Gas grills use propane or a natural-gas connection; charcoal grills use briquettes or lump charcoal and need ash cleanup; pellet grills burn wood pellets, and some require a powered feed and controller. Choose by the fuel you can store or connect, how much setup and cleaning you want, and the exact grill’s manual and site rules.
Choose a grill by fuel access, setup and cleanup. A gas grill may connect to a propane cylinder or an approved natural-gas supply; a charcoal grill burns briquettes or lump charcoal; a pellet grill burns compressed wood pellets and may need electricity for its controls. Compare the exact product and location before buying.
Compare the fuel and setup
| Grill type | Fuel, setup and buying checks |
|---|---|
| Gas | Propane cylinder or, on compatible models, a natural-gas connection. Check cylinder storage and refills, the approved hose and connection, burner controls and the maker’s cleaning instructions. |
| Charcoal | Briquettes or lump charcoal that must be lit and managed. Check fuel storage, where cooled ash will go, airflow controls and the maker’s shutdown directions. |
| Pellet | Compressed wood pellets feed the heating system. Traeger says its pellet grills need an electrical supply. Check pellet storage, outlet requirements, temperature controls, and the model’s ash and grease maintenance. |
These are fuel-system distinctions, not performance rankings. HPBA describes the common fuel choices; Traeger’s outlet and temperature guidance applies to its own pellet-grill lineup. Weber’s U.S. catalog lists gas, charcoal and pellet models, which illustrates the range of available designs.
Match the grill to the space and routine
Measure the place where the grill will sit and where it will be stored. Check the manual for required clearance, surface, weather exposure, assembly and connections. A natural-gas model may require a permanent supply connection; arrange that only as directed by the grill maker and applicable local requirements.
Then think about the cleanup you are willing to do. Gas models have grease management parts to inspect. Charcoal leaves ash that must be fully extinguished and handled as the manual directs. Pellet grills also need their hopper, ash and grease areas maintained according to the exact model’s care instructions.
CPSC advises using gas and charcoal grills outdoors in well-ventilated areas and never indoors, in a garage, porch or under a surface that can burn. Check the current safety guidance and the product manual before setting up the grill. For other backyard choices, see the fire pit buying guide, patio furniture materials guide, and outdoor living.
Sources
Checked November 5, 2026.
Common questions
Which is easier to use, a gas or charcoal grill?
The choice depends on your setup and routine. Gas grills use regulated burners, while charcoal requires lighting fuel and managing airflow; compare the exact controls, startup instructions and cleanup.
Do pellet grills need electricity?
Traeger says its pellet grills require an electrical supply. Check the exact grill manual for outlet and outdoor electrical requirements before choosing a location.
Can I use a grill on a porch or indoors?
CPSC says gas and charcoal grills should be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area and not indoors, in a garage, on a porch or under a surface that can burn. Follow the grill manual and local fire rules too.
Can a gas grill use natural gas or propane?
Both fuel setups exist. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association describes propane cylinders and natural-gas connections; only use the fuel type and connection approved for the exact grill.