So, you’re looking to get a new grill but aren’t sure which kind is the most environmentally friendly. While some grills are more eco-friendly in one area, others may be better in different areas.
With the wide variety of options out there today, this dilemma comes up frequently in the grilling world. So, let’s weigh the pros and cons of each grilling method and come up with an answer for the grilling method that is best for the environment.
One of the oldest methods of grilling is with charcoal. One of the biggest pros of charcoal grilling is its convenience. Charcoal grills require minimal installation and setup, making for an easygoing barbecue.
… Or does it?
While charcoal grills are easy to set up, they aren’t nearly as easy to clean. Charcoal grills create a large amount of smoke and ash, creating a big mess. The ash from constant use gets built up in the grill's ash pan, which also gets mixed up with food residue. This filthy combo makes the cleanup process much more time-consuming and difficult.
Yes, charcoal grilling has a lengthy clean-up process, but is the flavor worth the time? Well, it probably depends on your preference. No matter what, grilling with charcoal results in that charcoal taste being absorbed into the food. So, be sure to figure out if you enjoy the taste of a charcoal grilled steak before you commit to a ranch full of them!
Whether you like the charcoal taste or not, charcoal grilling is harmful to the environment. Most notably, charcoal grilling creates a large amount of air pollution. A constant build-up of smoke tarnishes the air and can be especially harmful in densely populated areas.
Secondly, the hot coals remain a fire hazard until they are cooled down which can take some time, even if doused with water.
For convenience's sake, gas grills provide you with quick ignition, making the heat-up process fast so you can get right into the action. Easy ignition is great, but it does come with a cost. Gas grills require the use of a propane tank, which is an extra cost and can run out, making gas grilling less reliable in certain scenarios.
As for cleanup, gas grilling beats out charcoal in the quarrel. Gas grills produce much less smoke and no ash, meaning no ash buildup and easier cleanup. The gas method of grilling is also considered more fuel efficient because it takes less to do more.
Taste-wise, gas grilling is different. Instead of producing constant smoke to be absorbed by food, gas grills don’t emit fuel that can be tasted. So, if you’ve determined the charcoal taste isn’t for you, gas grilling may be a good option.
Gas grilling is also more environmentally friendly than charcoal, producing minimum smoke emissions, resulting in less air pollution. However, gas grilling is still derived from fossil fuels, which create carbon dioxide emissions. So even though gas grilling avoids air pollution, it can’t necessarily be considered environmentally friendly.
There’s also the safety concern. While gas grills don’t leave hot charcoals that can be reignited, there’s always the danger of the gas being left on or there being a leak somewhere.
So, these two traditional methods of grilling have their benefits and detriments, but how can electric grilling change the game? Similar to charcoal grilling, electric grills provide a quick and easy setup. But with electric, heat-up times are reduced because you simply plug the grill in and choose your desired heat. Electric grills also offer very precise temperature control, ensuring a perfect cook.
Oftentimes, electric grills are equipped with non-stick surfaces and removable drip pans and grilling grates, making them the easiest option to clean. Electric grills also don’t produce smoke or ash from a fuel source, only from the natural juices of the food hitting the heat tray, which avoids residue buildup during clean-ups.
As for taste, electric grills are similar to gas. They do not excrete any smoke to be absorbed by food. So, if you love the traditional charcoal grilled smokey meat, the electric grill may not provide the taste you're looking for.
While electric grills are convenient and easy, they are also the most environmentally friendly. Electric grills don’t produce any smoke or chemicals from a fuel source, resulting in no air pollution.
Electric grills are also the safest option. Since there is no fuel source, there is no danger of fuel combustion or hazardous byproducts. Some grills, like ElectriChef models, even come with an automatic shutoff time so you don’t risk leaving your grill on.
Electric grilling technology has advanced to the point where there's essentially no compromise on taste and performance when compared to traditional grilling methods like charcoal and propane. Electric grills are the most convenient, flexible, and safe options today.
When it comes to finding the perfect grill for your outdoor kitchen, look no further than ElectriChef. Manufactured right here in the USA, ElectriChef grills offer exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Whether you need to put your grill on the patio, rooftop, or patio area, there's a great ElectriChef grill model perfect for your outdoor kitchen.