10 Things You Should Know About Pellet Grills Before Buying One

Just when you thought you knew everything about grilling, a new type of grill has become all the rage. Move over gas, charcoal, and propane, some manufacturers are claiming that their pellet grills cook meat healthier and even make it taste better. Why? Wood-pellet-burning grills cook with indirect heat and reduce the formation of carcinogenic chemicals. The verdict is still out on that claim, but there are some things you definitely need to know about pellet grills before you decide to go ahead and buy one.

Pellet Grills Are Easier To Use

Wood pellet powered grills are definitely simpler to master than gas or charcoal. You basically just set it and forget it. They don’t need lots of supervision and nurturing. They are also very easy to clean. Unlike gas and charcoal grills, most pellet grills just require you to pull out the ash box and dump it.

Choose Your Pellets Wisely

Pellets are created for both pellet stoves and pellet grills. You should not use them interchangeably. Most stove pellets are made from non-food grade materials.

Food Grade Wood Pellets Are Environmentally Friendly

They are made from leftover safe woods without any added materials which could be harmful to health.

Different Grill Pellets Produce Different Flavors

There’s no denying that food tastes better when cooked on a wood-fired grill. Each type of wood produces a distinct smoke, and consequently, a unique taste on the food being grilled. Pellet grills bring that wood-fired flavor to the convenience of a grill, instead of a campfire or slow-cooking smoker. You can have fun trying out wood petter varieties like apple, pecan, cherry, oak, and hickory when BBQing.

Pellet Grill Diagram

Wood Pellets Need Dry Storage

Grill pellets are much cheaper to buy than wood or propane. But a hardwood pellet will deteriorate very quickly if exposed to humidity. Be sure to store them in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Pellet Grills Can Cook Almost Anything

You can cook pretty much anything you want on a wood pellet grill. These grills use convection heating methods rather than the standard direct heat of gas, wood or propane grill. This means that in addition to being able to cook and sear meats, you can also use a pellet grill to slow roast, bake and smoke meat. Some people even use their pellet-fueled grills to make bread. If you want to try it yourself, just search online for a pellet grill bread recipe.

Total Temperature Control

Unlike a traditional grill, setting the temperature of a pellet grill is almost as easy as using an oven. With a pellet grill, you can go as low as 150 F, or as high as 550. Whatever temperature you set will be maintained with minimal effort.

You Need Power

You can’t use a pellet grill without an electricity supply. Keep this in mind as it may impact where you set it up at home.

Standard Preheating Times

Gas, charcoal, and propane grills all need about 10-15 mins to preheat before cooking. A pellet grill is the same.

Less Risk Of Over-Smoking

If you’ve ever used a smoker before, then you’ve probably accidentally over-smoked something. But pellet grills make over-smoking very difficult. They produce a more delicate smoke flavor than a regular wood or charcoal grill.