • Not being able to run out of gas

   Cons

   • The gas line needs to be changed if the gas gets finished, only a skilled individual can complete this

   • Obtaining a new gas line necessitates a special permit

   • Propane gas will not be adequate for heating

   • A challenge to port because it is hooked in one spot

2. Propane Grills

   For propane grills, propane serves as the fuel source. It burns hotter than grills powered by natural gas. But the expenses go beyond the cost of natural gas. An intricate installation is not required because propane gas is stored in tanks. If you want to be able to travel to your barbecue or go on the go, propane grills are a great option. The tanks are portable, so you are not restricted to a particular place when installing the barbecue.

   Pros

   • There were no installation issues.

   • Portable

   • The natural gas grill is not as hot

   • Easily cleaned

   • Electricity is not necessary

   Cons

   • For cases where an instant replacement is required, you should bring a backup gas tank

   • Pricey compared to grills powered by natural gas

   • Runs without gas

3. Charcoal Grills

   Charcoal is used as fuel for charcoal grills. They function similarly to pellet grills when it comes to smoking meat and imparting a smoked flavor to the meat. But this grill is for you if you want a delectable smokey flavor. It takes some time for charcoal grills to heat up.

   As you use more coal, your grill will become hotter. It’s easy to change the configuration of your grill depending on what you’re cooking. The temperature will rise as you place more coals on the grill grate for your grill to have various temperature zones. This helps prevent the food from burning while cooking a thick and thin cut of meat.

   Pros

   • Provides a smoky taste to the meat and heat that is dependent on the number of coals utilized

   • Charcoal can be reused

   • Can generate more heat compared to barbecues using propane and natural gas

   • Has the capacity to produce hot and cold temperature zones that can affect the cooked food in some way

   Cons

   • The ability to manage the heat can be challenging at times

   • It requires longer to heat up

   • For prolonged cooking, the charcoal must be re-added

   • Occasionally needs cleaning

4. Flat Top Grills

   Griddles and grills with flat tops can run on electricity or gas. It has a flat cooking surface, commonly known as a griddle. The griddles are used to prepare a wide range of items, including all the sides needed for a full dinner, starting with burgers, pancakes, etc.

   The flat top grills are ideal for use in most commercial kitchens where a lot of food will be consumed. There are both large flat-top grills and grills with little griddles on the side burners. They come in handy if your main grill is full or if you need to reheat a few dishes before serving. Or it can be applied to situations when it’s necessary to have two distinct temperature zones.

   Pros

   • Enough space on a flat frying surface

   • No odor of smoke ( a few people do not like the smoke taste)

   • No oil was present

   • Suitable for large-scale food preparation (festive seasons)

   • Possibly full size or have a side burner

   Cons

   • Frequent cleaning is required to add only less smoking flavor to the meats

5. Kamado Grills

   Round ceramic charcoal barbecues that are portable and easy to operate are known as kamado grills. Using these grills improves efficiency, heat retention, and smoke flavor. They can generate consistent, even heat. Ceramics are used to build them.

   These grills are renowned for their fuel efficiency and flexible cooking with consistent heat. These last for a very long time and are simple to clean. The meat will sear the nicest with it. The surface of the beef is roasted at a high temperature during the searing process until a brown crust forms. When grilling, roasting, or toasting, it is done.

   Pros

   • The smoke taste is added as a flavor

   • Searing can be performed

   • The external ceramic is durable

   • Easy to use

   • Safer than other grills

   • Adjustable vents to control the heat

   Cons

   • Heat is sometimes uncontrollable

   • Limited top surface area

   • Takes time to get heated

6. Electric Grills

   Electric grills use electricity as fuel. You just plug in and make the setting suitable for cooking. There is time loss to light them as in the case of charcoal and no need for particular connection as that of natural gas grills.

   Electric grills heat up quickly and evenly, meaning there’s no need to wait for the coals to get hot before cooking. Additionally, electric grills are very easy to clean since there’s no need to worry about disposing of ashes or grease.

   Pros

   • Ease of use

   • Ease of cleaning

   • Suitable for apartments and single houses

   • Enough heat

   • No additional smoke

   Cons

   • Not the choice for searing the meat

   • Less space so that it is not suitable for cooking a large quantity of food

   • Sometimes it will be difficult to control the temperature

7. Portable Grills

   Portable grills are small, self-contained grills that can be used for cooking food outdoors. They are helpful while traveling. Portable grills are typically powered by propane, charcoal, or electric categories, and they can be used on a table, on the ground, or on a picnic bench. These are particularly useful for campings if you want to cook some grilled items. But it can be used to cook a little only.

   Some portable grills come with legs that can be extended for cooking over an open fire, while others have suspension systems that allow them to be hung from a tree or other structure. They come in various sizes and styles and can be essential pieces of equipment for camping, picnicking, or tailgating.

    

   Pros

   • Useful for traveling

   • Portable

   • Easy to use

   Cons

   • Not ideal for adding smoke flavor

   • Small compared to other grills

   • Produces low heat

Conclusion

Cooking on grills is common, especially during festive occasions. Grills are useful in kitchens both inside and outside. Grills come in a wide variety of varieties. You can choose the grill that best suits your needs. Each grill has advantages and disadvantages. Food can be toasted, roasted, or crushed on a grill. Grilling also dramatically enhances the flavor of food. Having access to the grill’s necessary fuel is crucial while choosing the grill. As you use the grills, you must adhere to the safety precautions.