{"id":660,"date":"2020-06-28T23:26:54","date_gmt":"2020-06-28T15:26:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meatsmokinghq.com\/?p=660"},"modified":"2024-03-07T16:58:52","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T08:58:52","slug":"pellet-smokers-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meatsmokinghq.com\/pellet-smokers-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Pellet Grill Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know (Plus 9 Reviews)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Pellet grills have come a long way since Traeger introduced the first one in the 1980s. While Traeger remains the top-selling pellet grill brand, the market is now filled with many other pellet grill manufacturers, both good and bad. Some of Traeger’s competitors have even surpassed the original manufacturer in terms of pellet grill technology. However, the market is also flooded with low-quality, cheap imitation pellet grills. In this article, we will explore the different factors to consider when choosing the best pellet grill and take a look at some popular pellet grill brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pellet Grill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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There are several factors to consider when choosing a pellet grill, including size and portability, cooking capacity, insulation for cold climates, level of technology, hopper capacity, quality and durability, and customer support and warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Size and Portability<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Pellet grills come in a variety of sizes to suit different spaces and needs. Mini pellet grills are perfect for small patios or balconies and can be easily transported, while larger models may take up more space. Keep in mind that pellet grills need to be kept outside and in an area with airflow. They also require electricity, so they should be kept away from the rain and the wood pellets should not get wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cooking Capacity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The grill area is an important factor to consider when choosing a pellet grill, especially if you plan to cook for large gatherings. It is always better to buy a larger model if you can afford it, as sometimes the cost difference between sizes is minimal. For reference, a standard mid-sized pellet grill can easily cook a large packer brisket or around 24 burgers. Larger pellet grills have space for 40 burgers, while smaller models can only accommodate around 12 burgers or two chickens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Insulation for Cold Climates<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you live in a cold climate, it is worth considering a pellet grill with double wall insulation. Without it, you may end up burning through twice as many wood pellets in the winter. While double-walled insulation may be more expensive upfront, it will help the grill retain heat and ultimately save you money on wood pellets in the long run. Many cheaper pellet grills on the market have thin metal and are not well insulated, leading to excessive fuel consumption in colder months. On the other hand, more expensive pellet grills, particularly those made in the USA, are made with thick metal and are well sealed, making them more suitable for cold climates. Brands like Yoder, Rec Tec, Cookshack, Mak Grills, and Camp Chef are popular and high-quality pellet grills that are well insulated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Level of Technology<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Another factor to consider when choosing a pellet grill is the level of technology you are comfortable with. Many newer pellet grills are becoming more hi-tech, incorporating Wi-Fi and cloud technology for convenient barbecuing. However, not everyone is interested in high-tech features, and manufacturers like Traeger offer both traditional and high-tech models to accommodate different preferences. Pellet grills with Wi-Fi allow you to monitor and control your grill remotely, while cloud technology like Traeger’s WireFire offers hundreds of step-by-step recipe instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Hopper Capacity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The pellet hopper is the container that holds the wood pellets and feeds them into the grill. A larger hopper capacity means you won’t have to refill as often, which can be convenient for longer cooks. However, keep in mind that a larger hopper may also add weight and bulk to the grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a pellet grill and how does it work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Step<\/th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1<\/td>Wood pellets are placed in the hopper, which is typically located on the side or back of the pellet grill.<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>An auger, which is a long screw-like device, is located inside the hopper and connected to an electric motor.<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>The electric motor powers the auger, causing it to rotate and move the wood pellets towards the firepot.<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>As the wood pellets move towards the firepot, they pass through a heating element, which ignites the pellets.<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>The ignited wood pellets continue to move through the grill and into the firepot, where they are burned to generate heat and smoke.<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>As the wood pellets burn, the auger continues to feed more pellets into the firepot to maintain the desired temperature.<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>The temperature of the grill is regulated by a controller, which adjusts the speed of the auger and the heating element to maintain the desired temperature.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of using a pellet grill? The Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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One of the main benefits of using a pellet grill is the unique smoky flavor it can add to your food. However, pellet grills can be more expensive upfront compared to other types of grills and may require regular maintenance and the use of wood pellets, which can be inconvenient if you run out or have to refill the hopper frequently. Using wood pellets can also create some mess, as there may be sawdust or ash left over from the burning process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pros<\/th>Cons<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Ease of use:<\/strong> Pellet grills are easy to use, as they are controlled by a digital controller that allows you to set the desired temperature and cook time.<\/td>Initial cost: <\/strong>Pellet grills can be more expensive upfront compared to other types of grills.<\/td><\/tr>
Consistent temperature:<\/strong> Pellet grills are designed to maintain a consistent temperature, which is ideal for cooking meats like steak and pork shoulder.<\/td>Dependency on electricity: <\/strong>Pellet grills require electricity to power the auger and heating element, which means they may not be suitable for use during a power outage.<\/td><\/tr>
Versatility: <\/strong>Pellet grills can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from meats to vegetables to baked goods.<\/td>Dependency on wood pellets: <\/strong>Pellet grills require wood pellets as fuel, which can be inconvenient if you run out or have to refill the hopper frequently.<\/td><\/tr>
Efficient: <\/strong>Pellet grills are relatively efficient, as they burn the wood pellets completely and produce minimal ash.<\/td>Possible maintenance:<\/strong> Some pellet grills may require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the firepot and replacing parts like the heating element and auger.<\/td><\/tr>
Flavor:<\/strong> Pellet grills can add a unique smoky flavor to your food, as the wood pellets release smoke as they burn.<\/td>Possible mess: <\/strong>Using wood pellets can create some mess, as there may be sawdust or ash left over from the burning process.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Brief History of Pellet Grills <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Founded by Joe Traeger in 1986, Traeger is a company that invented pellet grills. The company began making innovative grills, using wood pellets as fuel to cook a variety of food, infusing it with a unique, wood-fired flavor. Before Traeger, wood pellets were used as a form of alternative home heating in the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, Jerry Whitfield and Joe Traeger were both experimenting with pellet-burning stoves, leading to the development and patenting of the Traeger pellet grill in 1985. For two decades, Traeger was the only manufacturer of pellet grills, until the expiration of the patent in 2006 opened the market up to competition.<\/strong> In 2014, the company was purchased by a private equity firm, and in 2018, Joe and Brian Traeger were hired by another grill company. However, in 2019, the new owners of Traeger sued the Traeger family and won.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Big Players In Pellet Grills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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There are several companies that make pellet grills. Some of the more well-known brands include Traeger, Green Mountain Grills, Camp Chef, Pit Boss, Z Grills, and Pellet Pro. There are likely many other smaller or lesser-known brands as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n