How Natural Gas Grills Produce Less Smoke as Compared to Charcoal Grills

Grilling on a sunny afternoon is a great way to spend time outdoors, but one common issue can put a damper on the fun: smoke. If you’ve ever used a charcoal grill, you know how much smoke it produces—not just in the air but also on your clothes, leaving that strong, lingering smell. While charcoal grills can deliver great flavor, they burn inefficiently, creating thick smoke that can make grilling less enjoyable.

There’s a cleaner, more efficient way to grill, though: natural gas. Natural gas grills burn much cleaner than charcoal, producing far less smoke and creating a more pleasant cooking experience. In this article, we’ll explain why natural gas grills generate less smoke and how they can improve your outdoor cooking.

Let’s break it down. I’ll walk you through the key reasons why a gas and charcoal grill combo or the natural gas grills can make your outdoor grilling experience cleaner and be ready to enjoy your BBQ without the smoke. Read on to discover how natural gas can change your grilling for the better.

What Makes Gas Grills Produce Less Smoke?

It all comes down to how the two grills work. When you use a charcoal grills, you're burning actual charcoal which is a wood-based fuel. As the charcoal burns, it creates a lot of smoke because it’s an incomplete combustion process. Some of the charcoal doesn't fully burn, releasing a mix of ash, soot, and gasses into the air. This results in the signature billowing smoke you’re probably familiar with.

Now, gas grills work differently. They use natural gas (or propane), which burns much cleaner than charcoal. Natural gas burns efficiently and completely, producing fewer byproducts. The result? A cleaner, more efficient grilling process with little to no smoke. You might get a small amount of smoke when the grease from your food drips onto the burners, but it’s nothing compared to what you’d get from a charcoal grill.

For a more sustainable and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience, switching to a natural gas grill can make a significant difference in the amount of smoke you deal with.

If you're still confused about the benefits of using a natural gas grill over other types, you can go through our guide on natural gas grill vs propane gas grill to make a right and wise decision.

How Do Gas and Charcoal Grills Compare in Terms of Smoke Production?

Charcoal Grills: The Smoke Machines

If you’ve ever used a charcoal grill, you know the drill. Lighting the coals can be a bit of a process. You’ve got to wait for them to reach that perfect glowing state, and while they’re burning, they’re pumping out smoke into the air. This smoke comes from the charred bits of coal that haven’t fully combusted.

While it might add a smoky flavor to your food (which some people love), it also tends to linger in the air, especially if you're grilling for a while.

Gas Grills: The Cleaner Alternative

In Image: American Made Grills Muscle 36-Inch Freestanding Gas & Charcoal Grill 

When you switch to a gas grill, you get a much smoother experience. Most gas grills operate with a simple ignition system that lights the gas, and the burners heat up evenly. The burning of natural gas or propane doesn’t leave ash or soot behind, resulting in much less smoke. Of course, a gas and charcoal grill combo or a dual gas and charcoal grill can give you the best of both worlds if you still love that smoky flavor but want to avoid excess smoke.

The grills that can be used with both, dual gas (propane & natural) and charcoal also called as hybrid grills. I will use the word Hybrid Grill throughout the next content. 

Why Gas Grills Are the Healthier Choice

When you cook with a gas and charcoal hybrid grill, you’ll also notice that there’s less risk of overexposure to harmful substances. Charcoal grills release not just smoke, but also potential carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These compounds are produced when meat drips fat onto the hot coals and smoke rises. The resulting vapor is then absorbed back into the meat, which is something many people prefer to avoid.

On the other hand, gas grills don’t generate these harmful compounds nearly as much because the fat drips into the drip pan and isn’t exposed to the direct flames. This makes it a healthier option for those who are concerned about the potential dangers of grilling.

Which Grill Is Right for You? Charcoal or Gas?

When you’re looking for the best dual gas and charcoal grill, consider the amount of space you need, how often you grill, and the type of food you cook most. A best combination gas and charcoal grill is perfect if you enjoy experimenting with different flavors or have a larger family and need to cook a variety of foods at once.

In Image: Bull Grills Steer Premium 24-Inch 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill

Charcoal Grills:

• Give food that smoky flavor.
• Can reach higher temperatures faster.
• Need more time to set up and clean up.

Gas Grills:

• Produce much less smoke.
• Cleaning up is a breeze.
• Heat up quickly and offer more control over cooking temperatures.

For those who want the best of both worlds, a hybrid grill might be the perfect solution. A combo grill lets you use charcoal for that smoky flavor when you want it, but it also allows you to switch to gas when you prefer a cleaner, smoke-free experience.

Should You Go for a Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill?

Many grillers love the idea of a hybrid grill because it gives them the flexibility to choose between charcoal and gas. But, is it really worth it? Here’s what you should know before making your decision.

A dual gas and charcoal grill is a good choice if you entertain guests often or if you’re someone who can’t decide between the smoky flavor of charcoal and the ease of gas. The beauty of a hybrid grill is that you get the versatility to switch between the two fuel types.

• Gas and charcoal combo grills come in various sizes and designs, from portable units to built-in setups. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, you can even find gas and charcoal dual BBQs with side burners for added convenience.
• Gas grills like the ones with a gas grill charcoal box can help you achieve that smoky flavor without the mess of traditional charcoal grilling. You get the best of both worlds with fewer downsides.

 

As you can see, gas grills definitely have the edge when it comes to producing less smoke, ease of use, and overall cleanliness. But if you're craving that smoky flavor, a hybrid grills could be the way to go. These combos often come with features like side burners or even a gas grill charcoal box to allow for wood chips, so you can still enjoy the traditional smoky flavors without the heavy smoke.

Whether you opt for a built-in gas and charcoal grill or an outdoor hybrid grill, the choice is yours.

Less Smoke, Enjoy More!

In conclusion, we've covered how natural gas grills produce less smoke compared to charcoal grills. While charcoal grills offer that classic smoky flavor, they also come with a lot of smoke and mess.

Natural gas grills, on the other hand, burn much cleaner, making your grilling experience more enjoyable and easier to manage. Plus, they are a healthier option, reducing exposure to harmful compounds found in charcoal smoke.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy grilling without the hassle of thick smoke, switching to a natural gas grill is a great solution. Whether you're a weekend griller or someone who loves to entertain often, a natural gas grill can make your outdoor cooking simpler and more pleasant. And if you're still deciding, take a look at the best natural gas grill options to find the one that fits your needs.

Ultimately, choosing the right grill comes down to your priorities—less smoke, easier cleanup, and healthier grilling. If those are important to you, a natural gas grill is the way to go. It’s time to enjoy grilling without the smoke cloud, so you can focus on what really matters: great food and good company.