When buying a grill for the first time it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of options there are. There are a variety of different sizes, fuel sources and price points on the market. There are benefits and disadvantages to all types. Consider the options and think about what best fits your needs. Here are some of the different types of grills available.
Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grills are more traditional. They also tend to be on the lower side of pricing. It’s a more affordable option if you don’t want to invest and are just getting started. You may just want a grill for a camping trip which a charcoal grill would be perfect for because it’s smaller in size. However, that doesn’t make it the easiest to use. Charcoal grills get very hot which is great for searing but you have to be careful with flame control. They take more prep and upkeep too. Getting the charcoal lit could take extra equipment like a charcoal chimney and you may end up with ash everywhere in the cooking process.
Natural Gas Grill
Natural gas grills are very easy to use and are the best option for beginners in terms of technicality. The preparation just involves turning a dial to control the flames. It is like a stove so you will have much more control over cooking and generally it’s a quicker process. Although, this ease comes at a price. The starting point for natural gas grill prices can be double that of charcoal prices. Natural gas grills have beginning level usability but not beginner level price points. It’s not as portable as a charcoal grill either because it has to be connected to some kind of gas supply from a building. This does mean you don’t have to restock on fuel. Natural gas grills are used as household equipment instead of camping equipment.
Propane Grill
This type of grill doesn’t deviate far from natural gas grills. It works in the same way, making it easier and quicker to use than a charcoal grill. It does have one big advantage over a natural gas grill. It is portable. Propane grills use propane from a tank which can be transported along with the grill to different locations. For a comparison between specific gas and propane grills check out our Weber Spirit vs Genesis review. Neither natural gas nor propane grills get as hot as charcoal grills but they are more environmentally friendly, releasing less Co2 into the atmosphere. The propane grill price point is in-between charcoal and natural gas.
While charcoal grills tend to be the smallest and most portable, there are size varieties within the different fuel systems. You can buy compact grills for smaller gardens and portability (in the case of charcoal and propane grills). You can also buy cabinet grills that are much bigger and have large surfaces for grilling. If you are a grilling enthusiast or just like having people over for a barbeque this may be a better option for you.
