Did you inherit a pellet grill and don’t know anything about it? Are you wanting to surprise your significant other with a unique gift and you’ve heard them talk about pellet smokers or pellet grills? Well, you’re in luck! I discovered pellet grills several years ago and I’ve been grilling and smoking with them ever since.
Pellet grills are a lot like regular BBQ grills except they use small wood pellets for fuel instead of gas, wood logs, or charcoal. Pellet grills offer great wood heating and flavor with a convenient electronically controlled auto-feed system that holds the cooking temperatures to the desired setting. Pellet grills are good for roasting, baking, grilling, smoking and some offer direct-flame cooling options.
How Do Pellet Smokers and Grills Work?
I’m not a real techy guy so this is my non-techy pellet smoker grill explanation of how they work: First, a pellet smoker grill has 4 basic parts:
- The Cooking Area where the grills are. This is the largest part.
- The Hopper which is where the wood pellets are stored, usually attached to the side.
- The Feed System, usually the bottom section, where the auger is that moves the pellets from the hopper to the firebox.
- Control Panel, which has your temperature settings, etc.
The operation of a pellet grill and a pellet smoker are the same. You make sure the firebox is clean and the hopper has enough dry pellets. Plug it in and turn it on. The pre-heat process with the lid or door open takes about 3-5 minutes. Once the pellets are ignited and the initial smoke has cleared away, set your cooking or smoking temperature and close the lid or door. This may take another few minutes to reach the desired temperature. When you reach and hold that temperature, put your meat on the grill and cook away!
Pellet smoker grills are different from charcoal grilling in that don’t need lighter fluid or a bag of messy briquettes and all the ash clean up afterward. You can also start cooking much sooner. You also don’t have to wait a half an hour before the briquettes glow red before putting meat on the grill.
Pellet smoker grills are different from gas in that there is no gas used or gassy flavor to the meat. Gas will reach cooking temperatures faster and preparation might be easier, but you probably won’t have wood-fired flavor unless you use a smoke tube.
Are Pellet Smokers and Grills Any Good?
In my opinion, they’re very good! I explain why in my video below. I have a horizontal pellet smoker grill and a vertical pellet smoker. Here are the exact models
Is A Pellet Grill The Same As A Smoker?
Yes and no. The operation of a pellet grill and a pellet smoker are the same. They both function the same way. The big difference is in the design.
Pellet grills are usually horizontal to offer the largest single-layer grill space. You can grill, bake, roast, and smoke in a pellet grill. You can also add a cast iron skillet and fry, and sear. They are a terrific multipurpose grill that smokes.
Smokers are usually more vertical and in my opinion, are better smokers than pellet grills are. I believe it has to do with the design. In a horizontal smoker grill, the smoke can go around the meat more easily and escape. In a vertical design, the smoke is more directly in line with the meat before escaping through the chimney. I offer a side-by-side comparison in this video:
What Are The Best Pellet Smokers?
To me, that question is like asking what is the best car or truck on the market? It really depends on what you’re looking for, what features you want, and what your budget is.
Pellet smoker grills were invented by Joe Traeger in 1985 and Traeger was the only pellet smoker grill manufacturer until about 2007 after Traeger’s patent expired, Joe then sold the company and soon there were other pellet smoker grill makers.
Today, there are numerous brands with all kinds of designs, features, and price points. Click on some of the pellet grill makers below to see their offerings, options, and discounts!
What Pellets Should Be Used For What Meats?
I’ll be candid with you. I cannot tell much of a difference between pellets. That could just be me. I think you’ll get more flavor from the seasonings and marinades you’ll use. It’s also a matter of opinion. I’ve been using Pit Boss’ Competition Blend because Lowe’s has 40lbs bags for about $15 each but you might have a more discerning palate than I have. I found this list on another site recently, so maybe this will help.
Alder – salmon, poultry, game birds
Apple – poultry, pork, lamb, seafood
Cherry – all meats
Hickory – pork and ribs
Maple – poultry, vegetables, cheese
Mesquite – red meat
Oak – all meats, often blended with other wood
Pecan – poultry
Walnut – red meat, game
Should You Get A Pellet Smoker Grill?
If you love wood-fired cooking, then a pellet smoker grill is probably the most convenient way to cook or smoke with wood. I’ve used gas and charcoal grills and I totally prefer my pellet grill. I also love to smoke meats and that’s why I really like my vertical smoker. They might be more expensive than the $99 BBQ grill deals out on display in front of a big box store, but there’s more to a pellet grill than thin aluminum on wheels.
Getting a wood pellet smoker or grill is an investment in good eating for years to come!
