10 Different Types of Grills & Their Uses (With Pictures)
Grilling uses different types of heating systems as well as fuel sources. Different types of grills utilize different fuel sources, and each of them comes with their own set of merits and demerits. Some of them can even have an effect on the overall flavor of the food you are cooking. So, let’s take a look at some of the different types of grills that use each of these fuel sources.
Different Types of Grills:
1. Charcoal Grills
There are many reasons why Charcoal grills are a favorite outdoor grilling option. They impart a rich, smoky flavor that foodies crave, and they are also easy to clean. There are a few basic similarities in the operation of all charcoal grills. Toward the bottom of the grill, air intake is located, and it is adjusted manually. When air enters the grill, it passes by the lit charcoal and goes out through another vent at the top of the grill. If you allow more air to enter and exit, the grill will get hotter.
Being able to adjust the air intake and exhaust has its benefits. One of which is that once the temperature becomes constant within your desired cooking temperature zone, it typically remains stabilized and consistent throughout the grilling process, given the grill is provided with enough charcoal to keep it going at that temperature.
This becomes useful, especially when you are cooking tougher cuts of meat for a long time, enabling them to break down into tender meat with exceptionally pronounced tastes.
2. Charcoal Kettle Grills
Kettle grills come in the simple shape of a kettle and have a rounded bottom, stand, grill grates, and a tight, removable lid. Kettle grills are one of the most well-known types of charcoal grills. Charcoal goes on a small elevated grate at the bottom of the grill. This small grate allows the ash and other cooking debris to fall away from the heat source freely as well as maintain an even airflow over the coals.
Portability is one of the primary advantages of these types of charcoal grills. Kettle grills come in different sizes, but most of them are portable. They also require less charcoal to use. And typically, kettle grills are made of relatively lightweight metal.
3. Kamado Grills
Kamado grills are a more sophisticated version of the charcoal grill, and over the past ten years, they have surged in popularity. They are also called “egg grills” or ceramic smokers. While Kamado grills work on some of the similar principles of kettle grills, it has a few distinct differences.The shape of a Kamado grill is more elongated, resembling the shape of an egg. Typically, these types of grills are made of a thicker ceramic material, which, depending on its size, can weigh anywhere between 150-500 pounds.
4. Pellet Grills
Pellet grills have been out for quite a long time, but over the past few years, they have become a hot item in grilling because of their flavorful and convenient option. Pellet grills work as a hybrid of both a grill and a smoker, which is a great selling point. Pellet grills are types of grills that are fueled by little flavored wood pellets. So, technically, pellet grills are wood fire grills, and you will taste it with the result of your grilled food. Wood pellets come in various different flavors; Hickory, Maple, Mesquite, Cherry, Pecan, and Apple are all popular wood pellet flavors used for pellet grills.
And among different types of grills, pellet grills are one of the most technologically advanced grills. Their high-end version comes loaded with features that make it incredibly easy to grill delicious food. You can also control your grilling process from a phone application, which makes the process super convenient, especially for long, low, and slow cooking.
5. Gas Grills
Gas grills are the most widely used outdoor barbecue grills, mainly because of the convenience they provide for fast meals cooked outdoors. They are also versatile and efficient. They are the ideal choice for beginners and casual griller due to how easy they are to use. The best gas grill can quickly reach high temperatures with minimal effort and can cook some gourmet-quality food for you and your family.Cleaning gas grills are also very easy and straightforward. This is a great advantage because no one wants to clean a bunch after enjoying a delicious meal.
6. Propane Grills
Gas grills are fueled by either natural gas or propane. Naturally, propane grills are the more portable of the two options as propane is stored in portable tanks that you can buy at your local supermarket. Propane grills are also super easy to use; however, propane tanks need to be refilled from time to time.
7. Smokers
Pellet grills and charcoal grills can be used for smoking vegetables and meat, but for those who love the deeply smoked flavor, a dedicated standalone smoker could be the best choice. Smokers cook food over long periods of time at lower temperatures. They can be considered as the slow-cooker versions of grills. Heat for vertical smokers can be provided by propane, charcoal, or electricity. Pellets, chips, and chunks of aromatic wood of your choice provide authentic rich flavors.
Charcoal smokers are more conventional. Propane and electric smokers require less monitoring and hands-on time, so they can be more convenient. Some units come with electric push-button controls for cooking times and temperatures. Some also have integrated thermometers that provide you with the data of what’s going inside.
8. Electric Grills
As you may have guessed from the name, electric grills are powered by electricity from traditional power outlets. These types of grills are designed for indoor use, and it is also possible due to the absence of smoke. Typically, electric grills are designed for countertop use and small in size. An electric grill will be a great option if you are looking for something simple to cook your food.
Just find a power outlet and plug in the grill and start cooking. Maintaining and cleaning up of electric grill is also very easy. Generally, they are cheap, and using them also doesn’t cost much.
Important notice: Do not use any grill, electric or any kind, if it emits any smoke. Using anything with open fires and smoke indoors is hazardous. They will cause smoke damage to your walls to the least. There are smokeless grills specifically designed for indoor use.
9. Portable Grills
Portable grills are kind of a sub-category of the grill that, technically, can fall into many other categories on this list. So, regardless of its power source (propane or charcoal), a portable grill is a grill that you can take with you wherever you want. It’s the ideal choice to grill delicious food tailgating, camping, or wherever you might want to go. They can be used at home as well. Typically, they are small in size, so they don’t take up much space on your deck or patio. And since they are relatively smaller, they belong to the lower end of the price spectrum. You can easily find a very cost-efficient portable grill. However, in order to gain portability, you have to sacrifice the cooking area.
10. Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills
Gas and Charcoal combo grills could be a combo grill with two fuel sources. These models have one side of the grill heated by propane burners to use when convenience matters most. And the other side is fueled by charcoaled to provide traditional barbecue flavor.
Final Thoughts
Be sure to consider all the things you want out of your grill. If you are looking for the traditional smoky flavor, a pellet, Kamado, or charcoal grill is probably the way to go. If convenience is what you seek, an electric, gas grill, or portable grill could be a better fit.
We hope this rundown of the different types of grills out there was helpful for you.
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