Deciding between a pellet grill vs. gas grill? We tested 18 grills to determine which fuel source yields tastier results.
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Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill: We Tested 18 Grills To Find out Which Is Better
Updated Sep. 11, 2024
For those who love to cook outside, there are endless equipment options. The world of grills can be hard to navigate with so many different design variations, fuel sources and brand options. One of the top debates is pellet grills vs. gas grills.
Our Product Testing Team recently tested seven gas grills and 11 pellet grills to determine the best options on the market. While gas may be easier to use, pellet grills tend to deliver more flavor. We evaluated brands like Weber, Napoleon, Traeger and Recteq to unearth all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
What’s the difference between a gas grill and a pellet grill?
When it comes to the best grills, the key difference is the fuel source. Gas grills are fueled by, well, gas. They can be hooked up to a natural gas line, but most are powered by a 20-pound propane tank. That design creates a live flame that you adjust with burner knobs. Pellet grills, on the other hand, use wood pellets made of compressed sawdust. The wood is ignited, often with electricity, and provides indirect fuel for the grill with no live flame. Both gas grills and pellet grills come in a variety of sizes and designs, and they range in price.
All About Gas Grills
Firing up a gas grill takes mere seconds. Once the propane tank is open, all that’s left to do is turn the temperature knob and press ignite. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the burners preheat and you’re ready to grill. The burners produce heat, while the cooking grates above provide space to grill everything from steak and burgers to vegetables and even treats such as grilled peaches or bananas. Foods cooked on gas grills typically have a lightly charred flavor.
Our Product Testing Team found gas grills offer excellent ease of use, easy temperature maintenance, great high temperatures for searing and simple clean-up.
Gas grills range drastically in size and price—generally, the bigger the gas grill and the more burners, the more expensive it is. You can cook a wonderful meal with a smaller stand-alone three-burner grill, or you can easily feed a crowd on something bigger with five burners and built-in cabinets and shelving that is more similar to a full outdoor kitchen.
How We Tested Gas Grills
To find the best gas grills, our Product Testing Team evaluated models first based on how simple they were to assemble. Then, we kept an eye out for special features such as built-in thermometers or durable legs and wheels. We also considered the overall look and feel of each grill. To see just how well each grill performed while cooking, the testing team made a whole cut-up chicken, a 1 1/2-inch steak and a rack of baby back ribs on each grill. We cooked each type of meat at different temperatures and for different amounts of time, depending on needs. Each food item was evaluated based on flavor, texture and appearance. Throughout cooking, testers noted how well each grill maintained temperature and how much space there was for cooking. Once everything was pulled off the grill, we considered ease of cleaning for both the grill grates (hello, the best grill brushes!) and the grease drip tray.
Throughout testing, we found that several Weber grills were top performers, including the Weber Genesis and Weber Spirit. We also liked options from Napoleon Grills and Monument.
Our Favorite Gas Grills
TASTE OF HOME
Best Overall
Weber Genesis E-325s
TASTE OF HOME
Best Splurge
Napoleon Rogue 425
TASTE OF HOME
Best Value
Monument Grills Mesa 305
All About Pellet Grills
Pellet grills are fueled by igniting wood pellets. That heat source provides an incredible depth of flavor, depending on the type of wood you use. With options for wood pellets made of oak, cherry, apple and mesquite, you can really customize the flavor imparted on the food you’re cooking. Some wood pellets will have a stronger flavor than others, and some will be better for certain types of meats, veggies or other items.
The actual grill design is similar to a gas grill, with a lid that opens up to the grilling grates. Food sits on the grates as the heat cooks it, without any direct flame whatsoever. A pellet grill works similarly to a convection oven, providing even heat and airflow.
Because of their unique design, pellet grills tend to be more expensive than a smaller gas grill or a charcoal grill. However, the versatility of a pellet grill is what makes them so popular. The temperature range allows for cooking brisket or pulled pork low and slow, or you can crank up the heat for steak or burgers. They’re designed for ease of use, without much need to keep adding fuel throughout the cooking process.
How We Tested Pellet Grills
To find the best pellet grills, our Product Testing Team set up 11 different models. Before we could start cooking, we evaluated each grill’s packaging and ease of assembly. Then, we assessed the overall look and design, noting any special features such as built-in lights, thermometers or folding side tables. Once it was time to cook, we tested performance with a variety of foods. We cooked pork shoulder low and slow, smoked salmon and chicken, seared pork chops and grilled corn on the cob. Following each cooking test, we evaluated the pellet grill on how well it kept a consistent heat. We also considered the flavor, texture and appearance of the food. We then assessed each grill on how simple it was to clean the ash, grease keg and grill gates to keep it in tip-top shape for the next cooking session.
Recteq and Traeger grills proved to perform well throughout the testing process, although we were also impressed with the Weber Searwood.
Our Favorite Pellet Grills
TMB STUDIO
Best Overall
Recteq Flagship 1100 Pellet Grill
TMB STUDIO
Best for Searing
Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill
TMB STUDIO
Best for Pros
Traeger Ironwood XL
The Bottom Line
The difference between gas grills and pellet grills truly comes down to flavor preference and your preference for ease of use and design. Gas grills are quick and easy to heat up, and you can grill food in no time. They offer more of a subtle, char-grilled flavor thanks to the live flame. Pellet grills provide indirect heat, specific temperature settings and unmatched flavor if you love the taste of something smoky. You’ll get a smokier flavor with something cooked at a lower temperature, while food cooked at a higher temperature will be more subtle. Ultimately, it’s all up to you on which you prefer based on flavor, convenience and grilling style.
Originally Published: September 04, 2024
