The Best Outdoor Grills for Backyard BBQs: Gas, Charcoal, or Pellet?

As spring 2025 approaches, many of us at Metro Appliances & More are getting ready to fire up our outdoor grills and enjoy the warmer weather. But before you stock up on steaks and hot dogs, you’ll want to make sure you choose the best outdoor grill for your backyard. This post will explore gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, highlighting their unique benefits, top features, and current trends.

 

 

Why Choosing the Right Grill Matters

A high-quality outdoor grill can transform your backyard into the ultimate gathering place. At Metro Appliances & More, we’ve spent decades helping families and grill enthusiasts find their perfect setup to help you make the most of every BBQ season. 

Here’s why selecting the right grill is so important:

✔️ Better Flavor & Cooking Results: Achieve perfect sears, smoky tastes, and mouthwatering textures tailored to your favorite foods.

✔️Time-Saving Convenience: Enjoy faster heat-up times and straightforward cleanup so you can spend more moments with friends and family.

✔️Meal Versatility: From quick weeknight dinners to slow-cooked weekend feasts, the right grill adapts to your schedule and cooking style.

✔️Long-Term Value: Investing in a high-quality grill means fewer repairs, longer performance, and peace of mind for when the warm weather returns.

✔️Level up Your Outdoor Fun: Turn ordinary backyards into social hubs: host gatherings, experiment with recipes, and celebrate the joy of outdoor cooking.

 

Gas Grills: Quick and Convenient Cooking

Fast Ignition and Steady Heat

Gas grills (including both Natural Gas Grills and LP Gas Grills) reach temperature within minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings and busy families. Hook them up to a propane tank or tap into your home’s natural gas line—either way, you get reliable, on-demand heat without the wait.

Even Temperature Control

Gas burners distribute heat evenly, allowing you to sear steaks on one side while gently cooking veggies on the other. Temperature knobs let you dial in precise settings for consistent results, giving you more control than many other grill types.

Smart Grill Features in 2025

Modern gas grills often come equipped with built-in smart technology. Some models let you monitor and adjust heat via a mobile app, so you can chat with guests or prep sides in the kitchen instead of standing by the grill.

Recommended Gas Grill

Alfresco Built-in Grills: Known for durable stainless steel construction and powerful burners, Alfresco grills are ideal for creating restaurant-quality sears. Go for the Alfresco 42" Sear Zone Grill Built-In Grill (Model: ALXE42SZNG) for its three-position warming rack and stainless steel main burners, producing 82,500 BTUs.

 

 

Charcoal Grills: Classic Smoky Flavor

Authentic BBQ Taste

If you crave a nostalgic backyard aroma, charcoal grills are tough to beat. Slow-smoke ribs, sizzle steaks, or flip burgers; no matter what you cook, you’ll get the signature smoky flavor that other fuel types just can’t replicate.

Budget-Friendly and Versatile

From simple kettle models to advanced ceramic-style grills, there’s a charcoal option for every budget. Modern designs often include:

• Built-in thermometers for precise heat control

• Easy-clean ash catchers to simplify cleanup

• Adjustable air vents to fine-tune temperature

Recommended Charcoal Grill

Coyote Charcoal Grills: Coyote’s charcoal grills are versatile and offer excellent heat retention, perfect for low-and-slow smoking or high-temperature searing. Check out the Coyote Asado Smoker Free-Standing Charcoal Grill (Model: C1CHCSFS)---it comes equipped with a smoke, sear, grill option.

 

Pellet Grills: High-Tech Wood-Fired Cooking

Consistent Temperatures, Rich Flavor

Pellet grills automatically feed compressed wood pellets into a firepot, delivering steady heat and delicious, wood-fired flavor. With digital control panels, you can “set it and forget it,” whether you’re smoking a brisket or grilling midweek burgers. It’s an ideal mix of convenience and authentic BBQ taste.

Versatile Cooking Methods

Pellet grills are more than just grillers. They can smoke, roast, bake, and even sear. Experimenting with different pellet types (mesquite, hickory, or applewood) lets you fine-tune flavor profiles for a truly custom cooking experience. If you want the flexibility to prepare an entire menu outdoors, a pellet grill is a game-changer.

Recommended Pellet Grill

Green Mountain Grills: Boasts the highest quality wood-fired flavor by using 12-V Direct Power with unrivaled heat consistency and temperature control. The Green Mountain Grills Ledge PRIME 2.0 Grill (Model: 211460) comes with GMG RACKT™ technology, so this grill can be easily equipped with elevated racks, smoke shelves, cooking pans, and griddles.

 

 

Which Grill Is Right for You?

• Gas Grills → Best if you need a quick, straightforward setup and want reliable temperature control.

• Charcoal Grills → Ideal if you love a rich, smoky flavor and don’t mind managing coals.

• Pellet Grills → Great for a hands-off approach, with automatic pellet feeding and a range of cooking possibilities.

If you’re unsure, visit any Metro Appliances & More showroom. Our team will guide you through the pros and cons of each type to find the best fit for your outdoor space and cooking habits.

 

Tips for a Successful Grilling Season

• Maintenance Counts: Regularly clean grates and invest in a sturdy cover. Proper care enhances performance and longevity.

• Explore Wood Chips and Pellets: Even on gas or charcoal grills, adding wood chips can boost flavor. Experiment with varieties like pecan or cherry for something new.

• Prioritize Safety: Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to tame flare-ups, and maintain a safe distance from kids and pets.

• Stock Up on BBQ Accessories: Keep grilling accessories like tongs, spatulas, thermometers, and grill brushes on hand. Having the right tools can streamline prep work and improve food quality.

• Get Creative: Don’t limit yourself to burgers! Grill fruit, cook pizza, or try slow-roasting vegetables for diverse, delicious meals.

 

 

Why Shop at Metro Appliances & More?

From quick weeknight grilling to all-day smoking, Metro Appliances & More has you covered—and we offer much more than just grills. The right appliance can streamline your routine and elevate every dish you cook. 

Ready to explore top-quality kitchen and outdoor appliances in person? Contact us or visit us in person at one of our appliance store locations across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We’re here to help you choose the best cooking appliance for your kitchen.

Browse our full lineup online, including refrigerators, laundry appliances, dishwashers, and ovens. With Metro Appliances & More by your side, you can make the most of every season—backyard BBQs included.

Related readings from our blog:

• Make Your Next Barbecue a Success with These Grilling Tips

• Using Lighting To Create An Outdoor Oasis

• Three Innovative Ways To Give Your Home A Refresh

 

FAQs: Your Top Outdoor Grill Questions

1. What is the best grill for the money?

This depends on your budget and cooking preferences. A mid-range gas grill can offer a solid balance of quality and price. For wood-fired convenience and flavor, a high-quality pellet grill may be worth the investment.

2. How do I choose an outdoor grill?

Focus on your priorities: Do you want fast ignition, simple cleanup, or that authentic smoky taste? Narrow down your choices by fuel type, budget, and desired features. Then, visit Metro Appliances & More to compare grills in person.

3. Which is better: gas or charcoal?

Gas grills are quicker and easier to control, while charcoal delivers that signature smoky taste. Consider how much time you have for grilling and how important flavor is to you. If you want modern tech mixed with wood smoke, a pellet grill might be the answer.

4. Are pellet grills worth it?

Yes. Pellet grills provide consistent temperatures, wood-fired flavor, and incredible versatility. They handle everything from slow-smoked brisket to baked goods with minimal effort.

5. Why is DCS better than Coyote?

Both brands are top-tier. DCS stands out for advanced engineering and powerful infrared burners, while Coyote is known for its user-friendly features and reliability. It often comes down to which specific features matter most to you.