Types of Grills: How to Choose the Best Grill for Your Outdoor Space

Dec 9, 2025

Gas Grills, Pellet Grills, Charcoal Grills, Flat Top Grills, Outdoor Pizza Ovens, and Electric Grills 

Choosing the right grill can completely transform your outdoor cooking experience. With so many types of grills on the market—gas, charcoal, pellet, flat top, electric, and even outdoor pizza ovens—it can be hard to know which one fits your needs. This guide breaks down the most popular grill types, how they work, and what kind of cook each is best for.


1. Gas Grills

Best for: Convenience, quick weeknight cooking, consistent heat

Gas grills remain one of the most popular choices for homeowners because they’re easy to use, heat up quickly, and offer precise temperature control. They typically run on propane or natural gas, and many models feature multiple burners, side burners, and built-in thermometers.

Why Choose a Gas Grill?

  • Fast preheat times

  • Easy temperature management

  • Great for grilling classics like burgers, chicken, and vegetables

  • Ideal for beginners and frequent grillers

Alfresco Grills - Brentwood Outdoor Living

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2. Pellet Grills

Best for: Low-and-slow BBQ, smoking meats, wood-fired flavor

Pellet grills use compressed wood pellets as fuel, giving food a rich, smoky flavor. They operate with digital controllers that maintain steady temperatures, making them perfect for long cooks like brisket, ribs, or pulled pork.

Why Choose a Pellet Grill?

  • Consistent, automated temperature control

  • Authentic smoky flavor without babysitting the fire

  • Great for both grilling and smoking

  • Versatile enough for meats, veggies, and even baked goods

Pellet — Valley Fire Place, Inc.

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3. Charcoal Grills

Best for: Traditionalists, high-heat searing, bold smoky flavor

Charcoal grills are loved for the classic grill taste they provide. Whether it’s a simple kettle grill or a ceramic kamado-style grill, charcoal heat creates deep, rich flavor and can reach very high temperatures for perfect searing.

Why Choose a Charcoal Grill?

  • Superior smoky flavor

  • Extremely high heat for steakhouse-style sears

  • Affordable entry options

  • Great for experienced outdoor cooks who enjoy fire management

Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-Inch Charcoal Ceramic Kamado Grill

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4. Flat Top Grills

Best for: Versatility, cooking for crowds, restaurant-style meals

Flat top grills feature a solid griddle-style cooking surface, making them perfect for foods you can’t cook on traditional grates—like smashed burgers, breakfast foods, stir fry, and hibachi-style meals.

Why Choose a Flat Top Grill?

  • Large cooking surface

  • Even heat distribution

  • Ideal for family gatherings or entertaining

  • Allows cooking of multiple foods at once

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5. Outdoor Pizza Ovens

Best for: Pizza lovers, bread bakers, high-heat cooking

Outdoor pizza ovens have become extremely popular thanks to their ability to reach temperatures of 800–950°F—much hotter than standard grills. This high heat lets you cook Neapolitan-style pizza in 60–90 seconds, and many models also work for roasting meats, vegetables, and bread.

Why Choose an Outdoor Pizza Oven?

  • Restaurant-quality pizza in minutes

  • Unique cooking experience

  • Excellent for gatherings and entertaining

  • Versatile for baking and roasting

Fire Magic Echelon Diamond Built-In Propane Pizza Oven - 5600P : BBQGuys

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6. Electric Grills

Best for: Apartment living, small patios, low-maintenance cooking

Electric grills are the simplest and most low-maintenance option. They plug into a standard electrical outlet and are ideal for those who can’t use gas or charcoal due to space, safety, or local regulations.

Why Choose an Electric Grill?

  • No flame—safe for balconies and condos

  • Easy to clean and maintain

  • Great for quick indoor/outdoor grilling

  • Perfect for beginners or small spaces

Electric Grill from Fire Magic Unveiled at KBIS | KBIS

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How to Choose the Best Grill for You

When deciding which grill type fits your lifestyle, ask yourself:

1. How much convenience do you want?

  • High convenience: Gas or electric

  • Medium: Flat top or pellet

  • Hands-on experience: Charcoal

2. What flavor profile do you prefer?

  • Smoky BBQ flavor: Pellet or charcoal

  • Clean & consistent: Gas or electric

3. What do you cook the most?

  • Burgers, chicken, veggies: Gas or flat top

  • Brisket, ribs, pulled pork: Pellet

  • Steaks & high-heat grilling: Charcoal

  • Pizza or artisan baking: Outdoor pizza oven

4. How much space do you have?

  • Large yard: Any grill

  • Small patio: Electric or compact gas grill