Best Pellet Grills – Buyer’s Guide 2021

Cooking food on a pellet grill requires great skill and ensures a unique experience for you and your family. These smokers are often electronically controlled and hence offer greater safety and comfort, especially to amateur and inexperienced cooks.

They are also much better than pellet stoves because they offer an extraordinary taste that can be enhanced by using a variety of different woods. Each of these types adds a different texture and smell to the food.

This article contains a list of the best and most portable models you will find in the market. These have been compared against their pros and cons to give you a clearer picture. Moreover, an excellent buying guide is added to help you make an informed decision.

Comparison of the Best Pellet Grills and Smokers

What is a Pellet Grill?

A pellet grill or a pellet smoker usually works in outdoor settings and allows cooks to create something that tastes amazing. It combines various elements of gas grills, kitchen ovens, and smokers to create something unique and flavorful. Since wood pellets fuel these units, they are commonly referred to as pellet grills. 

They are mostly used for cooking meat and adding different textures to meat dishes, but since these grills are versatile, you can also use them for cooking a variety of other foods. They usually use an auger that transfers the pellets to the fire pot beneath the grill. Once these are moved from the hopper, you get to see a hot red ignition creating fire and smoke from the pellet. There is also a fan inserted that will distribute heat evenly and ensure every inch of your food is cooked thoroughly.

How to Choose a Pellet

Whenever you buy a new model, there are great hopes associated with it. If you don't want to disappoint yourself or your family, you need to keep certain things in mind before investing in a unit. You need to remember that expensive doesn't always mean good. Here are things that matter more than the cost:

Durability

It may seem cliche to mention durability on the top of features to look out for, but with pellet grills, this is an absolute necessity. You will be using your grills from time to time, and hence you must choose a model that sustains this frequent usage. Good construction will use stainless steel that doesn't rust and offer greater resistance against shocks and impacts. The inclusion of aluminum also adds greater strength to the design. 

Portability

When we say portability, we don't mean that your unit should be extremely light and compact enough to be picked by children. This will be counter-effective. A portable design will have a light yet strong frame so that you can carry your grill to a picnic or a beach. Moreover, you can pick a unit with folding legs. These tend to be carried easily in the trunk of a car.

Size of the Cooking Area

If you are a small family that doesn’t get to entertain a lot of friends or relatives, then you can opt for a smaller cooking area. However, if you are looking to host some parties or small events at your home, then it is better to opt for a wider model. The larger the surface area, the more food you will be able to cook at the same time. But whilst deciding the size, make sure you don’t compromise on efficiency or consistency of heat transfer.

Review of the Best Pellet Grills 

Now that you know the features you need to look out for, let’s have a look at some top models that are definitely worth considering. We scoured the internet to find the most reliable models in the market. These are neither too expensive nor too small to cause difficulty. You just have to see which model best suits your needs.

How Do Pellet Grills Work?

There aren't many differences between the working of a pellet furnace and a pellet grill. So no matter the brand or type that you choose, you are likely to witness a similar operation. The grills usually run on wood pellets and are powered by electricity. You will have to place these wooden pellets on the hopper and wait for electricity to burn them.

Models, however, differ in their versatility and time options. The kind of grill you buy will determine the amount of time it will take to cook each food. There are temperature control knobs that you can use to regulate the amount of heat needed for each food. These pellets will ignite wood and will ensure an equal distribution of heat throughout the food.

Convection currents mix outside air with the hot one to ensure food is cooked from above too. You can also use a range of different kinds of woods to add unique flavors to it. You can also mix and match and experiment with different types.

Comparison Overview

Food is part of almost all traditions, events, and experiences, and it is hence essential that you take the maximum care while choosing your product. This comparison overview will help you make a good decision and choose between various types of grills in the market.

Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill

The major difference between the two is the former runs on electricity and the latter on gas. Electricity is more expensive than gas, but it is also reliable. Gas grills tend to be easier to clean because sauces or spices from your food are less likely to get stuck on the surface. Moreover, you can connect the gas with your gas line at home and relieve yourself of any special attention.

Another major selling point of such grills is that they come with several accessories like burners or boxes that ensure a more versatile cooking experience. Pellet grills may not come with as many accessories, but their accessories do tend to be more durable.

Pellet Grill vs Propane

Propane is one of the most widely known and available gases in the market. It is also relatively cheaper and ensures a great cooking experience. So you not only get cost-effectiveness, but you also get much better sear marks on your meats, especially your steaks, with propane grills. Another reason they stand out is that they tend to be compact.

Pellet grills are sometimes better than propane ones because they allow for a more thorough distribution of heat. This is more likely to cook your food equally from all directions. So if you are looking to cook bigger pieces of meat, you should consider pellet grills.

Pellet Grill vs Charcoal

Although grills using wood pellets seem to be the more efficient options, they have their own issues. Charcoal grills tend to be cheaper and require less maintenance than usual. You will not have to clean the unit very often, and you will also have an easy time storing it. But there is a catch. The time required for the unit to get hot is more, so you might have to wait a while before you can start cooking.

Moreover, cooking food using charcoal tends to induce a unique flavor inside. The food also smells great and ensures you and your family enjoy foods like steaks to the fullest.

Pellet Grill vs Electric Smoker

These two are often used interchangeably, but both products are very different from each other. A smoker usually produces steam and heat via a water pan. This produces a bit of smoke that helps in the flavoring of the meat. On the other hand, a pellet grill tends to produce a lot of heat and smoke that cooks food through convection currents.

Electric smokers are also easier to set up and are relatively more portable. Since they are lightweight, you also won’t have an issue moving them from one place to another. The cooking surface is often small and may take more time to cook the food. 

Vertical Smoker vs Pellet Grill

Vertical smokers tend to smoke and roast food, but they cannot grill your food, unlike a pellet grill. This is because the heat source is far away from the meat, and hence it takes longer to cook the food. The grill has a horizontal shape and can hence bake, smoke, and grill food easily.  

You also need to pay less attention to the grill as you only have to place the food and leave it for some time. There is also a large capacity and a smaller footprint design. However, the smoker tends to be better at distributing heat evenly.

How to Use a Pellet Grill

Many people simply go out when they want to add something unique and special, but after looking at these easy steps, they are going to reconsider their decision. It is extremely easy to operate the grill. Here is what you have to do.

1. The first step is to remove the drip tray, baffle, and grill plates. This will ensure you don't end up with a mess by the end of the procedure.

2. Plug your unit to a power source. Make sure there is ample power to get the model running.

3. Then put away your smoke settings and make sure your auger is spinning. This is because the auger moves pellets from one place to the other.

4.Ensure to see that no pellets are stuck to the sides. You will have to check the hopper every few minutes during the cooking procedure.

5. Then put the grill trays, grease pans, and baffle on the smoker and fill the pellet box to the top and close it. You should also set your grill to the required temperature.

6. When you are all set, make sure you turn on the grill and dial to the smoke option. You can also use an app to do this, but this is only an option if you have app compatibility.

7. If there is no separate option for smoke, you can also set the temperature between 180 and 200 degrees. This is to ensure you get your food cooked at a decent time.

8. You should always give your grill 10 to 20 minutes for proper preheating. You shouldn't keep anything unless the grill is fully heated. Depending on the model, the time may vary.

9. You can also close the lid to ensure the surface area properly consumes all heat and smoke. You may also hear a roaring noise, but that isn't something to worry about.

10. You may also want to cover the grease pans with foil to ensure easy cleanup after the cooking. This foil can be removed instantly.

This is just a brief overview. You may also refer to the video to get the whole picture.

Pellet Grill Tips and Tricks

Knowing how to use a grill is one thing, but knowing about short tips and tricks can make all the difference to your food. In this section, we will be discussing the main tips you need to include in your procedure. These will not only enhance your flavor but will also ensure a safe cooking activity.

Maintenance

A lot of people clean their grills after ages, and that's not a good way to ensure hygienic and flavorful food. The pellets, when burning clean, tend to add a better texture to your food. Charred waste often builds up on the trays and the grill, which attracts rodents and insects. 

Using Good Accessories

Another great way to ensure thorough and safe cooking is to use your temperature probe. Make sure you invest in a good-quality probe because ensuring an exact temperature for meat items is the key to achieving success with them.

Mix and Match

There are many different kinds of woods, and there is no reason why you should stick with only one. Experimenting with different hardwood types will allow you to see which one works better with which food. You may come across bad combinations, but you may also end up with an excellent one.

Using a Sear Box

Pellet grills often take time to heat up, and that’s one reason why you should invest in a sear box. This can be used with the grill, and you can place tough meat cuts on it. This will ensure all your food cooks at the same time.

Keep Pellets in Store

Many people ruin their events or their days because they simply don’t have enough pellets to finish their cooking time. A grill usually requires a large number of wood pellets, and hence you should always add more after every hour.

Conclusion

Good food makes everything so much better, be it a picnic with friends or just a boring day at home. Experimenting with food feels very rewarding, especially when you can create something truly wonderful at the end. A good model will not only add flavor to your food but will also keep you safe during the activity.

There are so many models in the market, and each offers unique features. All you have to do is compare and contrast the pros and cons to see which one suits your needs. But also remember that expensive doesn’t always mean the best, so don’t fall for cheap marketing strategies.

People Also Ask

When we first scoured the internet, we were amazed at how passionate people are regarding these units. There were a plethora of questions people had regarding these. We have answered the most common ones below so that there are no ambiguities. Make sure you read this to know all about these grills.

Do Pellet Grills Taste Like Charcoal?

Pellet grills don't taste like charcoal, but since they use wooden chips, you should expect a similar taste. If you want a stronger taste, you can always mix and match different wood pellets. This may require practice, and you may end up with bad combinations. But rest assured, you will get at least one spectacular combination.

Do Pellet Grills Give Smoke Flavor?

Contrary to what people believe, pellet grills don't give off a very strong smoke flavor. This is regardless of what wood combinations you use. Many brands boost a smoke flavor, but in reality, they produce a very mild smoky flavor.

Can You Use A Pellet Grill in The Rain?

Wood doesn’t burn well in moisture, so using wooden pellets in the rain would be an absolute disaster. Even if they burn, the pellets won’t be able to warm your grill to the right temperature. They will also not be able to produce a consistent temperature.

Are Pellet Grills Bad For Your Health?

There are absolutely no risks associated with pellet grills. Many people believe that since they use wooden pellets, they increase your chances of getting cancer. But this is nothing more than a myth. You will also be doing yourself a favor by cooking food off from a grill.

Do Pellet Grills Use a Lot of Electricity?

Like most electrical complements that have to ensure a consistent temperature, pellet grills also tend to use a good amount of electricity. However, when compared to electric smokers, this is still less. Moreover, since you will be using pellets through an auger, you are less likely to consume too much energy.

Are Pellet Grills Good For Burgers?

If you want your burgers to smell and taste different from all other burgers, you should try cooking them on a pellet grill. The mild smoke not only adds tenderness to the beef but also adds a unique and wonderful taste to it. Moreover, since grills burn slowly, they tend to cook meat thoroughly.

Can a Pellet Grill Replace a Gas Grill?

The former choice is less efficient for everyday use. This is because pellets are not only relatively expensive than gas, but they also take much more time to burn. Moreover, gas is readily available in houses, and you are very less likely to run out of it. On the other hand, getting too many pellets every week may seem frustrating.

Can You Use a Pellet Grill Without Electricity?

Since this type of grill requires things like a good digital controller, you cannot do without electricity. Most of these models can reach up to 500 degrees. This is a good temperature for effective searing; however, if you want the best results, you may want to invest in a model that goes up to 700 degrees.

Why Does My Pellet Grill Smoke so Much?

Cleaning and maintaining your grill frequently ensures that you get the right amount of smoke. If you do all this and your grill is still producing too much smoke, then you need to give it some time to thin out. If it remains thick, most likely, the fire is not reaching the right temperature, and your pellets are simply cindering.

Do Pellet Grills Work in Cold Weather?

Though pellet grills need some insulation level to work properly, they can still work in cold weather. You can add a blanket that offers resistance against weather and cold. The material should also be heat-proof so that heat doesn't escape from the grill. Furthermore, adding a blanket will let you use the unit under rain or snow.