Grill Fuel 101: Choosing the Best Fuel for Your Fire

If you’ve ever stared at the rows of charcoal bags, propane tanks, or wood pellets in confusion at the store and left without the fuel you came for, or worse, bought the wrong fuel and damaged your grill—you’re not alone. Picking the right fuel for your grill can seem complicated, but it’s really about understanding how each fuel affects your cooking style, flavor preferences, wallet, and your grill’s integrity!

Table of Contents:

• Charcoal: The OG of Grill Fuels 
• Propane: Fast, Convenient, Reliable 
• Natural Gas: Propane’s Cool Cousin 
• Wood Pellets: Low and Slow Flavor Masters 
• Charcoal vs. Gas vs. Pellets: What’s the Real Difference? 
• Which Fuel is Right for You? 
• Final Thoughts 

Charcoal: The OG of Grill Fuels

Charcoal grills are all about that smoky, classic BBQ flavor. When you use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal, you’re not just cooking—you’re creating flavor that can’t be replicated with other types of fuel. Charcoal burns hot and steady, making it great for steaks, burgers, or anyone that loves a good sear.

• Pros: Unbeatable smoky flavor, high heat. 
• Cons: Takes time to light (20–30 minutes), and cleanup can be messy. 
• Best For: BBQ purists, flavor fanatics, and anyone who doesn’t mind a little prep. 

Pro Tip: Lump charcoal burns cleaner than briquettes and gives a more natural flavor. 

Propane: Fast, Convenient, Reliable

If you love grilling but don’t love waiting, propane is your best friend. It heats up quickly and provides consistent temperature control with just the turn of a knob. What’s easier than that? Perfect for weeknight dinners or when cooking for a crowd.

• Pros: Quick ignition, precise heat control, minimal cleanup. 
• Cons: No smoky flavor (unless you combine it with wood chips). 
• Best For: Busy grillers, quick meals, and multi-taskers. 

Pro Tip: Always check your tank before starting—nobody wants to run out of propane mid-cook! 

Natural Gas: Propane’s Cool Cousin

If your home is already set up for natural gas, you’ve hit the grilling jackpot. Natural gas grills offer all the benefits of propane but with an endless supply of fuel. No more last-minute trips for tank refills! 

• Pros: Unlimited fuel supply, low cost over time. 
• Cons: Requires installation if you don’t already have it and isn’t portable. And like propane, you won’t get that smoky flavor unless you add wood chips. 
• Best For: Home grillers who want convenience without worrying about running out of fuel. 

Wood Pellets: Low and Slow Flavor Masters

Wood pellet grills are the go-to for anyone who loves smoky, rich BBQ flavors with almost zero effort. These grills automatically feed wood pellets into the fire to keep your temperature steady, making them perfect for smoking brisket or slow-cooking ribs. 

• Pros: Incredible flavor variety, consistent temperature control. 
• Cons: Requires electricity, and pellets can get pricey. 
• Best For: BBQ enthusiasts, pitmasters-in-training, and tech lovers. 

Pro Tip: Try different wood pellet flavors like hickory, applewood, or mesquite to customize your smoke.

Charcoal vs. Gas vs. Pellets: What’s the Real Difference?

It really boils down to four things: 

1. Flavor: Charcoal and wood pellets win for smoky goodness, while propane and natural gas focus on simplicity. 
2. Ease of Use: Gas is the easiest to handle, while charcoal and pellets require a little more effort. 
3. Versatility: Wood pellet grills are great for low-and-slow cooking, but gas and charcoal grills give you more flexibility overall. 
4. Compatibility: Some grills can only be used with certain types of fuel, otherwise you risk damaging your grill. 

What to Avoid: Lighter Fluid and Instant Light Charcoal Briquettes

If you’re tempted to use lighter fluid or instant light briquettes for convenience, resist the urge until you’re sure it won’t damage your grill, or worse, cause an injury! Even if these products might make lighting a grill easier in the moment, they can come with big downsides: 

• Ceramic Grill Damage: Lighter fluid can cause ceramic grills to overheat and crack—or worse, explode. Only lump hardwood charcoal should be used in ceramic grills to preserve the integrity of your grill. 
• Chemical Taste: Even if they won’t damage your grill, both lighter fluid and chemically-treated briquettes can leave unpleasant flavors in your food, especially if used repeatedly. 
• Health Concerns: There are plenty of people who would argue that having chemicals near food may not be the best choice.  

Which Fuel is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• How much time do you want to spend grilling? 
• Do you prioritize flavor or convenience? 
• What’s your budget? 
• What works with my grill? 

If you love the process and crave authentic BBQ flavor, go with charcoal or wood pellets. If you want fast and easy grilling, propane or natural gas is the way to go. And if you live somewhere that bans open flames, electric might be your best bet. 

Final Thoughts

The fuel you choose can totally transform your grilling experience, but it’s important to know the right fuel for your setup for all of the reasons we talked about above. The key is to match your fuel to your lifestyle, flavor preferences, and your grill requirements. Got questions about which fuel to use with your grill? Don't hesitate to reach out and talk some BBQ with us at Ash & Ember!