If you’re new to the BBQ and grilling world, or simply looking for a grill to get you started, this guide will show you five great grills for those starting out in BBQ and grilling.
We will share with you a list of the best grills for beginners and also what you should consider before getting one. We will also teach you about different types of grills and fuel types.
When I first started exploring the BBQ world over two decades ago, I knew I needed a grill but didn’t know where to begin. I will use my 20 years of experience, trial and error to save you some trouble, overspending and headaches.
And no, you don’t need a thousand dollar grill if you are a beginner or to cook good BBQ.
This grill is one of my favorites and our top recommendations for barbecue beginners because it checks many boxes, including ease of use and low purchase cost. The Z Grills 450B is a budget-friendly pellet grill but still offers good quality and features found in more expensive models.
The 450B offers 459 square inches of cooking space, is fueled by wood pellets, and has a digital controller to manage temperature. It even includes a meat probe, so you can monitor the meat’s internal temperature as you cook, and the meat temperature is displayed on the grill’s LCD screen.
One noteworthy aspect of the 450B is that it is compact and light. I can grab this grill and move it around my patio with ease. It is also easy to fit into small backyards.
You can read our full review of the Z grills 450B.
We chose the Z Grills 450B as our best overall because, first, it is reasonably priced, and second, it offers all the features necessary to grill and smoke foods. This grill is small which makes it great for those looking for something simple, inexpensive, easy to handle and maintain.
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The Weber Spirit is a two burner propane gas grill with enough cooking space for a small family or couple. This grill is very easy to use and gets the job done without any gadgetry to get in the way.
This propane gas grill is very easy to use. Turn on the burners using a push-start piezo igniter and set the burners to low, medium, or high heat, or until the built-in lid thermometer shows the desired temperature.
Weber grills are good quality, and most of us started our BBQ journey using one. This grill has a fuel gauge to let you know the fuel level in the propane tank, flavorizer bars, and two cooking grates. It is a simple grill, but that’s what makes it so good.
This Weber is one of the best beginner grills because of its simplicity but it also includes all the aids ad feature you need for grilling great food.
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This Z Grills is a larger, more refined version of the 450B we mentioned above, and it is also larger. This means that the Z Grills 4004DE shares the same easy to use controls and includes many of the same features, but it is larger.
This grill can double as a smoker, so if you are wanting to start your grilling career and are also interested in learning how to smoke meats, the 700D4E is a great grill smoker combo grill.
This grill offers you a large cooking space, the well-liked automation of a digital temperature controller, meat probes, and two cooking racks. This is a grill that you can easily learn to use and grow with. It is very easy to use and versatile. Its temperature range is from 180 to 450 degrees, so you can cook a variety of foods, smoke meats, and grill.
This is the best grill for those who are looking for good wood-fired flavor and have the space and budget for a slightly larger grill than the top two on this list. If you budget allows it I would recommend this 700 over the 450B since you get a lot more space and a nice storage cabinet for not that much more.
Read our full review of the Z Grills at 7004DE with all the details.
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The Weber Kettle is not only easy to use and simple, it is a classic. The shape of this grill is Weber, which is the most recognizable shape in the BBQ world. This BBQ grill is fueled by charcoal but is designed with simplicity in mind.
Charcoal grills give you total control over the cooking process and can be easily adapted to work as pizza ovens, charcoal smokers, and, of course, grills.
However, many people get intimidated by the idea of having to deal with charcoal or grab a bottle of lighter fluid to light charcoal. This is all eliminated by using a chimney starter, some good quality lump charcoal, and you are ready to go. There are different methods of lighting charcoal without using chemicals or lighter fluid.
Helpful: How to light charcoal using a chimney starter
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The Ninja Foodie Smart is a different type of grill, and it is electric. This grill is considered more of an indoor electric grill than an outdoor one, but for some who live in apartments. This can be a good start.
The Ninja has two heating plates, so it cooks food evenly. It also has a smart digital temperature controller that handles all aspects of temperature control.
The Joe Kamado is a premium charcoal grill. It can be your first grill and your last. The reason I say this is because kamados are incredibly durable and versatile. You can cook virtually anything with them, and because they are ceramic, they will not rust. However, these grills are on expensive side.
Have you ever been to a golf course where a beginner claims his golf clubs are terrible and that is why he curved the ball? Then a more experienced golfer grabs the same set of clubs and hits a straight 200 yard drive. Well, the same can be said about BBQ grills. Your skills will play a major role in how good or bad your food tastes. Nevertheless, when looking for the best grill for beginners, our test and research teams look for the following attributes, and so should you.
The flavor of the food will be affected by factors such as the type of fuel used, the type of grill, and, of course, your grilling skills.
But to help you navigate the world of grills, here are a few things you should consider when purchasing your first grill or if you are a beginner.
If this is going to be your first grill, you might want to start with something inexpensive and budget friendly. There are budget smokers on the market that will cook just fine, and great gas grills under 500 dollars that will also do a fine job.
The point here is that you do not need to overspend to get a good grill, especially if this is your first grill.
If you are sure you are in the BBQ game for the long haul and want to spend on a good grill now so you don’t have to buy another grill later, then there are good American made grills that will outlast most budget options.
You should look for quality characteristics in any item you purchase, but especially in grills. These are poor quality grills which succumb to the abuse of high temperatures, moisture, grease, and eventually rust.
Good quality grills will also include a good warranty and great support.
Good quality characteristics include the use of high-quality materials to construct the grill, such as stainless steel and heavy-duty steel. Also, cast iron grates, stainless steel grates, and stainless steel components are often found in good quality grills.
There are grills powered by a variety of fuel types. I will elaborate on this later in the article, but it’s important to note this now. Each fuel type has its own list of advantages and disadvantages, but in summary, charcoal grills are very versatile and, in some cases, inexpensive, but require more effort and expertise to manage. A charcoal grill is a good grill to learn on if you want to learn how to cook authentic BBQ and delicious food.
The common fuel types are gas or propane, charcoal, pellets, and electricity. Think about what type of cooking you will be doing , what fuel you feel comfortable using, and what type of flavor profile you are after.
If you want to learn how to grill simple dishes like hot dogs and burgers, it’s one thing, but if you want to learn how to cook real BBQ, it’s another. For grilling a few hot dogs now and then, any grill can do, but to cook real BBQ and get lots of flavor, a charcoal grill / charcoal smoker, or pellet grill should be on the short list of options.
This is very important and here is why. There are quite different types of grills and all have their own pros and cons, which I dive more into detail in my grill and smoker types guide.
However, here is a quick list of grill type available on the market.
The first thing you need to know is that when it comes to grilling and BBQ, there are two main and more common types of “cookers,” namely, smokers and grills.
Smokers are traditionally larger grills designed to cook meat for a longer period of time and cook at lower temperatures. When you go to a restaurant, you see on the menu “smoked ribs” or “smoked pulled pork”, those dishes were prepared in a smoker.
With a smoker, you can cook food low and slow and infuse meats with extra smoke to achieve that authentic BBQ flavor.
Smokers are available in different shapes and fuel types, and if smoking meat is more of what you want to learn and cook, be sure to read our smokers guide to learn all about the different types of smokers.
Smokers’ operating temperatures range anywhere from 160 degrees to about 450 degrees. Smoking cooking temperatures are usually in the ballpark of 190 to 275 degrees.
Grills are more common and traditionally what people start with. In retrospect, some grills can work as smokers, but few smokers can get to high enough temperatures to grill. So keep that in mind.
Grills can operate at low temperatures but also reach high temperatures in the range of 600 to 900 degrees, which is enough to sear steaks and bake pizzas. There are a variety of fuels available for grills, and each has advantages and disadvantages that relate primarily to the skills required to operate the grill and to its flavor.
Let’s take a look at the different types of grill fuel.
Grills come in all shapes and sizes, but the primary difference is the type of fuel. Below are the most popular grill fuel types, ranked by ease of use.
Electric grills are extremely user-friendly, making them ideal for beginners and novices. An electric grill doesn’t burn any fuel. Instead, a heating element or resistance heats up cooking grates or a metal plate of some sort to evenly distribute heat and cook the food.
Electric grills are great for cooking indoors or for those wanting something small, maybe a portable grill or just the simplest grill to operate. Electric grills are also great for those who live in apartments or have little to no space for a grill.
These grills are often called “ smokeless grills,” which makes them great for cooking indoors.
You can read more about these grills in our indoor grills guide.
The biggest and most significant drawback of an electric grill is that it yields no flavor. Since you are not burning wood, wood pellets, or charcoal, the only taste comes from the seasoning. Quite frankly, this is my least favorite type of grill, although it has its purpose.
Gas grills are the second-easiest to operate, primarily because most of us are familiar with the primary components of a gas grill, namely the gas burners. Many of us already have gas stoves in our homes, and just like a gas stove, a gas grill has one or more burners to heat up the cooking space.
A gas grill, just like an electric grill, does not yield flavor since you are burning gas from a propane tank. The main difference between your gas stove and a gas grill is that the grill has grates to cook the food on.
The food will be cooked on some sort of grate, be it cast iron, porcelain coated steel, or stainless steel. This creates a different cooking effect than boiling or braising the meat in a pan, as melted fat, grease, and oils drain and escape from the bottom of the grill.
Some gas grills have what are called “flavorizing bars,” or shields, above the burners and below the grill grates, and as fat hits those flavorizer bars, the “fat steam” can add flavor to the food. Nothing live changing but it does add some “grill flavor” to foods.
Nerve the less you can use smoker boxes in your gas grill and add more smokey flavor to your food. It will not be as much as a charcoal or pellet grill, but it will add more flavor than grilling on an electric grill.
Gas grills are simple because all that you have to do to operate one is turn the burner control knob and decrease or increase the flame to decrease or increase the temperature. That’s it.
I own a pellet grill and I absolutely love it. Pellet BBQ grills are not necessarily harder to use than electric grills, but because there are a few more steps involved, I rank them below gas or propane grills.
Now, don’t think these pellet cookers are hard to use; they are not at all, but because high-end pellet smokers and grills have WIFI, temperature probes, and other components, it might take a minute or two to become familiar with the tech, not the grill.
As far as the grills go, they are as easy to use as a propane or electric grill. In fact, one would say that a pellet grill is the combination of the ease of use of an electric grill with some of the flavor of a charcoal grill.
These grills are my favorite types to use because they are simple to use and you get an amazing smoky flavor from burning wood pellets.
The only steps required to operate a pellet grill are to add pellets to a hopper, turn on the grill, and set the temperature. The grill does everything for you, including feeding pellets to maintain the temperature setting.
Charcoal grills are the most difficult to learn to use, but they are also the most versatile and rewarding. Charcoal grilling can be a lot of fun and opens the door to a wide range of culinary options because you are in control. Fire, heat, flavor, you control it all.
I own a kamado grill, and it is by far one of the best grills I own, but even for me, with years of experience, it took me a while to master that grill.
The point here is that a charcoal grill will beat all other grills on this list, but it does take longer to learn and some people simply do not like to deal with charcoal.
If you intend to be in the BBQ game for the long haul, I strongly recommend starting with a charcoal grill. The results will be very rewarding and you will learn skills you can later apply when using other grills or any cooking style.
We go over a lot in this article, but to summarize, the best grill for beginners should be simple to use, and I recommend something affordable. You should also consider the type of fuel you want to use, as this can affect the flavor.
I hope you found this guide to be helpful. Grill on!
In this article, I will share with you and review the five gas grills for under 500 dollars. If you’re in the market for a new grill, but don’t want to spend a fortune, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll talk about what makes each option good, and help you decide which one could be a good fit for four. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best gas grills under 500 bucks. Let’s get started!
Weber has been manufacturing grills for years, and certain models are just too good to change too much, and grills like Weber’s Smokey Maintain and the Spirit models are examples of just that.
The Weber Spirit II lineup of grills is the brand’s entry-level models and is a great option for those looking for a simple gas grill to use on a few occasions. Simplicity is the key here and no gas grill review can be complete without it. The Weber Spirit has been a top seller for Weber and is a great grill for the money. It is a great choice for people looking for a quality grill without spending a lot of money.
This grill has two stainless steel burners and offers enough cooking space for small families or couples. It also has two side tables, which are perfect for meal prep space or placing drinks, food, and cooking tools. Just beware that only one of the side tables folds, and the tables are not meant to hold extremely heavy items.
This grill is also compatible with Weber’s iGrill 3 wireless thermometer, which you can monitor food temperature wirelessly. Don’t jump out of your couch yet! It is pretty much a magnetic base for the iGrill Bluetooth receiver, but hey, it is the thought that counts.
There is also a fuel gauge. However, it is more of a fuel weight than a gauge. The gauge is a spring-loaded propane tank holder that, as the propane inside the tank is spent, and the tank gets lighter, the base raises showing the approximate level of propane left in the tank. We tested this feature and have to say it actually works and is pretty accurate. It might not beat an actual gauge, but it does the job.
Another nice feature of the Spirit II E is the barbecue tool hooks on the side table. This grate is for hanging clinging brushes, spatulas, and tongues and having them handy when cooking.
The Weber Spirit II E models also come with porcelain-coated cast iron grates, which, if taken care of, will last a long time (don’t scratch or crack the enamel coating) and are at transferring heat. The Weber Spirit II series comes with a grease catching system that consists of a removable grease tray. The trays are made out of thin aluminum and are located at the button center of the grill.
Unlike most pellet grills where there is a grease bucket on the side of the grill and it is easy to remove, the Weber Spirit II E series, however, has this aluminum catch trash that is easy to put in place, but once it is full of grease, it can be very messy to remove. Unless you are paying attention, it is easy to overfill the grease tray, and then, well, there is no way to empty it but to slide it out. This happened to me many times, and I always made a mess and spilled old grease all over the bottom of the grill.
All in all, this grill gives you everything you need and enough cooking space for grilling quick and small meals. The Weber Spirit ii e 201 comes in two configurations. A free-standing four-legged with an open storage area configuration and a closed storage configuration with four caster wheels for a few dollars more. I highly recommend the closed storage options. You will thank me later.
We picked the Spirit II e 210 as our top pick because it offers reasonable cooking space, good craftsmanship, and many of the features seen on more expensive grills, such as side tables, fuel indicators, and an electric ignition stater. Additionally, this grill comes with an excellent warranty. Many grills priced at $500 or less will survive only a season, but Weber stands behind their product with a strong warranty.
This Char-Broil Performance 300 is our runner-up choice. This grill is smaller than the Weber Spirit, but you get similar features. This Char-Broil offers 300 square inches of total cooking space, a maximum heat output of 24,000 BTUs, off of two stainless steel burners, and two folding side tables.
This compact gas grill has a cabinet storage area with one door and a removable grease plan. The grease pan in the Char-Broil is easier to operate than the Weber’s, but the Weber still wins on quality. Other features found in this grill are an electronic ignition, a temperature gauge, and a warming rack.
This grill is built out of steel, so it does get hot, and I wouldn’t give it a hammer. But all jokes aside, if you want an inexpensive grill with a decent-sized cooking surface, something to cook a few burgers, and a good steak every now and then, the Performance 300 can fit the bill.
The Char-Broil Performance 300 offers similar features as our top choice, the Weber Spirit II E 210, but for almost half the price. The reason that it is second on our list is quality. Char Broil builds these grills using thin steel, although if careful, it should not be a problem. Just don’t expect heat retention to be optimal. Also, this gas grill is slightly smaller and slightly less powerful than the Weber. But if you want something similar to the Weber grill but pay less, the Char-Broil is one of the best gas grills under the 500 price point.
Grilling with this Char-Broil is easy and it works great for cooking daily meals and feeding a small family.
The Broil King Gem 320 is unquestionably a hidden gem and one of the best gas grills under the “affordable” umbrella. Three burners deliver 2400 BTUs of power to the 426 square inches of total cooking space on this propane gas grill. Although the storage compartment does not have a door, you may still store a few items inside the pedestal base.
This gas grill is distinguished by its cast-aluminum cooking chamber. The primary cooking chamber box is made entirely out of cast aluminum, which resists corrosion and maintains high levels of heat retention. Additionally, this grill features a unique heat reflector design that aids in heat distribution. A stainless steel warming rack and cast iron grates complete the cooking area.
Additionally, this gas grill offers foldable tables, tool hooks, and an electric igniter. Grilling with this unit is very simple, and I like that the large wheels make it easy to move around.
The Char-Griller e3001 is another three-burner gas grill, spanning 630 square inches in total and outputting 40800 BTUs of heat. The primary cooking area measures 438 square inches, while the warming rack measures 192 square inches.
In terms of features, you have an electric ignition and a cast iron cooking grid, and a stainless steel warming rack in the cooking area. What distinguishes this grill is the addition of a side burner. A side burner enables you to cook whole meals on your grill. Prepare veggies, rice, or side dishes. This can also be used as s sear burner.
The huge temperature dials on the Char-Griller are another attractive feature. Even if your hands are quite greasy from handling food, turning the knobs is simple.
The Char-Broil Classic 360 is the cheapest gas grill on this list, making it an excellent choice for people searching for the minimal essentials at the best price. While it is not the greatest or offers the most features, it is a respectable and portable propane gas option for under $500.
This gas grill has a straightforward design that includes three stainless steel burners and a cast aluminum cooking chamber. The three burners generate a combined 30,000 BTU and are used to heat the 360 square inches of cooking space. While this grill is simple, it is powerful and provides a reasonable amount of space for the price.
Two side tables and a push-button starter are included as features. This is a piezo starter, which means that, similar to a candle lighter, you must apply pressure to generate a spark to light the burners. All other gas grills on this list are powered by electricity.
Determining the best gas grill under $500 is pretty straightforward, really. However, there are a few things you should look for on gas grills at this price range.
The grill’s build quality is one of its most important factors when buying any grill, but especially when considering gas grills under $500. Most grills in this price range are made of thin steel, with some being made with a more durable cast aluminum body.
A gas grill with a cast aluminum body will generally be more durable but at the cost of more weight. Some grill bodies are entirely made out of cast aluminum, like some like the Weber Spirit, where only the bottom of the cook box is cast aluminum.
A gas grill made out of thin aluminum will get very hot to the touch when grilling at high temperatures and will be less efficient at retaining heat. Also, they will be more fragile and harder to cook in cold weather. But these grills will also be cheaper and lighter.
BTUs is an acronym used for the British Thermal Units, and it measures the amount of heat put out in BTUs per hour. The higher the BTUs, the more heat is emitted per hour. Gas grills under 500 dollars typically feature two to three burners, with a BTU output ranging from 1500 BTUs to almost 40,000. The BTU output determines how much heat the grill will be able to put out.
This is important because it will determine the type of meals you will be able to cook on your grill. Lower BTUs will work great for those only cooking a few burgers and hot dogs, or maybe even a chicken or thin cuts of meat every now and then. If you want to cook thin cuts of meat or sear a steak, consider a propane gas grill with a higher BTU output.
Features are an important factor in any gas grill, but at this price range, the features tend to be limited. Still, some manufacturers manage to add decent features to these budget-friendly grills.
Some of these include electronic ignition systems, side burners, porcelain-coated grates, and side tables. Other brands add even more features, including fuel gauges and built-in cooking chamber thermometers.
Of course, the more features a gas grill has, the higher its cost will be. You don’t need all the bells and whistles. I included the best gas grills under the 500 dollars price point with the most practical features.
As far as features go, here are the ones that, in my experience, are worth getting: a fuel gauge and side tables. Knowing how much fuel is left in a propane tank when cooking in a liquid propane grill is a big help. I cannot tell you how many times I have run out of propane during a cook. If you are grilling for long periods or at high temps, these grills can consume some fuel.
Side tables are another nice addition. Having a place to rest all your cooking tools and even meal prep is a huge convenience and one that I am willing to pay for.
Some “nice” to have features are storage and electric ignition.
Whether you buy a propane grill, a natural gas grill, or a charcoal grill, size is an important factor when making a grill purchase. Grill size is measured in square inches, and normally manufacturers will tell you the total cooking space, the primary cooking area size in square inches, and the secondary cooking area as well, such as a warming rack.
When it comes to grilling, size does matter. If you are planning on cooking often and for a small household, a grill in the range of 300 to 400 square inches of cooking space will do, but anything smaller will be more of a portable grill. Also, temperature control in small grills can be a challenge. Because the burners are so close to the grates, they are also prone to flare-ups.
My recommendation is to go for the larger grills unless you absolutely need a small grill due to limited space, weight, or the need to reduce cost.
With any product, a warranty is important, and some remain true with grills, especially gas grills under 500 dollars. Don’t expect these grills to last for years, but with proper care, you can get good use out of them.
A new gas grill should include a good warranty because even stainless steel burners can rust and, in some cases, prematurely.
Although most warranties will not cover wear and tear, they will cover things like failed ignition systems, broken parts, and, in some cases, premature part failures.
Amount of Burners
The amount of burners is important but be ware that more burners do not necessarily equate to higher BTUs. This is specially the case when comparing two to three burners models The amount of burners can help but good grills with two burner can outperform a bad grill with three burners. So is important to pay attention to the BTUs and evaluate that measure by the size of the grill.
A propane gas grill in and around the price mark of 500 bucks is not going to be packed with the latest features and technology, still, you can get good useful features at this price range.
If you have a choice between a Piezo igniter and an electric igniter, I strongly recommend the electric igniter. The piezo is very valuable in portable gas grills because you will most likely be using the grill outdoors in the woods somewhere and you don’t want a AAA battery to get in the way of your diner.
At home, however, is a different story, and for $500 you can get a grill with a good electric starter. The starter works similarly to a car’s push start button; press it and an electric spark will ignite the grill. The piezo starter requires pressure and force, and when those igniters get dirty, you’ll be squeezing that button like a cranking old car.
It can be difficult to find grills with a side burner and under 500 dollars, but there are options, as I listed above. This extra burner can transform your grill into a mini-kitchen, allowing you to grill as well as cook side dishes. A side burner is also useful for searing, as well as for boiling and using cast iron skillets.
Imagine cooking on your kitchen and not having countertops to put your knives, bowls, tools, you get the point. Although side tables will not give you a lot of surface to work with, they are very nice to have. having space to set your BBQ tools, plates, and food is a huge plus.
This is another feature that is nice to have but is not really a necessarily. However, have a nice storage area even if just a lower rack allows you to store things like a grill cleaning brush, tools and even extra fuel
Okay, this is something I’d like to discuss because it affects a lot of people. It also doesn’t hurt that the terms phrase gas grill and propane grill are sometimes used interchangeably to denote the same thing but are actually two distinct things.
A natural gas grill will only work with natural gas and these grills are clearly marked a “natural gas grill” at stores. Propane grills are also parked as “liquid propane gas grill”. Both types grills are fall under the gas grill category but be aware that they are not the same.
Because natural gas and propane grills operate at different pressures, they cannot use the same fuel. There are conversion kits available, but not every grill supports them. A liquid propane grill will work with any LP tank available at almost every hardware store and even gas stations.
Propane gas grills are popular because, compared to charcoal grills, they are easier to use. However, because of more components, they tend to be a bit more expensive. However, there are diamonds in the rough, and good grills under $500 are available.
We chose the Weber Spirit ii e 210 as our top choice and the best gas grills under the 500 bucks mark because it checks all the boxes. First, the Weber costs less than $500; it includes good features and has a market-leading warranty. Most importantly, it works well.
I owned a Sipirt II E, and my only complaint was that I let the grease tray get too full and made a mess trying to empty it.
If you want the best of both worlds and the absolute cheapest, the American Gourmet will meet that criteria.
What is a pellet gas combo grill? A pellet gas combo grill is a type of grill that uses both wood pellets and natural gas or propane as fuel. These grills feature heating and cooking components from both pellet and gas grills, integrated into a single frame. So you get a pellet grill and a gas grill in one grill.
This type of grill is becoming more and more popular because it offers the best of both worlds: the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor of a pellet grill. In this article, we will list the 3 best pellet gas combo grills on the market right now. We will also include a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.
A pellet gas combo grill is a type of grill that uses both pellet fuel and natural gas or propane. These grills are not to be confused with other combo grills like charcoal and propane combo.
This type of grill is becoming more and more popular because it offers the best of both worlds: the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor of a charcoal grill. In this blog post, we will list the 3 best pellet gas combo grills on the market right now. We will also include a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.
When it comes to grills, there are a lot of different options to choose from. But if you’re looking for a good pellet and gas combo grill, then you’ve come to the right place.
We did our research and looked for brands offering this level of versatility, and combining that with customer feedback, we came up with the list below.
There are many benefits to buying a pellet gas combo grill. First, pellet grills are very easy to use. You simply set the temperature and let the grill do the work for you.
However, some of us like to grill and sear steaks or cook side dishes using our grills. This is why many consumers are looking for this type of combo grill smokers.
There are some really cool benefits of pellet grill smoker combos. One is that you technically get two grills in one, allowing you to cook a wider variety of foods and recipes.
Second, you have two fuel sources, which means if you run out of one fuel source, your grill is not totally out of commission. In fact, sometimes you will find yourself only using one side of the grill.
Lastly, versatility. Having two different fuel sources is ideal for individuals who desire endless cooking possibilities with their barbecues and also have a whole outdoor kitchen.
Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of pellet gas combo grills, let’s look at three popular and top-selling modes.
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The Camp Chef WOODWIND 24-Inch pellet grill is our top pick for the best pellet combo grill. This grill has a large grilling area, and it comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for both home and on the go.
The Camp Chef does not offer a second or separate gas cooking space, but the reason is our top pick is because, first and simply, it is a good pellet grill.
Woodwind offers the latest innovation in pellet grills. It has a Digital PID and WIFI-enabled controller that lets you change the temperature, set timers, and receive notifications when your meat reaches your set temperature—all from the palm of your hand!
The Camp Chef WOODWIND offers a variety of features to make your grilling experience more enjoyable. It offers 811 sq in total rack surface area, plenty of space to cook all your food, plus the lower and upper racks are also adjustable.
What makes this grill a good pellet smoker grill combo is its SideKick grilling system. Simply put, the Sidekick grilling system is a removable side burner that attaches to the side of the grill. The side burner can operate different accessories, including a grill, a pizza box, a searing box, and even a griddle. This level of versatility is what makes this grill our top pick.
This grill is more of a pellet grill smoker with a “side” gas burner. If you are not using the “gas” side table, you can remove it and not have an empty and wasted cooking chamber space.
True, you don’t get a “full-on” gas grill like in the Pit Boss below, but the CampChef is a good grill and smoker.
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If you are looking for a more “complete” combo, then the Pit Boss smoker grill combo is a good choice.
The Pit Boss Sportsman Pellet Combo Grill is our second pick for a pellet gas combo grill. This grill is perfect for those who want to have both a pellet grill and a gas grill completely independent from each other in a single frame.
The Pit Boss is more of a “full-on” pellet/gas grill smoker combo. You get a small pellet grill and a small gas grill with three burners. What this all means is that you get two separate cooking chambers, one powered by pellets and the other by propane, all in one frame. So, unlike in the Woodwind, the gas grill in this unit is a full and actual grill.
When it comes to pellet gas combo grills, the Pit Boss Sportsman Series is definitely a top contender. This grill offers 8-in-1 cooking versatility, so you can smoke, bake, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, char-grill, and even sear—all in one machine using wood pellets and gas.
The Pit Boss Flame Broiler system also allows you to achieve instant direct or indirect cooking and temperatures ranging from 180° to 500°F. This feature is simple to use, pull a lever, and the heat shield above the firepot opens up to allow direct flame grilling.
With the digital control board and meat probes, you can easily monitor your food and keep an eye on the cooking progress.
Other notable features of this grill include three stainless-steel gas burners, two meat probes, a large hopper capacity, a hopper viewing window, a built-in spice rack, and a bottle opener, plus a high-temperature powder coat finish.
It also includes a removable side shelf and a foldable front shelf—great for meal prep and placing all your cooking tools.
Available at:
This grill does not offer the technology and quality found in the Camp Chef, but you do get a large grill at a good price point. This grill is also a full combo grill, which means you get two separate cooking chambers in one.
The Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet/Gas Combo is a great option for those looking for a pellet grill and gas grill smoker combo but want it at an affordable price. It has a cooking surface area of 900 square inches, making it perfect for larger gatherings, and a wide temperature range of 180° to 500°, ensuring that you’ll be able to cook a good range of foods.
The pellet hopper holds 30lbs of pellets, so you won’t have to worry about running out during a long cookout.
The PID control panel ensures precise temperature control. Plus, it comes with Bluetooth capabilities so that you can monitor your cookout from your phone or tablet.
At 207.34 lbs, it’s on the heavier side but still manageable. All in all, the Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet/Gas Combo is a great pellet gas combo grill for those who want the best of both worlds.
When buying a pellet propane combo grill, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the size of the cooking area. If you’re planning on cooking for large groups, then you’ll want a pellet grill with a larger cooking surface area.
If you are mostly doing pellet grilling, then something like the Camp Chef with just the one-side burner will be good enough.
Next, take into account the temperature range. You’ll want to make sure that the pellet grill can reach a broad temperature range to cook your food properly. Don’t get too caught up on temperature range. Most modern wood pellet and gas grills offer appropriate cooking temperature ranges.
Unless you are looking at small and portable smokers or grills, the temperature range is not that much of an issue in larger grills.
Finally, consider the pellet hopper capacity. If you’re going to be cooking for long periods of time, you’ll want a pellet grill with a large hopper, so you don’t have to worry about running out of pellets. A pellet grill will burn about 1 and a half pounds of pellets per hour, so you don’t need a 50-pound pellet hopper, 10 and up is good enough.
Having a large cooking space is great, but if the grill won’t last past a season, then what’s the point. Build quality and sturdy construction are important, and things like thick steel construction and stainless steel construction components will contribute to the longevity and lifespan of the grill.
However, nothing beats getting a good cover for your grill.
Oh, warranty. Here is our case. These grills have many moving parts and components. The more parts, the more things that can go wrong. Especially with grills with two separate cooking chambers. This means you have augers, electronic fans, and a digital board, but also gas burners. The chances of something breaking, going bad, or malfunctioning well are doubled when you combine two grills into one.
We are not saying the combo grills are less reliable. We are saying that there is more in the pot to go wrong.
Like everything in life, there are Pros and Cons to combining a wood pellet grill with a gas grill.
Pellet gas combo grills offer the best of both worlds: the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor of a charcoal grill. When shopping for one, be sure to consider your budget, cooking space, pellet hopper size, features, convenience, and warranty.
However, what’s most important is to decide whether you need a full-on pellet and gas grill combo or a pellet grill with a side burner.
If only having a side gas or propane burner, then our top choice is the Camp Chef. This is because this grill is, first, a great pellet grill, and its propane SideKick system gives you more than just a side burner. You can use it to bake pizzas, as a griddle, and more.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, the Pit Boss Sportsman is another great option. If on a budget but still want a full combo, the Cuisinart can fit the bill.
Happy grilling!
Pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular and are selling well. Some of the reasons are their simplicity, convenience, technological advancement, and also that awesome wood-fired flavor from burning pellets.
Gas grills have long been the go-to for those who wanted a grill that was easy to use, fast to get going, and easy to cook on. However, gas grills have one drawback: a lack of flavor. Before pellet grills came into the picture, charcoal grills were the king of flavor.
Still, many compromised and opted for gas grills as an easy-to-use option. You can still get a smoky flavor out of your gas grill by using a smoker wood chip box, but you will still lack the wood-fired flavor produced by a wood pellet grill.
The emergence of pellet grills has not only taken over the most significant advantage of gas grills, ease of use, but with better technology, added flavor, and technology, many consumers are buying wood pellet grills.
So maybe you are on the fence and not sure which is for you, are ready to upgrade, or are on the hunt for your next grill. In this article, pellet grill vs gas grill comparison, we will show you the major differences between these two types of grills and help you decide which type is better for you.
The answer to this question can be subjective. For some, the simplicity of gas grills, their low cost, clean-burning fuel, and ease of use remain king and their only option.
However, many more people have realized that pellet BBQs are just as simple to operate as gas grills, but they yield far more flavor. Not to mention the sophistication and automation inherent in pellet BBQ smokers and grills.
Let’s go over a few factors, similarities, and differences between these two types of grills and see which is better.
A gas grill is very similar to a gas stove. Liquid Propane or Natural Gas is fed to the burner and ignited. This process produces heat, which cooks the food. Both stoves and gas grills are available in natural gas and liquid propane, and yes, there are differences between LP and natural gas.
A natural gas line can be connected to the grill, whereas with LP grills, a liquid standard propane tank holds the fuel under pressure for the burners.
What made gas grills so popular was the fact that, like a kitchen stove, you turn a knob, push a button or an igniter, and you are ready to cook food. With Charcoal grills, you have to light charcoal and control the temperature using air vents; the cooking process in a gas barbecue is much simpler.
The biggest drawback of gas grills is that gas has no taste, flavor, or aroma. Some gas grills put out high temperatures, which some prefer for direct cooking and searing. However, gas and propane are inexpensive fuels for gas grills but, no flavor.
Pellet grills use indirect heating for cooking food using a convection fan similar to a kitchen oven. Pellet grills must be connected to electricity for powering fans and other various features but do not need a gas line.
Because of the smoke generated when wood pellets burn and the way pellet grills work, these grills are often called smokers. A charcoal smoker cooks at a slow and low temperature, and a pellet grill can too.
The pellet grill market has exploded in recent years. Brands like Traeger, Z Grills, Yoder, and Rec-Tec dominate the market. Pellet smokers and grills have a lot going for them.
First, they are as easy, if not easier, to use than propane grills. In many models, all you have to do is push a button, and the cooking process starts. Second, they render good and juicy meats due to their indirect heat cooking method.
Pellet cookers burn wood pellets in a fire pot where a convection fan agitates the flame and sends heat to the cooking areas. Flames are kept at bay by a heat shield over the fire pot, and only heat and smoke enter the cooking area.
Set the temperature and enjoy the slow cooking process and smoky flavor. You raise the temperature to grill a few burgers. The point is, these grills are great at keeping a consistent temperature.
Lastly, these grills are great and maintain heat well since a digital controller controls the temperature. The biggest advantage of these grills is the smokey taste from burning pellets. Wood pellets are compressed sawdust recycled from lumber mills and other resources in natural ways.
The pellets are made from hardwoods like hickory and oak, which, when burned, well, you enjoy the taste. Smoking pellets are different from heating pellets. One drawback is that pellet grills require electricity to run their electronics, fans, and augers, unlike most gas grills.
While gas and pellet grills have many similarities, they’re still two different types of cooking equipment. Both types of grills are easy to use, but the biggest gap between the two is that natural smoke flavor. Simply put, burning pellets equals to smoke flavor.
Wood pellet grills only work with cooking pellets. Wood pellets are available to almost everywhere, online, and in your nearest local big box store. The price of a 20-pound bag of wood pellets is slightly higher than the cost of refilling or exchanging a 20-pound propane tank. Some argue that the price of either natural gas or propane is less than pellets, but with more brands joining the market, the price of pellets has dropped considerably and, in some cases, is less.
However, smoking pellets need to be stored properly for them to last, whereas a propane tank, provided it has no leaks, can hold propane for long periods. Pellet grills burn about a pound of pellets per hour, and so do gas grills.
The larger the cooking surface and cooking at higher temperatures will impact fuel burn rates. Both a good gas or pellet grill will be pretty efficient at lower temperatures.
Another thing to consider is that, like electric grills, pellet grills need a power source to operate, whereas gas grills only need gas. This means that you will consume two types of fuel when using your pellet BBQ smoker or grill.
As explained in our review of the best pellet smoker and grills, we also covered the benefits and disadvantages of these grills. Both types of grills offer easy-to-start and stop functionality and are easy to use, but pellet smokers start with the switch of a button.
Most pellet smokers ( and grills ) start with by pressing a “power button,” and brands like Camp Chef and Traeger even a remote mobile app giving you the ability to control every aspect of , and gas grills are lit using a push igniter ( Piezo Igniter ) or battery-powered operated igniter.
However, pellet grills are easier to use than gas grills when it comes to temperature control. This is primarily partly due to how pellet grills are designed. A PID controller manages the feeding of pellets, pellet ignition, and the fan. This means that you set the desired cooking temperature on a pellet grill, and the grill does the work.
In a propane BBQ grill, you must still open and close the gas burner to increase or decrease the fire. In a gas grill, the temperature knobs control the grill.
In both pellet and gas grills, adjusting or controlling the temperature is relatively easy, but in a pellet grill, the process is automated.
Pellet grills provide accurate temperature control. Customers can find quality pellet models with a five-degree accuracy rating in temperature control managed by a digital controller. Pellet grill temperature control is a standout feature. A quality pellet grill can not only be accurate but can also maintain heat well.
Higher-end gas grills can retain heat well and cook at a steady temperature but lack the digital technology to detect heat fluctuations and adjust accordingly.
Temperature control is an issue in most gas and charcoal grills, and it can be difficult to cook low and slow in some. However, direct heat and open flame cooking are where gas grills shine. It is easy to sear meat on a gas grill, although most grills can’t operate at high temperatures for long.
Unlike gas grill models, pellet grills are more suited to low n’ slow cooking because they do much better at keeping low temperatures consistently. Therefore, if you want to smoke meat low and slow and add natural wood flavors, a pellet grill is the right grill.
Most manufacturers have accessories available for both their pellet and gas grills. But you will quickly realize that more accessories are available for pellet units. Many manufactures offer accessories and tools such as pizza stones, searing boxes, and versatile cooking grates to aid in the slow cooking process of ribs, briskets, and pork shoulders.
A pellet grill is a versatile grill which brings me to my next point, versatility.
A wood pellet grill can smoke meats, bake, and grill, and with so many pellet flavors, the results are more often than not amazing. A gas or charcoal grill can be as versatile and offer the same cooking options, but not without some sort of modification and certainly not as easy as a wood pellet grill.
The only input you give a pellet grill is the desired temperature; everything else is handled by the grill itself, making it easy to cook meat, vegetables, and everything else that you can think of.
Generally speaking, most gas grills have adjustable temperature settings, but some models cannot operate at constant low temperatures for smoking, and yeah, no smoke flavor.
When comparing a pellet grill to a gas grill, technology is the biggest difference between these two types of grills.
No good article can compare the two without talking about technology. The reason why is that pellet grills are packed with technology. Temperature control is managed by smart controllers capable of monitoring the temperature inside your grill cooking area and adjusting the desired temperature accordingly. This means you can spend more time away from your new grill and more time with your friends and family while cooking.
Smart technology in pellet grills has advanced to the point where some of these grills can integrate with other smart devices and offer mobile apps. Companies like Traeger offer grills that can be controlled using mobile apps and even integrate with Alexa.
There are gas grills with good technology, but none come close to the technology and automation found in a pellet grill.
Ok, This is obvious, but I need to emphasize this point a lot. Smoking pellets yield amazing flavor. Something needs to be added to get wood-fired flavor when cooking on gas or charcoal grills. Either a smoker box, wood chips, or wood chunks, something needs to be added to get the smoke flavor.
A propane grill without added wood chips yields zero flavors, and all the meat’s taste will come from its seasoning.
Wood pellet grills are all about flavor. When it comes to flavor, pellets all day. You have complete flavor control since you have a variety of wood pellet flavors at your disposal. You can even mix wood flavors and get whatever taste you want. With a propane grill, well propane…
Most wood pellets are made out of natural wood, so you are burning a natural product, avoiding adding foul smells and toxins to your food. In a charcoal grill, charcoal briquettes are a source of fuel, and something like wood chips still needs to be added for flavor. Some lump charcoal brands use hardwoods that do yield smokey flavor.
Running times are pretty equal between these two types of grills, especially when comparing grills of the same size.
A pellet grill can burn about one pound and a half of pellets per hour depending on the cooking temperature and other environmental factors like weather. If it is freezing outside, your propane or pellet smoker will work harder to keep the temperature, and so will your gas grill.
You can get to up to two pounds of pellets per hour if you set the temp low to smoke meat.
Factors impacting the cost of grills include their size, building materials, technology, and quality. But when talking about pellet grills, this is one area where the propane grills win. Manufacturing propane grills is much cheaper than pellet grills.
The digital controllers in pellet grills alone add to the cost of a grill. Smart technology, WIFI, and other tech can add to the price tag very quickly.
Ok, many of us are die-hard fans of charcoal grills, and for some, charcoal is the only way. However, charcoal grills are not very user-friendly. There are a few skills you need to master to operate a charcoal grill well.
Pellet grills are as easy to use as your kitchen oven. Turn it on, set the temperature, and let it cook. This is one of the reasons these grills are taking off and selling so well.
Both a high-end Gas Grill and Pellet Grill can include many fancy bells and whistles. But pellet grills have more tech features and automation.
Pellet grill companies have incorporated features ranging from Bluetooth and Wireless capability to embedded meat probe sensors and LCD display screens. Companies like Traeger even have “keep warm” functions in their grills.
Gas grills have no automatic temperature controls. Generally, a good gas grill includes traditional features such as side burners and rotisseries. Several models also feature little extras such as LED lighting but do not come close to the technology and automation in a pellet grill.
Grill cleaning and maintenance can help preserve grill performance and durability. You should clean the grill grates and cooking chamber as often as possible.
A good grill cover can help prevent corrosion and coating damage from UV light and weather elements.
Wood pellet grills have grease trays that have to be regularly cleaned. It’s possible to cover them with foil for easy cleaning. Also, ash accumulation in the fire cup and around the grill is common as the wood pellets burn.
This requires you to use a small shop vac and clean the ashes, although some grills models have removable ash cups making it easier to clean.
Besides cleaning wood pellets ashes, both grills cleaning procedures and amount of work are relatively the same.
Wood Pellet is an organic, natural product specially produced for use in pellet grills. Propane is derived from natural gas refining.
Cooking auto nation is an area where a gas grill cannot compete with a pellet one. Pellet grills use meat probes to monitor meat temperature and cooking chamber sensors, plus a smart PID controller to keep everything in order.
Ok, I currently do most of my cooking on my Z Grills 450B and my Green Egg. Charcoal grills are a lot of work, but I enjoy them. Whenever I want to spend the day “playing” with charcoal and having a few beers, I use the Green Egg.
However, whenever I have friends over and want less of mess and work less, then am pellets all day. My go-to grill is a pellet grill. I even got rid of my gas grill because, sure, it was easy to use, but I am always adding wood chips for flavor, and it was not as easy to use as my Pellet grill.
If you want a grill that is easy to use and yields great flavors, try a pellet grill. If you occasionally want to grill a few hot dogs and burgers, then a gas grill can be a good fit.
A gas grill is one of the most common grills in the market. Simply put, natural gas or liquid propane is fed to burners where the fuel is ignited. The combustion of the gas generates heat which cooks your food.
Gas grills are not going anywhere. Some are going down in price, and for someone that just wants to grill burgers every once in a blue moon, these grills are still a good fit.
Even for the hardcore enthusiast, a gas grill can yield good results if you know how to use it. Gas grills are also clean; there is less mess or pellets ash to deal with, so many people love them for their outdoor kitchens.
If you cook on a charcoal grill, it generates heat using charcoal briquettes. Charcoal Grills are cheap, and charcoal can be found just about anywhere. The temperature in charcoal grills can be incredibly tough to control if you are new.
Charcoal grills can be a bit harder and messier to use than a gas grill and a pellet one. Keep in mind that charcoal alone does not produce wood-fired smoke flavor. For that, you need wood chunks or wood chips.
If you like to smoke meat, these grills can be a good choice. The aroma and taste that burning wood pellet produces beats a gas BBQ. Even when grilling something simple like hot dogs, these grills deliver. These grills can bake, grill, and smoke meat. An easy way to get well cooked meat.
Alright, there are a lot of new pellet grill brands, but here are the most popular. Trager is the original pellet grill and has been selling pellet grills for decades. Z Grills is another popular brand that is well known for offering amazing grills at very low prices. Other brands include Rec Tec, Yoder, Mak Grills, and Pit Boss.
There are brands offering well-built grills but are small compared to larger brands like Trager, Z Grills, and Pit Boss are small and other areas of the grill fall behind.
Trager leads the way when it comes to technology and innovation. Z Grills and Pit Boss offer well-built grills at affordable prices.
A gas grill still remains one of the cleanest and easiest ways of barbecue, but if you are looking for great flavor and a grill that is easy to use, then I would recommend trying a pellet BBQ Grill or smoker. The automation, smart technology, and wood-fired flavor are hard to beat.
Regardless of which route you go, look for a grill that offers the space and cooking surface your need and from a brand that you like.
If you own a gas grill or smoker, you know that propane and gas grills do not produce that authentic “smoky” taste. We are going to take care of that today. Get your smoker box out of the box and ready for use. In this article, we will walk you through the process of using a smoker box in five simple steps.
Using a smoker box to transform your propane grill into a wood-burning BBQ smoker is by far the simplest method to achieve that smoky taste without buying a smoker.
The burners in your gas grill will heat up the smoking box, which will then transfer the heat to the wood chips packed inside the smoker box, cooking delicious barbecue. Heating the smoker box causes the wood chips to smolder, resulting in the release of smoke from the smoker box through its vents or air holes.
Clean your smoker box well before putting it to use and adding wood chips. Yes, I understand the box will get hot and burn the chips, so what is the point? Well, suppose there are any contaminants left over from manufacturing. In that case, those will also burn, and the smoke that comes into contact with your foods will not only be from wood chips.
Take some dish soap and water and thoroughly clean the smoking box. Immediately after rinsing and drying the box, cover it with a thin layer of vegetable oil to “season the box” and protect it from corrosion.
Preheating and cleaning your grill’s grates can also help burn any filth and old grease that may be present, which will reduce the amount of foul smoke produced. Allow all of the nasty smoke to disperse before beginning to cook your food. Preheating the grill will also allow you to bring the grates to a proper temperature for subsequently heating the smoker box.
Use a decent grill brush to clean the grates as thoroughly as possible. Preheat the grill for around 15 to 20 minutes before lowering the burners.
Fill the smoker box with your favorite bag of wood chips. If you are cooking ribs or brisket, here are two articles to assist you in determining which wood chips to use.
Recommended smoking wood for Pork
Recommended smoking wood for brisket
Wood flavors for smoking meats
The combination of cherry wood and applewood produces a wonderful taste for chicken and pork. Mesquite has a strong taste and is particularly well suited for cooking red meat. Finally, oak is an excellent choice for a variety of beef cuts, including brisket.
Don’t overfill the smoker box! Just add enough wood chips to fill the box but the lid needs to fit tight.
| Oak | Game | Pork | Poultry | | | | |
| Hickory | Poultry | Beef | Pork | Ribs | | | |
| Maple | Game | Pork | Poultry | | | | |
| Mesquite | Lamb | Chicken | Duck | Beef | | | |
| Cherry | Ham | Turkey | Chicken | | | | |
| Alder | Fish | | | | | | |
| Apple | Pork | Game | Chicken | | | | |
| Pecan | Pork | Beef | | | | | |
Consider the following scenario: if your grill has two burners, turn on one of them, position the smoker box over it, and turn off the second burner.
The smoker box should not be placed too far away from the grill’s burner. Instead, set up the grill with two heat zones for indirect cooking. In this configuration, you will have a fantastic meat smoking setup. The meat will cook with indirect heat, resulting in tender and tasty meats.
The other burners can be used if you are not smoking meat but are grilling a steak or pork chops rather than smoking them on the grill. Gas grills with multiple burners are ideal for creating different heat zones throughout the cooking grates.
If your gas grill is equipped with V-shaped heat diffusers, you can utilize a V-shaped smoker box and position it directly on top of the reflectors to maximize heating effectiveness. If you do not want anything touching the burners, a universal smoker box will work perfectly, like the Weber Cast-Iron Smoker Box.
Once the smoker box and wood chips have reached the proper temperature, plus smoke is flowing out of the smoker box, you can adjust the burners. Let the grill reach the correct internal temperature.
Gas grills cool down more quickly as opposed to smokers, allowing you to begin cooking relatively fast. Once the box is generating smoke, check the grill’s internal temperature and, if necessary, adjust the burners.
You may need to add extra wood chips to the smoker box during the cooking process, so you will want to maintain the smoker box as hot as possible.
If you are doing indirect cooking, be careful not to overheat the smoker box on the one burner. It is possible to damage the box if it is overheated.
Consider the following scenario: the temperature inside the grill begins to drop. In such a scenario, you can switch on a second burner for a few minutes to raise the grill’s temperature rather than turning up the burner under the smoker box to its maximum setting. Some smoker boxes are constructed of thin stainless steel that is prone to warping.
If you are looking for a good smoker box, check out our list of the top options.
The movement you have been waiting for has finally arrived. Time to cook some meat! It is time to start cooking now that the smoker box is hot and there is a good amount of smoke coming from the grill.
Previously, we published an excellent post on how to smoke ribs and at what temperature to assist you in eliminating the guesswork associated with rib smoking. Furthermore, we have an excellent article on smoking briskets.
One disadvantage of smoker boxes is that they are small, and as the wood chips burn, you will need to add more wood chips to the box throughout the cooking process. To refill the smoker box, use a sturdy set of tongs and a pair of cooking gloves, remove the smoker box lid, and add more wood.
During the smoking process, you can also experiment and mix other wood flavors.
Simply throwing it all over your grill will not work well. If you throw wood chips directly on charcoal, they will burn fast.
In a gas grill, the wood chips might not come in contact with the burners effectively, and you will waste more wood to generate a proper amount of smoke. Plus, you will make a mess.
Most grills do not come with a smoker box, so you must purchase one to use wood chips. You can add a smoker box to almost any outdoor cooking appliance, including charcoal grills, gas grills, smokers, and offset smokers.
The main benefit of using a smoker box is that these boxes provide a perfect holding place for the wood and an efficient way to combust the wood.
You can use a smoker box on a gas grill or a propane smoker to cook your meats and vegetables. As soon as the box begins to smoke, it is important to adjust the burners.
Not all of the burners should be used; one burner under the box should be sufficient. Once smoke begins to form, turn the heat down to avoid causing damage to the smoker box.
The best way to use a smoker box in a gas grill is to place it directly above a burner. Not all of the burners should be used; one burner under the box should be sufficient.
Using a smoker box in a charcoal grill is not much different from using one in a propane grill, but there are several techniques that will help you.
A propane grill, for example, allows you to easily adjust the burners individually with the turn of a knob. When using a charcoal smoker, it is necessary to manage the charcoal. When I am smoking on my charcoal grill, one technique I like to use is to pile the charcoal on one side of the grill, below the smoker box.
To transform your grill into a smoker, you will need to create two heat zones. The heat from one end is used to heat the smoker box, while the other side will be used to cook the food.
Fundamentally, the concept is that if the meat does not come into direct contact with the burner, indirect heat will cook it low and slowly without burning or drying it out.
If you are having difficulty raising the temperature, you can use a second burner.
If the smoke flow appears to be weak or has been completely extinguished, you will need to add wood chips to the smoker box.
If you see any dark smoke or flames emerging from the smoker box, close the box’s vents immediately.
If your box does not have an adjustable vent system, carefully remove it and place it in a higher location away from heat, such as in the grill’s warming rack. Because the box will be extremely hot, use tongs and grilling gloves to handle it.
Avoid blasting the smoker box with fire to avoid letting the wood chips catch on fire. If you need to increase the temperature inside your grill, turn on other burners.
Keep your smoker box coated with a thin layer of oil. This will keep the box from corroding. Smoker boxes are exposed to direct fire which can start corrosion.
I like to use dry wood chips but some like to use soaked wood chips. wet wood chips might lose some flavor and take way longer to ignite.
Do not use wood chunks in smoker boxes. Wood chunks are too large to properly ignite in a smoker box. You can read more about the differences between wood chips and wood chunks in this article.
Always use good quality wood chips. A simple smoker box combined with the best wood chips will work better than a top-of-the-line box with low-quality chips.
To smoke meat use low temperatures, try not to go above 275 degrees.
Never clean the smoker box hot. If you apply water to a hot stainless steel box it can warp. Use a set of heat resistant tongs, remove the smoke box from the grill grates and let it cool before cleaning it.
Once you are done cooking and using the box, dump any ashes and wood chips inside. Clean the box with soap water and apply a light coat of vegetable oil.
This article is a perfect guide to learn how to use a smoker box and turn any grill into an amazing smoker. The basic idea here is that smoker boxes will perform best when placed above the fire. Still is important to not overheat the box to avoid damaging it. Once the box starts smoking adjust or turn off any remaining lit burners and set the grill to regular cooking temperatures.
If you want to use your gas grill as a smoker, create different heating zones and place the food on the cooler away from the heat source to create an indirect cooking setup.
Dirty grates not only look gross but also can change the taste of your food, and old grease can stain your food. In this article, we will show you how to clean grill grates using different methods.
Grease, oil, marinades, and food particles get burned onto the grill grates while grilling, eventually hardening. The stuff gets on your food, changing its flavor.
So, let’s clean some grates!
Grill grates are found in different materials and coatings, and it is important to know what type of grates you have on hand before cleaning them.
For example, some grill grates are porcelain coated, and porcelain can chip, exposing the raw metal. The exposed metal will rust, damaging your grate, and, yes, you can kiss it goodbye.
Porcelain-coated grates are great as they are rust-resistant, but the coating can be sensitive and be damaged by wire brushes. Instead, use soft or nylon brushes when cleaning coated grates.
Cast iron grates are favored by many because of how durable these grates are. However, these grates do require minimal maintenance to last years.
Cast iron grates can be cleaned using wire brushes but what’s most important is to keep the cast iron grates oiled to avoid rust. “Season” the grate with vegetable oil to keep it rust-free after every clean.
Cleaning stainless steel grates is similar to cleaning cast iron grates expect you don’t need to oil or “season” stainless steel grates. Stainless steel grates are relatively easy to clean.
A grill brush can be an excellent tool to clean stainless grates.
This method is easy and, if done often, should keep your grates in good shape. After grilling, the process is simple: increase the grill’s temperature to the highest safest temperature possible and close the lid.
You will see a lot of smoke, and old grease can and will light up. Keeping the lid shut and letting all this grime burn off is recommended. If you open the grill lid, you will feed air to the fire and can have a big flare-up! Be careful.
After about 15 to 20 minutes, shut off your grill, keep the lip shut and let any grease fire self extinguish. Grab a brush or cleaning tool and scrape off the grease residue.
In addition to using the burnoff method, we recommend scrubbing your grill grates down with hot, soapy water at least every month.
Burning off the grease and grime from the grates is a quick way of keeping the grates somewhat clean, but soaking the grates in on hot water and soap will ensure every inch of the grate is touched.
This method is straightforward. Fill a container with very hot water and add dish soap. Dish soap with grease removing additive works best.
Scrub the grate, give it a light wash, then let it soak in the hot soapy water for at least 30 minutes. After allowing the grate to soak, scrub and rinse the grate.
Using baking soda is another method and a natural way of cleaning your grill grates. This is a preferred approach for those not wanting to use any chemicals on their grates.
The process is simple, create a baking soda paste by mixing about 1 to 1 and a half cups of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda and a half cup of water in a small container. Adjust your mix ratio to achieve a nice paste viscosity.
Grab a sponge or rag and apply the paste to the grill grate. Let the baking soda do its job and after a few minutes, grab a brush or sponge to scrub the grate.
After the cleaning process, rinse the grate and place it back in the grill. Remember to season your cast-iron grates with vegetable oil to avoid rust.
Many people search how to clean grill grates looking for an alternative to chemical cleaners.
This is my least favorite method because it involves chemicals, and I like to keep everything involving my grills as natural as possible, including charcoal. However, there are some excellent grill cleaning sprays, and some are even natural.
This method is straightforward. Use a good grill cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, rinse, and repeat as needed.
Mix a one-to-one ratio of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the grill grates with the mix and scrub the grates.
Rinse the grates and repeat the process until clean.
Cast iron grates require extra attention to preserve their lifespan. For the most part, using the first method we explain in this article ( burning off the grease and residue with high heat ) will keep cast iron grates clean.
However, at least once a month, you should deep clean grill grates with soap and water. Here is a method you can use and how to clean cast iron grill grates.
You can start the process right after cooking a meal. Let the grill burn off any excess food or grease off the grates. Brush the food ash residue with a brush and let the grate cool down.
Once the grate is cold, use the vinegar method or the baking method we mentioned earlier in this article. If the grill grates are very dirty, I like to do one round of vinegar and one round of baking soda.
Spray the grill grates with a one-to-one ratio of vinegar and water and let the mix sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub the grates and rinse. Then apply a paste of baking soda, let sit for ten minutes and rinse. Vinegar and baking soda are great aids to clean your grill without using harsh chemicals.
You can use paper towels to absorb excess grease during the cleaning process.
Now that you know how to clean cast iron grates, you should know that cast iron needs to remain oiled, or it is often referred to as seasoning. Without any type of porcelain coating, the raw iron exposed to the elements will rust. This process is simple and will expand the life of your cast iron grates.
Grab an old rag and soak it in vegetable oil and apply the oil to the grate. Make sure you cover every inch with oil to prevent rust. You should “season” or oil at least every time you deep clean your grates with soap, vinegar, and baking soda.
Grill brushes are not well-liked by some grill enthusiasts. Some brushes fall apart after a few months, and low-quality brushes leave small residue or bristles on the grates.
While it is easy to clean your grill grates using brushes, if the grill grates are not too dirty, or you simply do not want to use a cleaning grill brush, use these methods to clean your grill grates.
You can use aluminum foil as a scrubbing tool for cleaning grill grates. Grab a piece of aluminum foil, form a small ball, use some sturdy tongs, and scrub the grates. You’re welcome!
Non-Scratch plastic scrubbing pads are great for cleaning grates, specially porcelain-coated grates, as the plastic material on these pads is non-brite and won’t scratch or chip the porcelain coating.
Aluminum foil works great on stainless steel but can be as harsh as a grill brush on porcelain grates.
Baking soda helps break down food buildup on grates and works excellent when compared with plastic sponges.
These are simple ways of keeping your grill grates clean. The important point here is that you should have a cleaning routine to keep your grates clean.
Happy Cleaning!
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