Many of us have long considered outdoor cooking as a pastime and stress reliever. It is the perfect addition to camping trips and outings. However, aside from deciding which meat to cook, there is also an issue about which equipment should be used. Although smokers and grills serve the same purpose, they each have their positive and negative points.

In simple terms, grills focus on the heat while smokers on the flavor-enhancing wood used. Many people think gas grills are better because they are superior when it comes to generating heat. On the other hand, others prefer electric smokers because they provide more flavor. While the answer as to which is better depends on what you want and need, other aspects should also be considered.

Differences Between Electric Smokers and Gas Grills

Electric smokers and gas grills can both do an exemplary job cooking meat, and that’s what matters the most. However, there is also no harm in choosing the perfect equipment for your needs. Here are some of the differences that might help you make the decision on which you should buy.

Heat Source

The central aspect of an electric smoker that sets it apart from a gas grill is its source of heat. Both use hot smoke for cooking the food, but the former subject food to a steady flow of flavored smoke for a set time. It uses hot electric rods, unlike other types of smokers, so you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel.

The heat source of gas grills is propane or natural gas. It provides a way to cook food fast without having to start a fire in a traditional way. All it requires is to turn on the gas and then hit the igniter button.

Cooking Speed

For the time it requires to cook food, gas grills take the lead. Since it uses burning gas as its heat source, the heat is greater. The time it takes to cook depends on what food is being grilled. However, compared to how long it will take for electric smokers to do the same job, gas grills are faster.

One issue that people may have about the time it takes for smokers to cook is constant supervision. However, since there is no problem of fuel depletion with electric smokers, it doesn’t need a continuous wood supply, so that’s not a concern.

Taste

It might be unfortunate that it takes longer for smokers to prepare food, but there is an advantage. There will be more time for the flavored smoke to penetrate the food, which means that it can provide more flavor. Electric smokers also come with minimal venting, so when it comes to retaining the moisture to make the meat tender, they are undoubtedly better.

If additional spices are not added, food cooked with gas grills won’t have a unique flavor. Taste is one of the most vital aspects of food, and electric smokers can provide that in spades.

Ease of Use

Many electric smokers nowadays are pretty much on autopilot. All we will have to do is to plug it in, and it will be ready to do the job. They are easy to operate and control, and they do not require constant watching. While the food is being smoked, you can occupy yourself by 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 easily be adjusted using a regulator.

Cost

In general, electric smokers are less expensive than grills. There are many flavored wood chips on the market and there are even some made to burn longer. For instance, Bradley Bisquettes can not only provide a delicious taste to the food but are also very cheap.

On the other hand, the cost is one of the most significant disadvantages of using a gas grill. Purchasing the equipment is expensive and if you add the cost for maintenance and fuel, it can be pretty heavy on the pocketbook.

Environmental Effects

Both electric smokers and gas grills are designed to reduce environmental pollution in one way or another. The former can be used as a method of preservation because it allows the wood to be recycled. Gas grills are designed to burn with a clean flame, which means that it contributes minimally to air pollution.

With all things considered, electric smokers seem to be a better choice than gas grills. Electric smokers are not as expensive as grills, they are easy to use, environment-friendly, and you won’t have to worry about fuel depletion. It may require a longer time to get the food cooked than gas grills, but it provides better flavor. For more great Bradley tips and tricks along with how to get the most of your Bradley Smoker, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Food Smoking Blog.