Grill Like a Pro: How to Choose the Right Grill for Summer Cookouts

Summer and grilling go hand in hand, but walking into a store and staring at a wall of grills can feel overwhelming. Gas or charcoal? Pellet or flat-top? Small or go big? At Creekside Hearth, we carry multiple premium grill lines and help customers find the right match every day. Here's a breakdown of the main grill types and who each one is best for.

Gas Grills: The Everyday Workhorse

Gas grills are the most popular choice for a reason: they're fast, convenient, and easy to control. Preheat in 10 minutes, dial in your temperature, and you're cooking. They're ideal for weeknight dinners when you don't have an hour to manage a fire, and they're built for versatility.

• Best for: Families who grill 3-5 times per week
• Fuel: Natural gas or propane
• Perks: Instant heat, easy cleanup, wide temperature range

Options: Ambiance 500, Napoleon Freestyle 365, Napoleon Rogue 525

Charcoal Grills: The Flavor Champion

Charcoal grills run hotter than gas and impart that classic, smoky, slightly charred flavor that's hard to replicate. They require more time and attention because you will need 20-30 minutes to get your coals ready. However, for many grillers, getting the charcoal ready is part of their ritual.

• Best for: Weekend grillers and flavor purists
• Fuel: Charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal
• Perks: High heat, superior sear, authentic BBQ flavor

Options: Napoleon 22" Kettle Grill, Napoleon 605 Charcoal Cart, Napoleon Portable Kettle Grill

Pellet Grills: The "Set-It-and-Forget-It" Smoker

Pellet grills use compressed wood pellets and digital controllers to maintain precise temperatures for hours, making them ideal for low-and-slow smoking. Think brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and whole chickens. They can also grill and roast, giving you more versatility than a traditional smoker.

• Best for: BBQ enthusiasts and anyone who loves smoked meats
• Fuel: Wood pellets, available in several varieties designed to add flavor (hickory, apple, mesquite, cherry, maple, etc.)
• Perks: Precise temperature control, rich wood-smoke flavor, hands-off cooking

Options: Louisiana SL1000, Pit Boss Black Label Vertical Smoker, Louisiana Premier 1200

Flat-Top Grills & Griddles: The Brunch Game-Changer

Flat-top griddles have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. The large, even cooking surface is perfect for smash burgers, breakfast foods, stir-fry, fajitas, and anything that benefits from a direct surface contact. If you have ever wanted to recreate that diner-style breakfast in your backyard, a flat-top is your answer!

• Best for: Creative cooks and large-batch cooking
• Fuel: Propane (usually)
• Perks: Versatile and easy to cook for a crowd

Options: Louisiana 4-Burner Gas Griddle, Napoleon 24" Pre-Seasoned Non-Stick Griddle, Pit Boss 3-Burner Lift-Off Griddle

Infrared Grills: The Steakhouse Secret

Infrared Grills: The Steakhouse Secret

Infrared grills use radiant heat technology instead of conventional gas convection, superheating a ceramic or metal plate that then radiates intense, even heat directly onto your food. The result? Restaurant-quality sears, faster cook times, and significantly less flare-up than traditional gas grills. If you've ever wondered how steakhouses get that crust, this is how.

• Best for: Serious grillers who want steakhouse-quality results at home
• Fuel: Natural gas or propane
• Perks: Extremely high heat, even cooking surface, less flare-up, and faster preheat

Options: Solaire 21" Freestanding Infrared Grill, Solaire 30" Freestanding Infrared Grill, Solaire 36" Freestanding Infrared Grill

Built-In Grills: The Outdoor Kitchen Upgrade

If you're ready to take your backyard cooking setup to the next level, a built-in grill is the move. Unlike freestanding grills, built-ins are designed to drop into an outdoor kitchen island or custom surround, giving your space a permanent, polished look that's hard to beat. You can find built-in versions of gas, infrared, and even charcoal grills, so this category is really about installation style rather than a specific cooking method.

• Best for: Homeowners building or upgrading a dedicated outdoor kitchen
• Fuel: Natural gas, propane, or charcoal depending on the model
• Perks: Clean, custom look; saves counter space; adds long-term home value

Options: Napoleon Built-In 500 Series, Napoleon Built-In 700 Series, Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 Built-In

Tips Before You Buy

• Think about BTUs, and remember that more doesn't always mean better. Distribution and grate quality matter more than raw power.
• Consider your space! Measure the area before you shop so you know exactly how much room you're working with.
• Don't forget accessories! Quality cooking tools are important, but so is a grill cover that keeps your shiny new friend safe from the elements.
• Invest in quality. A well-built grill can last a decade or more. Creekside Hearth is dedicated to stocking brands that go the distance!

Come Shop With Us!

At Creekside Hearth, we carry multiple grill lines with options at a range of price points. Our showroom lets you see them up close before you buy. Stop by our Almont showroom this summer and we'll help you find your perfect grill.