Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill: In-Depth Comparison

Both pellet grills and gas grills are market leaders when it comes to outdoor cooking these days. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so deciding which one to buy comes down to individual preference for the most part.

But we do think there’s plenty to say about these two in a head-to-head comparison that might make it easier to form your personal preference. We’re just out here trying to make your life easier by doing the research and testing for you.

In this in-depth article, we will compare and contrast the pellet grill vs gas grill, concentrating on the pros and cons of each, as well as the taste impact, temperature control, temperature range, ease of cleaning and maintenance, cost, and types of people who would benefit most from each.

By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you should have a good idea of which grill would be the most suitable for your requirements.

» You might be interested in The Perfect Grilled Steak Temps: Master the Are of Steaks.

Pellet Grill: Overview, Pros, and Cons

Pellet grills (or pellet smokers) are outdoor grills that use wood pellets as their primary fuel source, and are run by electricity rather than gas.

The wood pellets are produced from compressed hardwood sawdust, and their burning is pure, with very little ash produced.

If you’re not familiar with the inner workings of a pellet grill, you can read our guide on how a pellet grill works, but we’ll give you the quick rundown here.

The grill contains an auger that is powered by an electric motor, and it moves pellets from a storage hopper into a firebox, where a hot rod is used to light them on fire.

The heat and smoke produced by the pellets are then circulated around the cooking chamber by a fan, which results in an even temperature throughout the space (as long as you don’t open the lid and let it all out!). We try not to do that while smoking is in progress.

Advantages of a Pellet Grill

Versatility: Pellet grills are flexible cooking machines that can be used for grilling, smoking, roasting, and even baking. Because of their diverse range of cooking methods, they are great for individuals who enjoy experimenting with various cooking styles and techniques.

Flavor: Pellet grills infuse meats and other foods with a distinct, wood-fired flavor that many people enjoy. The wood pellets are available in a range of flavors, including hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry, allowing you to customize the flavor of your cuisine.

Temperature Control: With digital controllers that allow you to set and maintain the ideal cooking temperature, pellet grills provide accurate temperature control. That accuracy helps you get consistent outcomes and avoid overcooking or undercooking your food.

Low and slow cooking: Pellet grills are excellent for low and slow cooking, such as smoking briskets and ribs. They are ideal for making all kinds of smoky barbecue foods because you can choose the type of wood pellets you use and you can just set the machine and basically walk away while it’s doing all the work.

Disadvantages of Using a Pellet Grill

Cost: Pellet grills are typically more expensive than gas barbecues, both in terms of the original investment and recurring fuel costs. The cost of wood pellets can quickly add up, especially if you use your grill frequently. You also have the electricity cost, though that’s fairly minimal.

Power Requirement: Because pellet grills rely on electricity to run the auger, fan, and temperature controls, they must be plugged in. This may restrict the position of your grill and be problematic if you wish to use it in a remote location outside.

Startup Time: Pellet grills take longer to heat up than gas grills, often taking 10-15 minutes before they’re ready to cook. This might not be ideal for those who want to get started grilling right away. I’ve never found this to be an issue, seeing how you’re in for the long haul if you’re planning to smoke something anyways.

Maintenance: Pellet grills require more care than gas grills, such as regular firebox cleaning, ash removal, and the occasional cleaning of the pellet hopper. You also need to make sure that the pellets left in the hopper are kept dry or they can ruin the inner workings of the grill.

Gas Grill: Overview, Pros, and Cons

Gas grills, which come in both propane and natural gas variants, are outdoor cooking appliances that run on gas. They often have many burners that can be independently controlled, allowing for more temperature control and creativity. They aren’t really ideal for baking and smoking, however, so you’ll be more limited in the things you can do on a grill.

Because of their convenience and ease of use, gas grills are a favorite choice for many backyard chefs.

» You might be interested to read about the 6 Best Portable Gas Grills.

Advantages of a Gas Grill

Convenience: Gas grills are well known for their ease of use and convenience. They heat up quickly, typically in 5 minutes, allowing you to begin cooking immediately. Gas grills also have simple ignition systems, which are commonly activated with the push of a button. No waiting for pellets to catch fire and start to generate heat.

Temperature Control: Gas grills include adjustable burners that allow you to create multiple heat zones for cooking different items at the same time. This feature comes in handy while grilling a variety of meats, vegetables, and other meals. Some grills even have a sear zone that gets exceptionally hot, or they come with additional accessories, like a griddle or a veggie basket.

Reduced Maintenance: Gas grills require less maintenance than pellet grills since there are fewer components to clean and replace. Cleaning the grates and emptying the grease tray are the two most important maintenance duties.

Fuel Cost: Although the initial cost of a propane tank or natural gas hookup may be costly, gas grills are typically more cost-effective in the long term because propane and natural gas are typically less expensive than wood pellets.

Disadvantages of Using a Gas Grill

Flavor: Gas grills do not have the same wood-fired flavor as pellet grills, which some people like. However, putting wood chips or wood pieces into a smoker box inside your grill can help you impart wood flavor into the meat.

Limited Cooking Options: Gas grills are primarily built for grilling and may not be as adaptable as pellet grills when it comes to other cooking techniques such as smoking or baking.

Comparisons to Make

Impact of Flavors

When it comes to flavor, pellet grills have an obvious edge because they provide a characteristic wood-fired flavor that many people prefer.

The range of wood pellet tastes available allows you to personalize the taste of your food, adding another layer of depth to your recipes. Gas grills, on the other hand, do not naturally produce a smoky flavor, though putting wood chips or pieces in a smoker box can assist.

Temperature Control

Both pellet and gas grills provide exact temperature control, but they do so in different ways. Pellet grills employ computerized controllers to keep the temperature steady throughout the cooking process, whereas gas grills use adjustable burners to generate distinct heat zones. Both grills provide consistent outcomes, although pellet grills have a little advantage when it comes to low and slow cooking.

Temperature Range

Pellet grills typically operate at temperatures ranging from 180°F to 500°F or more, making them appropriate for various cooking techniques, including smoking and searing.

Gas grills often offer a wider temperature range, with some high-end units reaching temperatures of 700°F or more. Its increased range makes gas grills more adaptable to high-heat cooking techniques like searing and stir-frying.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Gas grills require less maintenance than pellet grills since there are fewer components to clean and replace. Cleaning the grates and emptying the grease tray are the most important aspects of gas grill maintenance.

Pellet grills, on the other hand, necessitate more frequent upkeep, such as ash clearance, firebox cleaning, and pellet hopper cleaning.

Cost

Pellet grills are typically more expensive than gas grills, both in terms of the original purchase price and recurring fuel expenditures. The cost of wood pellets can quickly add up, especially if you use your grill frequently.

While gas grills may have a larger initial cost, they are frequently more cost-effective in the long term due to the cheaper cost of propane or natural gas.

Who Are Each of These Grills Best For?

Pellet Grills

Those that place a high value on flavor and diversity in their time spent cooking outdoors will benefit the most from using a pellet grill. Pellet grills are a wonderful option for those individuals who value a smoky, genuine flavor in their grilled dishes.

The wood-fired flavor and diversity of pellet flavors available make pellet grills an excellent alternative. In addition, the versatility of a pellet grill—it can be used to grill, smoke, roast, and bake food—makes it an excellent choice for foodies who are interested in exploring a variety of approaches to the kitchen.

Gas Grills

Gas grills are an ideal choice for individuals that place a premium on convenience, ease of use, and speed of heating up the cooking surface. They are ideally suited for infrequent grillers who are looking for a straightforward, low-maintenance, and precise temperature-controlling solution for their cooking needs.

Those who intend to use their grill frequently and would like a fuel source that is more cost-effective in the long run may find that switching to a gas grill is the best option.

Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill: Overall Impressions

While deciding between a pellet grill and a gas grill, keep your personal tastes, cooking style, and priorities in mind. Pellet grills provide a distinct wood-fired flavor and diversity in cooking techniques, making them excellent for those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and appreciate a smoky flavor.

Gas grills, on the other hand, offer convenience, simplicity, and little maintenance, making them a popular choice for casual grillers who value efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Finally, the choice between a pellet grill and a gas grill comes to your personal requirements and tastes. You can make an informed selection and choose the grill that will best enhance your outdoor cooking experience by understanding the benefits and cons of each grill type, as well as the differences in taste impact, temperature control, temperature range, ease of cleaning, maintenance, and cost.

Before You Go

Since you made it to the bottom of this article, you must be pretty interested in what we have to say, or at least in the subject at hand. Here are a few other articles we think you might like to read:

• How Long Do Pellets Last for Grilling and Smoking
• Our Honest Review of the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill
• The Perfect Grilled Steak Temps: Master the Art of Steaks