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Need Help?What Is a Pellet Grill? Cook Like a Backyard Pro
WriterAubrey McShan
15 min read
As spring rolls into summer, the smell of firewood and sizzling burgers wafts through the air. Once again, you’re reminded of all the delicious reasons why you need a barbeque. You may even have your eye on a pellet grill (good choice by the way).
Pellet grills are versatile, easy to use, and perfect for beginners. Whether you’re looking to expand your grilling collection or simply want to learn more about them, read on to learn how they work, their pros and cons, and so much more!
Key Takeaways
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Find out what a pellet grill is and learn about the type of fuel it uses, the cooking methods you can utilize with it, and which meats are best suited for pellet grills.
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Learn how a pellet grill works, including how it heats your food, its various components, and any additional features it may come with.
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Uncover the pros and cons of a pellet grill and learn why some grill enthusiasts have switched to pellet grills and never turned back and some of the grill’s limitations.
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Compare pellet grills vs. other grills and smokers to find out how pellet grills measure up against gas grills, charcoal grills, traditional smokers, and electric smokers.
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Discover if a pellet grill is right for you and your cooking needs and explore the key reasons why you may want to purchase a pellet grill.
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Get answers to your frequently asked questions like how many pellets do you need to buy and how long do they last in a pellet grill?
What is a Pellet Grill?
A pellet grill is a versatile outdoor cooker that uses ignited compressed wood pellets (typically flavored) an induction fan stokes to cook food in a variety of ways: grill, smoke, sear, barbecue, roast, braise, bake, or blacken. When you want that specific smoked flavor, pellet grills really shine in how much customization they give barbecuers.
How Does a Pellet Grill Work?
Pellet grills are unique in how they work. While the first time using one may feel a little complex, the process is a lot simpler than you may think:
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To power the pellet grill’s fan, start by plugging it into an outlet.
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Next, place your desired amount of pellets into the hopper, which is located on the side of the grill.
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From there, set the temperature and the auger rotates with a blade to feed a controlled amount of pellets into the firepot.
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The electric igniter then lights them up, and fans circulate the heat and smoke to cook the food — much like a convection oven.
Many models also have a built-in digital thermometer to help you monitor the cooking temperature. The wood pellets used in pellet grills give your food a traditional smokey flavor.
Expert Tip:
One of the advantages of pellet grills is their ability to maintain a consistent temperature, allowing you to ‘set it and forget it’.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Pellet Grill?
Pellet grills are a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts — thanks to their unique approach to grilling. While there are plenty of advantages to using a pellet grill, there are also some downsides to consider.
Pellet Grill Pros
- Easy Startup and Cleanup: They take 10-15 minutes to preheat. There is very little ash to dispose of. You can clean your grill grates after every use.
- Versatile: Used for a variety of cooking methods.
- Flavors: Creates bold, smoky flavors. Different wood pellets impart food with unique flavors. You can try pecan, cherry, apple, etc.
- Set It and Forget It: Maintains an even temperature. You don’t need to babysit the pellet grill and check on it multiple times throughout the day. You can slow-roast meats overnight.
Pellet Grill Cons
- Require Electricity: They cannot function without electricity, unlike other types of grills.
- Expensive: Cost typically anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
- Higher Risk of Breaking: There is a higher chance of breaking because it does contain more components
- Hard to Get a Good Sear: Difficult to get a good sear or char on a pellet grill. You’ll need to reverse-sear meats.
- Longer Cooking Times: Can’t reach the same temperatures as a gas grill. Food takes longer to cook on a pellet grill.
Comparing Pellet Grills Vs. Other Grills & Smokers
See how pellet grills match up compared to gas grills, charcoal grills, and smokers so you can find the best fit for your grilling and smoking needs.
Pellet Grills Vs Gas Grills
Both pellet and gas grills offer convenience, making them beginner-friendly. While gas grills are known for their ability to reach high temperatures quickly, pellet grills are better suited for smoking meats at low temperatures for extended periods, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
One significant advantage of pellet grills is their ability to produce a mouthwatering, smoky flavor that is difficult to achieve with gas grills. Gas grills do not provide the same level of smoky flavor.
Pellet Grills
- Function more like an oven
- Smoky flavor
- Pellet grills are better suited for smoking
- Uses electricity and wood pellets
Gas Grills
- Function more like a stove
- No charred, smoky flavor
- Gas grills are better suited for grilling
- Uses propane tanks
Pellet Grills Vs Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills and pellet grills are both versatile options, capable of smoking, grilling, baking, and more. If you’re cooking for long periods, charcoal grills require more maintenance, and temperature fluctuations can occur. In contrast, pellet grills offer precise temperature control, making them ideal for low and slow smoking.
Charcoal grills can produce ash and require more cleaning and maintenance, while pellet grills produce minimal ash and are generally easier to clean.
Pellet Grills
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Creates a traditional smoky flavor
- Use electricity and wood pellets
- Temperature is easy to maintain with electronic temperature control
- Needs to be plugged into an outlet to work
Charcoal Grills
- Produces ash
- Unique, smoky flavor and texture
- Uses lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes
- Can be difficult to regulate temperature with air vents
- Offers more mobility and portability
Pellet Grills Vs Smokers
Both pellet grills and smokers impart food with a rich, smoky flavor. When you’re smoking with pellet grills, you can set it and forget it. Rather than tending to a smoker round the clock, which can make long smokes difficult. Pellet grills are more versatile while smokers are only capable of smoking food.
Pellet Grills
- You can smoke, bake, grill, sear, braise, etc.
- Easy temperature control
- Produces rich, smoky flavor
Smoker
- Exclusively used for smoking
- Add more wood + regulating airflow to maintain temperature by adding
- Produces unique, smoky flavor
Pellet Grill vs Electric Smokers
Pellet grills and electric smokers are both convenient and easy to use. They utilize electricity and are low maintenance. Pellet grills and electric smokers produce a robust, smoky flavor. Electric smokers have one major limitation: they can’t be used for grilling or searing.
Pellet Grills
- Requires electricity and wood pellets
- A larger cooking chamber that holds more food
- Some models can be used even when it rains or snows
- Reaches a wider range of temperatures for differing cooking methods
Electric Smoker
- Requires electricity and wood chips
- Vertical orientation with 4-8 racks
- Cannot be used during inclement weather
- Doesn’t reach high enough temperatures for grilling
Is a Pellet Grill Right for You?
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Pellet grills excel at low and slow cooking so you can create smoked briskets, ribs, and tender meats.
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They’re also versatile so you can use them for baking, braising, and other cooking methods.
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If you’re a beginner, these grills are a great option due to their easy temperature control and meat probes, which help novice grillers achieve the perfect temperature each time.
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Pellet grills provide the convenience of gas grills, with set-it-and-forget-it options, while also offering a smoky flavor similar to that of charcoal grills.
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If you're seeking a hands-off grilling experience with minimal intervention, a pellet grill could be the perfect match for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of wood pellets should I use?
The most ‘all purpose’ or popular types of wood pellets to use as a beginner are hickory, maple, cherry, mesquite, and apple. Looking for more specific recommendations to try out for your next backyard party? Here’s our general guide to help you navigate the different types of wood pellets:
| Wood Pellet Type Recommendation Guide | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Pellet Type | Best Used for Cooking | Flavor Profile | |||
| Alder | Seafood, Poultry, Vegetables | Delicate, sweet, with a hint of smoke | |||
| Apple | Pork, Poultry, Vegetables | Light, sweet, with apple undertones | |||
| Cherry | Pork, Poultry, Lamb | Mild, sweet, with cherry undertones | |||
| Hickory | Poultry, Pizza, Beef, Lamb, Pork | Strong, smoky, with bacon-like undertones | |||
| Maple | Beef, Seafood, Poultry, Vegetables | Subtle, sweet, with maple undertones | |||
| Mesquite | Beef, Lamb, Seafood | Strong, earthy, with a bold smoky flavor | |||
| Oak | Beef, Poultry, Lamb, Seafood, Vegetables | Medium intensity, smoky, with a hint of vanilla | |||
| Pecan | Poultry, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Seafood, Vegetables | Rich, sweet, with a mild nutty undertone | |||
Q: How many pellets do you need to buy?
Pellets typically come in 20 lb. packages, so we recommend having 1-2 bags on hand. Make sure to store them somewhere dry because pellets become useless when wet.
Q: How long do pellets last in a pellet grill?
If you’re smoking, expect to burn roughly 2 lb. of pellets per hour. If you’re grilling, expect to burn roughly 3-4 lb. of pellets per hour.
Have Fun Out There!
If you want to smoke meats and have the option of experimenting with other cooking techniques, then check out our selection of pellet grills. We carry a range of price points and brands so you can find the perfect pellet grill for you.
Shop Pit Boss, Traeger, Camp Chef, and a variety of other brands. Cook your meat to perfection with our selection of pellet grills today.
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