The 5 Best Grill For Vegetarians That We Recommend

Whether you are a seasoned vegetarian griller or just starting out, I will help you discover the best outdoor grill for vegetarians based on your cooking needs.

Choosing the right grill can greatly enhance your grilling experience and help you achieve your desired flavor and amazing grill marks. The grill you choose should meet your requirements when it comes to temperature control, convenience, and versatility.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grill for Vegetarian Cooking

Below is a look at the key factors to consider when choosing a grill for your vegetarian cooking adventures.

1. Grill Type

The first decision you must make is what type of grill you should buy. There are four main grill types suitable for cooking vegetables: gas, charcoal, electric, and pellet.

Each has its own operating technique and greatly impacts the flavor of your vegetables. Below is a closer look at the different grill types and why they’re suitable for vegetarian cooking.

Gas Grill

A gas grill is easy and convenient to use because:

It heats up quickly, so you don’t have to wait long to start grilling.
It has temperature control knobs so you can adjust the heat levels to precise settings to achieve your desired results.
This type of grill is versatile and can be used for a wide range of vegetables, including more delicate ones like asparagus.
A gas grill provides even heat distribution to achieve uniform cooking. You can also easily create different grilling zones, allowing you to cook different vegetables simultaneously, depending on their appropriate cooking temperatures and time. The different grill zones also let you cook veggies indirectly.
They produce less smoke and have fewer chances of flare-ups, preventing the vegetables from overcooking or getting overly smoky.

On the downside:

Gas grills are more expensive, so if you’re worried about your budget, there are other options.
These grills rely on a steady supply of propane or natural gas, so you have to ensure you have enough fuel so you don’t run out in the middle of your grill session.
A gas grill does not give the same level of smokiness as a charcoal grill, and the char is limited.

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are popular among grilling enthusiasts as they deliver an unmatched smokiness and charring.

Here’s why people love charcoal grills:

The burning charcoal adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the vegetables.
Charcoal grills can achieve higher heat levels, which helps with the caramelization process.
A charcoal grill is versatile because you can use it to grill different types of vegetables, and you can use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal.
This type of grill is more portable and lighter weight than a gas grill, making outdoor events or camping trips much more convenient.

On the downside:

Charcoal grills take more time and effort to set up.
It can be difficult to maintain consistent temperatures. Unlike gas grills, where you can easily adjust the temperatures using a knob, controlling temperatures in a charcoal grill requires correct charcoal placement (yes, there’s an art to it) and adjusting the airflow vents.
It’s more tasking to clean a charcoal grill since you have to dispose of the ashes. It can get pretty messy.

Electric Grill

An electric grill is a convenient and versatile option.

Here’s why:

You can use an electric grill in a setting where other grill types are unsuitable, like balconies and indoor kitchens.
An electric grill is easy to use and typically has a simple and user-friendly design. As such, they offer more of a hassle-free operation.
All you need is a power source. No need to lug around propane tanks or bags of charcoal.
Electric grills are suitable for indoor and outdoor use as they produce minimal smoke. You can use them all year long or whenever the craving for a juicy veggie burger hits.
Adjusting the temperature settings to achieve consistent cooking results with this grill is easy.
The cleanup process is easy too.

The downsides include:

Electric grills may not impart the same level of smokiness and charring as charcoal or gas grills.
Even though they can be used outdoors, a power outlet has to be easily accessible.
They can’t achieve very high heat levels. Nevertheless, they provide an adequate amount of heat to grill most vegetables.

Pellet Grill

Pellet grills, also known as pellet smokers, combine the convenience of electric and charcoal grills. The benefits include:

They use wood pellets as fuel, which adds a distinct smoky flavor to the grilled veggies. You can also experiment with different pellet flavors to enhance the flavor of the vegetables.
Pellet grills typically feature digital temperature controls making it easy to set and maintain desired heat levels for optimal results.
Aside from grilling, you can use a pellet grill for smoking, roasting, baking, or as an outdoor oven.

On the downside:

Pellet grills are more expensive than other grills.
Operating a pellet grill may have a slight learning curve to understand how to control the temperature, adjust the pellet feed rate, or know the type of pellets to use to achieve desired flavors.
Pellet grills require regular and thorough cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance whenever you want to grill your delicious veggies.

Size and Cooking Surface

Grills come in different sizes. When choosing the right one, consider how many people you typically grill for. If you entertain guests often or have a large family, go for a larger grill; it offers a wider cooking surface and can accommodate different ingredients.

Ample cooking space prevents overcrowding and uneven cooking. That said, keep in mind that larger grills require larger storage space.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is the key to achieving optimal results in vegetarian grilling. It enables you to achieve the desired texture, flavor, and doneness. It is also essential for avoiding undercooking or overcooking.

Opt for a grill with adjustable heat settings that lets you fine-tune the temperatures accordingly. A built-in temperature gauge or thermometer is also a useful feature so you can monitor the grill’s internal temperature.

Also, look for grills with heat tents, multiple burners, and heat diffusers to help with even heat distribution. They help prevent hot or cold spots, ensuring consistent cooking. Dual-zone cooking is useful for grilling delicate vegetables and for indirect grilling.

Top 5 Outdoor Grills for Vegetarians

There are unlimited models and brands of outdoor grills. Although this makes the market competitive, choosing the right grill for your vegetarian needs can be difficult. But fret not! I scoured the market to find the top five picks for the best outdoor grill for vegetarians.

#1: Best Gas Grill: Monument Grill 17842 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Monument Grill – 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill

4 burners
LED knob controls
Cast iron grill grate

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Keys Features

Made with 304-grade stainless steel
Cast iron grill grate
4 burners
Propane-powered
LED knob controls
Quick-ignition electronic knob
One side sear burner
Accessories: Rotisserie kit, built-in thermometer, stainless steel flame tamers

The Monument Grill 17842 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill stands out as the best gas grill for outdoor vegetarian grilling for its design features and performance.

It is made of 304-grade stainless steel, offering one of the highest steel grades and extended corrosion resistance. It has a removable grease drip pan for easy cleaning, and the porcelain-enameled cast iron grill grate delivers even cooking.

It offers a large cooking surface area of about 723 square inches to ensure ample room for your ingredients. The primary cooking area is 513 sq. in, while the warming rack area is 210 sq. in. The four burners deliver 72,000 BTUs combined, ensuring even heat distribution across the cooking surface. It can definitely handle all the vegetarian BBQ ideas you can dream up!

The Monument Grill 17842 4-Burner Propane Gas burner design includes LED control knobs that are easy to use and also offer an incredible ambiance, especially if grilling at night. It also has a large storage cabinet for your LP tank.

Pros

Sleek design
Heavy-duty, high quality
Ample cooking space for large batches of vegetables
Easy to operate
Even heat distribution
Quick and easy setup
Easy temperature control

Cons

The stainless-steel surface stains easily
Wheels do not always engage properly

#2: Best Charcoal Grill: Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ, Portable Charcoal Grill

Cuisinart CCG190RB BBQ

dual venting system
three secure lid locks
14X14X15 inches

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Key Features

Chrome-plated grate
Dual venting system
Three secure lid locks
14X14X15 inches
2lbs
Enamel-coated firebox and ash catcher

If you are looking for a compact and portable charcoal grill for your vegetarian cooking, look no further than the Cuisinart CCG190RB. It packs a punch of impressive features that make it an ideal choice if you love grilling on the go, including the advanced dual venting system and the spacious cooking surface.

The portable grill provides 196 square inches of cooking space, which can accommodate a good portion of vegetables. The chrome-plated grates distribute heat evenly for efficient and uniform cooking.

Even more impressive, say goodbye to guesswork when maintaining the right grilling temperatures. The Cuisinart CCG190RB charcoal grill features a dual venting system to allow precise control over airflow and heat distribution.

Another standout feature is the three secure lid locks that ensure safe and hassle-free transportation. Whether you are headed for a picnic, camping trip, or tailgating event, you can rely on the locks to keep the grill sturdy during transit and when grilling.

The lightweight and compact size make it effortless to carry around, and it’s perfect for patios, balconies, and decks.

When it comes to durability and maintenance, the enamel-coated firebox offers excellent heat resistance and protection against wear and tear, and the mesh-free ash catcher ensures easy cleanup after each grilling session.

Pros

Affordable
Portable
Compact and lightweight design
Advanced venting system
Easy to use

Cons

Not suitable for big families or grilling large vegetable portions

#3: Best Electric Grill: George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill

removable stand
non-stick coating
full electronic operation

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Key Features

George Tough non-stick coating
Removable stand
Adjustable temperature control
Full electronic operation
Fat-removing slope
240 sq. in. of grilling space

The highly rated George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill is suitable whether you want to enjoy a cozy indoor cookout or host a backyard barbecue.

One of its most unique features is the George Tough non-stick coating that ensures that ingredients don’t stick to the grates and makes cleaning hassle-free. The coating also eliminates the need to use excessive butter or oil on the vegetables and grates to prevent sticking.

The George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill has an easy-to-remove stand for effortless transitions from indoors to outdoors and vice versa. Thanks to its adjustable temperature control feature, you can achieve the perfect heat level for specific vegetables.

Choose from five heat settings to suit different food types. So, no more overcooked or undercooked vegetables.

Pros

Suitable for small spaces
Easy to clean
Easy temperature control
High-quality build
Versatile – can be used indoors or outdoors
Apartment-approved

Cons

May not reach extremely high temperature

#4: Best Pellet Grill: Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2019 Upgrade Model Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker

Z Grill ZPG-450A

6-in-1 barbecue
auto start ignition
180-450°F temperature range

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Key Features

Alloy steel exterior
6-in-1 barbecue wood fire pellet grill
Fan-forced convection cooking system
Temperature and pellet freed control system
450 sq. in. grilling area
Auto start ignition
Digital auto-temperature control
15lbs hopper capacity
180-450°F temperature range
Venturi-style firebox design

The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2019 Upgrade Model Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is the ultimate 6-in-1 barbecue wood fire pellet grill to take your grilling experience to the next level.

It can be used to grill, bake, roast, barbecue, braise, and smoke, all offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. It employs a fan-forced convection cooking system, creating an ideal environment for different cooking methods.

The large capacity 15lb pellet hopper allows longer cooking times, eliminating the need to constantly refill the grill. The unique venturi-style firebox design creates a burn pot cyclone of airflow, maximizing heat distribution and ensuring pellets’ combustion with less waste. It also has a waste oil collector to ensure safe and easy cleaning.

This 2019 automated electric feed system has a digital control board that makes it easy to maintain your desired heat levels, ranging between 180°F to 450°F. It also produces the optimal amount of smoke.

Simply set it, let it do the magic, and enjoy the grilling or smoking process without worrying about constantly monitoring it. It’s easy to operate through an electronic auto-start ignition and an LED temperature readout.

The Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2019 Upgrade Model Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker has a generous grilling area – 450 sq. in. and a 15-pound hopper capacity. It features a foldable working shelf, heavy-duty all-terrain wheels, and rust-proof cover and racks for added convenience and durability.

The high-quality stainless-steel construction gives the pellet grill a sleek and polished finish and is also corrosion-resistant for durability. Its quality is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee with a 30-day refund and a 3-year warranty.

Pros

Advanced wood fire technology
Can cook for up to 20 hours continuously
Easy to use
Ample cooking area
High-quality
3-year warranty

Cons

Due to its large capacity, it is not easily portable

#5: Best Gas Grill Option #2: Blackstone Flat Top Glass Grill Girdle 2 Burner Propane Fueled

Blackstone Flat Top Grill

cold rolled steel cooking surface
electric ignition
folding legs

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Key Features

Black powder-coated steel frame
Cold rolled steel cooking surface
2 heating zone control
Electric ignition
Built-in grease catcher
Folding legs
Cantilevered shelf

Blackstone Flat Top Glass Grill Girdle 2 Burner Propane Fueled offers a restaurant-style grilling experience. It is primarily used for cooking eggs, pancakes, quesadillas, etc., but it’s also perfect for grilling vegetables.

If you want to explore beyond the normal grilling grates, try out the Blackstone griddle. It’s easy to start with a simple battery-powered push-button ignition.

The cooktop has two adjustable burners that provide 470 sq. in. of grilling space, but you can switch off one of the burners if cooking smaller veggie batches. You can also use the cooking surface to cook different foods simultaneously.

This grill is easily portable with its fold-up legs, two heavy-duty castors, and removable griddle top. Its quality is backed by a one-year warranty.

Pros

Portable
Easy to operate
Versatile – can be used with a wide range of vegetables
Easy to clean
Temperature control

Cons

Not suitable for direct grilling or smoking

Other Things to Consider for Epic Vegetarian Grilling

Fresh and healthy vegetables on the grill

Accessories and Attachments

Aside from choosing the right type and size of grill for your vegetarian grilling needs, you also need the right accessories and attachments to enhance your grilling experience. Some essential grill accessories for vegetarian cooking include grill baskets, vegetable trays, or skewers.

Grilling baskets are a must-have for grilling smaller and more delicate vegetables for easy flipping and to prevent them from falling through the grates. Vegetable trays are ideal for grilling larger or sliced vegetables. They stop the vegetables from sticking to the grates and help to retain juices and flavors while enabling you to achieve a smoky char.

Skewers are suitable for grilling individual pieces of smaller vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions. Other optional attachments or add-ons include a smoker box and rotisserie attachment.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining outdoor grills are essential for optimum performance and longevity. The specific procedure varies for different grill types but generally involves using a grill brush or scraper to remove any stuck debris from the grates.

Empty the grease trap or drip pan to prevent grease build-up. No one really loves to do this part, but it is definitely necessary. Finally, use a mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior of your grill.

Follow through with a deep cleaning at least once or twice a season, depending on your usage. Read the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on deep cleaning your grill. While you’re at it, inspect the grill for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. Check the gas lines, valves, and connections for leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a good grill for vegetarians?

Gas, electric, charcoal, and pellet grills are all great options for vegetarian grilling. That said, consider the features, working mechanism, versatility, and pros and cons to determine which suits your vegetarian grilling needs best.

What is the most eco-friendly outdoor grill?

An electric grill is the most eco-friendly outdoor grill option. Since it doesn’t use charcoal or propane, it produces a minimal carbon print.

What is the healthiest grill option?

There is no one specific grill that is healthier than others. To achieve a healthy grilling experience, choose fresh vegetables and observe the best grilling practices.

Conclusion

Choosing the right outdoor grill for vegetarian cooking is crucial for creating hearty plant-based meals with ease. My top recommendations for the best grill vegetarians are:

While these grills are worth checking out, the best outdoor grill for vegetarians depends on your needs and preferences. Think about factors like the grill type, cooking surface area, temperature control, versatility, portability, and additional features you want to enhance your cooking experience.

Take your time and explore all your options for a new vegetarian grill. Determine your grilling needs. Check product descriptions and whether the product features suit your needs. Also, read reviews for prospective grills to make a more informed decision.

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