What Type of Grill Should I Buy?
When it comes to choosing the perfect grill for your backyard, there’s a lot to consider. Do you want the ease of a gas grill, or the smoky flavor that comes from charcoal? Are you looking to cook for an army, or just your immediate family? How will the grill fit into your overall outdoor kitchen design?
To answer these questions and help you pick the ideal grill for your lifestyle, we’ll explain the top grill styles to choose from this year.
Most Popular Types of Grills
Let’s break down the most loved kinds of grills, and which situation they’re most suited for.
Gas Grills
Across the United States, gas grills are the most purchased type of grill. Much of this has to do with how easy they are to use. Simply turn a dial, and you’re cooking with gas.
The maintenance for a gas grill is also fairly easy, as a propane tank on a medium grill can last upwards of 20 hours before needing to be refilled. Depending how often you grill, you may only need to refill it a few times a season.
Optional Features: LED-lit controls for safety, side burners, choice of 2 to 10 burners
Our Recommended Brand: Napoleon — Equipped with infrared technology, curved cooking grids, and gas/charcoal hybrid options, Napoleon grills offer a one-stop-shop for all your grilling needs.
Charcoal Grills
Another incredibly popular grill type is the charcoal grill. Dedicated grillmasters love this kind of grill because of the control they have over the heat level. Charcoal can be stacked on one side of the grill to target a specific piece of meat, and the temperature can be very low for long, tender cooking. At the same time, charcoal grills can become as hot as 1200°F when you want a perfect sizzling sear on your meat.
Optional Features: Natural charcoal starter, electric starter, precise air flow systems
Our Recommended Brand: Big Green Egg — The ceramic, domed design of this grill offers the optimal heat insulation to keep food tender, evenly-cooked, and flavorful. As the only seller of Big Green Eggs in Greensboro, we regularly offer cooking demonstrations to educate home chefs on using the appliance.
Pellet Grills
In the past decade, pellet grills have skyrocketed in popularity. Part of the draw comes from the straightforward design of pellet grills. You fill the hopper with pellets, set your desired temperature/smoke level, and let the grill do the work. By not needing to constantly tend to the food, you’re able to enjoy your company (or solitude) more.
Optional Features: WiFi capability, double wall stainless steel interior, pellet sensor
Our Recommended Brands: Traeger, Yoder, and Timberline — With the rise of pellet grills, we’ve found there are several great brands producing quality appliances. The right brand will depend on your specific preferences.
Flat-Top Grills
The marked difference of a flat-top grill is its single, smooth grill top. Many think of a flat-top as a giant griddle, as it allows you to cook foods you wouldn’t be able to place directly on the grates of a grill (such as eggs, bacon, pancakes, and onions).
Flat-tops can also provide the perfect sear to any food, which make them a favorite for a backyard barbeque of hot dogs and hamburgers.
Optional Features: U-shaped burners for consistent heat distribution, advanced temperature control
Our Recommended Brand: Traeger — By offering three different heat zones, an at-home chef is able to create an entire, varied meal with this single appliance.
Outdoor Kitchen Considerations
Out of these grill styles, which would fit best in your outdoor kitchen?
- If you want a grill built into your outdoor kitchen, a gas grill is the best choice. It’s easy to use on a weeknight for a quick dinner and will complement the rest of your kitchen aesthetic.
- If you love the art of grilling, a charcoal grill will be the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen. If you have a small cooking area, a small charcoal grill can easily be added without overwhelming the space.
- If you want a grill and smoker in one, go with a pellet grill. This is also the best choice if you don’t want to be tied to the appliance.
- If you enjoy cooking non-traditional foods on the grill, or you’re a big breakfast fan, the flat-top is the choice for you. Many people purchase a flat-top as a secondary type of grill after their primary charcoal, pellet, or gas grill.
Connect with Our Grilling Experts at Fleet-Plummer
If you want to see a grill in action or ask about the specifics of a certain model, contact our friendly Fleet-Plummer staff or stop by our grill store. We regularly provide demonstrations of our best-selling grills, and we’re happy to help you find the grill that will be the perfect match for your outdoor cooking needs.