Grill vs. Roast: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Grill" involves cooking food over direct heat on a grate, often creating char marks, while "Roast" entails cooking in an oven, using indirect heat to cook evenly.
Key Differences
"Grill" refers to a cooking method where food is cooked on a grate over direct heat, often from charcoal or gas, producing a distinct char and flavor, while "Roast" involves cooking food, usually meat or vegetables, in an oven with dry heat that circulates to cook the food evenly.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Grilling typically imparts a smoky flavor and sear marks on the food due to the direct contact with high heat, in contrast to roasting, which allows for a more uniform cooking process, often resulting in a tender and evenly cooked outcome.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
The grill method is often quicker, suitable for cuts of meat, vegetables, or fish that cook relatively fast, whereas roasting is better for larger, denser food items requiring longer, slower cooking to achieve tenderness.
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Dec 03, 2023
"Grill" often involves an outdoor setting and is popular for barbecues and social cooking events, while "Roast" is more commonly an indoor cooking method, utilized for preparing traditional meals like roasts or baked vegetables.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
While grilling is associated with warmer weather and outdoor activities, roasting is often thought of in the context of hearty, indoor meals, especially during colder seasons or holidays.
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Dec 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Heat Source
Direct heat from below (charcoal, gas)
Indirect, surrounding heat in an oven
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Dec 03, 2023
Typical Foods
Steaks, burgers, vegetables
Whole meats, poultry, root vegetables
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Dec 03, 2023
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Grill and Roast Definitions
Grill
To sear food over high heat with visible char marks.
Grill the vegetables for a smoky flavor.
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Nov 24, 2023
Roast
A method of cooking that uses prolonged heat to tenderize.
Roast the vegetables until they're caramelized.
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Nov 24, 2023
Roast
Oven-cooking that evenly browns and cooks food.
Roast the potatoes at a high temperature for a crispy exterior.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Roast
(Metallurgy) To heat (ores) in a furnace in order to dehydrate, purify, or oxidize before smelting.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
An informal restaurant or a room in a restaurant where grilled foods are served. Also called grillroom.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
A grating; a grid of wire or a sheet of material with a pattern of holes or slots, usually used to protect something while allowing the passage of air and liquids. Typical uses: to allow air through a fan while preventing fingers or objects from passing; to allow people to talk to somebody, while preventing attack.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
On a vehicle, a slotted cover as above, to protect and hide the radiator, while admitting air to cool it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
(UK) A cooking device comprising a source of radiative heat and a means of holding food under it; a broiler in US English
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
(US) A cooking device comprising a source of radiative and convective heat and a means of holding food above it; a barbecue.
I put some peppers and mushrooms on the grill to go with dinner.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
Food (designed to be) cooked on a grill.
A packet of frozen cauliflower cheese grills
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
A facetious tribute, as at a banquet, in which the honoree is alternately praised and insulted.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
A grillroom; a restaurant serving grilled food.
These coupons will get you a discount at Johnny's Bar and Grill.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To cook food by heating in an oven or over a fire without covering, resulting in a crisp, possibly even slightly charred appearance.
To roast meat on a spit
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To cook by surrounding with hot embers, ashes, sand, etc.
To roast a potato in ashes
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To process by drying through exposure to sun or artificial heat.
Coffee beans need roasting before use.
To roast chestnuts or peanuts
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
(transitive) To cook (food) on a grill; to barbecue.
Why don't we get together Saturday and grill some burgers?
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To admonish someone vigorously.
I'm late home for the fourth time this week; my mate will really roast me this time.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
To cook food under the element of a stove or only under the top element of an oven – (US) broil, (cooking) salamander.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To subject to bantering, severely criticize, sometimes as a comedy routine.
The class clown enjoys being roasted by mates as well as staff.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
To interrogate; to question aggressively or harshly.
The police grilled him about his movements at the time of the crime.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
A cut of meat suited to roasting; meat that has been roasted.
Serve the roast with gravy and mashed potatoes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
A meal consisting of roast foods.
Come over this weekend for Sunday roast.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
The degree to which something, especially coffee, is roasted.
Dark roast means that the coffee bean has been roasted to a higher temperature and for a longer period of time than in light roast.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
A comical event, originally fraternal, where a person is subjected to verbal attack, yet may be praised by sarcasm and jokes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
(North America) A social event at which food is roasted and eaten.
On Memorial Day we hosted a wiener roast in the backyard.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
(figuratively) Subjected to roasting; bantered; severely criticized. en
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
A figure of crossed bars with interstices, such as those sometimes impressed upon postage stamps.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To cook by exposure to radiant heat before a fire; as, to roast meat on a spit, or in an oven open toward the fire and having reflecting surfaces within; also, to cook in a close oven.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To cook by surrounding with hot embers, ashes, sand, etc.; as, to roast a potato in ashes.
In eggs boiled and roasted there is scarce difference to be discerned.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
To broil on a grill or gridiron.
Boiling of men in caldrons, grilling them on gridirons.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To dry and parch by exposure to heat; as, to roast coffee; to roast chestnuts, or peanuts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
To undergo the process of being grilled, or broiled; to broil.
He had grilled in the heat, sweated in the rains.
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To cook meat, fish, etc., by heat, as before the fire or in an oven.
He could roast, and seethe, and broil, and fry.
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
A framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate;
He cooked hamburgers on the grill
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
That which is roasted; a piece of meat which has been roasted, or is suitable for being roasted.
A fat swan loved he best of any roost [roast].
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
To cook food on a metal frame over direct heat.
We will grill burgers and hot dogs at the barbecue.
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Nov 24, 2023
Grill
A method of cooking involving a grate and flame.
He loves to grill chicken on his new charcoal grill.
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Nov 24, 2023
Roast
A piece of meat roasted or for roasting and of a size for slicing into more than one portion
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Oct 19, 2023
Grill
Outdoor cooking on a barbecue or griddle.
Summer evenings are perfect for grilling.
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Nov 24, 2023
Grill
A technique for quick cooking over open flames.
I'll grill some shrimp for a quick meal.
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Nov 24, 2023
Roast
Subject to laughter or ridicule;
The satirists ridiculed the plans for a new opera house
The students poked fun at the inexperienced teacher
His former students roasted the professor at his 60th birthday
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Oct 19, 2023
Roast
To cook food in an oven using dry heat.
I'll roast the chicken for Sunday dinner.
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Nov 24, 2023
Roast
To cook large cuts of meat or whole birds in an oven.
We traditionally roast a turkey for Thanksgiving.
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Nov 24, 2023
Roast
A slow-cooking method for tender and flavorful meals.
The slow roast brought out the flavors in the beef brisket.
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Nov 24, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is grilling always done outdoors?
Typically, but indoor grills and stovetop grill pans exist.
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Dec 03, 2023
Do you need special equipment to grill?
A grill or barbecue setup is required for traditional grilling.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can vegetables be roasted?
Yes, roasting is great for caramelizing and tenderizing vegetables.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is roasting suitable for all types of meat?
Yes, especially larger cuts or whole birds.
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Dec 03, 2023
What temperature is best for grilling?
It varies, but high heat is typical for a good sear.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can I roast food on a grill?
Indirect grilling can mimic roasting, especially in a covered grill.
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Dec 03, 2023
Should I cover food when roasting?
It depends on the recipe, but uncovered roasting is common for a crispy exterior.
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Dec 03, 2023
What's the best meat for grilling?
Steaks, burgers, and chicken are popular choices.
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Dec 03, 2023
How does grilling affect food flavor?
It adds a smoky flavor and can enhance meat's natural tastes.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is basting necessary when roasting?
It can add moisture and flavor, especially for poultry.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is a marinade necessary for grilling?
Not necessary, but it can add flavor.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is it better to grill with the lid open or closed?
Closed to maintain temperature, but open for direct monitoring.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can roasting dry out food?
If overcooked, but proper technique should keep the food moist.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can fish be grilled effectively?
Yes, but it requires careful handling due to its delicacy.
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Dec 03, 2023
What's the difference between roasting and baking?
Roasting typically involves higher heat and is used for meats and vegetables, while baking is for breads, pastries, and casseroles.
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Dec 03, 2023
Are smoked and grilled foods the same?
No, smoking uses indirect heat and smoke for flavoring and is a slower process.
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Dec 03, 2023
How do I know when roasted meat is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for the correct internal temperature.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can I roast in a toaster oven?
Yes, for small quantities or items, a toaster oven can be used for roasting.
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Dec 03, 2023
How do you prevent food from sticking to the grill?
Clean the grill and oil the food or grate before cooking.
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Dec 03, 2023
How long should I roast vegetables?
Until they're tender and caramelized, times can vary.
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Dec 03, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Hifza Nasir
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