The season for cookouts and barbecues is already here! If you’ve checked the Flipp app lately, you’ve probably noticed that retailers are having sales on all types of grills, so now is your chance for a BBQ upgrade. It can be hard to decide which grill is right for you, which is why we’ve put together this guide that compares four popular types of grills: charcoal, pellet, gas, and electric, to help you decide on your perfect match. 

Types of Grills Compared

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills use charcoal briquettes as fuel. If you love barbecue with that char-broiled taste, a charcoal grill is what you need. Charcoal grills are one of the cheapest on this list, offering small sizes for as low as $20. They’re also extremely portable, as they don’t require electricity or gas to start up, making them ideal for tailgates, camping, or cookouts at the park. 

One thing to consider is that this type of grill takes more time to start up, around 15 – 20 minutes, while you wait for the coals to reach the desired temperature. If you’re in a hurry, this might be a drawback. Keep in mind that charcoal is messy, so your grill will require more effort to clean and maintain. When making your choice, consider how much food and for how long you’ll be grilling. You’ll have to keep adding more charcoal to your grill if you want to cook for a longer period.

Find charcoal grills on sale on Flipp.

Pellet Smokers

If you love the taste of food cooked over real wood, a pellet smoker is what you need to achieve that smoky flavor. Pellet smokers are electrically powered but burn hardwood pellets for heat and smoke. They’re designed to cook meat slowly over a low temperature, making them more like an oven rather than a grill.

Apart from taste preference, another reason why someone may want a pellet smoker is that the food doesn’t require constant attention. They’re also a lot easier to start up, usually taking only about five minutes to reach the temperature you set. One drawback of pellet smokers is that they’re more expensive, ranging from $700 – $1500. Something else to keep in mind is that pellet smokers won’t reach as high a temperature as charcoal or gas grills.

Find pellet smokers on sale on Flipp.

Gas Grills

Gas grills are powered by either a propane gas tank or by a direct feed from your home’s gas line. One of the biggest benefits of gas grills is that they’re easy and quick to start up. Consistent, fast heat is their selling point, which is great if you’re in a hurry or have a lot to cook. They’re also easier to clean and maintain.

In terms of affordability, gas grills cost more than charcoal grills, but are not as expensive as pellet smokers. One potential drawback of gas grills is that they may not be as portable, as they need to be hooked up to a gas line or to a heavy tank. Although all grills have safety precautions to follow, with gas grills you have to be extra careful that your propane tank is properly attached without leaks.

Find gas grills on sale on Flipp.

Electric Grills

If you live in an apartment or condo, an electric grill is a great choice. Not only do they come in smaller sizes that help you save space, but they’re also extremely easy to use. Just plug your grill into an outlet, and you’re good to go! This is the only grill on this list that’s designed for indoor and outdoor use. Electric grills require no prep and are easy to clean. However, this ease comes at a cost. Food cooked on an electric grill will require marinades or liquid smoke to compensate for the absence of flavor that other types of fuel like charcoal or gas provide.

Find electric grills on sale on Flipp.

Whatever your needs and preferences are, there’s a type of grill for you. Even if you live in a small space or want something that’s quick and easy, you don’t have to give up on your craving for home-cooked BBQ.