Eager to find the most non-toxic outdoor grill for BBQing in 2024? The SKL team did all the research and ranked 10 of the healthiest grills to buy based on their materials, surfaces, and coatings.
We all love those summer BBQs, the sizzle of the grill, the get-togethers. However, as you’re flipping those burgers and that smoke starts billowing up, you might unknowingly come in contact with some compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Yikes.
In this educational nontoxic grilling guide, we will cover the risks of using grills and BBQs plus the safest options on the market. There’s a lot to unpack here!
What makes grilling unhealthy?
First and foremost, there’s the huge issue of smoke. As you fire up the grill, you’re releasing compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) into the air. These are formed when fat from your food drips onto the hot grill grates or coals and then vaporizes.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that “High heat when cooking meat and other foods will form PAHs”. Breathing in this smoke can irritate your respiratory system and, over time, may increase your risk of certain cancers.
Many studies have shown associations between exposure to PAHs and various types of cancer, including lung, skin, bladder, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Heterocyclic Amines
Similar to PAHs, HCAs are considered carcinogenic. Research has linked high levels of HCA consumption to an increased risk of cancer, particularly colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
Then there’s the char. That crispy, brown layer on your grilled meat might look and taste great, but it’s also a hotspot for more PAHs and HCAs. The longer your food cooks at high temperatures, the more of these compounds can form.
When meat, poultry, or other foods are exposed to high heat, especially over an open flame, the sugars, proteins, and fats present in them undergo a process called pyrolysis.
This process creates a variety of compounds, including, you guessed it, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which we discussed earlier.
Acrylamide
Last, but definitely not least, there is Acrylamide. While this substance is usually associated with high-temperature cooking methods like frying and baking, it can sometimes form when grilling starchy foods like potatoes or bread at high temperatures.
This too is a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In fact, it’s been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
Like PAHs and HCAs, acrylamide forms through a chemical reaction known as the Maillard reaction, which occurs when sugars and amino acids in food are heated together at high temperatures.
So, even if you buy one of the very best non-toxic outdoor grills and BBQs, keep in mind that you might come in contact with these compounds. In other words, 100% nontoxic grilling is not possible!
What is the least toxic way to grill?
Keep your grill clean – Make sure to clean your grill thoroughly after each use to remove any leftover food particles and grease buildup to help prevent flare-ups and reduce the formation of harmful compounds during subsequent grilling sessions.
Preheat carefully – Allow your grill to preheat properly before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and reduce the risk of charring. Sure, this process takes time but it can help minimize the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs).
Use moderate temperatures while grilling – As many experts suggest, avoid cooking your food at excessively high temperatures, as this can lead to increased formation of PAHs and HCAs.
Flip frequently – Flip your food regularly while grilling to evenly cook even the food and prevent charring.
Marinate all meats – Marinating your meats before grilling not only adds flavor but also helps create a protective barrier that reduces the formation of PAHs and HCAs. Amazing right? Choose marinades containing ingredients like citrus juices, vinegar, and herbs for added antioxidant benefits.
Trim excess fat – Trim excess fat from meats before grilling to minimize flare-ups and reduce the production of smoke, which can contain harmful compounds. Leaner cuts of meat also tend to produce fewer PAHs and HCAs during cooking.
Avoid overcooking – I can’t stress this enough! Cook your food to the recommended internal temperatures because overcooked or charred food is more likely to contain higher levels of harmful compounds.
The Least and Most Non-toxic Types of Outdoor Barbecue Grills
Before you add one of the best non-toxic outdoor grills and BBQs to your cart, let’s explain the many different options to help you find the healthiest grill to buy in 2024.
Charcoal Grill
This is the least eco-friendly and most toxic grill type! This grilling method releases a whole bunch of harmful compounds into the air, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs).
These are all known to be carcinogenic, meaning they can increase your risk of certain cancers if you’re breathing them in or munching down on charred meats too often.
Plus, all that smoke can irritate your lungs and give you some serious respiratory woes. Not to mention that once you’re done grilling, you’re left with a pile of ash that’s not exactly biodegradable.
Natural Gas & Propane Grill
Gas and propane grills are the most common and loved option in the USA – quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. Just fire ’em up, and you’re good to go. Plus, they’re usually pretty efficient and don’t produce as much smoke or mess as charcoal grills.
You can find propane tanks pretty much everywhere, including the grocery store. I get mine from the local supermarket.
To have a natural gas grill, you’ll need a gas connection. That’s no issue if you are at your backward. I love this method too because it doesn’t require us to keep refilling the tanks.
Electric Grill
If you’re short on outdoor space or live in an apartment, an electric grill might be your new best friend. They’re compact and easy to use, and you don’t have to worry about dealing with messy charcoal or propane tanks.
Just plug in your non-toxic electric grill and you’re ready to grill. Sure, you might not get that smoky flavor you crave, but sometimes convenience trumps everything else.
Wood Pellet Grill
Wood pellet grills use real wood pellets to give your food that authentic smoky flavor, without all the hassle of charcoal. Plus, they’re super versatile – you can smoke, grill, bake, roast, you name it.
They come packed with an array of features, such as timers, temperature settings, and even digital control panels. Granted, these non-toxic outdoor grills are a bit pricier than some other options, but if you’re serious about your BBQ game, it might be worth the investment.
Kebab Grill
Kebab grills are perfect for skewering up all your favorite meats and veggies and are usually pretty compact and easy to use, so you can whip up a kebab feast with minimal effort. As the meats, veggies, and fruits cook together on the skewers, they mingle and swap flavors.
But keep in mind that this non toxic BBQ grill is primarily designed for skewered foods and may not accommodate larger cuts of meat or alternative grilling methods.
Smokers
If you’re all about that low and slow life, a smoker might be calling your name. Smokers are perfect for infusing your food with that mouthwatering smoky flavor and getting it super tender and juicy.
Plus, they’re the safest option when it comes to grilling since you’re not cooking over direct heat. Also, while smokers are best known for their prowess in producing mouthwatering barbecue classics like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, they’re also incredibly versatile.
You can use them to smoke a wide range of meats, poultry, seafood, and even vegetables, allowing you to explore endless flavor combinations and culinary creations. This is by far one of the safest and most environmentally friendly grills to use
The Best Surfaces for Grills and BBQs
If you want to pick the healthiest outdoor grill or BBQ, make sure to stay away from ALL types of coatings. There’s no such thing as a safe grill & bbq “coating”. Any non-stick coatings are immediately unsafe.
Stainless Steel (No Coatings): Stainless steel is tough as nails, and resistant to rust, corrosion, and scratches. This means your grill grates will last for ages without showing signs of wear and tear. What’s more, its stainless steel surfaces are a breeze to clean – just give ’em a scrub with a grill brush or some soapy water, and you’re good to go. For all these reasons, we also prefer this material for our non-toxic flatware and cookware sets.
Cast Iron (No Coatings): Cast iron grates hold onto heat and offer even cooking and beautiful grill marks on your food. When properly seasoned, cast iron becomes naturally non-stick, making it easy to flip burgers and veggies without worrying about them sticking. Last, but not least, it imparts a subtle smoky flavor to your food, enhancing its overall deliciousness.
Carbon Steel (No Coatings): Carbon steel is a great option for the best non-toxic outdoor grills because it offers the best of both worlds – it’s lightweight and easy to handle, yet incredibly durable and long-lasting. Plus, carbon steel can handle high temperatures with ease, making it perfect for searing steaks and achieving that coveted char.
Porcelain: While not the absolute best option for nontoxic grilling, porcelain surfaces are OK to use. The porcelain coating acts as a protective barrier against rust and corrosion, prolonging the lifespan of your grill grates. Also, porcelain-coated grill grates are smooth and non-porous, making them easy to clean with a quick wipe-down after each use.
Now that you have all the information laid out, let’s jump into the list of nontoxic BBQ grill options to buy in 2024.