What Kind of Grill Should You Get for Your Backyard?

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a novice, there’s a grill for you. But that doesn’t mean every barbeque master should have the same type of grill. 

Some grillers value convenience above all and seek out grills that can accommodate plenty of meats and vegetables at once. Others refuse to sacrifice taste and go for grills that deliver the smoke flavor and char for which this form of cooking is famous. 

If you’re still unsure of what type of grill is best for your backyard, here’s a quick guide. 

If Your Space is Limited, Go With An Electric Grill

What image pops into your head when you hear the word “grill”? You probably picture either a charcoal grill posted near a pavilion at a nearby park or a gas grill on your deck. 

There’s another type of grill that’s slightly less popular but just as effective in cooking food: Electric grills. Electric grills are highly efficient. They heat up quickly and evenly cook food placed on them. Plus, they’re easy to clean up and have a relatively cheap total cost of ownership since you don’t need to periodically repurchase charcoal or refill propane tanks. 

Most importantly, however, electric grills can be used virtually anywhere. Many apartment complexes forbid residents from using charcoal or gas grills to prevent fires. Unlike gas and charcoal grills, electric grills don’t use open flames to cook food. They’re also the smallest type of grill, which makes them the ideal option for an apartment balcony. 

So, while you won’t get the grilled taste of an open-flame grill, you can use electric grills in any location where an outlet is readily accessible. 

If You Need to Grill A Lot of Food Fast, Gas is the Way to Go 

Gas grills are a staple in backyards across the country during the summer. In fact, about 63 percent of homes across the country have a gas grill. And it's easy to understand why. 

For one, they are easy to use. All you need to do is simply turn a knob to your desired temperature and then press a button to ignite the flame. From there, it’s a matter of periodically checking the meats and vegetables you’re grilling to monitor their internal temperature. 

What truly sets gas grills apart from the pack, however, is their grill accessories kits. Many gas grill models include features such as side burners and areas to cook specific types of meats, which makes them the perfect option if you’re planning to cook a large amount of food at once. 

Like electric grills, gas grills don’t leave food with that distinct grilled taste you can only get from charcoal grills. But if you host a lot of summer get-togethers, gas grills are the way to go. 

For Flavor Purists, Charcoal is King

Talk with any seasoned grill master and they will tell you: True grilling can only take place on a charcoal grill. 

Bite into a burger or a chicken breast cooked over a charcoal grill, and you’ll immediately taste the difference. That rich, smoky flavor is only achievable when cooked over charcoal. And here’s the thing: There are many different types of charcoal and smoky flavors to explore. From applewood to cedar and hickory, you have the power to take any dish to a different stratosphere by selecting the right charcoal pairing. 

Now, as tasty as food cooked over a charcoal grill can be, there are some clear downsides. Cooking food over a charcoal grill is much more labor-intensive. You need to constantly monitor the internal temperature of the grill and adjust the vents to raise or lower it accordingly. Charcoal grills are also typically somewhat smaller than gas grills, which can create challenges if you need to cook for many people at once. 

That said, if you’re a patient cook who refuses to compromise when it comes to flavor, charcoal grills are your best bet. 

If You’re Looking For More Versatility, Go With a Kamado Grill 

Not all charcoal grills are built the same, and the Kamado grill is proof of it. 

Kamado grills resemble an egg and are crafted using a thick ceramic material rather than metal, which makes them significantly heavier than a traditional charcoal grill. It also uses hardwood lump charcoal rather than the manufactured form with which most of us are accustomed. As a result of the grill’s thick exterior and heating source, it takes a bit longer than a gas or traditional charcoal grill to preheat—approximately 45 minutes in total. But once it gets going, it burns hot. 

This high heat makes Kamado grills an option for preparing foods you don’t typically associate with grills. For example, some Kamado grill owners will purchase an accessory called a heat deflector. When inserted into the grill, heat deflectors ensure foods are heated from all directions, which makes it possible to bake pizzas, pies, and more. If you’re someone who loves to experiment, a Kamado grill is a can’t-miss choice.

Pellet Grills Combine Grilling and Smoking 

Not everyone can afford to purchase both a grill and a meat smoker. Pellet grills make it so you don’t have to choose one over the other. 

Unlike charcoal grills, pellet grills use wood pellets made from compressed sawdust. They heat up quickly and create clean smoke. A fan within the grill circulates heat and air to cook the food inside in a manner similar to that of a convection oven, which ensures foods are cooked evenly. Plus, their internal temperature control system keeps the food at a consistent temperature from the moment it enters the grill until it is taken out. 

Because pellet grills need a power source, they aren’t the best option if you need to cook on the go. But for delicious, perfectly grilled foods, they are an excellent option.

Find the Grill For You

Whether it’s the middle of winter or the Fourth of July weekend, it’s never a bad time to invest in a grill. Happy grilling!