Gas Grill vs. Electric Grill: Which is Better?

Kenneth Wilson

After moving into your new home, you’re probably going to have a housewarming party. Why not have a cookout? It’s nice to dine outdoors while enjoying the Florida sun.

Before you head to a store or buy a barbecue grill online, you should first determine which type is better suited for your home. When I was buying my grill, I made sure to research and locate the right model for me since this appliance is expensive.

It’s a tedious process and I know how you can be preoccupied, or maybe even worn out, after moving into a new home - I’ve been there as well. To help you out, I will share with you what I’ve found out when I was trying to choose between a gas grill and an electric grill.

Continue reading to find out the pros and cons of each one and see recommendations on a top-of-the-line grill and an economical model for each type. I suggest you choose a grill based on your preferred effect on flavor, your storage space, the maintenance level, the average number of people who will join you in cookouts, and the style. You can find out more about these factors in the last section.

Gas Grill

This grill is the most common and popular type because of how easy it is to use. It works similarly to a stove, you turn the dial or press a button and then light it. Once you’re done, you can just turn off the burners and the fire will be put out. 

With gas grills, you can also just place the food and leave it to cook. You don’t have to watch over the meat every second of the cooking time. This type also instantly heats up so you can start cooking a few minutes after turning it on.

Gas grills are more expensive than electric grills. You would also have to spend more to run it because you will have to constantly refill the tank. It usually costs around $20 and would last for a few cookouts. Another option is to get a gas line installed, which is not cheap as well.

Pros

  • Easy to control the temperature
  • Quickly ignites with a press of a button
  • Maintains the flavor and quality of the food
  • More models offer higher BTUs or provide more heat
  • Instantly heats up and less waiting time
  • Tends to have a bigger cooking surface

Cons

  • Needs more space for the tank
  • Limited portability with a gas line
  • More prone to uncontrolled flare-ups
  • Expensive and higher costs in the long-run
  • Tends to be big and not portable
  • Harder to maintain and clean

Recommended Gas Grills

51 ratings
  • 5 burners and comes with a side burner and rotisserie burner
  • Main burner: 55,000 BTUs (extra burners: 10,000 BTUs and 15,000 BTUs)
  • 625 square inches of cooking surface
  • Even temperature across the cooking area
  • 10-year warranty (2-year warranty for some parts)
545 ratings
  • 3 burners
  • 30,000 BTUs
  • 529 square inches of cooking surface
  • Comes with a 42-inch side table and six tool hooks
  • Has two large wheels and built-in lid thermometer

Electric Grill

If you prefer a grill that is safer to use and environmentally-friendly, then an electric type is less of a fire hazard. Compared to gas grills, which are more prone to uncontrolled flare-ups, electric grills won’t have any gas leak and don’t need a light to start. This makes it less prone to start any fire accidents.

Most models are portable so you can use it indoors and outdoors. It can also be used indoors because it doesn’t produce a lot of smoke so it won’t trigger your smoke alarms.

This grill is easy to maintain and there are even some dishwasher-safe models. But the flavor and quality of the meat won’t be as good as a gas grill. Since it has a more limited heat range, the quality of the grilled meat will also be different. On the other hand, electric grills distribute heat more evenly on their cooking surface, making it easier for you to cook and not burn your food.

Pros

  • Safer to use
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Easy to operate
  • Different portable models
  • Low-maintenance
  • Takes up small storage space
  • Doesn’t produce as much smoke
  • Less expensive and cheaper cost to run

Cons

  • Flavor and quality of the food is not as good
  • Limited heat range
  • Tends to be smaller and feed fewer people

Recommended Electric Grills

259 ratings
  • 200 square inches of cooking surface
  • Has foldable wooden side tables
  • Traditional grilling and rotisserie grilling options
  • Three different temperatures: cooking rare, medium, and well-done, which can be set at the same time
3,039 ratings
  • 240 square inches of cooking surface or serves 15
  • Non-stick coating
  • Comes with a temperature indicator light
  • Five temperature settings
  • Removable stand

Comparing Grills: Gas vs. Electric

To summarize, here is what grill type I will choose based on the factor. Determine which factors are important to you and check which type of grills is suggested more - gas or electric.

FACTOR

CHOICE

REASON

Effect on Flavor

Gas

Maintains the quality and flavor

Cooking Surface

Gas

Most models can cook for more people

Storage Space

Electric

Most models are smaller

Temperature Control

Gas

Easier to control

Heat Level

Gas

Wider and higher heat range

Heat Speed

Gas

Instantly ignites and heat up

Convenience

Electric

Just plug it in and it’s good to go

Cost-efficient

Electric

Cheaper to run

Maintenance

Electric

Easier to clean

Portability

Electric

Have more portable models

Safety

Electric

Less prone to uncontrolled flare-ups

Environmentally-friendly

Electric

Less carbon footprint

After deciding on which type of grill to get, here are 9 barbecue grill tools and accessories you may need.

Kenneth Wilson
November 15, 2019
Reviews

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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