Grills: Gas, Charcoal and Pellet

Grills sell at home centers, big box stores and online. Pick the fuel first, then the size.

Updated Oct 27, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Home centers and hardware stores often assemble and deliver grills. Specialty barbecue dealers carry premium brands and parts. For tooth grills, see a dentist or a licensed jeweler.

Professional insight

Grill dealers look at build quality before burner output. Heavy grates and thick fireboxes hold heat best.

Check that replacement burners and grates are sold separately.
Lift the lid: wobble means thin metal or loose hinges.
Cast stainless or cast iron grates outlast thin wire.
Confirm the gas type: propane or natural gas.

Check the label

Fuel type: liquid propane, natural gas, charcoal, pellet or electric.
Total BTU rating and number of main burners.
Primary and total cooking area in square inches.
Certification mark, such as CSA or UL, on gas and electric models.
Grate material, such as cast iron or stainless steel.
Warranty length for burners, firebox and lid.
Outdoor use only warning on the rating plate.

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Types

Common grill fuel types
Type	Strength	Trade off
Gas	Fast start, easy heat control	Less smoke flavor
Charcoal	High searing heat, smoky taste	Slow to light and clean
Pellet	Wood flavor with set temperature	Needs power and pellets
Electric	Works on many balconies	Lower top heat
Kamado	Holds heat for smoking and baking	Heavy ceramic body

Sizing

About 300 square inches suits two to four people.
About 450 square inches suits most family cooking.
Gas grills often sit between 24,000 and 60,000 BTU.
Aim near 110 BTU per square inch of grate.
Measure your patio space, lid open, before buying.

Safe use

Keep the grill at least 10 feet from walls and railings.
Test gas hoses with soapy water for leaks each season.
Clean the grease tray to prevent flare ups.
Let charcoal ash cool fully in a metal can.
Check balcony rules before buying any grill.

Care

Brush grates while warm after each cook. Cover the grill once cool. Burn off residue at the start of each season.

Common questions

Can a propane grill run on natural gas?: Only with the maker's conversion kit. Never swap fittings yourself.
Is more BTU always better?: No. Good grates and a tight lid matter more than raw output.
Where do I buy tooth grills?: From a dentist or licensed jeweler using a dental impression. Avoid cheap plated metal.