Not all grills are created equal. Some are built to smoke brisket for 12 hours straight, others to blast a perfect sear in 90 seconds. And then there are those little portable ones that make camping trips taste like summer.
As a pitmaster, I’ve cooked on everything from rusty charcoal barrels to Wi-Fi-enabled pellet machines that could probably text you when the ribs are done.
Each grill has its quirks, charms, and sweet spots – and if you’re serious about flavor, it pays to know what’s what.
This guide breaks down 20 types of grills, how they work, and what they’re best for. Whether you’re shopping for your first backyard setup or trying to understand why your neighbor swears by his kamado, this’ll make you the smartest one at the cookout.
Understanding the Basics of Grilling
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk fundamentals.
Grills come down to three main things:
- Fuel source – charcoal, gas, electric, wood, or pellets.
- Heat control – how precisely you can manage temperature.
- Flavor output – the signature smoke, char, or clean burn each grill produces.
Each grill balances those differently. Charcoal grills give you deep, smoky flavor but take patience. Gas grills are fast and clean but don’t have that same wood-fired soul. Pellet grills split the difference – wood flavor with thermostat control.
If grilling were music, charcoal is rock ‘n’ roll, gas is pop, and pellets are smooth jazz. Electric? That’s your acoustic unplugged set – clean, simple, and best indoors.
The 20 Types of Grills and What They’re Best For
Let’s get to the meat of it. Literally.
1. Kettle Grill
The classic charcoal grill – simple, affordable, and iconic. A kettle grill is the classic round charcoal grill known for its simple design and even heat circulation.
It’s perfect for beginners who want that authentic smoky flavor without the fuss – versatile enough for grilling, smoking, or roasting.
That rounded dome traps heat beautifully, and with some coal arranging, you can smoke, sear, or roast. The Weber Kettle practically built backyard BBQ culture.
Best for: Beginners and traditionalists who love that charcoal flavor without fuss.
Pro tip: Master the “two-zone” setup – coals on one side for sear, empty side for slow cooking.
Recommended product: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and Barbecue, 22-Inch, Black
2. Ceramic Kamado Grill
Think of it as the Ferrari of charcoal cooking. Kamados like the Big Green Egg are made from thick ceramic that holds heat like a pizza oven. You can cook low and slow, or crank it up past 700°F for a perfect steak crust.
Best for: Serious grillers and smoke enthusiasts.
Flavor note: Deep, rich smoke and amazing moisture retention.
Downside: Heavy, expensive, and not super portable.
Recommended product: Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Standalone Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker
3. Barrel Grill
Imagine a 55-gallon drum cut in half and turned into a BBQ beast. That’s a barrel grill. It’s got space for feeding an army and delivers a nice even heat with the lid down.
Best for: Backyard BBQs, big gatherings, and ribs by the rack.
Tip: Use a water pan for juicier meat and steadier temps.
Recommended product: VEVOR Charcoal Smoker Grill, 18.5″ Barrel Charcoal BBQ Smoker
4. Built-In Charcoal Grill
If you’re building an outdoor kitchen, this is the old-school way to flex. Built-in charcoal grills sit in stone or brick setups, giving you that primal flavor with permanent backyard appeal.
Best for: Homeowners who want a centerpiece grill.
Bonus: Customizable for pizza stones, rotisseries, and more.
Recommended product: Hygrill Charcoal Grill Head for Outdoor Kitchen
5. Propane Grill
The weeknight warrior’s favorite. Push a button, flame on.
A propane grill delivers instant heat at the push of a button, making it ideal for quick, convenient cooking. It’s low-maintenance, easy to control, and perfect for weeknight grilling without the wait or mess of charcoal.
Propane grills are fast, clean, and consistent – perfect when you’ve got 20 minutes to feed the family and no time to babysit coals.
Best for: Convenience lovers and apartment grillers.
Key phrase: Quick ignition, easy cleanup, predictable heat.
Recommended product: 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner
6. Natural Gas Grill
A natural gas grill connects directly to your home’s gas line, giving you an endless fuel supply and steady heat. It’s perfect for frequent grillers who want convenience without the hassle of refilling propane tanks.
Same vibe as propane but hooked to your home’s gas line. You’ll never run out of fuel mid-burger again.
Best for: Permanent setups, frequent grillers.
Pro tip: Great long-term investment if you grill 3+ times a week.
Recommended product: Weber Genesis E-325 Natural Gas Grill for Outdoor Cooking
7. Infrared Gas Grill
This one uses radiant heat instead of open flame, meaning ultra-even searing and no flare-ups. It’s like using sunlight in a box – super hot and super efficient.
Best for: Steak lovers and perfectionists.
Bonus: Less fuel, less waiting, and a golden crust every time.
Recommended product: GASPRO Multi-Tasking Propane Infrared Steak Grill
8. Convertible Gas Grill
Some folks want it all. The convenience of instant heat from the grill and ease of setup anytime, anywhere.
A convertible gas grill lets you switch between propane and natural gas, giving you flexibility no matter your setup. It’s a smart choice for grillers who want long-term versatility without buying a new unit down the road.
Best for: Flexibility and future-proofing your setup.
Note: Handy if you plan to move houses or remodel your backyard.
Recommended product: BODEGA 30 Inch Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill, 5-Burner Outdoor Gas Grill, LPG/NG Convertible
9. Standard Pellet Grill
Ah, the tech-savvy pitmaster’s dream. Pellet grills burn compressed wood pellets for steady smoke flavor, but run electronically – just set your temperature and walk away.
Best for: “Set it and forget it” BBQ with real smoke flavor.
Perfect for: Brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, even baked goods.
Recommended product: Pit Boss 500FB2 Pellet Grill, Matte Black
10. Wi-Fi Smart Pellet Grill
Same idea, but smarter. The future has already arrived about a decade ago and it has left some of us Gen Xers behind. I wonder how the boomers and other generations are catching up?
Grilling, apparently, has gotten smarter with fancy mobile gadgets and Wi-Fi technology these days.
Control your cook from your phone, check temp graphs, and get alerts when your meat hits target temp. Welcome to the future of BBQ.
Best for: Busy cooks who love gadgets as much as food.
Note: You’ll still have to flip the burgers yourself – sorry, AI hasn’t nailed that yet.
Recommended product: Brisk It Zelos-450 Electric Wood Pellet Smoker Grill – A.I. Smart BBQ Grill with WiFi, 7-in-1 Outdoor Grill & Smoker
11. Indoor Countertop Grill
For city dwellers or rainy-day cooks. These electric grills plug into any outlet and give you a decent sear without the smoke alarm serenade.
Best for: Apartments, condos, or quick weekday meals.
Pro tip: Go for removable plates for easier cleaning.
Recommended product: Ninja Griddle and Indoor Grill
12. Electric Outdoor Grill
Perfect if your building bans open flames. They plug in, heat up fast, and mimic a gas grill’s consistency – minus the fire risk.
Best for: Balcony BBQs and low-maintenance grillers.
Drawback: No real smoke flavor, but clean cooking.
Recommended product: George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Patio Grill
13. Portable Charcoal Grill
Compact, rugged, and smoky as ever. Great for the beach, park, or tailgate.
A portable charcoal grill packs that rich, smoky flavor into a compact, travel-friendly design. It’s perfect for camping, tailgating, or beach cookouts where you want real charcoal taste on the go.
Best for: Travelers and campers.
Key tip: Bring a chimney starter – lighter fluid ruins good flavor.
Recommended product: Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box Attachment for Texas-Style Offset Smoking Methods
14. Portable Gas Grill
Lightweight, quick, and tidy. No ashes, no waiting, no excuses.
A portable gas grill offers quick, mess-free cooking wherever you go, powered by small propane canisters. It’s ideal for road trips, picnics, and RV adventures where convenience meets real grilling performance.
Best for: Road trips, RV life, or quick camping meals.
Bonus: Instant heat and consistent results.
Recommended product: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
15. Disposable Grill
Yup, single-use grills exist. Pre-loaded with charcoal and foil-lined – light it, cook, toss it.
Disposable grills are a single-use, preloaded charcoal setup that’s ready to light and toss when you’re done. It’s perfect for spontaneous picnics or trips, though not the most eco-friendly or flavor-rich option.
Best for: Picnics, festivals, or emergency steak cravings.
Warning: Not eco-friendly, and you’ll miss the craftsmanship.
Recommended product: Disposable Charcoal Grill On-The-Go Ready to Use Easy to Light Kosher
16. Tabletop Grill
A compact powerhouse for patios or small yards. Available in gas, charcoal, or electric versions.
A tabletop grill is a compact, space-saving option that brings the grilling experience to patios, balconies, or camping tables. It’s lightweight yet powerful, perfect for small gatherings or quick outdoor meals.
Best for: Small spaces or couples who grill often.
Pro tip: Keep airflow clear – small grills can overheat fast.
Recommended product: Cuisinart Chef’s Style Tabletop Portable Propane Gas Grill
17. Offset Smoker Grill
The holy grail of BBQ purists. The firebox sits on the side, and smoke drifts through the main chamber, slow-cooking the meat in fragrant wood haze.
Cooking on an offset smoker grill is a true test of patience and precision – it rewards steady hands and slow timing. With careful fire management and a little intuition, you can turn simple cuts of meat into tender, smoky masterpieces.
Best for: Low-and-slow cooking – ribs, brisket, pork shoulder.
Flavor factor: Deepest, most complex smoke profile.
Downside: Takes patience and skill – but that’s the fun part.
Recommended product: Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
18. Drum Smoker (Ugly Drum Grill)
A DIY legend. Built from steel drums, these smokers are simple, efficient, and great for even smoke circulation.
Using a drum smoker, or ugly drum grill, makes for some of the best grilled/smoked meat! It’s prized for its efficiency and consistent heat retention, making long, slow cooks almost effortless. It’s budget-friendly, fuel-efficient, and delivers rich, even smoke flavor with minimal fuss.
Best for: Tinkerers and hands-on BBQ fans.
Pitmaster’s take: Ugly name, beautiful brisket.
Recommended product: Universal 20-pound Stainless Steel (25-servings) Charcoal Barrel Smoker with Thermometer & Airlock System
19. Hybrid Grill (Gas + Charcoal)
Why choose? These combo grills let you go from quick propane burgers to smoky charcoal ribs without owning two units.
Grilling on a hybrid grill is absolutely worth it if you want both convenience and authentic smoky flavor. You can fire up quick weeknight meals with gas or switch to charcoal for weekend BBQs – all in one setup.
Best for: Families with mixed grilling priorities.
Value: Ultimate versatility.
Recommended product: Bestfire Dual Fuel Propane Gas Charcoal Grill Combo Black Dual Lids
20. Fire Pit Grill / Open Flame Grill
Raw, primal, and fun. You’re cooking over wood and flame – no lids, no gadgets, just instinct and timing.
Pitmasters love the fire pit grill / open flame grill because it brings cooking back to its primal roots – real wood, open flame, pure flavor. Grilling is not just all about food; it’s about mastering fire and creating a hands-on, communal cooking experience.
Best for: Campfire chefs and anyone who loves rustic cooking.
Flavor: Unmatched smokiness and that old-world vibe.
How to Choose the Right Grill for You
There’s no single “best grill.” It depends on how you cook, where you cook, and what you love to eat.
Choosing the right grill comes down to your cooking style, space, and how much time you want to spend tending the fire. Whether you value smoky flavor, quick convenience, or high-tech control, there’s a grill that fits your rhythm.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Your Priority | Go For | Why |
| Flavor | Charcoal or Pellet Grill | Deep smoke, natural char |
| Speed | Gas Grill | Instant ignition, steady heat |
| Tech & Control | Smart Pellet Grill | App control, consistent temps |
| Budget | Kettle Grill | Great value, timeless |
| Small Space | Electric or Tabletop | Compact, clean, safe |
| Adventure | Portable Grill | Lightweight, travel-ready |
Pro tip: Don’t buy more grill than you’ll use. It’s better to master a modest kettle than to let a high-end smoker gather dust.
Grill Maintenance and Safety Tips
A well-cared-for grill lasts for years (and cooks better too).
- Clean after every use. Ash, grease, and carbon buildup choke airflow and flavor.
- Oil your grates before and after cooking to prevent rust and sticking.
- Check gas lines regularly for leaks using soapy water.
- Store charcoal dry – moisture ruins good coals faster than rain ruins a picnic.
- Cover your grill. The elements don’t respect craftsmanship.
And always grill outdoors with good ventilation. Your kitchen might smell great for an hour – until your smoke detector declares war.
Quick FAQ
What’s the most versatile grill type?
A hybrid (gas + charcoal) grill gives you both speed and smoke.
Which grill gives the best flavor?
Nothing beats charcoal or wood-fired grills for that deep, natural smokiness.
What’s the easiest grill to maintain?
Gas and electric grills win for cleanup and consistency.
Do pellet grills count as smokers?
Yes – in fact, pellet grills are digital smokers with precise control.
Managing the Flame and Heat with Tongs and Skills
Grilling isn’t just cooking – it’s storytelling over fire. Whether you’re running a smart pellet setup with Wi-Fi graphs or a rusty barrel you welded yourself, what matters is the connection between heat, flavor, and time.
There’s no wrong way to grill – just different paths to delicious.
So pick your flame, grab your tongs, and remember: the best grill is the one you’ll actually use. The smoke, the sizzle, the aroma – that’s where the magic lives.
Featured image credit: Marlon Dequito (made in Canva)
