Electric grill vs. gas grill, which one is better? This is a question that you are asking yourself right now if you plan to buy a grill. Electric grill and gas grill have their pros and cons. Therefore, before you start shopping, it is important to research to know more about them to make informed decisions. In this post, we will review these two types of grills to help you make the right choice.
Have you finally decided to purchase a barbecue grill? Congratulations! There are three main types of grills, including gas, charcoal, and electric grills. If you have narrowed your list to two types of grills: electric and gas grills, but you are not able to make a decision on which one to choose, then today you have landed in the right place. Gas and eclectic grills do the same thing but differ on they do it. In this post, we will review these two types of grills extensively to help you make the right decision when shopping for a barbecue grill.
What is an electric grill?
Just as the name suggests, an electric grill uses electricity to cook food. Because there is no flame involved, other fuel types, such as charcoal or gas, are not necessary. The reason why electric gas grills have become very popular is that they are easy to use, grill healthy food, and are environmentally friendly (they don’t release toxic substances). And since they don’t generate smoke or fumes, they are the only type of grill that can be used indoors and outdoors.
What is a gas grill?
A gas grill cooks foods using gas. They are easy to use and convenient than other types of grills. Additionally, gas grills are also easy to control. Gas grills are fueled by either natural gas or propane (LPG). Propane gas grills are naturally portable because propane is stored in portable tanks.
On the other hand, natural gas grills are not movable because the natural gas line is located at a particular point. Gas grills are the most popular and the most used type of grill. Many people like gas grill because they cook delicious meals with deep rich flavor, easy to use, easy to control, and cook fast compared to other types of grills.
Electric Grill vs. Gas Grill Comparison
Electric grill vs. gas grill, which one is better? Both electric and gas grills are unique in their one way. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. In this section, we will compare their two to help you determine which one suits your grilling needs.
Fuel source
The electric grill uses electricity to fuel the grill while the gas grill uses gas to power the grill.
Space requirement
Electric grills don’t emit toxic fumes. As a result, they can be used both indoors and outdoors where the electric cable can rich. Additionally, most electric grills are compact because they have been designed to be used indoors and outdoors. They also have fewer components, and thus they don’t consume a lot of space.
On the other hand, gas grills emit toxic fumes have are only suited for outdoor use. Additionally, due to the nature of their design and components, most gas grills require a lot of space. They should also not be placed close to stuff that can easily catch fire. As a result, gas grills generally require more space than electric grills.
Size
Both gas grill and electric grills are available in different sizes. In electric grills, small-sized grills are mostly used indoors, while large-sized grills are mainly used outdoors. In gas grills, large-sized grills are used mainly in restaurants, while small and medium-sized gas grills are used in homes.
Popularity
Electric gas grills are not very popular. This is because they don’t have a lot to offer, as it is the case with gas grills. One reason people prefer gas grills is that they provide deep rich flavor and aroma. Unfortunately, electric gas grills don’t offer that. That is why they are not very popular among grill lovers.
On the other hand, gas grills are very popular. They are the most used type of grills. Most because like them because they provide better flavor to food than electric grills. Additionally, gas grills are also portable, cook fast, and equipped with many features that make grilling seamless and enjoyable.
Flavor
When it comes to flavor, the electric grills do not perform well. That is why they are not popular among grill lovers. Electric grills don’t give the food the great flavor that charcoal and gas grills offer. Most grill lovers say they don’t enjoy food prepared by electric grill because they lack authentic barbecue taste. On the other hand, gas grills provide better flavor than electric grills but not as good charcoal grill. That is why most people prefer gas grills than electric grills.
Heat
Electric grills have three heating options, including low, medium, and high. Electric grills usually generate intense radiant heat, which switches off after a while to re-energize the heating coils. As a result, such searing food is not possible on electric grills because it requires a long period of intense heat. However, electric grills can maintain a low temperature for an extended period.
When it comes to gas grills, their controls are quantified in degrees. They can get hot fast and maintain those temperatures for an extended period. As a result, gas grills are ideal for searing food because you can maintain steady temperatures for a long duration. However, unlike electric grills, where you can maintain low temperatures with ease, it is quite difficult to maintain low temperatures (220-250 degrees F) for an extended period.
Maintenance
Both electric and gas grills need regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. Electric grills are at risk of carbon dioxide emissions. Electric grill owners need to ensure that they keep the carbon dioxide emission at a nontoxic level. How you clean the grill is very important. It is recommended that you protect the heating element from getting in contact with water when cleaning the grill. The storage should also be clean thoroughly to remove all food residues. The wire and casing should also be inspected regularly.
Gas grills also need regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. Gas grill owners need to inspect the tank regularly to check for any leaks. Other crucial components, like ignitions and flavor bars, also require regular inspection. All detachable parts of the grill, including grease trays, grates, heating plates, and much more, should be washed immediately after grilling to keep them in good shape.
Price
In general, electric grills are more expensive than gas grills. Gas grills have a wider variety to choose from, and their prices also vary, with low-end costing as low as $100 while high-end cost as much as $8000.
Consistency
It is relatively easy to maintain consistent temperatures in electric grills. As a result, few flare-ups occur when cooking on electric grills, which improves the quality and consistency of your cooked food. You can also cook any type of food, including soft food such as eggs and fish, with ease.
Maintaining consistent temperatures in gas grills is quite an uphill task. Temperatures in the grill keep fluctuating and need constant monitoring. Gas grills use open flames to heat the grates, which in turn cook the food. Dripping juices from the food usually creates some smoke, which helps to enhance the food taste. However, flare-ups from grease dripping and temperature inconsistency can affect the quality of your grilled food.
Ease of use
Electric grills are simple and easy to use. Any person who has used an electric stovetop will have no trouble using an electric grill. They also have fewer components, thus easy to operate. Turning on the grill and adjusting the temperature in electric grills is also simple.
Gas grills are also easy to use and convenient. They light up instantly, thanks to the inbuilt ignition system that they are equipped with. However, unlike electric grills with fewer components, gas grills have more parts, and it takes time to learn how to use them correctly to get the best grilling results.
Versatility
If you love exploring and trying new things, then you will find an electric grill quite limiting. They have limited features, which also limits how creative you can get with your grilling. On the other hand, gas grills are versatile and allow you to get as creative as you can with your grilling. They have more features, including the two-zone cooking that will enable you to sear your meals on the hot side of the grill and cool off and cook by indirect heat in the cooler zone. The result is a delicious, juicy meal with deep rich flavor.
Running cost
Electric grills are generally less expensive to run than gas grills (about $0.25.hour). However, this is subject to change based on electricity rates
The cost of running a propane gas is quite high (around $0.60/hour) while that of running a natural gas is low (about $0.15/per hour)
Cooking capacity
Have a relatively small cooking capacity (about 250 square inches)
Gas grills generally have a large cooking capacity, which ranges from 250 square inches to 600 square inches
Electric Grill Pros and Cons
Pros
- Relatively cheap to run and maintain
- Can be used both indoor and outdoor
- Compact thus ideal for people with limited space
- It is reliable9 you need have to worry about running out of fuel)
- Convenient and easy to operate
- It is a healthier option than a gas grill
- Environmental friendly. It does not emit toxic fumes
- It heats up quickly
- Easy to clean after use
- Cooks quality food with great consistency
Cons
- Cannot operate with electricity
- Not versatile
- It cannot create a smoky flavor
- They are at the mercy of electric rate
- Its parts cannot be washed
Who are electric grills best suited to?
Electric grills are ideal for people who don’t like the taste of char or smoke. They are also an excellent choice for casual grillers and people living in neighborhoods with restrictions on grilling. If you love to grill both indoors and outdoors, then an electric gas grill is an excellent choice for you.
Gas Grill Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adds char or smoke on the food for deep rich taste
- Easy and convenient to use
- Versatile (have many grilling options)
- Natural gas grills have a cheaper running cost compare to electric grills
- Cooks quickly than an electric grill
- Portable
- Has many incredible features than electric grills
- All parts of the grill are washable
Cons
- Propane may run out while grilling leaving you stuck
- Require more maintenance to keep it in great shape
- Natural gas is expensive to install
- Require a lot of space
- They are not allowed in some housing complexes
- Not portable if attached to a natural gas line
Who are gas grills best suited to?
Gas grills are ideal for those with large families and want a grill that can cook food for the whole family at once. They are also suitable for people who love the authentic barbecue flavor and those with preexisting gas connections in their homes.
Electric vs. gas grills, which one is better?
From the above review, it is clear that both elect and gas grill have their pros and cons. We recommend that you choose one that suits your grilling needs. For instance, if you plan to grill regularly, then gas gill is an excellent option for you. On the other hand, if you have limited outdoor space or love grilling indoors and outdoors, then an electric grill is an ideal option.
Important factors to consider when determining which grill best suits you include:
Space limitations
Reliability
Fuel option
Local law
Food requirement
Convenience
Price
Versatility
