The Different Types of Grills
Outdoor cooking is a timeless American tradition, a throwback to the 1950s backyard barbecues where friends, family and neighbors would gather to enjoy each other's company and some really good food—there's nothing quite like the taste of a grilled steak, hot dog or burger enjoyed under a blue sky (or even a grey one, if the weather doesn't cooperate).
These days, there are so many different types of grills to choose from, and if you're unfamiliar with any of them, it can be tough to pick the right one for the job. Kick Ass Grills is here to help. We've summarized the most popular types of grills to compare and contrast the benefits, so you'll know you're making the right choice.
We've broken the grills down into three basic categories based on their fuel type: Gas, Charcoal and Electric. Within each of these three fuel types there are several different styles, so you're sure to find exactly what you need.
Gas Grills
Whether propane or natural gas, gas grills provide the convenience and affordability most of us are familiar with. Most gas grills are designed to run on a portable 20 pound propane tank, but there are also natural gas models that can be hooked up to a home gas line. If you read this section and want to know more, take a look at this FAQ post.
Benefits of a Gas Grill:
- Convenience – Gas grills ignite quickly, heat up quickly and are ready to use quickly.
- Affordable – Whether propane or natural gas, this fuel type burns efficiently and is typically cheaper to use than charcoal
- Easy to Use – With simple control knobs, gas grills allow a wide range of temperatures with control right at your fingertips.
- Versatile – Different types of gas grills include different features like side burners, rotisserie kits or outdoor storage to offer the utility to suit your needs.
Freestanding Gas Grills
The most popular variety of gas grills are freestanding units that usually feature wheels for mobility and access doors/drawers for storage. The classic cart grill is the obvious choice for most grill lovers.
Built-In Gas Grills
Perfect for building the ultimate outdoor kitchen, most built-in grills are the centerpiece of a custom grill island and provide high end outdoor cooking and entertainment. The built-in grill is the tool of choice for those who want to create a cohesive backyard experience.
Portable Gas Grills
Designed for convenience and reliability for the adventurous griller, portable grill models run off of smaller portable propane tanks and are easy to transport, making them excellent choices for camping or tailgating.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are a classic, the original design for lovers of outdoor cooking. These grills burn charcoal briquettes, natural hardwood, wood chips or some combination of the three in order to produce the familiar smoky flavor we all love from good BBQ. If you're looking for a more in-depth discussion of charcoal cooking, you'll want to check out this buying guide.
Benefits of a Charcoal Grill:
- Flavor – The classic smoky taste and aroma produced when using a charcoal grill is unmatched by any other fuel type, and different types of charcoal and wood can provide wide ranges of flavors.
- Versatility – With innovations to classic models, charcoal grills offer added versatility for both grilling and smoking.
- Natural – Use natural hardwood lump charcoal to ensure a natural cooking process with no additives or chemicals for clean, delicious BBQ.
Freestanding Charcoal Grills
The classic freestanding charcoal grill is simple: it has a firebox to store the charcoal fire right below the grill grates. Some of the higher end models feature maneuverable fireboxes to adjust the distance between the fire and grill grates, giving you greater control over the end result.
Smoker Grills
Smoker grills offer a classic barbecue taste with natural wood smoke and enormous heating capacity. If you're looking to make delicious brisket, pulled pork or smoked chicken, a smoker grill is the way to go.
Kamado Grills
Kamado grills offer a centuries-old design with modern touches. From grilling and smoking to baking, roasting and braising, these grills can do it all well. They make an excellent choice for anyone who takes their grilling seriously.
Electric Grills
Generally compact in design and sleek in appearance, electric grills (like this tabletop model from Blaze) run on electricity to provide a high heat, low maintenance alternative to gas and charcoal. Electric grills are great for circumstances where a traditional grill may be difficult or dangerous to use, such as a small space or in high winds.
Need More Help Choosing a Grill?
With the various types of grills available today, it can be difficult to know which type is right for you—use this guide to explore the benefits of each grill and decide which is right for your situation. If you're still wondering which grill you need, our experts are standing by to offer guidance. You can contact us by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time or any time via email.
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