USA Carbon Footprints of Grills, by Fuel & Grill Type, 2022–27

Abstract

Grill-specific footprints for common fuel/grill types in the USA have been estimated from public information and data from a major grill manufacturer. In 2022, grill-specific footprints vary by a ratio of 9:1. A typical gas grill has the highest footprint; a wood-pellet grill is lowest; charcoal briquettes, electricity and super-efficient gas grills come in-between those two. Efficiency varies greatly for gas (natural gas or propane) grills: a typical gas grill has twice the footprint of a super-efficient one. In 2027, the footprint rankings could change considerably from 2022. With biofuel substitution, the super-efficient gas grill would move ahead of pellets. Electricity and charcoal could improve but would still place fifth and sixth. The range of grill-specific footprints could fall to 4.5:1, and within a much-lower range. The highest footprint in 2027 is almost 60% lower than 2022′s highest.

Keywords

• grills
• carbon footprints
• carbon intensities
• full fuel cycle