Different Types Of Gas Grills (Pros & Cons)
Gas grills are the cheapest to operate compared to other types of grills. They deliver great taste, which is slightly on par with charcoal grills. But if you need to know why, no worries. I will clear up your confusion later in this article.
My article on types of gas grills is definitely for you if you have made up your mind to buy gas grills but need to know which one.
I will provide my insight on different types of gas grills to help you learn about both the bright and dark sides before you buy. So, let’s get started.
What Is Gas Grill?
A gas grill is a charcoal grill alternative powered by natural gas or propane. It uses the same heat source as a charcoal grill but a different fuel source. You can use them in many ways, similar to a charcoal grill, but some are more convenient.
Grills are available in several sizes and features, including infrared and rotisserie grills. Stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and porcelain enameled steel is used to make them. Some models have wheels for more accessible transport from place to place.
Why Should You Use A Gas Grill?
Gas grills will provide you with something exciting and new. The main reason why you should be using a gas grill is the fact that you can use it for a variety of different foods. A gas grill can cook meats and vegetables very quickly, which allows you to get your meal on the table faster than if you were using an electric grill.
You will also save money over time with a gas grill. However, gas grills require less maintenance, last longer, and cost more than other grills. You can expect to pay around $300 to $750 for a new gas grill, but after several years of use, you will have saved yourself hundreds of dollars in energy bills.
Having a gas grill has many benefits. Their main advantage is that they burn cleanly without releasing carcinogens. With a gas grill, there is no risk of breathing in harmful fumes or chemicals while using one. Gas grills produce less smoke than other grills when cooking food over an open flame.
Types Of Gas Grills
The following are the common types of gas grills available in the market:
- Infrared Gas Grills
- Charcoal-Gas Hybrid Grills
- Natural Gas Grills
- Propane Gas Grills
Let’s explore them one by one in detail:
Propane Gas Grill
Propane gas grills are popular for those who want to grill indoors. These grills are easier to use and more efficient than charcoal grills. In addition, they are also safer than charcoal grills because propane does not produce smoke when you cook on it. Some people prefer the ease of cooking with propane, but others like the flavor produced by charcoal.
You use them with an electric starter or with a hand crank. Propane gas grills are available in many sizes, from small ones that burn only 1 gallon of propane to large ones that burn up to 10 gallons at once. You can choose one that suits your home decor in various styles and colors.
What Are The Advantages Of a Propane Gas Powered Grill?
The benefits of owning a propane gas grill include the following:
What Are The Drawbacks Of Propane Gas Grill?
The drawbacks of a propane gas grill are:
Who Should Buy A Propane Gas Grill?
A propane gas grill is a good investment for anyone who wants to cook food at home. The grill can be used for grilling and barbecuing, so it is a versatile piece of equipment that you can use year-round. The primary advantage of owning a propane gas grill is convenience and affordability.
With an electric grill, you have to keep the power on whenever you need to use it, but with a propane grill, you do not have to worry about it running out of fuel. Propane burns hotter than electricity, so you can cook more food at once without waiting for the unit to heat up or cool down.
A propane grill is worth considering if you are looking for something that is easy and convenient to use but does not break the bank on gas bills. Propane grills take up a lot of space, so if you need more room in your kitchen or backyard, it is not an option. Keep this point in mind as well.
Natural Gas Grill
A natural gas grill is a kind of gas grill that runs on natural gas. It is an alternative to charcoal, propane, and charcoal briquettes. A natural gas grill has three main components: a burner, a control panel, and a vent system.
A burner functions to produce heat. It can be a standard burner on the grill or built into the cooking chamber. Control panel knobs and dials allow temperature adjustment. Smoke cannot enter your kitchen or home through this vent system, which vents outside air out the back.
What Are The Advantages Of Natural Gas Powered Grill?
The following are the advantages of using a natural gas grill:
What Are The Drawbacks Of Natural Gas Grill?
The drawbacks of the natural gas grill are as follows:
Who Should Buy A Natural Gas Grill?
Natural gas grills are great for people looking to get into grilling but need more space or money to buy a traditional charcoal grill. They are also perfect for people with smaller yards that do not have room for a large grill.
Whether new to grilling or have been doing it for years, natural gas grills offer the simplicity and convenience you get with other grills. The natural gas grill is an excellent choice if you have a large family or entertain guests often.
Charcoal-Gas Hybrid Grill
Charcoal-gas hybrids are compact, portable, and easy-to-use grills. People in many outdoor activities use this kind of grill. They can quickly move it from one place to another and use it anywhere they want.
The charcoal-gas hybrid grill comprises the charcoal grill and the gas grill. There are several different types of gas grills available in the market today, but these two types are most commonly used for grilling food on them.
Charcoal-gas hybrids come in different sizes and shapes depending on their features and functions. Their sizes range from small to large, depending on their application and needs. Examples include offset smokers, kettle grills, vertical grills, and rotisserie ovens, among many others.
What Are The Advantages Of Charcoal-Gas Hybrid Grill?
The advantages of the charcoal-gas hybrid grills are given below:
What Are The Drawbacks Of Charcoal-Gas Hybrid Grill?
These are solid drawbacks of these grills are as follows:
Who Should Buy A Hybrid Charcoal-Gas Grill?
A charcoal-gas grill is a great way to have the best of both worlds. It is small enough to fit on your deck or patio and large enough to cook for your family. The grill can cook up to 50 burgers at once using the indirect method of grilling.
If you are looking for a grill that cooks food quickly, this is the perfect one. You can prepare your food in a matter of minutes and prepare it to eat in no time. Another thing that makes hybrids more convenient is that they can be used indoors and outdoors.
Infrared Gas Grills
The infrared gas grill cooks food using invisible infrared radiation, visible to infrared cameras but invisible to the human eye. A grill emits infrared heat through a metal plate or tube connected to the food it is cooking. Heat is transferred from the grill to cooked food through the metal plate or tube.
Infrared gas grills use radiant or convection heat, depending on your preference. The benefits of radiant heat include the ability to cook multiple pieces of food simultaneously without touching them. Under the flame, a small area of metal is heated to produce a radical area.
What Are The Advantages Of Infrared Gas Grill?
These are the benefits of using an infrared gas grill:
What Are The Drawbacks Of Infrared Gas Grill?
Who Should Buy A Infrared Gas Grill?
Infrared grills can be used by anyone looking to cook something delicious. These grills can improve any meal, from a quick meal to a full-on barbecue. They are perfect for those who want to save time and money and eat healthier meals without sacrificing taste.
It does not matter if you are new to cooking or have been doing it for years. An infrared grill will help you create unique dishes that will impress you. For those who plan to take their grill with them all the time, an infrared grill is a way to go.
Styles Of A Gas Grill
Cooking Surface
These are the types of cooking surfaces in a gas grill:
Flat Tops
Flat tops are the most common style of gas grill. Flat tops are inexpensive to purchase and easy to maintain, but they can be challenging to clean and tend to have uneven heating. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Griddles
Griddles are similar to flat tops but have a smooth cooking surface instead of a flat top grate. They are better for grilling chicken because they provide more even heat and allow for more even cooking than flat tops.
Configuration
You know gas grills can come in a variety of setups, as given below:
Portable Gas Grill
Portable grills are the ones that can easily be moved from one place to another. They are designed to be lightweight and compact, which makes them ideal for outdoor cooking. Portability is also one of their most significant advantages over other grills.
Built-in Gas Grill
A built-in gas grill has been placed inside the house at an interior location, such as a kitchen counter or dining tabletop. These grills are used for cooking food inside your home instead of an outdoor grill that needs space outside your house or apartment building. Built-in gas grills have many features like temperature control, digital display, etc.
Freestanding Gas Grill
The freestanding gas grill is the most basic type, with a side burner and a front-mounted burner. It has a large cooking surface, ideal for families who want to cook a lot of food at once. The freestanding gas grill is also the most affordable option, so it is worth considering if you want to start grilling without spending too much money.
Final Words
Gas grills are so popular nowadays that there is no shortage of models to choose from. Reading specs and reviews can be daunting for anyone looking for the best gas grills. Having the above discussion, the right type of gas grill is the one that suits your needs and matches your budget.
Related: How To Use A Smoke Tube On A Gas Grill