How to Become a Green Grill Master

Learn which grills and fuel sources are best for the environment.

Written by Dominique Sabins

Edited by Jamie Cesanek

Last updated 10/03/2024

Smiling father wearing a white chef's hat grilling in backyard during family barbecue
Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision/Getty images

Green grilling

Going green doesn’t mean you have to give up cherished activities like grilling with family and friends. If you enjoy cooking meals outside on the grill, you might be able to make a few eco-friendly changes. This guide will help you learn which grills, equipment, and fuel are best for the environment.

The classic charcoal grill

Grilling savory steaks with the smoky flavor of charcoal is many people’s go-to for barbecuing. Unfortunately, charcoal grills are not the best option for grilling if you want to be eco-friendly. When burned, charcoal emits multiple pollutants into our atmosphere, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and more. These emissions not only contribute to air pollution but can also negatively impact your health.

If you choose to go with charcoal, try a more eco-friendly alternative, such as organic charcoal briquettes or wood.

The no-fuss gas grill

A gas grill is another common household staple for backyard barbecues. The pros of gas grilling are ease of use and quick cleanup. Most gas grills run off propane tanks or connect to a natural gas line. The downside is that neither resource is renewable.

Propane is a processed byproduct of natural gas. While propane is still a fossil fuel, it emits less carbon and burns cleaner than charcoal. This makes gas grills a slightly more eco-friendly option than the classic charcoal grill.

The multi-use ceramic grill

You might be surprised to learn that ceramic is great for more than just tiles and pottery — it’s also a useful material for cooking. Ceramic skillets and spatulas are gaining popularity because they can withstand high temperatures, and ceramic grills are no exception. Unlike steel or other metals that many grills are made from, ceramic doesn’t scratch or emit chemicals. A ceramic grill can prevent volatile organic compounds from entering the atmosphere when cooking.

While this type of grill uses charcoal or wood chips, it has multiple uses, similar to a classic charcoal grill. Ceramic grills can be used for smoking, grilling, baking, and roasting. Despite using non-renewable fuels, it uses less fuel than other grills and can save you time, space, and money.

The all-natural pellet grill

An all-natural pellet grill is a great option if you want an eco-friendly way to grill. A pellet grill runs off compressed pellets made from scrap wood or sawdust, which are otherwise typically discarded. These resources are carbon neutral because the emissions produced by burning the pellets equal the amount that is absorbed when growing the trees in the first place. Pellets have the added bonus of not containing any additives, making them even friendlier to the environment.

Our final verdict

Choosing to cook outdoors can help you reduce energy consumption compared to cooking indoors. Many people forget that indoor ovens and stovetops use electricity to run, which increases your electricity bill and uses nonrenewable resources. By cooking outdoors on a grill, you’re cutting back on your household’s electricity usage and reducing the energy you likely use for air conditioning to counterbalance the heat from your appliances.

Pellet, ceramic, and gas grills are typically greener options than charcoal grills. Remember to always cook efficiently by wasting as few resources as possible. This means fewer wood chips, pellets, and gas. Next time you fire up your grill, keep these eco-friendly tips in mind.

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