Deciding which kind of BBQ grill to purchase is an important decision. When looking at different models, you’ll notice there are three main types: charcoal, propane, natural gas grills. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between these three types of fuel sources when you’re shopping for a grill.
Now we’re cooking! Here you have hamburger patties cooking on a charcoal barbecue grill. Let’s get down to the bottom of this and figure out what type of grill is the best. Photography by Valters Krontals.
Charcoal vs Propane vs Natural Gas BBQ Grills
Charcoal, propane, and natural gas are the most common types of home BBQ grills. Here’s a basic overview of what they are and how they work.
How charcoal, propane, and natural gas grills work:
- Charcoal – Charcoal grills are the most traditional type of grill. They come in all sizes and shapes, but they all cook food by burning charcoal underneath the grill grate.
- Propane – This type of grill runs on propane, which ignites the flames underneath the BBQ grates. You’ll need to purchase a separate tank of propane to attach to the unit.
- Natural gas – These grills cook food in the same way as propane ones—over a flame fueled by gas. However, rather than running off a tank of gas, a natural gas grill is connected to the gas line of your home.
