Types of Grills

Use these tips to pick out the best barbeque grill for you based on taste, convenience, and a variety of other factors. With the right equipment and a few safety tips, you'll be grilling away the lazy days of spring and summer like a true pit master in no time.

How Many Different Types of Grills Are There?

Gas Grills

• Require fuel (propane or natural gas)
• Portable, free-standing, or built-in designs
• Easy to use

A convenient and popular choice, gas grills heat up quickly with a little fuel and the turn of a knob. Most foods cook easily on a gas grill, including chicken, burgers, seafood, bone-out proteins, vegetables and fruit. Gas grills generally offer more precise temperature control than classic charcoal grills and come in both large-capacity and portable designs so you can easily find a size that's right for you.

Tip: Natural gas grills run off of natural gas installed in your home, which means they generally aren't portable, but you also won't ever run out of fuel in the middle of a grill session. If you don't have natural gas line installed already, consider the setup costs in your area before committing to a natural gas grill.

Charcoal Grills

• Require fire starter, charcoal (lump or briquettes)
• Classic, smoky flavor
• Intermediate skill

The best type of grill for intermediate or expert grillers, charcoal grills require a fire starter, patience, precision, and of course charcoal. As it burns, charcoal gives hardy foods that classic smoky flavor that grilling is known for, whether you're cooking up burgers, whole fish, steaks, bone-in meats, or extremely dense vegetables. Portable options are easy to pack up and take to tailgates and other outdoor events, too.

Tip: Charcoal takes longer to heat up than gas, but it also burns hotter, which is why these grills can perfectly sear savory foods. Temperature control can be tricky, which is why many people consider charcoal to be the true test of grill mastery.

Electric Grills

• Require power outlet
• Indoor/outdoor designs
• Convenient and portable

Electric grills tend to be smaller than charcoal and gas grills, and all it takes to get them going is a power outlet. They don't create the same complex flavor profiles as other methods, but electric grills still offer intense heat to properly cook and crisp meats and veggies. The most convenient of all the grill styles, electric grills are always portable. Find a model designed for indoor and outdoor use to safely grill in your home or outside, all year long.

Grill Safety Tips

Using your grill incorrectly can be dangerous. Every time you heat yours up, you should practice safe grilling habits. Here are some basic grill safety tips to keep in mind:

• Clean your grill regularly
• Check for gas leaks before igniting a gas grill
• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from structures, trees and overhangs
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in reach at all times
• If you smell gas when cooking on the grill, immediately turn off the tank and burners
• Never leave your grill unattended when lit
• Never overload your grill with food
• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area
• Read the manual that comes with your grill for additional safety precautions

Once you have an idea of what you need out of a grill, compare a few models to make sure you buy the best one for you. Browse and compare a range of gas, charcoal, and electric barbecue grills to really work out which features you need. No matter which type you get, the minute you fire up your grill for the first time, you're going to want to do it again and again all summer long!