Technological advancements have greatly impacted grilling practices. Electric and gas grills are gradually replacing charcoal grills. Electric and gas grills are gradually replacing charcoal grills. But determining which type of grill is best for your needs between electric grill vs gas grill can be a tedious process.
There are several factors to consider. These include the family size, storage space, maintenance, temperature range, food quality, and preferred style of cooking. We've prepared a detailed comparison of the two grills to help you make an informed decision on which to buy.
Electric Grill vs Gas Grill: The Defining Features
Below are common defining features of the two grills:
Grill Size
Electric grills are smaller in size, taking about 2-3 square feet to set up one. The largest electric grill could, in fact, be approaching the smallest gas grills. For a gas grill, you'll need a few feet to both sides. You might need a space of roughly 6 inches by 4 inches to set up an average-size 3-4 gas grill.
Temperature Range
With improved craftsmanship, modern grills nowadays often use high-quality materials like stainless steel or ceramic, namely kamado grills. It also explains how these grills manage to yield impressive heating prowess and retain heat longer. But more heat doesn't necessarily translate to better performance: here's our guide to selecting the right temperature for cooking.
Having a wide range of temperatures can open up more grilling options. Both grills can provide both low- and high-end temperatures. An electric grill's low setting is about 250℉ (121℃). This is a good temperature for reheating food or cooking delicate food such as vegetables, fruit, and fish. The average high-end temperature is about 500℉ (260℃), which is good for searing. But some models can hit up to 600℉ (316℃) or even higher.
Gas grills tend to have similar low-end temperatures. But it can be quite challenging to maintain it there since the flames will just keep coming. For convenient low-temperature cooking, set up 2-zone cooking – sear in the hot zone then move the food to the warmer zone to finish up.
High-end temperatures can reach between 500-550℉ (260-288℃). You can also get a gas-powered infrared burner and enjoy up to 900℉ (480℃).
Quality and Consistency of Food
For food quality and taste, a gasser can be your go-to grill. Open flames heat the grates and food. Sauces, rubs, charred fat, and dripping juices greatly enhance the flavor of your food for a really delicious barbecue.
Electric grills have few to no flare-ups and are convenient to maintain at a particular temperature. This ensures consistent cooking and you can easily cook any type of food. For instance, if you want to cook fish, the solid, non-stick cooking surface will negate the need for a grilling cage.
Gas grills can also provide consistent results once you get the hang of it. But they require more work since the heat will keep fluctuating. Plus, grease drippings may cause flare-ups.
Maintenance
Electric grills are easy to maintain. Most come with non-stick coatings that make cleaning very simple. Just keep it dry and use a wet cloth to wipe the cooking surfaces. For thorough cleaning, you can remove the grate or the entire cooktop.
Gas grills are not hard to maintain, either. You just need to burn and scrape off any food residue and use a dry cloth to wipe away moisture. Regularly check the gas connections and ensure the burner is always secure and intact.
Ease of Use
Electric grills are exceptionally easy to operate, especially if you've used a griddle or an electric stovetop before. All you need is access to a power supply. Adjusting the grill's temperature is also faster, precise, and simple – just turn the dial up and down.
Gas grills also contain a temperature-adjustment knob. However, they don't have the same level of precision as electric grills. You may also take quite long to learn appropriate settings for different forms of cooking, such as roasting and searing.
Bad Weather Effects
Bad weather is just bad for electric grills in an outdoor setting due to precipitation and electrification. So, if you must use an electric grill in any kind of bad weather, you can take it to your kitchen or the garage. They create minimum smoke and do not release any noxious fumes.
Gas grills, on the other hand, are suitable for any weather provided you can keep up with it yourself. You can enjoy year-round grilling, but ensure to properly maintain your grill.
Electric Grill Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Safer to use
- Low-maintenance
- Smaller storage space
- Environmentally friendly
- Cheaper to buy and operate
- Produces very little smoke
Cons
- Limited heat range
- Smaller hence not suitable for large crowds
- Requires access to a power outlet
Gas Grill Pros & Cons
Pros
- Controlling the temperature is easy
- Quickly ignites hence less waiting time
- Bigger cooking surface
- Maintains the quality and flavor
- Some models provide more heat
Cons
- Prone to uncontrolled flare-ups
- Requires more space for the tank
- Expensive to buy and run
- Limited gas line
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, your go-to option between electric grill vs gas grill depends on what your needs and priorities are. With enough knowledge of the two types, choosing the right grill for your needs will be much easier. Once you've made your decision, you can check out these indoor stovetop grills and spice up your grilling experience.
