Pellet Grill Buying Guide

Pellet grills, also known as pellet smokers or
wood pellet smokers run on electricity. This is used to burn the compressed wood pellets that are used for the cooking fuel. Wood pellets are made of single varieties of hardwoods, sold in various types to produce different flavors in food.

The wood pellets are loaded into a hopper which connects to a fire pot with an auger tube. Based on the selected temperature, the auger consistently feeds the appropriate amount of pellets into the fire pot which then triggers an igniter to fire the wood. Using fans and a digital controller on the thermostat to maintain the correct temperature, the entire system is very clean and precise. Many are coming to favor pellet grills over gas or charcoal
grills, since the indirect heat offers access to a wide range of cooking methods.

The best pellet grills offer convenient cooking. They do not require starter fuels and most models start with the push of a single button. Temperature control is simple and highly accurate when smoking on a pellet grill. While ambient temperatures can often make it hard to maintain the correct temperature in a gas or charcoal grill, most types of pellet grills will fluctuate no more than 10-degrees Fahrenheit from the setpoint no matter what the temperature is outside.

The best pellet grills also make for very versatile cooking. Grilling, smoking, roasting and even baking or a braise can be accomplished easily due to thermal sensors and the precise temperature control.

Ultimately, flavor is one of the greatest advantages of smoking on a pellet grill. The simplicity of use and hardwood fuel makes it easy for even the most novice grilling enthusiast to produce well-cooked food with the smoky flavor everyone loves.

In terms of initial cost for the best pellet grills, gas grills currently have a significant advantage over pellet grills. Gas grills are less expensive than pellet grills, however, there is a wider range of gas grills to choose from at various price points.

The best pellet smokers take slightly longer to reach their set temperature than a gas grill and can maintain the temperature more easily.

Gas grills perform best when cooking at high temperatures, making them a champ at searing steaks or other cuts of beef. Pellet grills, on the other hand, produce great results across a range of temperatures, which is what supports this grill’s versatility at cooking many different dishes. In addition, pellet grills are normally insulated very well, which adds to their usefulness in cooking items which need low temperatures and longer cook times.

Here are some of the best features to aid you in smoking on a pellet grill:

Barrel-Style Pellet Grills:

• Features a cylindrical design with a large cooking chamber.
• More space for grilling, smoking and barbecuing a variety of foods.
• Uses wood pellets which give a rich, smoky flavor to the food being cooked.

Cart-Style Pellet Grills:

• The design is like traditional outdoor grills with a cart or stand, providing mobility and stability while cooking.
• Uses larger cooking surfaces compared to barrel-style grills, making them a great option for cooking for larger groups or families.
• Often come with additional organizational features such as side shelves, storage cabinets and tool hooks.

Smart Features:

• Smart pellet grills often come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling remote monitoring and temperature control via smartphone apps.
• Allow for real-time monitoring of the internal temperature of the meat being cooked.
• Some smart pellet grills include advanced cooking algorithms and presets for different types of meats, simplifying the cooking process.

Side Burners and Smokers:

• Side burners attached to pellet grills allow you to simultaneously grill, sear or sauté side dishes, sauces or vegetables while meat cooks on the main grill.
• Smokers integrated into pellet grills give your meat a rich, smoky flavor.
• Side burners and smokers provide convenience and versatility while cooking outdoors.

Pellet Grill Sizes:

• Small pellet grills typically offer cooking surfaces ranging from 200 to 400 square inches, suitable for individuals, couples or small families. They are portable and space-saving, making them ideal for balconies, patios or tailgating.
• Medium-sized pellet grills typically provide cooking surfaces between 400 and 700 square inches, catering to larger families or gatherings of friends.
• Large pellet grills use cooking surfaces exceeding 700 square inches, capable of accommodating large parties, events or commercial use.

The best pellet smoker for smoking on a pellet grill depends on personal preference and flavor profiles. Popular options include hickory, mesquite, cherry and applewood pellets. Each of these options provide distinct flavors to your food.

Finding the best pellets also depends on your budget. Prices vary based on brand, quality and quantity, typically ranging from $15 to $30 for a 20-pound bag. Premium brands offer high-quality pellets at around $20 to $25 per bag, ensuring consistent burn and flavor infusion. More budget-friendly options can be found for around $15 per bag, making them more popular for regular use.

• First, make sure the pellet smoker is placed on a stable, level surface in a well-ventilated area.
• Fill the pellet hopper with your choice of wood pellets.
• Turn on the pellet smoker and set the temperature according to your recipe or preference.
• Preheat to the desired temperature, typically around 10 to 15 minutes.
• Place your food on the cooking grates and close the lid to maintain consistent heat and smoke levels.
• Monitor the temperature and cooking progress periodically, adjusting as needed.
• Avoid opening the lid frequently to retain heat and smoke.
• Use a temperature probe to monitor the internal temperatures of your meat.
• Once cooking is complete, turn off the pellet smoker and allow it to cool down before cleaning.

When thinking about the best pellet grills for your home, here are some considerations:

Wood Pellet Availability:

The wood pellets that the grill uses for fuel are a specialty item, so it is best to keep a backup bag of pellets in storage at home.

Cleaning a Pellet Grill:

The process of cleaning a pellet grill involves scrubbing the cooking grates, flame broiler and grease bucket. Also, you will need to remove excess buildup with a degreaser.

Searing on a Pellet Grill:

Since the heat source in a pellet grill is primarily indirect heat, you will not get the clear grill marks and degree of sear you would from other grills such as gas or charcoal. If this look is important to you however, there are searing inserts you can purchase as pellet grill accessories, or you can simply preheat a cast-iron pan or griddle on the grill grates of the pellet grill before you begin your cooking session and use this for searing.