Ten years ago, you bought a grill. It was a gas grill. You hooked it up to propane or a natural gas outlet, and you started to grill.
Gas grills are fast, precise, and easy. But what flavor does a gas grill infuse into your food?
Charcoal and pellet types are different because they do add flavor and texture, but in different ways.
In this article, you will learn the difference between charcoal and pellet grills (Hint: One can't grill).
There isn't one best type of grill for everyone. However, you will learn what might be best for the way you cook.
Charcoal has been around for a while. You probably have used a charcoal grill when tailgating or starting.
Weber has been at the forefront of charcoal grills. Their Charcoal Summit is the best on the market.
Charcoal can heat to 1100 degrees like a sear burner on a professional gas BBQ grill, but it adds texture and flavor gas does not.
Features:
The Summit Charcoal Grilling Center might initially look like a larger Kettle grill on a cart, but it's a different grill.
You still use charcoal for flavor, but there is also gas to quickly light the charcoal.
The unit is constructed with air-insulated double walls to retain and control heat. This design is comparable to using ceramic but helps make the grill lighter to move.
This type of construction is essential for smoking because a single load of charcoal can retain heat for hours.
Pros: What's great about this grill is the versatility you have with different types of cooking. It's excellent at slow cooking but also can sear with the adjustable grate.
Weber offers a lineup of accessories using the Gourmet BBQ System to reconfigure the grill for any grilling situation.
This grill is easy and straightforward to use with charcoal while also being very versatile to food and cooking methods.
Cons: The biggest con is the unit takes up space. It is large, and there isn't a lot of cooking area compared to the size.
It is nice to have the work area but would be better with more cooking space for more items.
Cleaning out the charcoals isn't easy either. You have to use the basket on the bottom, and it can fill with ashes quickly.
Features:
This was my first grill and still, use it at a friend's house. It doesn't have the accessories of the Summit or the LP tank. It is a great little grill. With some patience, you can cook some great food.
Pros: Easy to maneuver around. You can keep it outside on your porch, or bring it with you for that Sunday Tailgate.
Cons: Small size doesn't give you options for cooking multiple different items.
The New Weber Summit Charcoal Grill [VIDEO]
Pellet grills have become popular over the last 5-10 years. If you read online reviews, it is divided between people who love and people despise it.
Wood Pellets are not grills in the conventional sense. They cannot reach temperatures over 500 degrees.
However, you can control the temperatures precisely unlike charcoal.
We cover this in greater detail in other posts, but a motor turns a screw-like device, an auger, to feed the burn pot. The pellets are then ignited and exhausted by the chimney.
Pellets are available in almost every flavor imaginable. So you can infuse your food with Applewood, Pecan, or just about any other flavor.
Features:
The best features are the flavor. Pellet cooking, especially with different pellet flavors, can add a level of taste second to none.
It is more of a “low and slow” smokey flavor. Chicken wings and ribs come out wonderfully.
This type of grilling is best for the all-day outdoor chef. Taking the time, having a couple of cold ones, and enjoying the day. If you want to grill burgers and dogs quickly, this grill is not for you.
Pros: You can set the precise temperature with a pellet grill. So you can follow a recipe more precisely.
Their newer grills have WiFire or the ability to control the temperature through an app on your phone.
Cons: Time. You need time. This grill only has a max temperature of 500 degrees whereas grills can heat to 1100 degrees. You cannot sear or char with a 500-degree oven, unlike charcoal.
Features:
Should You Buy a Traeger Grill? [Video]
| Weber 14401001 | Weber 18501001 | Traeger TFB57GLE | Traeger TFB01WLE | |
| Fuel | Charcoal | Charcoal, Gas Ignite | Pellet | Pellet |
| Best Feature | 363 Cubic Ft Cooking Area |
Multi-Use Features | Turbo Temp | Pellet Sensor |
| Cooking | Quick Char | Several | Slow / Steady Single Level | Slow / Steady Single Level |
| Result | Char-Grilled | Depends on Use | Smokey Flavor | Smokey Flavor |
| Price | $165 | $1999 | $799 | $1999 |
Full disclosure, these items don't have much in common except that they both are outdoor grilling units and alternatives to gas.
The biggest difference is the heat source.
Charcoal is for that quick sear and char flavor.
Pellets are more of a low and slow method for a smokey flavor and not put a quick sear on the product. More of a crust around the edges of the product.
With a charcoal grill, you can grill with the lid open. You would need to keep the lid closed for maximum results on the Traeger because it loses temperatures so rapidly.
Traeger Wood Pellet Grills Vs. Weber Charcoal Grills [VIDEO]
That would depend on your type of outdoor cooking. If you like to smoke the Traeger is the way to go. It will provide you with great results on ribs, wings, and briskets.
If you are having a cookout with family and friends, then charcoal will provide you with what you need. Charcoal will provide the speed of gas with better flavor and texture.
Additional Resources
Get the Yale BBQ Grill Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside tips to all the brands. Over 800,000 people have already found answers in a Yale Guide.
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