As we always say, grilling is an art. It requires a lot of patience and skills to produce that perfect grill. This is something you would hear from everyone around. What they won’t tell you is that there are six major types of grills. And picking the perfect one to suit your needs and requirements is an uphill task. Apart from picking up a grill that promises adequate speed, efficiency, and flavor you must pick up a grill that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
We understand that this has left you utterly confused as to which one to purchase. But don’t worry. This article aims to acquaint you with the six major types of grills thoroughly so that you can make your choice immediately sans any issues whatsoever.
1. Gas Grills
One of the most popular grills in the United States, the gas grills are perfect companions for casual barbecue-makers owing to their optimal heat temperatures and great liquid propane consumption. Gas grills allow you to cook efficiently for a small gathering or family sans putting much effort. Notably, there are four types of gas grills – built-in gas grills, freestanding gas grills, natural gas grills, and infrared gas grills.
If you want deliciousness and health packed together in your meals or party food, gas grills are perfect options. Be it cooking a burger patty or a quick steak, gas grills promise brilliant efficiency within lesser time. However, one must remember that since they do not use any charcoal, their flavors won’t contain the essential “traditional” barbecue taste, if you are looking for it. Apart from not heating as high as charcoal grills, gas grills are also pretty much on the expensive side. So, if you are investing in one, make sure your grill is made of stainless steel and has various heat settings to enable to optimal ease of usage.
2. Charcoal Grills
If you are a fan of traditional grills, the charcoal grills would be the perfect one to suit your taste buds. This type of grills requires store-bought charcoal to function. And though a bit difficult to use, once you get a hang of it, you can prepare delectable grilled meats and veggies in no time! Notably, there are three types of charcoal grills available in the market – Kamado grills, Charcoal kettle grills, and traditional charcoal grills.
Who doesn’t love that smokey flavored grilled meats? If you are ready to spend that extra time cooking and don’t mind getting your hands dirty in the process, the charcoal grill is the best one you can get. They are indeed an investment you can make as sometimes they might cost even more than gas grills. The portable ones generally come in the price range of $20 to $200. And if you are looking forward to purchasing a heavy-duty standard charcoal grill, you might be set back by $150 to $1,000+. If you are willing to purchase the same, please make sure to get hold of cast iron or stainless steel ones as they are the most efficient and lasts way longer.
3. Electric Grills
Simple and easy to operate, the electric grills are a delight when cooking indoors or on the lawn, where electric supply is available. They are perfect for novices, who are just looking forward to learning the art of grilling without spending much on the gas or charcoal variants.
These grills run on 120 V or 220 V power source, with the former being much more compact and smaller than the later version. For people, who live in apartments and outdoor barbecues are out of question, these are the perfect grills for cooking indoors. However, they lack the quintessential smokey barbecue flavors as they do not require charcoal. On the contrary, there is no mess with these – just plug and play – it’s that simple.
You can get an electric grill within $200 depending on their size, efficiency, and brand.
4. Wood-fire or pellet grills
Here comes the most traditional form of grills ever used by man. No matter how great your charcoal or gas grill cooks, the quintessential smokey flavors of wood fire grills are hard to beat. So, if you are into hardcore barbecuing, and don’t mind spending that extra time to get that aromatic grills, nothing can beat the intensity of pellet grills.
The pellet grills come around $1,000 and are indeed an investment to make. They are also pretty easy to select and pick, just make sure the model you buy has controllable flame settings. Another major drawback is that you have to keep an eye on replenishing the fuel while your food is getting grilled. But it’s not a major issue if all you care about is a sumptuous barbecue meal once-in-a-while.
5. Ceramic grills
Ceramic grills have become extremely popular owing to their regal oriental look and brilliant cooking capabilities. Their efficiency lies in being able to retain optimal temperatures throughout the cooking procedure and maintain adequate airflow. This, in turn, makes the meat come out juicier than you would expect in the other types of grills.
Another brilliant feature of ceramic grills is that they can maintain higher temperatures for a long time. So, if you are cooking for many people and over a long period, the ceramic grill is your friend. However, since they are on the pricier side and extremely heavy, they may not be your pet if you are looking for portable ones or ones you can easily move outdoors and indoors as per convenience.
The price of these grills hovers anywhere between $400 to $2,000 depending on their quality, brand and, efficiency.
6. Portable grills
If you are into road trips and camping trips, portable grills may just be the ones you are looking for. These grills may have inbuilt gasoline or charcoal heat sources and are extremely light-weight. Their price range starts from $10 and can be used as a great gifting option.
However, if you are looking forward to cooking for many people or a fairly large family, this grill may not be the perfect one. Since they are lightweight, their surface area also tends to be shorter than the other grills. So, keep these details in mind in you have your eyes on these portable fancies.