Do you want the convenience of a gas grill but crave the smoky flavor that charcoal can offer? Consider swapping to a pellet grill.
One of the hottest recent grilling options on the market is the pellet grill. They have become more and more popular as they allow outdoor cooks to simply grill or smoke any food with such a delicious wood fire flavor. One may say that they should be dubbed pellet smokers!
The name of these grills refers to the compressed sawdust and wood shaving that are utilized as fuels. A temperature sensor delivers these pellets into the fire beneath the grates, then burns and maintains the selected cooking temperature. As the pellets are burning, they produce the popular wood-fired barbecue flavor.
If you’re on the hunt for a versatile twist on your regular grill, keep reading to learn about pellet grills. While you’re at it, check out the latest Yoder YS480s review!
Key Features of a Pellet Grill
When deciding which pellet grill is best for you, there are several aspects to consider.
What range of temperature are you going for? Your grill must have a range of high temperatures in order to sear your meat. The recommended temperature for searing is usually between 400 and 500 degrees F, while other pellet grills may reach 600 degrees F.
Do you need more sensors? More food may be monitored simultaneously if you have more temperature sensors.
Is it easy to remove the grease and ash? Because pellets are composed of wood, they produce ash. Manufacturers provide a variety of cleaning procedures for their grills. Before you buy a pellet grill, make sure you know how to clean it.
Do you intend to utilize different varieties of pellets on a regular basis? Newer pellet grills include an easy-to-clean pellet hopper by simply draining the pellets out. Those that do not have one must scoop them by hand.
Cost of Pellet Grills
Despite the fact that metal makes up every pellet grill, their design and thickness have a considerable role in the price. Pellet grills generally cost about $400-$4000. Lower-end models have fewer features and are less robust in structure.
The more costly ones, on the other hand, have superior craftsmanship, robust structures, and minimal fluctuations in temperature. Pellet grills often cost a lot more at the start, but you get more for your money in the long run.
In terms of operating costs, pellets typically sell for around a dollar per pound. Pellet use will vary depending on a variety of circumstances, but as a general guideline, consider utilizing 1.5 lbs of pellets every hour—whether you’re slow cooking or grilling at high temperatures. If you use your pellet grill frequently, you may see a slight rise in your power cost.
Maintenance
Believe it or not, ash from pellets can accumulate in the fire pot. This will affect your grill’s performance. Use a shop-type vacuum to regularly clean the fire pot. Just make sure your grill has been turned off and is cool before you start vacuuming it. Grills such as Yoder YS640 are built to make cleaning simple and easy.
It’s important to keep the temperature sensors of your pellet grill clean by wiping them down. Communication between the fire pot and the controller may be interrupted if the sensors are not properly cleaned. Use a grill brush to remove any food particles on the grate.
You can also polish the outer frame of your grill with a damp cloth if it’s made from stainless steel, or use a special cleaner for stainless steel grills.
Back Burns
Back burns occur when the pellets in the grill’s smoker box and auger tube are possibly igniting. Smoke begins to emanate from the hopper itself, which makes back burns evident. A well-built ventilation and temperature control system in a pellet grill can avoid this regular occurrence.
Assembly
When you purchase a pellet grill, it will almost certainly need to be assembled. You can do this on your own, but given their size, it may be much easier with someone to assist with the grunt work and directions. Regardless of assistance, you should still plan on spending about 3 hours assembling your pellet grill smoker.
The Burn-in Process
It’s similar to seasoning a griddle. After purchasing the pellet grill, it must undergo the “burn-in” process before using it for the first time.
It aids in priming the hopper with pellets and removing any chemicals used throughout the manufacturing process as well as the contaminants in the packaging process. Most pellet grills come with instructions on how to conduct the burn in procedure.
The Takeaway
When it comes to choosing a pellet grill, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, think about the important features. Does it have the best temperature control and sensor system?
Second, consider how easy the grill is to use and clean. Some grills have features that make them easier to use, like automatic igniters or digital temperature controls. Finally, take price into consideration. Make sure you choose one that is within your budget.