Pellet Grills vs Gas Grills Direct Comparison Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to grilling, nothing beats the taste of a perfect steak or the experience of cooking burgers for friends during a summer barbecue. And while many people enjoy grilling outdoors, others prefer to cook indoors because of weather conditions. If you’re looking for a way to add some variety to your outdoor cooking routine, we suggest trying one of these great grilling options.
While both pellet and gas grills offer similar features, each has its advantages over the other. So let’s take a look at how they compare.
Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill: The Quick Answer
The main difference between gas and pellet grills is the type of fuel they use: pellets vs gas. But this small difference does create some important distinctions. A gas grill is typically cheaper and faster than a pellet grill because it doesn’t require electricity to operate. This makes gas grills perfect for those who don’t have access to power outlets. They can also reach much higher temperatures than pellet grills, making them ideal for cooking steaks and burgers. However, gas grills do tend to produce less smoke than pellet grills.
But if you just want a basic back yard grill for summer parties, you are probably looking for a gas grill. But if you want to truly master that one-of-a kind smoky grill flavor, you need a pellet grill.- Pellet grills can in fuse the food with flavor through the pellets and are also able to essentially double as a smoker. So if you just want a standard backyard grill for summer parties, you are probably looking for a gas grill.- If you want to truly master that one-of-a kind smoky grill flavor, you need a pellet grill.
The Difference Between Pellet and Gas Grills
When it comes to grilling, there are many factors to consider. One factor is how much space you have to cook food. If you don’t have enough room, a pellet grill might be the better option. A pellet grill uses pellets rather than propane to heat up the cooking chamber. This makes it easier to use because you won’t have to worry about refilling tanks or running out of propane.
Another important consideration is whether you want to grill indoors or outdoors. An outdoor grill is perfect for those warm summer days, but it needs to be set up outside. Indoor grills are great for those cold winter nights because you can keep the temperature inside where you like it without having to worry about weather conditions.
If you do decide to go with an indoor grill, make sure that you choose one that is designed to work well with pellets. Some models come pre-assembled, while others require some assembly. Make sure that you assemble the unit correctly because you’ll want to avoid damaging the internal components.
A third consideration is the type of fuel used. Most pellet grills use natural wood pellets, but some models use compressed sawdust or even corn cob dust. These fuels burn hotter and faster than standard charcoal briquettes, making them ideal for high-temperature cooking such as searing steaks. Other grills use propane, which burns slower than natural wood pellets. Propane grills tend to be less expensive, but they aren’t as efficient as pellet grills.
Finally, consider the size of the grill. Smaller units are good for smaller families or people who don’t plan on doing a lot of entertaining. Larger units are great for larger groups, especially if you plan on hosting parties often.
Pellet Grill
A pellet grill is one of those kitchen appliances that seems like it belongs in a science fiction movie. But it’s actually very real, and it’s been around since the 1950s. A pellet grill uses a combination of heat and smoke to give foods a distinctive smoky taste. You don’t even need to use charcoal; pellets work just fine.
The best part about pellet grills is that they’re easy to set up and operate. They come with a hopper that holds the pellets, a thermostat, and a cooking area. Some models include a fan and vents to help circulate air throughout the unit. Just add some food and let nature take its course.
How does a pellet grill work?
A pellet grill works in a very similar way to a traditional charcoal grill. You start off by lighting the coals inside the firepot. This takes about 20 minutes. Then you place the food onto the cooking grate above the firepot. When it reaches the desired temperature, you flip the food over and close the lid.
What are pellet grills most used for?
A pellet grill is a type of smoker designed to allow you to smoke food over low heat. They’re typically fueled by compressed sawdust, wood chips, or similar materials. There are many types of pellet smokers out there, each with their own unique design and features. Some are better suited for smoking large cuts of meat while others are best for smaller items like chicken breasts.
The flavor of the smoked product depends on what fuel source you choose. Sawdust tends to give off a sweet smoky flavor while hardwood gives off a stronger, more savory aroma. If you want to try something completely different, consider adding fruit wood chips to your next meal. Fruit wood flavors tend to add a fruity note to your dish without overpowering it.
What are some good brands?
While gas and electric grills dominate the market, pellet grills have been gaining popularity over the past few years. Pellets burn cleaner and produce less smoke than charcoal. They’re easy to use and maintain, and you don’t need to worry about replacing fuel. Plus, pellets are much easier to store than charcoal briquettes.
You’ll find an increasing number manufacturers making pellet grilling systems. Some of the best include:
Traeger Grills
Yoder
MAK
Rec Tec
There are many different types of pellet grills, including portable models, tabletop units, countertop grills, and even outdoor ones. Most come with built-in features like temperature controls, timers, and digital displays. If you want something that looks great too, check out our favorite grill covers.
Pros and Cons
Flavor gas is odorless and will add no extra flavors to your food. This makes it perfect for grilling meats because there won’t be any smokey taste.
The pellets are easy to use and convenient. You simply place them inside the chamber and turn the dial to select the desired heat level. Once you’ve selected the correct setting, just sit back and relax while the grill does the rest.
This type of cooker doesn’t require constant attention, making it ideal for those who love to cook but hate cleaning up afterward.
Versatility is one of the best things about this device. Because it works like a regular grill, you can cook anything you’d normally do on a stovetop or oven.
Cons
– Cost: The price tag is high, especially compared to traditional smokers.
– Maintenance: If you’re not careful, you could end up spending too much money on repairs.
– Smoke: While gas grills don’t emit as much smoke as charcoal grills, they still leave behind a slight smell.
How to Cook With a Pellet Grill
To get started using a pellet grill, first make sure you know how to operate it properly. Start by turning the unit on and adjusting the settings. Next, load the hopper with pellets and set the desired cooking temperature. Finally, wait until the pellets reach the proper temperature before placing the food in the grill.
When you’re ready to start cooking, remove the lid and place your food directly onto the grate. Close the lid and let the food cook for the amount of time specified. When done, open the lid and serve!
Cons
Of Pellet Grilling vs Gas Grilling – Which Is Better?”
If you’re looking for a pellet grill, there are many options out there, including some very affordable ones. But how do you know what features you want in a pellet grill? What about size? How much does it cost? Here are some things to consider when choosing a pellet grill.
Price: Pellet grilling definitely comes at a higher initial price compared to gas grilling. However, it’s a small increase, not an exponential increase. If you look around online, you’ll find plenty of deals on pellet grills. Some people even sell used ones on Craigslist for less than $200. There are even some really good deals on brand-new models. So don’t let the price scare you off.
Size: You might think that a larger model would mean better performance, but this isn’t necessarily true. A bigger grill doesn’t always mean better cooking. In fact, sometimes smaller grills perform better because they cook faster. For example, a Big Green Egg is a great option if you like to cook large quantities of food at once. On the other hand, a smaller Traeger works well for those who prefer to cook smaller meals.
Power: Pellet grilles need to be plugged into a wall outlet. This means that while the absence of a propane tank make them easy to transport, it requires a power source wherever you travel.
Durability: A pellet grill is meant to be outdoors. They aren’t built to withstand extreme weather conditions. If you live somewhere where freezing temperatures occur, you won’t be able to use a pellet grill outside. Also, pellet grills tend to be heavier than gas grills, making them harder to move around.
Convenience: Most gas grills are portable. You can take them with you anywhere. Pellet grills require a plug. While this is convenient, it’s also inconvenient. You’ll have to unplug the grill whenever you leave home.
So, which is better? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for in a pellet grill. If you’re interested in convenience, portability, and durability, a gas grill is probably best. If you want something that cooks quickly and efficiently, a pellet grill is a better choice.
Gas Grill
What is a gas grill?
A gas grill is one of those things that seems like it ought to be simple enough to figure out, but turns out to be anything but. There are many different kinds of gas grills available, and they each serve a specific purpose. Here’s what you need to know about gas grills.
What types of gas are used?
Most gas grills use liquid petroleum gas (LP), which is similar to propane. You can find out how much fuel you have left by looking at the gauge on the tank. If there isn’t enough, you’ll need to buy some more.
Natural gas is piped directly to homes, so you don’t need a connection to your home like you do with LP. However, you still need to make sure you have a working meter installed.
You can convert your LP grill into one that uses natural gas by purchasing a conversion kit. These kits come with a regulator, valve, and adapter pipe.
How does a gas grill work?
To use a gas grill, first you must connect the gas to the grill. This is usually done by turning on the valve that controls gas flow to the burner. Then open the gas supply pipe so that the gas flows freely into the grill. Next, turn on the burners to start heating up the surface of the food. After about 10 minutes, the food is ready.
You may want to use briquettes to help distribute the heat better. These are small pieces of charcoal that look like little rocks. They are placed under the cooking grate to provide even distribution of heat.
As with pellet grills there is no direct contact between the feet and the flames. Instead, the heat is transferred through the bottom plate of the grill.
What are they used for?
Gas grills come in many sizes and shapes. They range from a single burner to multiple burners. Some even include a rotisserie attachment. Gas grills are great because they cook food quickly without having to turn it over. This makes them perfect for foods like burgers, steaks, chicken breasts, fish fillets, etc.
There are many accessories and attachments for gas grills that make them versatile enough to use for almost anything. A few common ones include a sear burner, a smoke box, a rotisserie, and a side shelf. These accessories help you achieve certain cooking styles such as searing, smoking, roasting, baking, and barbecuing.
You can find a small 2 burner grill at a very low price, or you can go all out and buy a large 6 burner grill for significantly more. If you want to know what type of gas grill you need, start thinking about how many burners do you need and if you want any additional accessories.
What are some good brands?
Weber is the most popular brand among gas grills, according to Consumer Reports. But it’s not hard to find quality grills from other companies like Char-Broil, Coleman, and Dyna-Gloo. You’ll want to check the reviews online to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.
Pros and Cons
The best part about grilling is that it doesn’t take long to cook food. Grills are perfect for outdoor parties because they’re easy to set up and use. Gas grills are often easier to clean than charcoal grills, too. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, either.
Gas grills are great for people who want to spend less money on their grill. If you buy a cheap gas grill, you won’t end up with something that lasts forever. But there are many affordable options out there.
If you want to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck, look for a model that offers multiple burners. These grills allow you to control how hot each burner gets, giving you more flexibility when it comes to cooking different foods.
Cons
of Gas Grilling – What You Need To Know Before Buying A Grill”
Gas grills are great because they allow you to cook outdoors without having to worry about weather conditions. However, there are some cons of gas grilling that you should know before buying one.
Features Face-to-Face
The best pellet grills are versatile enough to handle almost anything you throw at it. But there are some things that aren’t worth sacrificing performance for.
We tested nine different models from five brands to find out what makes one better than another. We looked at cooking temperature range, flavor of food cooked, ease of use, convenience, price, and even whether or not it had a built-in thermometer.
Temperature Control
Gas grills have a few features working against them when it come to temperature control and regulation; namely, they are less insulated, less able to retain heat, and less able to regulate temperatures. They do, however, provide a lot of versatility in terms of cooking styles and food types. For example, gas grills allow you to cook foods quickly without having to preheat the grill. This allows you to make quick meals while still maintaining high quality. In addition, gas grills allow for easy cleanup because there aren’t many parts to clean up. However, gas grills don’t give you much control over temperature. If you want precise control over temperature, you’ll need to use a pellet grill.
Winner: Pellet Grill
The pellet grill is king of outdoor cooking. It does everything better than traditional charcoal grills and it doesn’t require you to lug around a bunch of wood chips. But there are still some things that traditional grilling beats out the pellet grill for. Here are five reasons why the pellet grill wins.
1. Temperature Control
A pellet grill allows you to set the exact temperature you want to cook at. Traditional grills usually rely on vents to regulate heat, but those vents tend to blow hot air into your food rather than keeping it warm. A pellet grill lets you dial in exactly how much heat you want to use.
2. Gas Grills Aren’t As Good At Keeping Food Warm
Gas grills don’t work nearly as well as pellet grills at keeping food warm once it’s cooked. This makes sense because gas grills aren’t designed to keep food warm. They’re meant to provide a lot of heat very quickly.
3. You Can Cook More Than Just Meat
You can cook almost anything on a pellet grill. You can even make bread without having to wait for the oven to preheat. And you can do it all while sitting down.
Temperature Range
The temperature ranges vary widely depending on what you want to grill. A pellet grill cooks best around 200-450 degrees Fahrenheit. This is where it excels. Above that, the pellets start to burn and smoke. Below that, the food takes too long to cook properly.
Gas grills can reach much higher temperatures. Some gas grills can hit 700 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can barely make it to 500 degrees. These grills tend to work better at lower temperatures because they have better heat retention.
Winner: Gas Grills
While pellet grills do offer a wider variety of temperatures, gas grills are better suited to cook food quickly. They tend to be easier to use, too. Pellets take longer to light up and burn down, while gas burns hotter and faster. You can adjust the heat level of a pellet grill, but you can’t change the temperature of a gas grill.
The best gas grills come with digital controls, allowing you to set the desired temperature without having to fiddle around with knobs. Some models even allow you to monitor the internal temperature of the grill via a display screen. If you’re looking for something bigger, some gas grills include a warming rack that allows you to keep foods warm while they finish cooking.
Run Time (Before Refueling)
A standard size pellet grill can hold around eight pounds of pellets. That’s enough to feed four people for roughly eight hours, assuming you’re using a low heat setting. If you want to keep it going for longer periods of time, you’ll probably need to refill the hopper. Pellets are cheap, so there’s no reason not to do it often.
Gas grills can usually handle up to twenty pounds of fuel per hour, depending on how much charcoal you’ve got stored inside. This is enough to keep a single burner going for about 20 hours. You might even get away with refilling every few hours. But if you plan on doing multiple back-to-backs, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have plenty of fuel on hand.
Winner: Gas Grills
Gas grills are one of those things you either love or hate. If you love it, you probably use it every weekend. But if you don’t like it, you’re probably thinking about getting rid of it. So what do you do when you want to replace it? Well, you could go out and buy another one, but why bother when you can just rent one? Renting a grill gives you the freedom to cook whenever you want without having to worry about cleaning up afterwards. Plus, there are plenty of options to choose from. And if you decide to return it, you won’t have to pay anything extra.
Flavor Of Food
The pellets used in pellet grills can transfer a great deal flavor onto the food being prepared. Different types of wood used can produce wonderful flavor combinations as well, creating unique tastes.
Gas grills do not use pellets and are less able replicate the smoky effect through their add-ons. These grills rely solely on the meat and any seasonings to do the job. They do not contribute bad flavor, but rather rely on the meat itself and seasoning to do the work.
Winner: Pellet Grill
The main advantage of pellet grills over gas grills is the ability of the former to deliver great flavors. Gas grills are generally used for quick cooking, while pellet grills take longer to heat up, and therefore allow you to cook food for hours without having to worry about it burning.
While there are many different types of pellet grill models out there, most come with three parts: a hopper, a firebox, and a smoke box. A hopper holds the pellets, and the firebox heats those pellets up. Once heated, the pellets pass into the smoke box where they burn, creating smoke. This smoke travels through vents in the smoke box and exits the grill via chimneys located on either side of the grill.
Cooking Options
The best pellet grills offer a wide range of cooking options. Some models include a rotisserie, side burner, griddle, and even a smoke box. These are great for making pizza, baking bread, roasting vegetables, and smoking meats.
Gas grills are just as versatile. They allow you to use a variety of different types of fuel including propane, natural gas, charcoal, wood pellets, and liquid petroleum. This gives you tons of flexibility in how you want to prepare food.
Both pellet grills and traditional gas grills can be outfitted with lots of cool features. For example, many models now feature digital controls, WiFi connectivity, remote controls, and even touchscreen displays.
Winner: Pellet Grill
The most important thing to consider when choosing a pellet grill is whether it allows you to cook food directly over burning wood pellets. If you want to use a charcoal chimney, make sure your grill does too. Many grills don’t allow you to cook directly over firewood because they lack a built-in chimney. Some grills even require you to buy a separate unit to convert into a charcoal chimney.
Value
vs “Cheap”: Which Pellet Grill Is Right For You?”
Gas grills are definitely cheaper per pound than pellet grills, but what about overall cost? How much do you want to spend on a grill? What features are most important to you? If you’re looking for something inexpensive, look no further than the $100-$200 range. These models usually include basic features like a rotisserie, temperature control, and a few cooking surfaces. They won’t provide you with many options, but they’ll keep you warm during those cold winter months.
If you’d rather save money while still getting great performance, consider buying a used pellet grill. Used pellet grills are often priced lower than new ones, and they come with warranties. Plus, you can customize your grill to suit your needs.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are some very expensive pellet grills. Many of these models offer a ton of bells and whistles, including multiple burners, built-in ovens, and even WiFi connectivity. Some of these grills start at over $1,500. While it might seem like you’re paying more for more features, you could actually be saving money. A lot of these extras aren’t necessary for everyday use, and you don’t necessarily need to pay extra for them.
The best part about choosing a pellet grill is that you can find one that fits almost any budget. There are plenty of affordable models out there, ranging from under $300 to well into the thousands. So whether you’re looking for a low-cost option or a premium model, we’ve got you covered.
Winner: Pellet Grill
We’re calling this one for pellets because we think the quality-value proposition is really good here. You’ll pay less money for a better product, and you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck. And while some people like to cook with charcoal, we think that most people don’t want to spend hours tending a fire every day. A pellet grill lets you do that, and it does it well.
But if you just want to save money, you could go with a smaller gas grill. They tend to be cheaper, and you won’t miss out on much in terms of cooking performance. But if you care about how food tastes, a pellet grill is probably worth the extra cash.
Ease of Use:
“Charcoal Grills vs Pellet Grills”
At the end of the day these are both pretty easy. They’re both great for beginners because you don’t have to do anything special to prepare food. You just throw some ingredients onto the grate, turn up the heat, and let the magic happen.
Both grills ask you to start a fire, though. And while charcoal grills usually require a lighter fluid starter, pellet grills don’t. So if you want to skip the hassle of starting a fire, go with a pellet grill.
You’ll still have to clean up the mess, however. A charcoal grill leaves behind ash and carbon particles. But pellet grills produce no ash, so there’s nothing left behind except for smoke.
So if you want to avoid cleaning up after yourself, choose a pellet grill. It will make your life easier.
Cooking Area:
“Charcoal vs Pellet Grills – Cooking Area”
This is where things get interesting. The size of the cooking area is going to depend on which type of grill you buy.
Gas grills typically have larger cooking areas than charcoal grills. This means that you can fit more food inside the grill at once.
If you’re planning on making lots of meals at once, then you should definitely look at a gas grill. Otherwise, you may not need as large an area.
A pellet grill has a small cooking area compared to a gas grill. That means that you can only cook so many items at once.
Winner: Pellet Grill
The winner of our recent pellet grill giveaway is…the Camp Chef Smoke Pro Pellet Grill! This model features a digital temperature control system, allowing you to set the desired cooking temperature, monitor the progress of your food, and adjust the heat level as needed. You’ll never have to worry about burning meat again.
This model includes a side burner, making it perfect for grilling burgers and hot dogs. A removable drip tray allows easy cleanup and prevents grease build up. And the included thermometer lets you know exactly how much time you’ve got left.
Convenience:
Pellets vs. Gas Grilling – Which Is Better?”
When it comes to convenience, there are several factors to consider. We looked at ease of use, cooking options and fuel type. Here’s what we found.
Ease of Use
The biggest difference between pellet grills and gas grills is how easy they are to operate. Pellet grills require no special tools or accessories. They’re ready to go once you’ve filled them up with pellets.
Gas grills, however, require additional equipment like a propane tank, regulator, hose, and nozzle. Once you fill up the tank, you’ll need to connect everything together and light the burners. This takes a little longer than filling up a pellet grill and lighting it up.
Cooking Options
Each type offers unique advantages. Pellet grills offer a wide range of cooking options, including smoking, baking, broiling, griddling, and even slow roasting.
Gas grills can do most of those things, too, but they lack the ability to smoke. If you want to make bacon or ribs, you’ll need to buy another appliance.
Winner: Pellet Grill
The winner of our review roundup is the Traeger Pro Series 3400 pellet grill. This model is perfect for those looking for a versatile outdoor cooker that offers great performance and features. It won in both the ease of use category and the overall quality category.
The Wrap Up
If you’re looking for a pellet grill, there are plenty out there. But what makes one better than another? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite pellet grills based on price, ease of use, cooking versatility, durability, and overall quality. And while we did look into electric grills, we found that most of those models aren’t worth it unless you plan on doing serious outdoor cooking. So without further ado, here are our picks for best pellet grills under $500.