Although smokers and grills serve the same purpose, they each have positive and negative points. In the simplest terms, the main difference between them is that a grill’s focus is on heat, and a smoker’s focus is on the flavor-enhancing wood used. Many home chefs think gas grills are better because they are superior when it comes to generating heat; others prefer electric smokers because they provide more flavor. While the answer to which is better depends on what you want and need, other variables should also be considered.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ELECTRIC SMOKERS AND GAS GRILLS
Electric smokers and gas grills can do an exemplary job cooking meat, which matters the most. But there is also no harm in choosing the perfect equipment for your needs. Here are some differences between an electric smoker and a gas grill that might help you decide which to buy.
HEAT SOURCE: GAS GRILL VS. ELECTRIC SMOKER
The central aspect of an electric smoker that sets it apart from a gas grill is its heat source. Both use hot smoke to cook food, but an electric smoker subjects food to a steady flow of flavored smoke for a set time. Unlike other types of smokers, it draws its heat from electric rods, so you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel.
The heat source of a gas grill is propane or natural gas, which cooks food fast without requiring you to start a fire in a traditional way. All you need to do is turn on the gas and hit the igniter button.
COOKING SPEED: WHICH IS FASTER—A GRILL OR A SMOKER?
For the time required to cook food, a gas grill takes the lead over an electric smoker. Since it burns gas to generate heat, the grill is hotter. And while the precise time it takes to cook depends on the specific food being grilled, a gas grill still takes less time to do the same job as an electric smoker.
One issue grillmasters may have with the longer cooking time required for a smoker is constant supervision. But since there is no problem of fuel depletion with an electric smoker, it won’t need a continuous wood supply, so that’s not a concern.
WHICH TASTES BETTER: FOOD COOKED ON A GAS GRILL OR IN A SMOKER?
While an electric smoker might take longer to cook food, it has a significant advantage over a gas grill: There will be more time for the flavored smoke to penetrate the food, which means that smoked food is more flavorful than grilled food. Electric smokers also come with minimal venting, so they’re better at retaining the moisture to make even the cheapest cut of meat tender.
It won't have a unique flavor if you don’t add spices to food prepared on a gas grill. Taste is one of the most vital aspects of food, and electric smokers can provide that in spades.
ELECTRIC SMOKER VS. GAS GRILL: EASE OF USE
There’s not much difference between an electric smoker and a gas grill when it comes to ease of use. Many modern electric food smokers work pretty much on autopilot—all you have to do is plug in the smoker, and it will be ready to do the job. An electric smoker is easy to operate control, and does not require constant watching. While the food is being smoked, you can occupy yourself doing other things.
Gas grills are also easy to use. The latest models can now be switched on by merely turning a knob, and the heat can also be adjusted easily using a regulator.
COST: IS AN ELECTRIC SMOKER MORE EXPENSIVE THAN A GAS GRILL?
Electric smokers are generally less expensive than grills, especially when it comes to fuel. Many flavored wood chips are on the market, and some are made to burn even longer. Bradley Wood Bisquettes® not only impart a delicious taste to the food but they’re also very inexpensive.
On the other hand, cost is one of the most significant disadvantages of using a gas grill. Purchasing the equipment is expensive, and when you factor in maintenance and fuel, the total cost can weigh heavily on the pocketbook.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: ELECTRIC SMOKER VS. GAS GRILL
Both electric smokers and gas grills are designed to reduce environmental pollution in one way or another. An electric smoker can be used as a preservation method because it allows the wood to be recycled. A gas grill is designed to burn with a clean flame, which means it contributes minimally to air pollution.
Many pitmasters have long considered outdoor cooking as a pastime and stress reliever. It is the perfect activity for camping trips and outings. But aside from deciding which meat to cook, there is also the issue of which equipment is best. All things considered, the electric smoker emerges as a better choice than a gas grill. Environmentally friendly electric smokers are not as expensive as grills, they’re easy to use, and you won’t have to worry about fuel depletion. And while food may require longer cooking on a smoker versus a gas grill, it tastes better.
For more great Bradley tips and tricks, recipes, and techniques, including how to clean your Bradley Smoker, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Blog.
