Electric, contact or gas? A great overview of grills

A summer season wouldn’t be complete without a barbecue with family or friends. But how do you choose the right grill to perfectly suit your needs? The market offers many different types with various features, and we’ll help you select the best one.

In this article, we’ll cover what to focus on when buying a grill, the advantages and disadvantages of different types, and how to choose the one that will look best on your patio or in your garden. Are you ready for a season full of delicious grilled goodies?

What to Consider When Buying a Grill

When choosing a grill, you should consider several key factors. Only then will the new grill meet your expectations and make your summer moments outdoors on the terrace or balcony more enjoyable. These include:

Type of Grill

The type of grill directly affects the cooking process, the flavor and aroma of the food, the fuel used, and the complexity of operating the grill. The most common types are charcoal grills, gas grills, electric grills, and their various subtypes. We’ll discuss them in more detail in the next section.

Grill Size and Capacity

Consider how many people you plan to grill for and what capacity you need. Preparing food for a small family is different than for a large group of friends. For bigger gatherings such as parties or celebrations, you’ll appreciate a larger and more powerful model.

Material and Build Quality

Grills today are made from various materials or their combinations, such as cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, enamel, or coated steel. If durability (e.g., against weather conditions) and long lifespan are important to you, opt for a stainless steel grill.

Features and Accessories

Modern grills offer multiple features such as temperature regulation, built-in thermometer, smoking function, one-touch ignition, as well as accessories like side shelves, multi-level grates, side burners, rotisserie, and more.

Ease of Maintenance

Different types of grills require different levels of maintenance. Some materials and constructions are easy to clean, others (like cast iron) need more care. You should clean the grill after each use to remove food residue and grease. Removable parts or a fat-collecting system can help.

Price and Warranty

For many people, price is an important factor. Often, investing in a higher-quality grill pays off in years of reliable use. But if you need a grill just for a few seasons, cheaper models can be sufficient. Before purchasing, consider your budget and be sure to check the warranty terms.

Types of Grills and Their Differences

To make the right choice, you should understand the basic types of grills, which differ in their features, advantages, and disadvantages.

Electric Grill

Electric grills use a heating element or grill plate powered by electricity. Food is prepared without an open flame. There are several kinds: contact, open, tabletop, or freestanding electric grills. Many models come with a thermostat, removable plates, and a fat tray for easier maintenance.

Advantages

• Easy to use – just plug in the grill and wait a few minutes to heat up.
• No smoke – since there’s no fire, smoke, or fumes, this grill is suitable for balconies or even indoor use.
• Simple maintenance – grates or plates are often removable and dishwasher-safe.
• Safety – no need to handle open flames or gas, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Compact size – electric grills don’t take up much space and smaller models fit easily in a cupboard.

Disadvantages

• Dependence on electricity – the grill requires a power source, so it's unusable in places without electricity.
• Lower temperature – can’t reach the high temperatures of charcoal or gas grills, which may affect crispiness and flavor.
• Lacks authentic flavor – if you love the smoky aroma of grilled food, an electric grill may disappoint.
• Limited capacity – generally offers less cooking space and power for larger quantities of food.

Gas Grill

Gas grills are among the most popular garden grills due to their ease of use, quick heat-up time, and precise temperature control. They are powered by propane or propane-butane (PB) bottles, or sometimes natural gas. Burners beneath the grill surface heat the cooking area, often using lava rocks or cast iron grates to distribute heat.

Advantages

• Fast and easy to operate – heats up in 5–10 minutes with a button press; temperature can be regulated like a stove.
• Clean grilling with no smoke – no charcoal or wood needed, so there’s no smoke or ash.
• Large cooking area – typically features bigger grill surfaces and multiple burners, suitable for groups.
• Extra features and comfort – gas grills often include side burners, igniters, thermometers, lids, tool hooks, and storage shelves.

Disadvantages

• Higher price – gas grills are usually more expensive, especially large models with added features.
• Flavor – similar to electric grills, gas grills don’t deliver the classic smoky taste, though some allow smoking.
• Dependence on gas – requires a gas bottle, though it's portable and can be used for camping.
• Size – gas grills are bulkier than electric ones and need a stable setup without frequent moving.
• Safety risks – working with gas requires caution and involves some risk.

Charcoal Grill

The charcoal grill is a classic and remains one of the most popular types. It’s known for delivering that unmistakable smoky flavor and aroma. However, it requires more time to heat up and some skill to operate, but rewards you with a unique experience. It uses charcoal or briquettes as fuel. The charcoal is lit (often using a starter or chimney), and once hot, it radiates heat to the cooking grate above.

Advantages

• Smoky flavor – no other grill can replicate the taste and aroma of wood or charcoal-grilled food.
• High temperatures – can reach over 300°C, ideal for steaks or large meat cuts.
• Grilling atmosphere – the crackling fire, smell of smoke, and slow cooking create a great vibe.
• Wide model selection – options are available for all budgets, from basic to high-end models.
• Energy independence – since it only needs charcoal, it’s ideal for outdoor use, camping, or cottages.

Disadvantages

• Longer preparation – it takes time to heat the coals, requiring patience and experience.
• Poor temperature control – unlike gas or electric grills, you can’t adjust the heat quickly or precisely.
• Smoke and mess – grilling with charcoal produces smoke and ash, and cleanup is more demanding.
• Weather-dependent – wind or rain can make grilling difficult, so it’s best in good weather.
• Safety risks – working with open flames and hot charcoal requires extra caution.

How to Choose a Grill for a Balcony or Garden

When choosing the ideal grill, consider primarily where you plan to use it.

Best Grill for the Garden

If you're looking for a grill for your garden, choose a charcoal grill or a gas grill. They offer a richer grilling experience, higher performance, more features, and better flavor. They also tend to have greater capacity, allowing you to prepare more food for family or friends. For charcoal grills, make sure smoke won't be a problem for you or your neighbors.

Best Grill for the Balcony or Apartment Terrace

If you’re grilling on a balcony or terrace and live in an apartment, you’ll need to go with an electric grill. Even within this category, there are powerful models that offer a good grilling experience. Choose from freestanding, tabletop, or contact grills. You’ll enjoy tasty food without smoke or mess. Plus, electric grills can also be used indoors in case of bad weather.

Final TIP: A great grill deserves quality ingredient preparation. If you enjoy grinding your own meat for burgers or sausages, a meat grinder is an excellent helper. And if you're looking to expand your kitchen gear, check out other handy kitchen appliances that are useful not just for grilling.

We hope these tips help you choose the right grill for enjoyable moments in the fresh air, surrounded by good people and even better food.