Grilling season is here! And whether you’re flipping burgers for the family or slow-smoking ribs, the right grill makes all the difference.
But with so many choices – charcoal, propane, pellet, griddle – how do you know which one’s right for you? Read on to find your perfect match because good grilling shouldn’t be complicated.
Grill Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different grill types and their features:
| Grill Type | Flavor | Ease of Use | Portability | Cleanup | Best For |
| Charcoal | Bold, smoky | Moderate (takes practice) | High (especially with smaller models) | Messy (ash to dump) | Traditional BBQ lovers who enjoy the process |
| Propane | Mild, clean taste | Very easy | High (great for tailgates) | Quick (no ash) | Busy families and casual grillers |
| Pellet | Deep wood-smoked | Very easy (set and forget) | Low (heavier and needs power) | Moderate (grease cleanup) | Low-and-slow cooks and flavor chasers |
| Griddle | No smoke, crispy edges | Very easy | Moderate (check size/weight) | Easy (flat surface wipe-down) | Foodies and entertainers who love variety |
Now, let’s take a closer look at each grill type and why it may be perfect for your next cookout.
Charcoal Grills: Traditional and Bold
There’s just something about the smell of a charcoal grill firing up that says, “Summer’s here.” It’s classic, it’s bold, and it’s been the go-to method for backyard BBQ lovers for decades.
If you’re the type who likes to take your time and enjoy the process, charcoal might be your style.
Why People Love Charcoal Grills
- Smoky flavor: That wood-fired taste is tough to beat. If you’re after bold, rich flavor, charcoal delivers every time.
- High heat: Perfect for getting a great sear on steaks, burgers, or veggies.
- Simple tools, big results: No need for fancy knobs or buttons. Just coals, a lighter, and a little patience.
Things To Think About
- Charcoal takes longer to heat up – usually around 15 to 30 minutes.
- Cleanup is a bit messier than propane or pellet grills.
- There’s a learning curve, especially if you’re juggling temps with vents and lid positions.
How long should charcoal burn before grilling?
Give your coals about 15–20 minutes after lighting. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re mostly white or gray and glowing red underneath. That’s your signal to spread them out and get cooking.
What’s better for charcoal grilling: lump charcoal or briquettes?
It depends on your cooking style and how much control you want. Lump charcoal is made from wood and burns hotter and faster, which produces more intense heat and a bit of wilder flame. On the other hand, briquettes are uniform in shape and size, so they burn longer and more evenly.
If you like dialing in your temps for a long cook, go with briquettes. If you’re after high-heat sears, lump charcoal is the way to go.
Is it healthy to cook on a charcoal grill?
Yes, as long as you cook your food properly and keep flare-ups in check. Avoid cooking meats directly over high flames for too long, and clean your grill regularly to cut down on burnt-on residue.
Charcoal Grill Spotlight
Here are two charcoal grill favorites worth checking out:
Weber Original Premium 22″ Kettle Charcoal Grill
This is the classic backyard grill most folks picture when they think “charcoal.” It’s got a roomy cooking surface, a built-in lid thermometer, and Weber’s One-Touch cleaning system that makes ash cleanup way easier than it used to be.
Weber, Black 22" Original Premium Kettle Charcoal Grill
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Weber Smokey Joe 14″ Portable Charcoal Grill
Don’t let the size fool you. This little grill can handle a full meal for two and still fit in the trunk. It’s perfect for camping, tailgates, or beach days.
Propane Grills: Quick and Convenient
If you like grilling fast, easy, and mess-free, a propane grill might be your new best friend.
Just turn the knob, hit the ignition, and you’re cooking in minutes. That’s what makes propane grills such a solid pick for weeknight dinners, impromptu BBQs, and anyone who wants more time eating and less time prepping.
Why People Love Propane Grills
- Fast start-up: Flip it on, fire it up, and you’re ready to go in under 10 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: No ashes or spent pellets. Just shut off the tank and give the grates a quick brush.
- Great for everyday grilling: From burgers to kabobs, propane gives you steady, controllable heat for all your go-to meals.
Things To Think About
- Doesn’t offer the same smoky flavor you get from charcoal or pellet grilling.
- Requires a propane tank – so it’s smart to keep a backup on hand.
- Less ideal for slow-smoking or long cooks.
Is there a difference between a gas grill and a propane grill?
Not really. “Gas grill” is a general term, while “propane grill” is more specific. Some gas grills can be hooked up to natural gas lines at home, but unless specified, a gas grill usually means propane by default.
Is propane better than charcoal?
The answer depends on your priorities. Propane is better for convenience, but if smoky flavor is your top priority, charcoal still wins that round.
Is it healthier to grill on a gas grill than a charcoal grill?
Propane gas grills tend to produce fewer flare-ups and less smoke than charcoal grills, which can reduce exposure to certain compounds formed during high-heat cooking. Still, the healthiest option comes down to how you grill – trim the fat, avoid charring, and clean your grates regularly.
Propane Grill Spotlight
Whether you’re cooking for two or a whole crew, there’s a model to match your setup:
Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner LP Gas Grill
This Weber gas grill has more burners, room, and prep space, making it an excellent pick for weekend BBQs or feeding a crowd.
Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner LP Gas Grill
This is a compact, reliable option with plenty of cooking power. It is ideal for patios or smaller families who grill often.
Weber, Spirit II E-210 2-Burner LP Gas Grill
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Weber Go-Anywhere LP Gas Grill
Small but mighty, this portable propane grill is perfect for camping, tailgating, or picnics in the park.
Weber Go Anywhere LP Gas BBQ Grill
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Pellet Grills: Flavor and Technology Combined
If you’re the kind of cook who loves bold flavor and gadgets that make life easier, a pellet grill might be your perfect match.
These grills use compressed wood pellets as fuel, feeding them into a firepot with an electric auger. The result? Consistent, smoky heat with just the press of a button.
Why People Love Pellet Grills
- Precision temperature control: Set it and forget it, just like your indoor oven. Whether you’re slow-smoking ribs or roasting a chicken, you get steady heat throughout the cook.
- Wood-smoked flavor: Pellet grills give food that rich, smoky taste you’d expect from a traditional smoker without all the guesswork.
- Ease of use: You don’t need to babysit the fire. Just load the hopper, choose your temp, and let the grill do its thing.
Things To Think About
- Pellet grills require electricity, so you’ll need an outlet (or generator if you’re off-grid).
- They’re typically less portable than propane or charcoal options.
- Pellets come in different wood types (like hickory, apple, and mesquite), which means more choices and, sometimes, more decisions.
Is there a difference between a pellet smoker and a pellet grill?
Not really. Pellet grills and pellet smokers are often used interchangeably. Most pellet grills can both smoke and grill. The key difference is how hot they can get. Some models are better at searing than others, but they all give you that signature wood-smoked flavor.
How long will a 40 lb bag of pellets last in a pellet stove?
It depends on the cooking temperature. At low temps (around 225°F), a 40-lb bag can last up to 40 hours. At higher heat (like 400°F+), you’ll burn through it faster, so it’s more like 10–20 hours.
Do pellets smoke better than wood chips?
Yes. Pellets typically provide a longer, more consistent smoke than wood chips. Because pellets are compact and uniform, they burn more steadily. Wood chips can burn quickly and may need to be added more often during long cooks.
Pellet Grill Spotlight
Whether you’re grilling at home or on the go, there’s a model built for your style:
Traeger Timberline XL Wi-Fire Pellet Grill
This is the top-tier pick for serious BBQ fans. It offers tons of cooking space, smart features, and durable construction for year-round grilling.
Timberline XL Wi-Fi Controlled Wood Pellet Grill
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Traeger Ironwood 885 Pellet Grill
Designed with upgraded insulation and Super Smoke mode, this one’s made for flavor lovers who like to get serious about their smoking.
Traeger, Ironwood 885 Series Pellet BBQ Grill
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Traeger Texas Pro Series Pellet Grill
Big grill with big flavor. A great choice if you’re cooking for a crowd and want reliable performance from a classic Traeger setup.
Traeger Pro Series 780 (Bronze) & Traeger Pro 575 (Bronze or Standard)
These mid-sized grills balance space and convenience. They’re among the best pellet grills for home cooks who want tech features without overcomplicating things.
Traeger Tailgater 20 & Ranger Portable Pellet Grills
Built for life on the go, these portable pellet grills are perfect for tailgates, camping trips, and small-space cooking. Both deliver that signature Traeger flavor, even when you’re far from home.
Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Pellet Grill
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Traeger, Ranger Portable Grill
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Griddle Grills & Combos: Versatile Outdoor Cooking
If you’ve ever wished your grill could handle pancakes in the morning and burgers at night, it might be time to check out a griddle grill.
Unlike traditional grills with open grates, griddles have a flat, solid surface – more like a big outdoor frying pan. That means no more veggies falling through the cracks and a whole new world of meals you can make outside.
Why People Love Griddle Grills
- Solid surface cooking: Great for foods you’d usually make on the stovetop. Think eggs, bacon, fried rice, or stir-fry.
- Even heat across the surface: No hot spots or flare-ups.
- No grill marks, but big flavor: You don’t get that smoky char, but you do get crisp edges and great sears, especially for smash burgers.
Things To Think About
- Griddles don’t produce smoke flavor like charcoal or pellet grills.
- No grates means no grill marks, which some people miss (especially on steaks).
- Grease management is important – make sure the model has a built-in trap or channel.
Are griddles as good as grills?
That depends on what you’re cooking. Griddles shine when making foods that need a flat surface or fast sear. But a traditional grill would suit you better if you’re after smoky flavor and grill marks.
What can’t you cook on a griddle?
You can cook a lot on a griddle grill, but not everything. Foods that need open flames or smoke (like bone-in ribs, whole chickens, or anything you’d normally slow-smoke) don’t work as well on a flat top.
Is it easier to clean a griddle grill?
Yes, griddles are generally easier to clean than traditional grills. After cooking, just scrape off the surface with a grill scraper and wipe it down. No grates, no ash, no flame guards. Just be sure to season it occasionally and empty the grease trap regularly.
Griddle Grill Spotlight
Here are a few top picks:
Blackstone 36″ 4-Burner Griddle
The crowd-feeding champ. Tons of cooking space and four burners make this one a go-to for big families, parties, or weekend warriors who like to cook everything outside.
Blackstone, Iron Forged 36" 4-Burner Griddle with Hood
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Blackstone 28″ 2-Burner Griddle
A versatile mid-size option that’s big enough for a family breakfast or backyard taco night. Two independently controlled burners let you cook multiple foods at once.
Blackstone, Iron Forged 28" 2-Burner Griddle with Hood
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Blackstone 22″ Heavy-Duty Tabletop Griddle
Portable and powerful, this one’s perfect for tailgating, camping, or just saving space. It still offers two burners and a surprisingly roomy surface.
Blackstone, 22" Heavy Duty Tabletop 2-Burner Griddle
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Pick Your Grill MVP
No matter what kind of grill you choose, the best one is the one that fits your life. Whether you’re craving smoky brisket, sizzling fajitas, or a stack of pancakes, there’s a grill out there that fits the way you like to eat and live.
Need some grilling inspiration? Check out our recipes that are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers!
