When deciding on the Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill, you need to do your due diligence before deciding on the one to purchase. Comparing the two grills on various aspects will leave you better positioned to make the right choices.
The pellet grills are more versatile than the gas grills as they offer several different ways to prepare your meals. In other words, with the pellet grills, you can set the temperature low, use it as a conventional grill, or close the lid for smoking. Further, some quality models allow you to braise and sear if you wish.
However, the versatility is not the only factor that sets the pellet grills aside from the gas grills. Read on to learn more about the differences between pellet grill vs. gas grill.
Pellet vs. Gas Grill Comparison
Either model will be an excellent addition to your household. However, one could be better depending on how you cook and your preference. Here is a comparison of various aspects you must consider when choosing between the two.
The Flavor
When it comes to the flavor, the pellet grills take the lead. If you love the deep smoky flavor, you can easily achieve it with pellet grills. Moreover, the pellet grills allow you to add customizable tastes to your meals. On the other hand, the gas grills do not add any flavor to your meals other than your seasonings.
Laid-Back Approach
If you are the type of person who loves cooking while focusing on other things, then a pellet grill will be by far a better option. Unlike gas grills, pellet grills allow you to cook conveniently and slowly with minimal intervention, and you do not have to worry about safety concerns.
In addition, pellet grills have simple and convenient features that allow you to monitor the cooking process remotely.
For instance, high-end pellet grills are equipped with digital controls to make it easy for you to set specific cook times. You can use your phone to adjust grill settings.
Maintenance
Although investing in either pellet or gas grill is a fantastic addition to your household, you do not want a situation where you have to repair your grill now and then before you can use it. Pellet grills cook for longer. Hence most grease and fats get burnt away, meaning that you will not have a hard time cleaning your grill. Additionally, you can opt to season your grill so that the food traces are burned away after you are done cooking.
Quality Meat
Most people invest in grills because they want to be able to cook delicious and quality meat. Pellet grills give you more control of how you cook your meat, and achieving juicier cuts will not be difficult.
Ease Of Use
While pellet grills are easy to handle once you are used to how they work, the truth is that gas grills are easier to use than pellets. With a gas grill, you only need to turn on the propane, and it will take a few minutes before you can start your cooking.
On the other hand, the Pellet grill requires a little more experience to use effectively. For instance, you will need to calculate the number of wood pellets you need to complete your cooking. However, it is essential to understand that everything will become straightforward once you master how the pellet grill works.
Wood Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill (Main Difference)
The main difference between a wood pellet grill and vs. gas grill is the type of fuel used in each type of grill. The wood pellet grills utilize compressed wood pellets as a source of energy for cooking, whereas the gas grills use either propane or natural gas as a source of energy.
Notably, wood pellet grills are more expensive and specialized than gas grills. Therefore, if you have limited financial resources but need a grill, the gas grill will be your most appropriate option. While the price of pellet grills might sound scary to some people as they have to invest in wood pellets continuously, their cooking quality surpasses the cost concerns.
Pellet Grill vs. Propane Grill
The pellet grill uses wood pellets when cooking, while the propane grill, as the name suggests, requires propane gas as a source of energy. The pellet grill is the big winner when comparing the pellet grill vs. the propane grill.
Taste
You cannot compare the taste of meat prepared on the propane grill to the same type of meat cooked on a pellet grill. The natural wood pellets you use on a pellet grill make your meat develop a delicious Smoky flavor that you can never get from a propane grill. Moreover, the meat cooked on a pellet grill tends to be more tender and juicy.
Ease Of Use And Convenience
It can be hard to judge how much fuel you have in your propane tank, especially if you do not use your propane grill regularly. Running out of fuel in the middle of your grilling party can be frustrating.
On the other hand, when using a pellet grill, it is easy to see when you need to add more pellets, and you will always know the amount you need to complete the cooking.
Versatility
A pellet grill can serve as both a smoker and a grill, making it possible for you to cook various meals in different ways to meet your specific needs. The propane grill is simply a grill and cannot act as a smoker because they have specific ventilation requirements implying that it cannot trap the heat to act as a smoker.
Safety
Both propane and natural can be catastrophic if you fail to handle them correctly. The spills and explosions are common when either the tanks or the connection to the natural gas line is mishandled. Further, propane grills are large and can occupy a fair amount of space in your backyard.
Pellet grills, on the other hand, are safe and easy to handle. The only disadvantage you will encounter when using the pellet grill is that they require electricity. Therefore, if you do not have electricity, you may be unable to use the pellet grills effectively.
The Cost
The pellet grills are costlier than the propane grills. However, with the increased competition and technology, it is possible to find pellet grills that compare to their propane grills counterparts in terms of price. Regarding operating costs, the pellet grill relies on electricity and might be cheaper than propane gas. For instance, 20-pound propane gas can only offer about 20 hours of cooking time.
Nonetheless, while the pellet grill is better than the propane gas grill in several ways, there are situations you may need either of the two. For instance, you may prefer to use a gas grill when;
- You want to cook your food fast
- You prefer searing meat at high temperatures
- You prefer to control the temperature of your grill by simply turning a knob.
- You do not like the Smokey flavor.
- Do not like a situation where you have to clean your grill regularly
On the other hand, a pellet grill will be the most appropriate option for you if:
- You love the addition of smoke from different types of wood to your food
- You to smoke meat at low temperatures without having to manage a real fire
- You want to turn up temperatures to sear meat occasionally
Conclusion
Both the pellet grills vs. gas grills can provide a fantastic addition to your household. However, whenever you have to choose one of them, it is vital to examine your specific needs before making a decision. For instance, pellet grills are the best if you love cooking your meat low and slow, while the gas grill will be ideal for adding a nice sear to your meat. Nevertheless, the pellet grills are the winner as they are versatile, convenient, and cost-effective.
Scot has loved smoking food in his free time for the last few years. Each major holiday or off-weekend, Scot spends days testing and prepping new recipes for perfection.