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A BBQ grill’s fuel type is an important detail to consider when making a purchase decision. Why? Because you don’t want to purchase one with a fuel type that you don’t have access to.
Although accessibility is the number one consideration, choosing the right type of fuel for your grill will depend on other factors such as convenience, flavor preferences, budget, and cooking habits. So how do you determine which fuel type is better for you? As appliance nerds, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to help you make that decision, so you can have the best ‘Hot Grill Summer’!
BBQ Grills for Beginners
Whether you’re new to barbecuing and grilling or simply prefer an appliance that’s easier to get fired up, the grills below are the best options for you.
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Propane Grill for Searing Food
Powered by propane gas, propane grills use either a direct flame or indirect heat to cook food, and they are typically more efficient than other types of grills such as charcoal or wood-fired models. Propane grills are also very easy to use and require little maintenance.
This fuel type can reach temperatures as high as 600 °F quickly and evenly, which makes them ideal for searing food to lock in flavor. Propane grills come in a variety of styles – portable, freestanding, and built-in – from top brands such as Napoleon, Lynx, and more.
So, if you want an easy-to-use grill that will give you delicious meals with minimal effort, a propane grill is definitely the way to go!
Natural Gas for Energy Efficient Cooking
Natural gas grills are incredibly efficient and require less energy to heat up — so you'll save money on energy costs while still getting that classic, intense flavor. They’re also safe and easy to use, making them great for beginner grillers.
The hottest average temperature of a natural gas grill is 550 °F, perfect for even cooking of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and other BBQ food favourites. Plus, natural gas grills are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance — so you can enjoy delicious grilled meals all summer long!
Just like propane grills, natural gas grills come in a variety of styles to accommodate different lifestyles. You can find portable, freestanding, and built-in grills from great brands like DCS, Wolf, and more.
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Electric Grills for Stress Free Fuel Source
Electric grills are beginner-friendly and the perfect way to enjoy delicious, flavorful meals without all the fuss. They use electricity as fuel, meaning you get intense heat with minimal effort. With the right care and maintenance, electric grills can last for many years.
Some models can get as hot as 600 °F or higher. However, most electric grills’ highest average temperature is 500 °F. It’s great for cooking and roasting ribs, pork shoulders, pork loins, chicken, fish, and vegetables. This fuel type is usually available on portable or freestanding grill styles, and are the best option for small outdoor spaces like an apartment’s balcony because they don’t take up a lot of space and are less hazardous.
Like propane and natural gas, electric grills offer easy ignition but may not provide a smoky flavor like charcoal or wood pellet grills.
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Learn more about this Portable 32 inch BBQ >>
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Learn more about this Portable 27 inch BBQ >>
BBQ Grills for a Traditional Smokey Taste
We won’t bore you with the history of barbecuing, but just know that using wood to cook delicious meals has been around for a very long time. Unlike the modern fuel types listed above, this group may require a bit more effort to get fired up, but the smokey flavor it produces is timeless and unique.
Charcoal Grill for Delicious Smokey Flavors
Charcoal briquettes, which are made of wood heated in an oxygen-starved environment, are the most popular choice of fuel for a backyard grill. A charcoal grill is famous for the rich, smoky flavor it gives to whatever food is cooked on it.
They can reach a maximum temperature of 1200 °F! The intense heat and direct contact with smoke adds an unmistakable taste that can't be replicated in any other way. It is the perfect grill for smoking meat.
They are usually portable and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips or other outdoor cooking activities. Charcoal grills are also extremely affordable, so anyone can enjoy its cooking benefits without breaking the bank. So, if you want to experience the joys of outdoor cooking, a charcoal grill is an excellent choice.
However, keep in mind that this grill requires more time to get fired up, unlike its propane, natural gas, and electric counterparts. A small price to pay for mouthwatering smokey flavors.
View available charcoal grills >>
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Wood Pellet Grill for a Faster Start to Meat Smoking
Using wood pellets, which are compressed hardwood sawdust, as fuel for your grill is a great way to cook delicious meals with authentic flavors that will wow your family and friends. The smoky aroma of wood-cooked food will make your backyard BBQ the talk of the neighborhood!
Wood pellets heat up fast like its propane, natural gas, and electric counterparts, but also provide the smokey flavours you get from charcoal grills.
However, with 500 °F being the highest average temperature it can reach, a pellet grill doesn’t get as hot as the other grills. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It simply means that this fuel type provides controlled and consistent heat for cooking any dish without worry of burnt exteriors. It’s perfect for slow roasting of meat and barbecuing.
Pellet grills are often made in a freestanding style, so they're flexible and can be installed anywhere within your outdoor space. Brands such as Traeger have elevated pellet grills with incredible features such as WIFIRE® Technology adjust temperatures and monitor the progress of your food from anywhere through an app.
Is a pellet grill faster and easier to fire up than a charcoal grill?
Wood pellets are typically easier to get a fired up because they burn faster than charcoal. However, because wood pellets burn faster, you’ll have to replenish them more often than if you were using charcoal.
Overall, wood grilling is an excellent option for a unique and flavorful cooking experience. With the right care and maintenance, wood grills can last for many years — so you can enjoy deliciously flavored food for a long time!
No matter the type of fuel you choose, make sure to always practice safe grilling techniques and follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.
Shop at Trail Appliances for the Best BBQ & Grills
Trail Appliances carries a variety of top BBQ brands such as Napoleon, DCS, Lynx, Traeger and more. Whatever style or fuel type you prefer, we got it! Come explore the options we have in-store or shop online!
