<body><div><p> For those who love to cook outside, there are endless equipment options. The world of grills can be hard to navigate with so many different design variations, fuel sources and brand options. One of the top debates is pellet grills vs. gas grills. </p><p> Our Product Testing Team recently tested seven <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-gas-grills/" rel="noopener nofollow"> gas grills </a> and 11 pellet grills to determine the best options on the market. While gas may be easier to use, pellet grills tend to deliver more flavor. We evaluated brands like Weber, Napoleon, <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/traeger-vs-recteq/" rel="nofollow"> Traeger and Recteq </a> to unearth all of the information you need to make an informed decision. </p><h2> What’s the difference between a gas grill and a pellet grill? </h2><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1CA556_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1CA556_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="453" ></p><p> When it comes to the <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-grills/" rel="nofollow"> best grills </a> , the key difference is the fuel source. Gas grills are fueled by, well, gas. They can be hooked up to a natural gas line, but most are powered by a 20-pound propane tank. That design creates a live flame that you adjust with burner knobs. Pellet grills, on the other hand, use wood pellets made of compressed sawdust. The wood is ignited, often with electricity, and provides indirect fuel for the grill with no live flame. Both gas grills and pellet grills come in a variety of sizes and designs, and they range in price. </p><h2> All About Gas Grills </h2><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0ttZdS_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0ttZdS_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="453" ></p><p> Firing up a gas grill takes mere seconds. Once the propane tank is open, all that’s left to do is turn the temperature knob and press ignite. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the burners preheat and you’re ready to grill. The burners produce heat, while the cooking grates above provide space to grill everything from steak and burgers to vegetables and even treats such as grilled peaches or bananas. Foods cooked on gas grills typically have a lightly charred flavor. </p><p> Our Product Testing Team found gas grills offer excellent ease of use, easy temperature maintenance, great high temperatures for searing and simple clean-up. </p><p> Gas grills range drastically in size and pricegenerally, the bigger the gas grill and the more burners, the more expensive it is. You can cook a wonderful meal with a smaller stand-alone three-burner grill, or you can easily feed a crowd on something bigger with five burners and built-in cabinets and shelving that is more similar to a full outdoor kitchen. </p><h2> How We Tested Gas Grills </h2><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0df72c_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0df72c_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="453" ></p><p> To find the best gas grills, our Product Testing Team evaluated models first based on how simple they were to assemble. Then, we kept an eye out for special features such as built-in thermometers or durable legs and wheels. We also considered the overall look and feel of each grill. To see just how well each grill performed while cooking, the testing team made a whole cut-up chicken, a 1 1/2-inch steak and a rack of baby back ribs on each grill. We cooked each type of meat at different temperatures and for different amounts of time, depending on needs. Each food item was evaluated based on flavor, texture and appearance. Throughout cooking, testers noted how well each grill maintained temperature and how much space there was for cooking. Once everything was pulled off the grill, we considered ease of cleaning for both the grill grates (hello, the <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-grill-brush/" rel="nofollow"> best grill brushes </a> !) and the grease drip tray. </p><p> Throughout testing, we found that several <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-weber-grills/" rel="nofollow"> Weber grills </a> were top performers, including the <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/weber-genesis/" rel="nofollow"> Weber Genesis </a> and <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/weber-spirit/" rel="nofollow"> Weber Spirit </a> . We also liked options from Napoleon Grills and Monument. </p><h2> Our Favorite Gas Grills </h2><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1x3R39_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1x3R39_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="680" > TASTE OF HOME <p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.weber.com/US/en/gas/genesis/genesis-e-325-gas-grill-%28liquid-propane%29/1500533.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Weber </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.bbqguys.com/i/3158898/weber-grills/genesis-e-325-lp-black" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on BBQ Guys </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/weber-genesis-325s-3-burner-w008805542.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Wayfair </a></p><h2 class="ap-card-superlative"> Best Overall </h2><h3 class="ap-card-title"> Weber Genesis E-325s </h3><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.weber.com/US/en/gas/genesis/genesis-e-325-gas-grill-%28liquid-propane%29/1500533.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Weber </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.bbqguys.com/i/3158898/weber-grills/genesis-e-325-lp-black" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on BBQ Guys </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/weber-genesis-325s-3-burner-w008805542.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Wayfair </a></p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4aA3zf_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4aA3zf_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="680" > TASTE OF HOME <p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZZMBDQC?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.bbqguys.com/i/3072559/napoleon/rogue-425-propane-gas-grill-black-r425pk-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on BBQ Guys </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/napoleon-rogue-3-burner-free-standing-42000-btu-gas-grill-with-side-burner-and-cabinet-npn10160.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Wayfair </a></p><h2 class="ap-card-superlative"> Best Splurge </h2><h3 class="ap-card-title"> Napoleon Rogue 425 </h3><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZZMBDQC?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.bbqguys.com/i/3072559/napoleon/rogue-425-propane-gas-grill-black-r425pk-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on BBQ Guys </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/napoleon-rogue-3-burner-free-standing-42000-btu-gas-grill-with-side-burner-and-cabinet-npn10160.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Wayfair </a></p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2hIAWs_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2hIAWs_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="680" > TASTE OF HOME <p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://monumentgrills.com/collections/new-mesa/products/mesa305" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Monument Grills </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-2"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/Monument-Grills-Barbecue-Stainless-Mesa305/dp/B0CWGMGK71?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mesa-3-Burner-Propane-Gas-Grill-in-Stainless-Steel-with-Clear-View-Lid-and-LED-Controls/5625210979" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Walmart </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Monument-Mesa-Stainless-Steel-3-Burner-Liquid-Propane-Gas-Grill-with-1-Side-Burner/5015153831" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Lowe's </a></p><h2 class="ap-card-superlative"> Best Value </h2><h3 class="ap-card-title"> Monument Grills Mesa 305 </h3><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://monumentgrills.com/collections/new-mesa/products/mesa305" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Monument Grills </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-2"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/Monument-Grills-Barbecue-Stainless-Mesa305/dp/B0CWGMGK71?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mesa-3-Burner-Propane-Gas-Grill-in-Stainless-Steel-with-Clear-View-Lid-and-LED-Controls/5625210979" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Walmart </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Monument-Mesa-Stainless-Steel-3-Burner-Liquid-Propane-Gas-Grill-with-1-Side-Burner/5015153831" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Lowe's </a></p><h2> All About Pellet Grills </h2><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=40yijY_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=40yijY_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="453" ></p><p> Pellet grills are fueled by igniting wood pellets. That heat source provides an incredible depth of flavor, depending on the type of wood you use. With options for wood pellets made of oak, cherry, apple and mesquite, you can really customize the flavor imparted on the food you’re cooking. Some wood pellets will have a stronger flavor than others, and some will be better for certain types of meats, veggies or other items. </p><p> The actual grill design is similar to a gas grill, with a lid that opens up to the grilling grates. Food sits on the grates as the heat cooks it, without any direct flame whatsoever. A pellet grill works similarly to a <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-a-convection-oven/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> convection oven </a> , providing even heat and airflow. </p><p> Because of their unique design, pellet grills tend to be more expensive than a smaller gas grill or a <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-charcoal-grills/" rel="noopener nofollow"> charcoal grill </a> . However, the versatility of a pellet grill is what makes them so popular. The temperature range allows for cooking brisket or pulled pork low and slow, or you can crank up the heat for steak or burgers. They’re designed for ease of use, without much need to keep adding fuel throughout the cooking process. </p><h2> How We Tested Pellet Grills </h2><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1xGPl5_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1xGPl5_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="453" ></p><p> To find the best pellet grills, our Product Testing Team set up 11 different models. Before we could start cooking, we evaluated each grill’s packaging and ease of assembly. Then, we assessed the overall look and design, noting any special features such as built-in lights, thermometers or folding side tables. Once it was time to cook, we tested performance with a variety of foods. We cooked pork shoulder low and slow, smoked salmon and chicken, seared pork chops and grilled corn on the cob. Following each cooking test, we evaluated the pellet grill on how well it kept a consistent heat. We also considered the flavor, texture and appearance of the food. We then assessed each grill on how simple it was to clean the ash, grease keg and grill gates to keep it in tip-top shape for the next cooking session. </p><p> Recteq and Traeger grills proved to perform well throughout the testing process, although we were also impressed with the Weber Searwood. </p><h2> Our Favorite Pellet Grills </h2><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0DbNJF_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0DbNJF_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="680" > TMB STUDIO <p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.recteq.com/products/flagship-1100" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Recteq </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-2"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/recteq-Flagship-Pellet-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Cooking/dp/B0CKJ7V9ZX/?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><h2 class="ap-card-superlative"> Best Overall </h2><h3 class="ap-card-title"> Recteq Flagship 1100 Pellet Grill </h3><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.recteq.com/products/flagship-1100" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Recteq </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-2"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/recteq-Flagship-Pellet-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Cooking/dp/B0CKJ7V9ZX/?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3WqwLx_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3WqwLx_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="680" > TMB STUDIO <p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.weber.com/US/en/wood-pellet/searwood/searwood-600-wood-pellet-grill/1500120.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Weber </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-2"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/Weber-Searwood-600-Pellet-Grill/dp/B00OBHQ48U?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Weber/5014658797" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Lowe's </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.acehardware.com/departments/outdoor-living/grills-and-smokers/pellet-grills/8093167" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Ace Hardware </a></p><h2 class="ap-card-superlative"> Best for Searing </h2><h3 class="ap-card-title"> Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill </h3><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.weber.com/US/en/wood-pellet/searwood/searwood-600-wood-pellet-grill/1500120.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Weber </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-2"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/Weber-Searwood-600-Pellet-Grill/dp/B00OBHQ48U?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Weber/5014658797" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Lowe's </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.acehardware.com/departments/outdoor-living/grills-and-smokers/pellet-grills/8093167" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Ace Hardware </a></p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1LNr9n_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1LNr9n_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="680" > TMB STUDIO <p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.traeger.com/pellet-grills/ironwood-xl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Traeger </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-2"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/Traeger-Ironwood-Pellet-Smoker-Connectivity/dp/B0B9ZZ2BGW?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.bbqguys.com/i/3103832/traeger/ironwood-xl-wood-pellet-grill-w-pop-and-lock-accessory-rail-tfb93rlg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on BBQ Guys </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/traeger-ironwood-xl-grill-23" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Williams Sonoma </a></p><h2 class="ap-card-superlative"> Best for Pros </h2><h3 class="ap-card-title"> Traeger Ironwood XL </h3><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-primary"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.traeger.com/pellet-grills/ironwood-xl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Traeger </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-2"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.amazon.com/Traeger-Ironwood-Pellet-Smoker-Connectivity/dp/B0B9ZZ2BGW?tag=tohmke-20" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Shop on Amazon </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-3"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.bbqguys.com/i/3103832/traeger/ironwood-xl-wood-pellet-grill-w-pop-and-lock-accessory-rail-tfb93rlg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on BBQ Guys </a></p><p class="ap-card-button-wrap retailer-4"><a class="ap-card-button" href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/traeger-ironwood-xl-grill-23" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shop on Williams Sonoma </a></p><h2> The Bottom Line </h2><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0GQCxd_0vLD2OWZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0GQCxd_0vLD2OWZ00" width="680" height="453" ></p><p> The difference between gas grills and pellet grills truly comes down to flavor preference and your preference for ease of use and design. Gas grills are quick and easy to heat up, and you can grill food in no time. They offer more of a subtle, char-grilled flavor thanks to the live flame. Pellet grills provide indirect heat, specific temperature settings and unmatched flavor if you love the taste of something smoky. You’ll get a smokier flavor with something cooked at a lower temperature, while food cooked at a higher temperature will be more subtle. Ultimately, it’s all up to you on which you prefer based on flavor, convenience and grilling style. </p></div></body>

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Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill: We Tested 18 Grills To Find out Which Is Better

Deciding between a pellet grill vs. gas grill? We tested 18 grills to determine which fuel source yields tastier results.

Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill: We Tested 18 Grills To Find out Which Is Better

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