What Are the Different Types of Grills

The beautiful sights of a warm summer day. The sizzling sounds of food hitting the hot grill. The inviting aroma of a freshly cooked meal waiting to be enjoyed. There are few things that compare to the sheer delight of outdoor cooking. With a wide array of grilling options available, choosing the right grill can make a significant impact on your experience. So, what are the different types of grills out there and what is the best type of grill for you and your needs?

Gas grills

Using propane or natural gas as its fuel source, gas grills are a popular choice among grilling enthusiasts for their speedy startup time, accurate temperature control and consistent heat distribution. The grated cooking surface helps excess grease drip away while also exposing food to an open flame underneath, which is ideal if you enjoy seared, savory meats and vegetables. More delicate foods can also be cooked on a gas grill at lower temperatures, making it a versatile option that offers something for everybody.

Charcoal kettle grills

Outdoor cooking fanatics who appreciate flavor and the traditional grilling experience typically opt for a charcoal kettle grill. The smell of the charcoal heating up below the steel grates evokes a nostalgic sense of summer barbeques while the flickering flames below add an authentically delicious smoky taste to your food. The round dome traps the heat generated from the hot coals, creating a cauldron-like cooking chamber. Even though they can be more difficult to clean and have less heating controls than other grilling options, there is no denying the efficiently basic functionality and unparalleled charm of a charcoal grill.

Flat top grills

Flat top grills are the preferred choice of culinary adventurers who seek a grilling experience that goes beyond traditional grates and smoke. With a smooth, expansive cooking surface, flat top griddles provide a hot and even heat distribution, which opens up a variety of diverse cooking options. In addition to commonly grilled food like burgers and brats, flat top grills can cook up breakfast items, tacos and even stir-fry dishes. However, what really sets the flat top griddle apart from the rest of the grilling options is how the flat surface doesn’t let the grease escape, adding mouthwatering flavor to every meal that gets grilled up.

Pellet grills

Backyard chefs who are passionate about barbequing and the process of slow cooking tend to embrace pellet grills and their signature wood-fired flavor. Utilizing compressed wood pellets that are fed into a firepot with an electric auger as their fuel source. Cooking with a pellet grill provides precise temperature control and consistent heat distribution. However, since they rely on electricity and typically can’t be easily moved or used in the rain, pellet grills are not as versatile as other grills. There are both pros and cons to pellet grills, but if you are a fan of uniquely flavored and slow cooked food, a pellet grill might just be perfect for you.

Smokers

Grilling with a smoker is ideal for food enthusiasts who enjoy slow cooking with lower temperatures and appreciate a savory smoky taste. Patience and technique are key to successfully grilling with a smoker. During the cooking process, a firebox that is completely separated from the cooking chamber generates heat by burning wood or charcoal. The cooking chamber is exposed to the warmth and smoke from the firebox, letting the food inside absorb the natural flavors while it slowly cooks. Moreso, you can explore grilling with various types of wood when cooking with a smoker, exposing you to an entire world of delicately infused seasonings.

Portable grills

Portable grills are perfect companions for those who love the freedom of outdoor cooking wherever they roam. There is a wide variety of portable grills with numerous fuel options, including propane, electricity, charcoal and wood pellets. Cooking styles and exact functionality aside, portable grills are defined by their lightweight, foldable or collapsible designs that make them incredibly easy to transport. They also typically offer enough cooking space to prepare meals for a small group of friends or family. From mountainside campsites to sandy beaches and tailgating parking lots, portable grills are ready to fire up and deliver the joys of outdoor cooking wherever your next adventure takes you.

Kamado grills

Originating from ancient Japanese cooking traditions, kamado grills are becoming more and more popular thanks to their unique design and exceptional heat retention capabilities. An egg-shaped ceramic dome encases the cooking surface, letting the food absorb smoke and moisture. From high heat searing to low slow cooking, kamados offer impressive temperature control that can handle a range of culinary techniques. Common dishes like sizzling hot steaks and roasted veggies to less conventional grilled foods, like freshly baked bread, can all be made in a kamado grill.

Outdoor pizza ovens

Pizza lovers can add a fun, new element to backyard barbeques with an outdoor pizza oven. Leaving versatility behind, outdoor pizza ovens have one main function and that is to provide delicious wood-fired pizza. From your favorite frozen ‘zas to homemade pies with freshly made dough, there isn’t a pizza that an outdoor pizza oven can’t handle. Depending on the exact model, most ovens reach extremely high temperatures, which is necessary for crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. If you’re tired of all the traditionally grilled food, outdoor pizza ovens bring the pizza party to the patio.

There is no answer to the question, “what is the best grill?” Each type of grill offers unique advantages and characteristics, but you can’t go wrong if you are enjoying the outdoors and cooking up a delicious meal. Whether you are an adventurous backyard cook or simply love savoring the flavors of grilled cuisine, there’s a perfect grill for you waiting to be fired up. You should also consider cutting boards, utensils and other essential gear for outdoor cooking that will help you embrace your inner chef and create the ultimate grilling experience.