When it comes to home electric, you know you can trust Mister Sparky. But we know our way around the grill, too! Now that it’s peak picnic season, we tackle an important question: are electric grills the best option for barbecuing?

Charcoal, electric, or gas—what’s the best fuel source for optimal grilling efficiency? Taking flavor, cook time, and space requirements into account, it can be tough to choose between the different styles of barbecue grill. Let’s explore the great debate of what type is best.

Charcoal Grill

Many grilling enthusiasts swear by charcoal as the only way to grill. While it’s true that cooking with charcoal yields that classic grilled flavor, the downside is that charcoal as a fuel source isn’t super efficient. Charcoal briquettes take a while to heat up (typically 20 to 30 minutes), so they do require some planning. Similarly, it takes some time for charcoal grills to cool down, which can be a hazard if left unattended.

Electric Grill

Electric grills heat up quickly, but the biggest downside is that they require access to an electrical outlet—which limits your flexibility of where you can place your grill. Another disadvantage of electric grills is that they don’t provide any authentic grilled flavor, and they often can’t get as hot as other grill styles, so searing meats can be a challenge.

Gas Grills

Gas grilling is the most popular choice for a few reasons: it heats up quickly, provides great flame-cooked flavor, and can be used virtually anywhere. Gas grills come in a wide range of sizes and styles, so you can find options for many settings, from the campground to the luxury outdoor kitchen. The only downsides of using a gas grill are that they’re not always permitted in some rental properties where outdoor space is limited.

When it comes to choosing the grill style that’s best for your home, it’s best to take these factors into consideration:

  • Taste- the flavor the fuel type produces
  • Time- how long it takes to heat up and cool down
  • Adaptability- where and how you can use the grill

While of course every grill-master has their tried and true methods and techniques for producing the best results, it’s important to think about how the fuel source impacts the end product. Do you want an option that allows you to incorporate wood chips for flavor? Do you want the ability to achieve a hard sear or slow smoke? There’s no real right or wrong answer to which type of grill is the best—but trying out each type can help you figure out which is best for you. Contact Mister Sparky for more information!