When it comes to outdoor cooking, there are many different types of grills to choose from. Each offers unique features, fuel types, and installation options to suit various cooking styles and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a weekend warrior, understanding the different types of grills can help you make an informed decision for your outdoor kitchen.
Grilling is more than just a cooking method; it's a lifestyle. With so many different types of grills available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. From fuel sources to installation styles, each grill type offers distinct advantages and considerations. In this guide, we'll explore the various types of grills by fuel and installation, highlighting their features, pros, and cons, along with some standout models to consider.
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If you live in or around Norwalk, visit us at Aitoro to explore every type of grill available!
Shop Grills Near Me5 Types of Grills by Fuel
First up is shopping grills by fuel type. Outdoor grills are available in gas, electric, charcoal, wood pellet, and liquid propane options. Let’s dive into each and see how they compare:
Natural Gas Grills
Gas grills are among the most popular choices for outdoor cooking due to their convenience and ease of use. They typically use either natural gas or liquid propane as fuel.
Pros:
✅ Quick ignition and heat-up time
✅ Easy temperature control
✅ Low maintenance
Cons:
❌ Less smoky flavor compared to charcoal or wood
❌ Requires a gas line or propane tank
Featured Gas Grill: DCS Series 7 4-Burner Stainless Steel Built-In Natural Gas Grill
Shop this DCS Natural Gas Grill
This built-in gas grill offers a ton of cooking space and also comes with precise heat control, making it ideal for serious grillers. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability and a sleek look for your outdoor kitchen. This grill also comes with awesome features like a grease control management system and a designated sealed smoker section.
➥ Model #BH1-48R-N
Electric Grills
Electric grills are perfect for those with limited outdoor space or restrictions on open flames. They plug into a standard electrical outlet and heat up quickly. Electric fuel will most often be found in portable and tabletop grills.
Pros:
✅ Safe for indoor or balcony use
✅ Easy to operate and clean
✅ No need for fuel storage
Cons:
❌ Limited smoky flavor
❌ Requires an electrical outlet
Featured Electric Grill: Weber Grills Lumin Compact 23" Black Tabletop Electric Grill
Shop this Weber Electric Grill
This compact tabletop grill is perfect for small spaces, offering high heat and versatile cooking options without the need for gas or charcoal. This grill comes with multiple cooking settings, including sear (which includes high-heat sear, which will give those signature sear marks everyone loves), smoke, steam, or boil. This versatility makes this grill a great choice for anyone.
➥ Model #91010901
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are favored by purists who love the smoky flavor and traditional grilling experience. They use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal as fuel.
Pros:
✅ Rich, smoky flavor
✅ High heat for searing
✅ Typically more affordable
Cons:
❌ Longer heat-up time
❌ Requires more cleanup
❌ Less precise temperature control
Featured Charcoal Grill: Big Green Egg 29" Green Ceramic Freestanding Charcoal Grill
Shop this Big Green Egg Charcoal Grill
This iconic kamado grill offers excellent heat retention and versatility, allowing you to grill, smoke, and bake with ease. This grill comes with a free lifetime warranty, so if for any reason you can get the help you want. Big Green Egg has made this grill out of the highest quality ceramic so that your grill will give you the best cooking results.
➥ Model #120939
Wood Pellet Grills
Wood pellet grills combine the convenience of gas with the flavor of wood smoke. They use compressed wood pellets as fuel and are known for their versatility.
Pros:
✅ Consistent temperature control
✅ Imparts smoky flavor
✅ Suitable for grilling, smoking, and baking
Cons:
❌ Requires electricity to operate
❌ Pellets can be more expensive than other fuels
Featured Wood Pellet Grill: Weber Searwood XL 600 36" Black Freestanding Wood Pellet Grill
Shop this Weber Wood Pellet Grill
This wood pellet grill offers a large cooking area and precise temperature control, making it ideal for both grilling and smoking enthusiasts. The Searwood heats up in just 15 minutes, so you don’t have to plan hours in advance to use it. Weber has also added a SmokeBoost, which enhances the smoky flavor, a setting that is great for those who love the smoky flavor.
➥ Model #1500121
Liquid Propane Grills
Liquid propane grills are a subset of gas grills that use propane tanks as fuel. They can be built in or portable for various outdoor settings.
Pros:
✅ Multiple installation options
✅ Quick heat-up time
✅ Widely available fuel
Cons:
❌ Requires regular propane tank refills
❌ Less eco-friendly than natural gas
Featured Liquid Propane Grill: Alfresco ALXE Series 2-Burner Stainless Steel Freestanding Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Shop this Alfresco Liquid Propane Grill
This high-end freestanding grill offers powerful burners and a sleek design, perfect for those seeking performance and style. The Alfresco ALXE grill comes with an integrated rotisserie system, including a built-in motor, 3 warming racks, and push-button ignition. Finally, there is an infrared sear zone, which has an infrared grill between the grates and the flames. Having an infrared grill cuts down on heat flare-ups and gives a more even sear.
➥ Model #ALXE-30SZC-LP
5 Types of Grills by Installation
As you explore grills, you will notice that there are a few different installation types to consider as well. Here, we break down the differences and explore some examples:
Freestanding Grills
Freestanding grills are standalone units designed for flexibility, allowing you to move them around your outdoor space with ease—especially models equipped with wheels. They’re typically more affordable than built-in options and are straightforward to assemble and use, making them ideal for casual grillers or renters. While they may not offer the seamless, integrated look of a built-in grill, the convenience and portability they provide make them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Pros:
✅ Flexible placement options
✅ Typically more affordable
✅ Easy to assemble and use
Cons:
❌ Less integrated look
❌ May lack some features of built-in models
Featured Freestanding Grill: Napoleon Rogue® PRO-S 6-Burner Stainless Steel Freestanding Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Shop this Napoleon Freestanding Grill
If you're serious about backyard grilling, the Napoleon Rogue® PRO-S is ready to take your cookouts to the next level. With a massive cooking surface and an array of burners (including a rear infrared rotisserie burner), you’ve got the flexibility to sear steaks, smoke ribs, and roast chickens all at once. The powerful ignition means instant, reliable starts every time, while the SafetyGlow™ knobs add a cool glow for late-night grilling. And cleanup? A breeze, thanks to the durable stainless steel design and easy-access drip tray.
➥ Model #RPS525RSIBPSS-2
Built-In Grills
Built-in grills are designed to be integrated into outdoor kitchen islands or countertops, offering a seamless, planned look.
Pros:
✅ Customizable and integrated appearance
✅ Often includes additional features
✅ Adds value to your outdoor kitchen
Cons:
❌ Higher installation cost
❌ Permanent placement
Featured Built-In Grill: Lynx Professional 4-Burner Stainless Steel Built-In Natural Gas Grill
This Lynx Professional is a built-in grill that brings commercial-grade performance to the backyard. With four burners, including a powerful infrared rotisserie burner, this grill is built for serious outdoor chefs. Its stainless steel construction and sleek, flush design make it a standout kitchen setup for an outdoors. The push start button makes it easy to start for anyone and the smoker box makes it easy to flavor your grilling with wood smoke.
➥ Model #L36ATR-NG
→ Learn more: Pro Gas Range Buying Guide: Commercial-Style Performance for Your Kitchen
Portable Grills
Portable grills are perfect for tailgating, camping, or smaller outdoor spaces. They’re usually lightweight, compact, and easy to store or transport.
Pros:
✅ Great for travel or small patios
✅ Quick to set up and use
✅ Typically more affordable
Cons:
❌ Limited cooking surface
❌ Fewer features than full-size models
Featured Portable Grill: Napoleon Phantom TravelQ PRO285 2-Burner Matte Black Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Shop this Napoleon Portable Grill
The Napoleon TravelQ Phantom delivers style and portability in one. Its matte black finish gives it a premium look, and with dual burners, it punches well above its size class in cooking power. It has a removable stainless steel warming rack so you can either keep food warm or remove it and have more cooking room. The side shelves have an integrated towel and utensil holder so you can keep your tools close.
➥ Model #PRO285X-MK-PHM
Kamado Grills
Kamado grills, often made of ceramic, are egg-shaped grills that retain heat exceptionally well. They’re known for versatility—great for grilling, smoking, and even baking.
Pros:
✅ Excellent heat retention
✅ Ideal for low-and-slow smoking or high-temp searing
✅ Uses charcoal for rich flavor
Cons:
❌ Heavier and less portable
❌ Takes longer to light and reach temp
Featured Kamado Grill: Kamado Joe Big Joe III 24" Red Portable Charcoal Grill
The Big Joe III is a top-tier kamado grill offering massive cooking space, advanced airflow controls, and exceptional ceramic insulation. It’s a favorite among charcoal purists who love to grill low and slow—or sear over high flames. It has lots of features to make life easier, including a slide-out ash drawer, a built-in thermometer, and a DōJoe, which transforms your grill into a pizza oven.
➥ Model #KJ15040821
Tabletop Grills
Tabletop grills are compact, easy to use, and perfect for apartments, balconies, or limited outdoor spaces.
Pros:
✅ Compact and portable
✅ Great for small households
✅ Easy storage
Cons:
❌ Limited cooking space
❌ Fewer features than larger grills
Featured Tabletop Grill: Weber Q 2800N+ 2-Burner Sky Blue Tabletop Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Shop this Weber Tabletop Grill
This eye-catching tabletop grill from Weber packs a punch with two burners, a sturdy design, and a playful color that makes it a conversation piece at any cookout. The high-dome lid allows you to cook larger items like a whole chicken. Finally, it has a wide temperature range, approximately 250° - 700°F, so you have a variety of ways to grill.
➥ Model #1500379
What Different Type of Grills is Best for Me?
Choosing the right grill depends on how and where you like to cook. If you want convenience and quick heating, a gas grill or electric grill is a great place to start. Love the flavor of smoked meats? A wood pellet grill or kamado grill might be your match. If you're planning a full outdoor kitchen, a built-in grill adds value and ease to your cooking. For tailgating or apartment living, portable and tabletop grills are tough to beat.
When weighing the different types of grills, think about your space, your cooking style, and how much time you want to spend on prep and cleanup. The perfect grill isn’t the most expensive—it’s the one that works best for your life.
→ Learn more: 5 GE Monogram Ranges That Will Earn Your Kitchen a Michelin-Star
Ready to find the grill that fits your lifestyle? Whether it’s a built-in BBQ grill for your outdoor kitchen, a sleek Kalamazoo grill for gourmet grilling, or a compact tabletop grill for smaller spaces—Aitoro has you covered. Explore our full selection of different types of barbeque grills and take your outdoor cooking to the next level.
Want help picking the perfect grill? Visit Aitoro or shop online and get expert advice, quality brands, and the best in grilling performance—all in one place.
Grill Types FAQ
Grills vary by both fuel type (gas, charcoal, wood pellet, electric) and installation style (freestanding, built-in, portable, tabletop). Each has its own advantages—gas is convenient, charcoal gives more flavor, wood pellet is great for smoking, and electric is perfect for small spaces.
Gas and electric grills are generally considered healthier because they produce fewer carcinogens compared to charcoal grills. However, using lean meats, avoiding flare-ups, and keeping your grill clean can make any grill healthier.
Gas is better for ease and speed—just turn the knob and go. Charcoal offers superior smoky flavor and higher heat, which many grilling enthusiasts prefer. It really depends on whether you value convenience or traditional flavor more.
The gas grill is the most common type of grill found in U.S. backyards. Its easy startup, fast preheat times, and adjustable temperature make it a go-to for most home cooks.
An electric grill is arguably the easiest—just plug it in and go. Gas grills come in a close second due to their fast ignition and straightforward operation.
If you're looking for the best different types of grills near you, skip the big box stores and shop local with Aitoro Appliance. We carry everything from high-end grills to practical freestanding and tabletop models, and our team will help you find the perfect fit for your space and cooking style.
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At Aitoro Appliance, you'll discover more than just appliances – you'll find a legacy of excellence spanning four generations. For over 75 years, our expert staff has treated every customer like family. Continuously trained on the latest innovations, our team provides personalized guidance for all your appliance needs - from state-of-the-art refrigerators to modern washer-dryer sets. Recently named "Best Appliance Store" in Westport's Lifestyle City magazine, Aitoro continues to set the standard for appliance retail excellence.
Our expansive 12,000 square foot showroom features a wide array of top appliance brands displayed in beautifully designed kitchen settings. Unlike big box retailers, we pride ourselves on offering live cooking demonstrations, a knowledgeable sales staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. Continuously trained on the latest industry innovations, our associates are always on hand to provide personalized recommendations and insights.
Shop Grills in Norwalk, CT
Have questions about finding the perfect appliance for your home? The Aitoro Appliance team is here to help! Whether you're curious about grills or need guidance on selecting the right products, our staff is ready to assist you. Visit our Norwalk showroom, or call us at 203-847-2471.
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