A decade back, buying an appliance like a grill was an easy task. With just a few brands, lesser varieties, and fewer options, it was easy to select one. However, in the present times, we are flooded with choices. If you are looking for a versatile grill, one which is affordable, easily available, and which is easy to use, this pellet grill vs gas grill comparison will certainly help you.
Pellet Grill Vs Gas Grill – a Brief Comparison
Let us start by understanding each type of grill, its functionalities, usefulness, and safety features. Also, we will seek answers to common user questions like – are pellet grills safe or how do gas grills work, and many more.
What is a pellet grill?
A pellet grill cooks meat at a low temperature and quite slowly. It works quite like an oven and can work as a smoker as well. It does more than simple grilling because of its added functionality. A pellet grill uses its technology to gradually saturate the food and gives it a smoky flavor, due to the wood pellets. Pellet grills are costlier than gas grills, but they are not easily available as gas grills.
Check out our reviews of pellet smoker or electric smoker for more information
What is a gas grill?
A gas grill is more common and easily available. It uses gas as its fuel. Users can purchase grills that utilize liquid propane or natural gas for cooking. Propane gas grills help in easy and fast cooking as they ensure the temperature is under control. Thus, users of propane gas grills do not need to wait long before they can toss the food.
Thus, if cost-effectiveness, speed, and sear marks on the meat are something which you wouldn’t like to compromise, then gas grills will be your perfect choice.
Check out our reviews of gas grills in the range of $200, $300, $1000 or 2 burners gas grill for more information
Understanding How They Work
It is also important to understand how the grills work so that users are aware of the cooking technique. Depending on the cooking technology, users can select a grill type for their use.
If you are a little inclined to buy a propane gas grill but feeling a bit confused as well, carry out a brief comparison. Pellet grill vs Propane grill comparison will provide you an idea on how both of these work and which one will be a good choice for you.
How do pellet grills work?
Pellet grills use wood pellets that are made from compressed sawdust. These are in the shape of cylinders. These are placed in a container, which is also known as a hopper. This hopper is like a funnel and works to feed the pellets in the auger. The auger is like a large screw that keeps turning and feeding pellets in the firepot.
There is a rod in the firepot that heats quickly and becomes red. As the pellets come in touch with the rod, they fire up. Thus, heat is produced along with smoke which cooks the food. The fan works to blow away the heat and smoke.
How do gas grills work?
In a gas grill, there is a gas bottle that stores the gas. This is usually right under the cooking area. As the gas grill is switched on, gas starts moving up to the manifold. This manifold is a tube that runs just along the cooking section.
The manifold slowly passes gas into the valves. The valves are in the control of the user. It controls the gas which the user wishes to burn which controls the heat. Some gas grills come with infrared burners and they work to distribute heat evenly. As food does not cook on direct flame, it is necessary to ensure that the heat is well distributed. Thus, it ensures even cooking throughout.
Grill Safety
Now, coming to safety factors which is an important criterion to consider.
So, to answer the questions
Are pellet grills safe?
Yes, they are safe. Users do not have to use an accelerant to start the fire. Besides, the fuel does not ignite on its own. The cooking area is shielded from the section where the fire burns.
Are gas grills safe?
Users need to be cautious when using gas grills because of leakage problems. Gas grills are suitable for open and well-ventilated areas because of leakage risks. In case, anyone smells gas, the supply should be turned off immediately. Thus, one needs to be watchful and consider security factors.
Any comparison between Pellet Grills & gas grills is incomplete without listing the pros and cons of each. So, here is a brief comparison:
Pros and Cons of Pellet Grills
Pros:
- Convenience is the main reason for their popularity.
- Pellet grills do not require elaborate maintenance and require minimum maintenance.
- Users can roast, bake, barbecue and grill using a pellet grill
Cons:
- Pellet grills are not portable and require plug-in options
- They are expensive.
- One needs to keep a stock of pellets always so that they do not run out
- They do not reach very high temperatures like other grills. Thus, they are best for slow cooking purposes.
Pros and Cons of Gas Grills
Pros
- They are just perfect for grilling at high temperatures.
- Gas grills are affordable and available in different budgets
- They are known for fast cooking as they cook at high temperatures.
- Gas grills are easy to use and clean.
Cons
- Users miss out on that smoky flavor that one gets in pellet grills.
- It is not as safe as pellet grills and is suitable for open spaces only.
Comparing the pros and cons of pellets grills and others can help in deciding which grill is suitable for you.
Pellet grill vs gas grill – Final Thoughts
Thus, we see that though both have “grill” in their title, they are a bit different. Pellet grills are quite versatile and are popular for their convenience of “set and forget”. They cook at low temperatures and slowly, but they are better smokers than grillers. Users looking for affordability and speed will find gas grillers a better option.
Gas grills are inexpensive and work fast. However, gas grills do not perform as well as pellet grills if you choose to cook at a lower temperature. They do not provide good insulation. Thus, it’s quite difficult to get that smoky flavor in a gas grill. Besides, gas grills are not as safe as pellet grills.
Pellet & gas grills offer a lot of efficiency and convenience, but knowing certain differences help in determining which one is the best for you.
Some useful resources:
- https://home.howstuffworks.com/grill.htm
- https://abcnews.go.com/Business/ten-tips-safe-summer-barbecues-learn-dos-donts/story?id=13918382
