Gas or electricity – this question often arises when looking for alternatives to charcoal. Both variants avoid the development of smoke and strong odours and offer a more environmentally friendly CO2 footprint. Nevertheless, there are enough differences. We have summarised the most important ones:

• Gas grill: With the gas grill, heating is carried out using propane or natural gas and, therefore, without strong odours or smoke. You use gas cartridges to light the fire, and it is lit at the touch of a button. The gas reaches the grill grate via a pipe system, where it is ignited automatically or manually. This means you can grill no matter the weather, and even on the balcony. Another feature: You set the grilling temperature precisely for the best grilling results.
• Electric grill: The electric grill is even more practical: Apart from electricity, you don’t need anything else. Ideal for using electric grills on the balcony. As soon as you connect the grill to the power supply, press the start button and the heating elements heat up. The precise temperature control works in a similar way to a gas grill, with a corresponding regulator. In addition to large models, you can also choose more compact versions. Incidentally, the CO2 values for electric grills are even better than for gas grills if you use green electricity.

All differences compared in a table:

To make your choice easier, here is an overview of the most important advantages of electric grills and gas grills, as well as a few disadvantages:

A clear difference in the grill experience lies in the ignition system. You will need a gas cartridge or gas cylinder for a gas grill. As a rule, they offer a burning time of three to four or up to 48 hours. The gas is channelled through a pipe system and ignited at the grill grate. With an electric grill, you simply press a button and the heating elements heat up. Both versions can be brought up to temperature quickly for a fantastic grilling experience.

One rumour that crops up regularly: Electric grills and gas grills are not able to create the grill flavour of charcoal grills. In fact, with the right smoking accessories, you can also achieve an optimum grill flavour with gas and electric grills, for example, with wood and smoking chips and a smoker attachment.

Another important aspect is cleaning. To ensure a long service life, you should clean your grill after every use. 

Key tips: 

• Burn off leftovers at the end of the grill at maximum temperature. This loosens them or makes them easier to brush off. Some electric grills – such as our SMART-E – even have a convenient self-cleaning function
• Only use non-scratching sponges and mild, grease-dissolving cleaning agents
•  Avoid wire brushes, metal sponges and aggressive cleaning agents
• We offer you suitable grill cleaning accessories, such as the right grill brushes and grill cleaners to ensure the gentle and effective cleaning of your gas or electric grill

Juicy or crispy grilled food can be prepared with both gas and electric grills. No compromises here, no matter what you go for. Our direct comparison to help you make a better decision:

• Gas grill: For all those who like to experiment. Gas grills come in many shapes and sizes, and offer plenty of grilling surface and accessories for larger groups. If you always have a gas cartridge in stock, you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel in the middle of a grill session.

• Electric grill: Quick, easy, safe – that’s exactly what electric grills offer you. Simply plug in, press the button and off you go – more precise than ever. 

The choice between gas and electric grills is not a question of quality. Both versions offer optimum grilling results, the ideal cooking temperature and even heat distribution. Rather, the decision is based on the ignition type. With a gas grill, you always need to have gas cartridges ready, but you can rely on a large grilling surface, fast firing and different grilling zones. With the electric grill, you only need access to a power socket and have high-precision temperature control. 

Most gas grills offer the option of indirect grilling. With electric grills, it depends on the model, as many variants do not include separately adjustable grilling surfaces.

Both variants offer a high degree of safety. As the electric grill only uses electricity, it is one of the safest grill options

In principle, the following applies: If grilling is expressly prohibited, you may not grill on the balcony with any type of grill.