Which is the best grill, electric, gas, or charcoal?

Spoiler Alert: We chose Kenyon electric grills, and here’s why!

We grill a lot for many different reasons and throughout all four seasons. Since we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, outdoor cooking is a nice break sometimes. It’s easy to clean up, we love the flavor grilling adds to meats and vegetables, and a good sear and grill marks enhance the presentation. And let’s face it; when food looks good, it generally tastes better, even if it’s just our minds playing tricks on us. 

Making the best choice for you

Over the years, we’ve had many different grill types. We’ve had traditional grills using charcoal briquettes (there’s nothing like the smoky flavor of an open flame) and have even given wood chips a try. We’ve had propane grills and natural gas grills for convenience. Some of that was dictated by where we lived and what fuel source we had access to; a propane tank or natural gas line. We shied away from charcoal grills primarily because of the hassles and ability to control the cooking temperature and opted for the convenience of gas grills. While not nearly as romantic and nostalgic as charcoal grilling, gas grilling is far more convenient for the most part. But we have had some problems with gas grills too. Most of the problems were just an inconvenience, but nevertheless, they were still problems. First, It seemed like every few years required a new grill. Then, there are the times when you run out of propane, and it always seems to happen when you’re right in the middle of cooking, usually with guests in attendance. Electric starters are great, too, until they no longer work, which they inevitably do. And then there’s the hassle of going to get propane. Some places do make it easy. You drop off your tank and pick up a new one. But that’s usually double the price of taking your tank somewhere that will refill it. If you grill regularly, it does add up. Regardless, it’s a hassle and takes time – and usually when you don’t have time on a day when guests are coming over, and you are hosting. 

We decided to give electric grills a try.

When our latest grill died this past winter, it raised the same old question: what kind of grill will we get this time?

The most important factor for us was convenience and easy access to outdoor grilling. But we also wanted a grill that would give us the best results. So after a lot of research and looking at every type of grill imaginable (we even looked at kettle grills, but only for a minute), we opted for a Kenyon electric grill for the first time. After several months of using it now and multiple grilling sessions, it was an excellent choice for us. 

Why we chose Kenyon electric grills

The best option for us turned out to be electric. Let me explain why:

• Electric grills eliminate many of the hassles we dealt with over the years with gas grills. 
• We no longer need to worry about propane tanks and keeping them full. 
• With electric grills, it turns it on, lets it heat up, and you’re good to go.
• We also like the easy clean-up. When we’re done grilling and the grill has cooled, we remove the grill grates and throw them in the dishwasher so the cooking surface is always clean—no scraping and burning off leftovers from the last use. 
• The temperature control of electric grills is easy, and the heating element provides consistent heat across the entire surface, so we no longer worry about hot and cold spots.
• You add water to the drip tray, which creates humidity and helps keep your vegetables and meats moist as they cook.
• The grill and stand are not as large as typical gas grills, so it works great in smaller spaces.
• There is a removable side tray for condiments and cooking utensils.
• There is a sidearm that folds up or down for setting plates and different things on when cooking.
• We thought we might notice the difference in flavor. That turned out not to be the case.
• When given time to preheat, the grill leaves perfect grill marks for better presentation.

Was an electric grill a good choice?

We were a bit hesitant to go with an electric grill. Maybe because that’s what we knew and were comfortable with. And we did have legitimate concerns. Would an electric grill be durable and stand up to regular grilling sessions and the four seasons of Northeast weather? Would the meat and vegetables taste just as good? Because of these concerns, we started slowly and opted for a portable electric grill to test the waters. The more we used it, the more we got very comfortable with it. So much so that we decided to get the stand and make it our go-to grill. With Kenyon Grills, they’ve thought of everything. It only took a few minutes to retrofit the portable grill into a standing grill, and it quickly became our everyday option.

If you’re looking for convenience, versatility, and environmental friendliness along with a modern and efficient grilling solution without compromising on taste, consider going electric. We couldn’t be happier with our choice after using it for the last several months and experiencing how convenient electric grills are.

20% off Kenyon grills through May 31st.

Here are a few fun facts about Kenyon

Kenyon, a coastal Connecticut-based company, makes fast-heating electric grills in portable, built-in models. The origins of Kenyon date back to as early as the 1920s when the original founder began designing and making aviation and marine instruments. Over the years, the company evolved into making ceramic cooktops that became the standard for large, high-end boats and yachts all around the world. In recent years, the company has been making exclusively electric grills based on its expertise in manufacturing electric cooktops. The company releases two or three products a year.

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