Gas vs Charcoal Grills: Grill Fuel Types, Explained
Gas grills light fast and hold a set heat, charcoal grills burn lump or briquettes, and pellet and electric grills are the other two fuel types we list.
By Amanda RoseContributing writer.
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The short answer
The fuel decides most of what a grill is like to use. Gas grills burn propane or natural gas, light with a knob and hold the heat you set. Charcoal grills burn lump charcoal or briquettes, take longer to get ready and need you to manage the fire. Pellet grills feed wood pellets into a fire pot, and electric grills heat with an element, which suits places where an open flame is not an option.
On Wiki Shopping, 566 of the 665 grills listed on October 26, 2026 state a fuel. Gas (196) and charcoal (185) are close, with pellet (95) and electric (90) behind.
Gas vs charcoal grill
| Gas | Charcoal | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane tank or natural gas line | Lump charcoal or briquettes |
| Getting started | Turn the gas on and light the burners | Light the coals and wait for them to be ready |
| Heat control | Burner knobs | Amount and placement of coals, and the vents |
| Cleanup | Grease tray | Ashes to cool and dispose of |
| Safety step specific to it | Check the hose for leaks | Use only charcoal starter fluid, or none |
Gas suits quick weeknight cooking. Charcoal suits people who enjoy tending the fire and want a smoky flavor. If you want both grilling and slow smoking, see grill and smoker combos.
Fuel types on Wiki Shopping
We also list 172 grills for propane.
What does BTU mean on a grill?
A British thermal unit (Btu) is a unit of heat. The US Energy Information Administration describes it as about the heat needed to warm one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The EIA puts a gallon of propane at 91,452 Btu and a cubic foot of natural gas at 1,036 Btu.
On a gas grill, the Btu figure describes how much gas the burners can burn, usually per hour. It is a measure of fuel use, not of how hot the cooking grates get.
How many BTUs does a gas grill need?
No standard sets a number. A higher Btu rating on a bigger grill does not mean more heat where the food sits, because the heat is spread over more cooking area. Compare Btu with the cooking area and the number of burners. You can filter grills by cooking area and by burner count.
Safety basics for each fuel
The National Fire Protection Association's grilling tip sheet gives these steps:
- Use propane and charcoal grills only outdoors, well away from the house, deck railings, eaves and branches.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet from the grill area.
- Gas: brush a soap and water solution on the tank hose before the first use each year; bubbles mean a leak. Open the lid before lighting. If the flame goes out, turn off the grill and gas and wait at least 5 minutes before relighting.
- Charcoal: use only charcoal starter fluid, never add it to a fire that is already lit, and let the coals cool completely before putting them in a metal container.
How we count
Each grill on Wiki Shopping has its fuel read from the store listing. Grills whose listing gives no fuel are counted as "Not stated". Counts change as listings change.
Shop by spec
Grills
Pellet
- SmokeBoost setting maintains ideal temps for deep smoky flavor
- SmoqueVent system circulates smoke for flavor and browning
- Rapid React PID heats up fast and regains temp when lid opens
- Weber Connect digital LCD controller is easy to navigate
- 2 Integrated food probe ports with 2 food probes included
Pellet, Under 300 sq in
- The 7 pound hopper capacity holds enough pellets to cook even the lowest and slowest of dishes while on the go
- Turn up the heat with the Flame Broiler which allows for direct flame searing up to 1,000°F
- 2 porcelain-coated steel cooking grates, 1 meat probe included
- Our grease management system consists of a simple tray to keep your cook space clean
- Fueled by 100% hardwood pellets and features automatic start up and cool down
- Power source: DC12V, 71W, Adapter 110-120V
- 2 side handles and integrated latches for smooth and easy transportation. Custom-fit cover included
- 256 sq. inches of cooking space; holds approximately 13 burgers
- Reach temperatures of 180°F - 500°F with the dial-in digital control board with LED read-out
- Assembled Dimensions: 26.3"L x 18.1"W x 15"H; 46.7 lb.
Pellet
- SmokeBoost setting maintains ideal temps for deep smoky flavor
- SmoqueVent system circulates smoke for flavor and browning
- Rapid React PID heats up fast and regains temp when lid opens
- Weber Connect digital LCD controller is easy to navigate
- 2 Integrated food probe ports with 2 food probes included
Gas
- Effortless Outdoor Meals: Enjoy versatile cooking outdoors with this camping griddle, featuring a tabletop design and protective cover to maintain the cooking surface. Equipped with a regulator and hose, it easily connects to a 1 lb/0.45 kg gas canister or propane tank (not included) for quick setup. NOTE: Comes with a valve designed for 1 lb gas bottles. 20 lb regulator not included – must be purchased separately by the user
- Durable Material: The propane griddle is made of hot-rolled steel, making it more sturdy, and it comes with a layer of vegetable oil coating to prevent rust, ensuring healthier and safer cooking. The burners are made of stainless steel, capable of withstanding high temperatures without deformation.
- griddle provides ample space for cooking a variety of foods at the same time, such as eggs, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and pancakes. It can also cook multiple dishes at once, satisfying the needs of your family and friends.
- High-powered Burners: With its unique design, our propane griddle achieves even heat distribution and efficient combustion, making your dishes more tempting and flavorful. It also enhances the efficiency of food preparation, allowing for quick and efficient cooking.
- User-friendly Design: The drip holes direct excess oil, water towards the oil cup. The side oil storage compartment prevents grease from spilling. The removable grill plate makes cleaning easier. The compact and portable commercial grill design allows you to carry the grill anywhere, creating a mobile kitchen.