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What Type of Grill is Right for Me?
Key Takeaways
- Gas grills are quick and convenient and deliver high heat, perfect for everyday grilling, but may lack the flavor of other fuels
- Charcoal and kamado grills are versatile and provide rich, smoky flavor but require more skill
- Electric grills are ideal for small spaces and offer fast startup but lack the flame-kissed flavor
- Pellet grills produce wood-smoked flavor and are easy to use though they have higher upfront costs
- Wood-fired grills demand skill and patience for an authentic experience but can be costly and complex
Grill Types Comparison
Finding the perfect grill for you can be overwhelming. It’s not just about cooking, it’s about investing your money and time into a high-performing product that has the potential to create unforgettable backyard memories. And really, isn’t that what it’s all about? Whether you’re searing steaks on game day, smoking ribs low and slow, or simply flipping burgers on a busy weeknight, the right fuel type makes all the difference.
At BBQGuys, we carry every major grill style—gas, charcoal (including kamado), electric, pellet, and wood-fired—so no matter how you like to cook outside, we’ve got the perfect grill waiting. Deciding what fits your taste and your backyard needs will require understanding how each of these styles differs, both in operation and output. Let’s dive into each and see if we can find your match.
| Fuel Type | Flavor Quality | Convenience | Startup Time | Temperature Control | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | Moderate | Very High | 5 min | Easy (knobs) | $$ - $$$$ | Busy families, everyday grilling |
| Charcoal | Excellent | Moderate | 20-30 min | Skill-based | $ - $$$ | Flavor lovers, traditional BBQ |
| Kamado | Excellent | Moderate | 20-30 min | Very good, versatile | $$ - $$$ | Serious grillers, year-round use |
| Electric | Low | Very High | 5 min | Easy | $ – $$$$ | Apartments, small patios |
| Pellet | Excellent | High | 15–20 min |
Automatic/ digital |
$$ - $$$$ | BBQ enthusiasts, slow smoking |
| Wood | Outstanding | Low | 30+ min | Challenging | $$ – $$$$ | Purists, campfire cooking |
Grill Configurations
First, let’s quickly review the different types of configurations available for all kinds of grills.
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Freestanding Grills
Mounted on a movable cart, freestanding grills offer portability and minimal setup, often featuring enclosed fuel storage and extras like side burners or shelves.
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Built-In Grills
Designed to integrate seamlessly into outdoor kitchen islands, built-in grills create a cohesive look and may require proper cut-outs or an insulated jacket for safe installation.
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Portable Grills
Compact and mobile, portable grills come in both wheeled and countertop versions—ideal for on-the-go cooking—and are available in most fuel types, sometimes with infrared burners.
Gas Grills: Fast, Convenient, and Family-Friendly
Want dinner on the table in minutes? Gas grills are the most popular option in America for good reason. With instant ignition systems and high heat, you’ll be cooking in no time. That means hitting temperatures around 700°F, with some capable of reaching over 1,000°F. Plus, with independently controlled burners, you can maintain temperatures easily to ensure heat is evenly distributed at all times. This also means access to dual-zone grilling, where one burner is on—typically at high heat—and the others at low or off.
This setup on gas grills offers incredible versatility, as some models allow for indirect grilling and even low-and-slow smoking so you can enjoy several styles. With customizable setups including infrared burners, rotisseries, and a variety of accessories, gas grills can just about do it all.
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Why choose gas?
- Easy to use with little-to-no guesswork, thanks to independently controlled burners.
- Preheats quickly (5–10 minutes)—perfect for weeknight meals.
- Wide variety of sizes, from compact 2-burner models to outdoor kitchen powerhouses.
- Choice of propane or natural gas for convenient, easy access.
Charcoal & Kamado Grills: Authentic Flavor That Can’t Be Beat
Maybe you’re in the market for smoky, flame-kissed flavor that makes your mouth water well before your food is ready. If that’s the case, a charcoal grill is your answer. While not as easy to use as their gas counterparts, these grills deliver an authentic taste and aroma by manipulating the combustion of fire—either by stoking the coals, adding fuel, or adjusting airflow.
Kamado grills are, for the most part, just ceramic charcoal smokers and grills. Their shape and design create less airflow (that you can control), so foods can effectively retain more moisture for juicy, tender results. With exceptional heat retention and versatility, you can grill, smoke, roast, and even bake.
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Electric Grills: Perfect for Apartments & Small Spaces
No gas. No charcoal. No problem. Electric grills let you plug in and get to grilling, even where open flames aren’t allowed. They’re designed the same as traditional grills and rely on convective heat to do their cooking without an open fire, which makes them ideal for apartments, rooftop patios, and even boats.
While electric grills don’t require open flames for cooking, they are almost always intended for outdoor use for safety purposes. When finding a spot to cook outside, your only real consideration is a power source. Most models can operate on a standard outlet rated for 15 amps but be sure to check the owner’s manual.
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Pellet Grills: Set It, Forget It, & Savor the Smoke
If you’re looking to combine the rich flavor of wood with the ease of digital controls, allow us to introduce the pellet grill. Simply load the hopper with flavored hardwood pellets, set your temperature, and let the grill do all the work while you sit back and relax. Pellet grills act as an oven, providing even heat with far fewer flare-ups than a traditional grill, thanks to a full-coverage heat baffle that separates food from the firepot below.
These grills are the easiest type to use, with some even coming pre-programmed with entire smoking cycles. Many pellet grills connect to apps via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so you can control the grill from your phone. No matter how you do it, pellet grills offer unmatched consistency and pack plenty of flavor into every cook.
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Why choose pellet?
- Deliver deep, smoky flavor with a wide variety of available hardwood pellets (pecan, hickory, cherry, etc.).
- Digital controls, app-connectivity, and pre-programmed cycles make smoking foolproof.
- Versality to cook everything from brisket to pizza to desserts.
- Fewer flare-ups and more consistency make outdoor cooking even safer.
- A variety of hardwood pellet flavors are available.
Wood-Fired Grills: The Purist’s Choice
Humans started cooking over fire almost 800,000 years ago, so cooking over real wood is as authentic as it gets. If you love the campfire experience and want to taste the boldest, most genuine flavor, wood-fired grills are for you. But you’ve been warned: they require real skill and usually aren’t recommended for beginner grillers. If you have the patience to learn, these grills promise an engaging experience of a time-honored cooking tradition, not to mention that they can often produce a feast for large gatherings.
There is a variety of wood-fired grills available, including Santa Maria grills, gaucho grills, and Argentinian grills. Each offers differences in how they operate and their desired outcome (for instance, gaucho grills embrace the spectacle of it all, while the Santa Maria is simpler and more versatile), but all allow users to showcase creativity and produce authentic wood-fired flavor.
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Why choose wood?
- Achieve the ultimate smoky, fire-kissed taste with an authentic traditional experience.
- Capable of reaching ultra-high heat for steaks and artisan-style cooking.
- Appeals to serious pitmasters and outdoor cooking traditionalists.
- Santa Maria grills, gaucho grills, and Argentinian grills provide different sub-types.
Grill Comparison: Pros & Cons
| Grill Type | Pros | Cons |
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| Gas |
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Charcoal/ Kamado |
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| Electric |
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| Pellet |
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| Wood-Fired |
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Find Your Perfect Grill
No matter what style fits your lifestyle and outdoor cooking needs, BBQGuys has you covered with a complete collection of grills. We’re here to make choosing simple and easy.
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