The Most Common Types of Grills, Explained
Updated: Jun. 11, 2020Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
In the market for a new grill? We're cookin' up some recommendations for the most popular types of grills.
The warm weather is finally here and like us, you’re probably ready to get some tasty grilling recipes on the table! But if you’re in the market for a new piece of equipment, it can be hard to know exactly how to choose a grill, because you’ve got way more options than charcoal vs. gas.
Don’t worry—we did all the research so you don’t have to. Whether you’re cooking burgers for two or smoking turkey for the whole fam, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at the top types of grills:
Charcoal Grills
Ideal for: People who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a grill, love the charcoal flavor and are cooking for small groups of people
A true classic! Charcoal grills are portable, easy to use and create a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. They are slower to heat up than gas or electric grills, but can also get a lot hotter. With no temperature control knobs, grillers will need to arrange the coals to create indirect and direct heat cooking zones.
Using a charcoal grill is messier and more time-consuming than a gas grill (briquettes turns to ash, which needs to be cleaned out after each use), but we’d say the flavor is worth the extra effort. Check out our guide to the different types of charcoal for best-ever results.
We recommend Weber’s Original Kettle Charcoal Grill ($109). Our Prep Kitchen Manager, Catherine Ward, owns four of them for grilling outside all year long. “I have tried less expensive brands over the years,” she says, ” I’ve never had the same quality of heating or longevity that I get from a Weber.”
Charcoal Grill Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Amazing smoky flavor
- Easy to use
- Relatively portable
- Cons:
- Less accurate temperature control
- Takes longer to heat
- Harder to clean
Gas Grills
Ideal for: People looking for more space on the grill grates, plus easy-to-use operation
These are your most common backyard grills. Gas grills start fast, heat up quickly, are easy to operate and require much less cleanup than other types of grills. You don’t get the exact same smoky flavor you get from cooking with charcoal, but you can still grill up all kinds of great tasting food, including these tasty grilled side dishes.
ƒGas grills come in a wide variety of sizes. They tend to be the most expensive option, so be prepared to make a longer-term investment. With proper grill maintenance and care, your gas grill will last for years to come. Most gas grills are designed to run on propane, and you will have to refill and replace the tanks as needed.
Senior Food Stylist, Shannon Norris prefers gas grills and recommends the Char-Broil Performance Series 6-Burner Gas Grill. as it’s large enough for entertaining and simple to use. Plus, it has great features like a top rack for keeping food warm and a side table that holds all your favorite grilling accessories. The built-in thermometer is a nice perk, too.
If you’re ready to invest in a top-of-the-line grill that’s built to last, our Test Kitchen recommends the Weber Genesis II E-335 Gas Grill ($950). Recipe Editor Alicia Rooker has had her model for nearly 10 years.
Gas Grill Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Simple to use
- Easy to clean
- Heats quickly
- Numerous size options
- Cons:
- Can be more expensive
- Imparts less smoky flavor
- Needs care for a propane tank
Outdoor Electric Grills
Ideal for: Anyone who lives in a condo where gas or charcoal grilling is not allowed, or who doesn’t have a large outdoor space.
If you never want to worry about the hassle of running out of propane or cleaning up an ashy charcoal mess, try an outdoor electric grill. You simply need to plug it into an outlet and get cooking. On average, outdoor electric grills offer the smallest footprint. (They fit perfectly on a balcony!)
Options like Better Chef’s Electric Barbecue Grill ($102) are compact but still can deliver a great tasting meal.
Outdoor Electric Grill Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Compact
- Safe for small spaces
- Easy to use and clean
- Cons:
- Can be expensive
- No smoky flavor
Smokers
Ideal for: Barbecue enthusiasts who crave flavor and don’t mind waiting a little longer to enjoy the final product.
Gas and charcoal grills are great for everyday grilling, but nothing delivers rich flavor quite like a smoker. The slow-cooker version of a grill, smokers cook foods at lower temperatures over longer periods of time. Used by some of the best barbecue pros across the county, smokers are now becoming more common for at-home enthusiasts. Because of their size, smokers are also good for grillers looking to cook larger cuts of meat at one time.
The Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker ($329) is a staple piece of equipment at grilling competitions across the country. We love that it has two-tiered cooking grates that allow you to smoke plenty of meat at once. Don’t want to splurge? Here’s how to turn your gas or charcoal grill into a smoker.
Smoker Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Deeply smoked flavor
- Large cooking area.
- Cons:
- Long cook times
- Can be expensive
Portable Grills
Ideal for: People who do more grilling on the road than in the backyard.
For anyone who loves to camp or grill on-the-go, portable grills can make cooking easy. These grills are designed to be sturdy and convenient, so you can set up your grill with you when you’re tailgating, camping or on the beach. These easy-to-use grills run on small 16 oz propane tanks that can be stored under the grill lid when in transport.
Senior Food Stylist, Josh Rink recommends the Weber Q 1000 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill ($180). “The grill is the perfect size for cooking for two people and was easy to use.” He explains, “I particularly like that it uses small gas tank canisters—no lugging giant or heavy tanks around!”
Portable Grill Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Portable
- Durable
- Simple controls
- Cons:
- Expensive if used infrequently
- Needs a separate propane tank
Indoor Grills
Ideal for: Those without an outdoor space.
Great for apartment or condo owners who don’t have access to a backyard or balcony, indoor grills are smaller counter appliances that won’t fill your kitchen with smoke. There are three main types of indoor grills: a grill pan, an open grill and a griddler (like a panini press). Whichever type you go with, indoor grills are relatively inexpensive.
They’re great for beginners, too. Culinary Assistant, Maggie Knoebel explains, “I do little to no grilling, but I do like my George Forman.” It’s a classic for a reason! Try this family-sized George Foreman Electric Indoor Grill ($55) which has a nifty sloped surface that allows grease to drain into its attached drip tray for easy cleanup.
Indoor Grill Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Inexpensive
- Can be used indoors
- Cons:
- No grill flavor
- Small cooking area.
Wood Pellet Grills
Ideal for: People who want a hands-off smoker.
Wood pellet grills are one of the easiest ways to add a rich smoky flavor to your foods. Simply set your temperature and cook time and the electric-powered grill automatically adds wood pallets a firepot as need. The specialty pallets come in a range of wood flavors and can be purchased online or at a home improvement store.
The Traeger Ironwood 650 TFB65BLE grill ($1,200) may be a splurge but is totally worth your money. It heats evenly and performs impeccably for hot-and-fast or low-and-slow grilling. What’s more, the grill comes with built-in wifi that allows you to adjust temperatures, add smoke and check in on your meal from an app on your smartphone.
Wood Pellet Grill Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Set-and-forget controls
- Fast to heat
- Great smoky flavor.
- Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires an electric outlet
Pick the right grill and you’ll be the hero at your next cookout. It sure doesn’t hurt to have perfectly juicy burgers, too!
Barbecued Picnic Chicken
I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs
When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding
To me, bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food and is simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet and savory twist on the classic is a delicious new way to enjoy an old favorite. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Curried Pork & Orange Kabobs
I love the sweet flavor of red, yellow and orange peppers. I always go for these in the summer when they are inexpensive and plentiful. I think they taste a whole lot better than green peppers. —Liv Vors, Peterborough, Ontario
Pork Chops with Glaze
Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce
I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken
I love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
Kansas City-Style Ribs
Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Barbecued Burgers
I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
Cherry Barbecue Sauce
You can use fresh or frozen cherries to make this flavorful barbecue sauce. It tastes phenomenal on ribs and chicken! —Ilene Harrington, Nipomo, California
Grilled Marinated Ribeyes
These juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
Can-Can Chicken
Here's a tasty take on the popular beer-can chicken. Once the bird is on the grill, the work's basically done. And cleanup is a cinch—a must for a guy like me. —Steve Bath, Lincoln, Nebraska
Flank Steak with Cilantro & Blue Cheese Butter
I love the combination of the sweet citrus marinade and the strong tang of the blue cheese butter. And my kids just love flank steak. —Gwen Wedel, Augusta, Michigan
BBQ Country Ribs
I created this country ribs recipe many years ago when I adapted a sauce I saw in a magazine. The original called for much more oil. I usually triple the sauce and keep some in my freezer to use on chicken, beef or pork. —Barbara Gerriets, Topeka, Kansas
Grilled Maple Pork Chops
Pork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota
Honey Chipotle Ribs
Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
Tangy Barbecue Wings
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet taste of Carolina barbecue chicken. In fact, my sons are more likely to show up to dinner if they know I'm serving this slow cooker recipe. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
North Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce
Blending two vinegars helps re-create the BBQ sauce we love from my mother’s North Carolina roots. — Gloria McKinley, Lakeland, Florida
"Secret's in the Sauce" BBQ Ribs
A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Barbecued Beef Brisket
A guest at the RV park and marina my husband and I used to run gave me this flavorful brisket recipe. It's become the star of countless meal gatherings, from potlucks to holiday dinners. Husband Ed and our five grown children look forward to it as much as our Christmas turkey. —Bettye Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered how to cook thick pork chops, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken
Springtime brings back memories of rhubarb that grew beside my childhood home. When I found ruby red stalks in the store, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a big thumbs up. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida
Quick Barbecued Beans
Baked beans are a simple, classic recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
My family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lieutenant William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells "home" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy
Beer Can Chicken
You'll be proud to serve this stand-up chicken at any family gathering. Treated with a savory rub and then roasted over a beer can for added moisture, it’s so tasty you’ll want to call dibs on the leftovers! —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Southwest Steak
Lime juice tenderizes the steak while garlic, chili powder and red pepper flakes kick things up. My husband and I came up with this together as something lighter to make on the grill. —Caroline Shively, Alexandria, Virginia
