Investing in an outdoor grill is a big decision-and the choice you make is going to have a major impact on you for years to come.
The right grill will make it easy and enjoyable to prepare your favorite meals outdoors, while the wrong grill will make you want to cook inside.
One thing you will notice right away as you start investigating your options is that there are a lot of different types of grills on the market.
In this post, we are going to explain the different types of outdoor grills, their pros and cons, and their different sub-types. You will also have a chance to learn about some additional features and buying considerations. Let's get started.
What are the Different Types of Outdoor Grills?
You might feel overwhelmed when you first find out how many kinds of outdoor grills there are, but it does not need to be complicated. Let's check out the most common options.
Gas Grills
As the name suggests, a gas grill's power source is gas, rather than charcoal. When we are talking about gas, it can be either natural gas or propane. These are among the most popular types of grills.
Charcoal Grills
Next on our list of grill types is charcoal grills. These grills use charcoal, just as the name says.
Kamado Grills
We could say that a kamado grill is a specific subset of charcoal grill, but it does deserve its own category. This type of grill also features charcoal, but it has a very small grate. That means that all of that heat gets focused into a narrow area.
Pellet Grills
This type of grill is named for the wood pellets that it uses in place of charcoal.
Other Types of Grills
Along with the types of grills above, there are many other types of grills available: flat-top grills, towable grills, built-in grills, Argentinean grills and smokers are among them. As you can tell, many of these are specialty use grills.
Features to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Grill
Now that you are familiar with some of the different types of grills, let's talk about some of the factors you should think about when you are choosing a specific grill to purchase.
Dimensions
Consider the measurements for the outdoor grill, and whether it will be a good fit for your available space. Do not forget to account for the propane tank if you are going to be getting a gas grill that uses this fuel source. Check the weight of the grill as well if you expect to move it around (see below).
Portability
Some people just leave their grill in one spot on their patio permanently. But others may plan on moving the grill to different spots, or even packing it and bringing it along for travel use. If you want to be able to use your grill in more than one location, check how portable it is. For example, does it fold up for easy carrying?
BTUs
British thermal units, abbreviated "BTUs," are how we measure the heat output of an outdoor grill. This is one of the main factors to assess when you are investigating a grill's capabilities. But remember to also check into the design of the grill as well as what it offers in terms of burner control. A variety of elements go into determining the grill's effectiveness.
Components
Find out what you can about a grill's parts, including its burners, cooking grates, and so on. Try and learn whether their construction and design are solid. Consider how many burners the grill offers as well, and whether there will be enough to juggle all of your cooking tasks with efficiency.
Accessories
Some outdoor grills come with or may accommodate certain accessories that expand their capabilities, such as a rotisserie spit or a smoker box. Lighting and a thermometer are also common grill accessories. You should also check if the grill has space to hold your cooking tools and supplies.
Materials and construction
Finally, try to assess the overall durability of your grill. After all, you are going to be storing it outdoors. Will it be able to stand up to everything nature can throw at it and continue to perform well many years from now? Or will the materials break down after exposure to the elements?
Choosing an outdoor grill is an involved process, but it does not need to be a challenging one. Now that you know about the different types of grills as well as some key buying considerations, you should have an easier time narrowing down your options and finding the ideal grill for your needs.