In 2020 the global outdoor grill market reached a value of $866.3 million. With this growth, the number of options available has also increased. Two of the most popular types of grills are gas grills and pellet grills. If you’re in the market, you’ll want to know which is best for you and why. Comparing a gas grill vs a pellet grill can highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each.
To find out more, keep reading.
Pellet Grill
Pellet grills are often considered more like smokers. They cook food using indirect heat along with a convection fan, not unlike a fan oven. The grill needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet to run the fan and other various features depending on your grill.
The GMG ledge grill, for example, has digital controls and even wifi connectivity which allows you to control it using an iOS or Android device.
Pellet grills smoke foods using wood pellets fed into the auger through a hopper. Many also include a heat baffle which helps keep the heat evenly distributed throughout the grill.
Advantages
Pellet grills are quick and convenient. You just fill the hopper, set the temperature, and then leave it to run. They generally take around 15 minutes to reach cooking temperature.
Pellets are fairly cost-effective, and the fan helps them burn more efficiently. They’re also easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is clean the cooking surfaces regularly and the fire pot occasionally.
Due to the way they work, they’re a very versatile option. Beyond grilling, you can barbecue, smoke, bake, and roast food.
Disadvantages
Unlike other grills, they need to be plugged in. This means they’re generally not suitable for camping. Also, even though you’ll spend less on fuel, a high-quality grill may be a bit more expensive than a gas one.
Wood pellets don’t burn as hot as gas so they won’t sear food as well as other grills. It’s also important to keep a stockpile of pellets simply because there aren’t as many places that sell them. If you run out mid-barbeque, it may be difficult to get moe.
Gas Grill
Gas grills are more common than pellet grills and often come with various features. They use propane or natural gas to cook, with most models using LPG (liquid petroleum gas). This gas is stored in a bottle that can go under or beside the grill.
Advantages
The high temperatures of gas grills make them the best option for grilling. They are fairly easy to use – just connect the bottle, set the heat, and you can get cooking.
A gas grill takes about 10 minutes to reach cooking temperature and because they burn fuel, there is no burnt wood or other debris to clean up.
The wide range of gas grills means they can fit anyone’s budget. Some high-end models have extra features, but even low-end models can still be quite good.
Disadvantages
The gas used is flavorless, so your food won’t get a smokey flavor. They also need good ventilation to work, so they don’t function well as smokers anyway.
When you first get a gas grill figuring out the right temperatures can be tricky, but you’ll get used to this with time. The gas used is also flammable, so there is a safety concern. Check your local regulations before buying one, as some areas don’t permit the use of gas grills.
Which Is Best: Gas Grill vs Pellet Grill
Comparing a gas grill and a pellet grill has advantages and disadvantages. You should compare each one and think about what you want to determine which is the best grill type for you.
If you’re interested in more home and garden articles, check out some of our other blog posts.