{"id":2032480,"date":"2024-09-04T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=2032480"},"modified":"2025-04-14T04:09:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T09:09:46","slug":"pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/","title":{"rendered":"Pellet Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: We Tried 19 Grills for the Ultimate Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"When it comes to backyard barbecuing, most pitmasters have a preferred method. While some choose convenient gas grills<\/a>, others look toward more flavor from either a charcoal grill<\/a> or a pellet grill. But is one type better than the other?\r\n\r\nOur Product Testing Team recently put over a dozen grills to the test, evaluating brands such as Traeger, Pit Boss, Recteq<\/a>, Weber and Napoleon<\/a>. With the results, we put together a helpful guide to decide which flavor-infusing grill is best for your next barbecue session. Here's everything you need to know about a pellet grill vs. charcoal.\r\n

What's the difference between charcoal grills and pellet grills?<\/h2>\r\n\"Pit\r\n\r\nThe main difference between a charcoal grill and a pellet grill is the type of fuel required. A charcoal grill creates a base of hot coals via charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal. Pellet grills, on the other hand, are fueled by wood pellets, which are small compressed pieces of wood.\r\n\r\nPellet grills are often larger than charcoal grills, with more of a barrel shape on four legs, while charcoal grills are often rounder and kettle-shaped. Their smaller shape can make them more approachable for novice cooks. Pellet grills are also typically more expensive than charcoal grills. The lower price point of a charcoal grill makes it ideal for those on a budget.\r\n

All About Charcoal Grills<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\n\"Sns\r\n\r\nCharcoal grills are what come to mind when you think of a backyard barbecue or tailgate cookout. The iconic black design, made notable by Weber, has been a backyard staple since the 1950s.\r\n\r\nWhile they take a bit more prep time, charcoal grills can easily reach high temperatures of 700 degrees Fahrenheit for incredible searing. They are easy to use but require a bit more effort to maintain consistent temperatures. There isn't a temperature control knob on a charcoal grill. Instead, you adjust the temperature by controlling airflow. This also allows you to cook low and slow and smoke meat for long periods of time.\r\n\r\nCompared to pellet grills, a charcoal grill is the more budget-friendly, portable option. It requires more effort but offers varied versatility for cooking.\r\n

How We Tested Charcoal Grills<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\n\"Toha24\r\n\r\nTo find the best charcoal grills, we evaluated eight models under the same testing conditions. First, we assessed the ease of set-up and assembly for each, taking note of how difficult it was to go from box to ready to cook. We then performed three cooking tests, including cooking a 1 1\/2-inch steak, a whole cut-up chicken and a rack of baby back ribs. While cooking, we assessed the grills for ease of use regarding lighting and temperature regulation. We also considered how well the grill maintained temperature and performed when searing or browning meat. Finally, we evaluated each grill based on how easy it was to clean, looking specifically at the grill grates and how simple it was to empty any ash. Throughout testing, we considered special features such as built-in thermometers or side tables, the size of the grill and specifics about the legs and wheels.\r\n\r\nThroughout our testing, Weber grills<\/a> outperformed most brands. The Original Kettle Grill<\/a>, along with helpful upgrades like the Weber Master Touch<\/a> and Weber Performer<\/a>, earned top marks. Other noteworthy brands include Napoleon and Slow 'n Sear.\r\n

Our Favorite Charcoal Grills<\/h2>\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Overall\" product_name=\"Weber Performer Charcoal Grill\" image=\"1993543\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Weber\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.weber.com\/US\/en\/charcoal\/performer\/performer-charcoal-grill-22\/15301001.html\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Weber\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Weber-15301001-Performer-Charcoal-22-Inch\/dp\/B00N634TV4\/\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_4_name=\"Wayfair\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/www.wayfair.com\/outdoor\/pdp\/weber-performer-black-wva1039.html\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Wayfair\" \/]\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Mid-Range\" product_name=\"Napoleon Pro Charcoal Kettle Grill\" image=\"1993632\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Amazon\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Napoleon-Charcoal-Kettle-Leg-PRO22K-LEG\/dp\/B00D645NSQ\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_2_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/e1vg4X\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_name=\"Wayfair\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/www.wayfair.com\/outdoor\/pdp\/napoleon-22-kettle-charcoal-grill-npn10515.html\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Wayfair\" retailers_4_name=\"Home Depot\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/p\/NAPOLEON-22-in-PRO-Charcoal-Kettle-Grill-in-Black-with-Built-In-Thermometer-PRO22K-LEG-2\/313348514\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Home Depot\" \/]\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Splurge\" product_name=\"Slow \u2018n Sear Charcoal Kettle Grill\" image=\"1993538\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Amazon\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CMVBF4GD\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n

All About Pellet Grills<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\n\"Weber\r\n\r\nAs the name suggests, pellet grills use wood pellets for fuel. Those pellets are small compressed pieces of wood, which ultimately start as sawdust from oak, mesquite, apple or cherry trees. The type of wood pellet you use makes a difference, giving food a kiss of smoky flavor that ranges from bold to subtle or sweet. (A specialty bag of pellets makes a great gift for grillers<\/a>!) The flavor infused during the cooking process is what has given top brands such as Recteq and Traeger<\/a> their rise in popularity.\r\n\r\nPellet grills ignite the wood pellets to create indirect heat with no live flame. You can smoke briskets and pork shoulders low and slow, or cook chicken at a higher temperature. You can even bake biscuits, cobblers and cookies in a pellet grill.\r\n\r\nBecause of the design of most pellet grills, you maintain the temperature by feeding pellets through a hopper. This allows you to fill the hopper up with a bag of pellets and \"set it and forget it.\" That bag can easily last for more than eight hours, so you can leave food to cook in the pellet grill for a long time. Along the way, eats are infused with incredible smoky flavor. Most pellet grills will go up to temperatures of 650 or 700 degrees Fahrenheit but can also handle lower temperatures closer to 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower temperature will give you more smoke than a higher temperature, and it will go through pellets slower. While a bag of pellets tends to be more expensive than a bag of charcoal, pellets are often more fuel-efficient and will last longer overall.\r\n

How We Tested Pellet Grills<\/h2>\r\n\"Pellet\r\n\r\nOur Product Testing Team evaluated 11 pellet grills based on dozens of data points. First, we assessed each on how much effort was required to assemble each grill and how easy instructions were to follow. We noted special features such as WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in touchscreen or included meat probes. We also evaluated other design features, such as locking wheels, folding shelves and overall size.\r\n\r\nTo put each pellet grill to the test, we prepped a variety of meats and vegetables. We smoked salmon and chicken at a low temperature, smoked a pork shoulder low and slow for nine hours, seared pork chops and grilled corn on the cob.\r\n\r\nFollowing all cooking tests, we ranked each pellet grill based on ease of cleaning, including emptying the ash and grease keg and scrubbing the grill grates.\r\n\r\nOverall, the testing team found Recteq and Traeger to be the top performers in the world of pellet grills, with different models serving different needs. Weber also made a solid impression, earning notes for its searing power.\r\n

Our Favorite Pellet Grills<\/h2>\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Overall\" product_name=\"Recteq Flagship 1100 Pellet Grill\" image=\"2036061\" image_credit=\"TMB STUDIO\" pr_name=\"Recteq\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.recteq.com\/products\/flagship-1100\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Recteq\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/recteq-Flagship-Pellet-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Cooking\/dp\/B0CKJ7V9ZX\/\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Searing\" product_name=\"Weber Searwood 600 Pellet Grill\" image=\"2036071\" image_credit=\"TMB STUDIO\" pr_name=\"Weber\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.weber.com\/US\/en\/wood-pellet\/searwood\/searwood-600-wood-pellet-grill\/1500120.html\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Weber\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Weber-Searwood-600-Pellet-Grill\/dp\/B00OBHQ48U\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_3_name=\"Lowe's\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/www.lowes.com\/pd\/Weber\/5014658797\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Lowe's\" retailers_4_name=\"Ace Hardware\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/www.acehardware.com\/departments\/outdoor-living\/grills-and-smokers\/pellet-grills\/8093167\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" \/]\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best for Pros\" product_name=\"Traeger Ironwood XL\" image=\"2036065\" image_credit=\"TMB STUDIO\" pr_name=\"Ace Hardware\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/acehardware.dttq.net\/xk0kyy\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Ace Hardware\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Traeger-Ironwood-Pellet-Smoker-Connectivity\/dp\/B0B9ZZ2BGW\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_3_name=\"BBQ Guys\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/bbqguys.sjv.io\/JKb4r7\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on BBQ Guys\" retailers_4_name=\"Williams Sonoma\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/www.williams-sonoma.com\/products\/traeger-ironwood-xl-grill-23\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Williams Sonoma\" \/]\r\n

The Bottom Line<\/h2>\r\n\"Toha24\r\n\r\nThe preference between charcoal grills and pellet grills first comes down to flavor. Which flavor profile do you prefer when you're biting into a juicy burger or grilled chicken and veggies off the grill? As you're finding the best fit for your needs, consider factors such as ease of use, space constraints, budget and what you plan to cook over it as well. While charcoal grills tend to be a bit more budget-friendly, they require a bit more effort while cooking, rather than the \"set it and forget it\" design of a pellet grill.\r\n\r\n[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[\/cf]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Curious about pellet grill vs charcoal grill options? We put both to the test to find the best fit for your needs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7801,"featured_media":2039315,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[303853,303797,303845,341575,303868],"categories-v2":[341632,308460,308432,308456,308467],"coauthors":[336427],"acf":{"long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"yoast_head":"\nPellet Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: We Tested 19 Models | 2024<\/title>\n\n\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/\" \/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Pellet Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: We Tested 19 Models | 2024","description":"Curious about pellet grill vs. charcoal grill options? We put 19 models to the test to find the best fit for your budget and backyard.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Pellet Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: We Tried 19 Grills for the Ultimate Comparison","og_description":"Curious about pellet grill vs. charcoal grill options? We put 19 models to the test to find the best fit for your budget and backyard.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/","og_site_name":"Taste Recipes","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tasteofhome","article_published_time":"2024-09-04T13:00:07+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-04-14T09:09:46+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1800,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pellet-Grill-vs.-Charcoal-Grill-We-Tried-19-Grills-for-the-Ultimate-Comparison_FT_OTedit-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Molly Allen","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pellet-Grill-vs.-Charcoal-Grill-We-Tried-19-Grills-for-the-Ultimate-Comparison_FT_OTedit-1.jpg","twitter_creator":"@tasteofhome","twitter_site":"@tasteofhome","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Molly Allen","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/"},"author":{"name":"skyword system user","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#\/schema\/person\/7ccbba5e04c121f1dcff19cbc0692222"},"headline":"Pellet Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: We Tried 19 Grills for the Ultimate Comparison","datePublished":"2024-09-04T13:00:07+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-14T09:09:46+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/"},"wordCount":1584,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pellet-Grill-vs.-Charcoal-Grill-We-Tried-19-Grills-for-the-Ultimate-Comparison_FT_OTedit-1.jpg","keywords":["Grilling & BBQ","Home & Living","Outdoor Living","Product Tests","Stuff We Love"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/","name":"Pellet Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: We Tested 19 Models | 2024","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/pellet-grill-vs-charcoal-grill\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pellet-Grill-vs.-Charcoal-Grill-We-Tried-19-Grills-for-the-Ultimate-Comparison_FT_OTedit-1.jpg","datePublished":"2024-09-04T13:00:07+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-14T09:09:46+00:00","description":"Curious about pellet grill vs. charcoal grill options? 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She brings her years of experience and industry knowledge to <em>Taste Recipes<\/em> readers, drawing on her former life at the bakery to explain the difference between cake and yeast doughnuts, how to make blue velvet cake and the best cheese board pairings for a delicious spread. Obsessed with homemade dough and pizza, Molly has tested nine different pizza oven models across multiple brands. She loves to keep an eye on the latest food trends and kitchen gadgets, while expanding her knowledge of cooking outdoors on smokers, grills, pizza ovens and fire pits.<\/p>","twitter":"","instagram":"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mollyallenmedia\/","facebook":"","public_email":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/molly-allen-65b7a652\/","tiktok":"","youtube":"","location":"Hood River, OR","school_and_year":"Central Washington University","education":"<p>Central Washington University, bachelor's in English language and literature<\/p>","highlights":"<ul>\r\n<li class=\"ewa-rteLine\">10 years of experience as a freelance writer and photographer specializing in recipes, stories about food and shopping guides<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Former bakery owner and event planner<\/li>\r\n<li>Pizza oven expert having tested nine different models<\/li>\r\n<li>Passion for grilling and cooking on smokers and fire pits<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Writer for <em>Taste Recipes, Good Housekeeping, Eater, The Kitchn, Simply Recipes<\/em> and <em>Food & Wine<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","expertise":"Recipe development; cooking techniques; baking; beer, wine & cocktails; product testing; food news; grocery shopping; restaurants","short_bio":"<p>Now a freelance writer and photographer specializing in stories about food and drink, Molly is a former bakery owner who brings her years of first-hand expertise to <em>Taste Recipes <\/em>and other food-centric publications. She is a pizza oven expert having tested nine different models. She also has a passion for grilling and cooking on smokers and fire pits. When she isn\u2019t baking, she enjoys testing new gadgets, exploring the latest food trends and cooking outdoors.<\/p>","user_nicename":"molly-allen","type":"guest-author","nickname":""}},"images":{"2038053":{"image_url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/TOHA24_Pit-Boss-Sportsman-820-Grill_dylan-fischer_02_OTedit.jpg","post_data":{"ID":2038053,"post_author":"8071","post_date":"2024-09-02 06:40:32","post_date_gmt":"2024-09-02 11:40:32","post_content":"","post_title":"Toha24 Pit Boss Sportsman 820 Grill Dylan Fischer 02 Otedit","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"inherit","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"toha24_pit-boss-sportsman-820-grill_dylan-fischer_02_otedit","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-02 06:50:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-02 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