Most people who make good BBQ on a pellet grill already know this, but this is for those who are looking to purchase their first pellet grill.
Pellet grills are not "Set and Forget". While they are easier to use than a stick burner, and you don't need a stack of wood to cook, you do need to operate it properly to get good BBQ.
1. Pellet grills do not produce a lot of smoke at high temperatures (above 275 deg. F). You need to run them at lower temperatures (190 - 225 deg. F.) to get good smoke flavor. I usually run this way for 1 -2 hrs at the beginning of a cook to impart good smoke flavor to the meat. After that, you can raise the temperature as desired.
2. The pellets you use do make a difference. Different pellets burn differently, this affects temperature control and smoke output. A high quality pellet will provide good flavor and control.
3. Different wood imparts different flavors. I use mesquite or hickory for beef. I like to use apple for ribs.
4. Cleanup of a pellet grill is required to get rid of ash. You have to do the same with an offset, it is part of cooking with wood.
5. I check my pellet grill regularly during a cook, usually when I spritz. I make sure pellets are not channeling and that there are enough pellets in the hopper.
6. You have to make sure the meat is always over the deflector shield, if not, you can burn the overhanging meat, and grease will get down in the pit and collect there. It makes a mess, and could start a fire.
I really enjoy cooking on my pellet grill, and tending to it during a cook. It is definitely easier than an offset to manage. It is also more conducive to use in a suburban area, where you don't necessarily have the room to store firewood.
These are the things I have learned after using pellet grills for the last year and a half. The higher end pellet grills will last longer and cook a little bit better, but starting with a lower priced unit is not a bad idea if you want to crawl before you walk, and make sure you like using a pellet grill.
You can also use it like an oven, and having another oven outside is a nice thing to have when you have big crowds and need the extra space.
Pellet grills are not "Set and Forget". While they are easier to use than a stick burner, and you don't need a stack of wood to cook, you do need to operate it properly to get good BBQ.
1. Pellet grills do not produce a lot of smoke at high temperatures (above 275 deg. F). You need to run them at lower temperatures (190 - 225 deg. F.) to get good smoke flavor. I usually run this way for 1 -2 hrs at the beginning of a cook to impart good smoke flavor to the meat. After that, you can raise the temperature as desired.
2. The pellets you use do make a difference. Different pellets burn differently, this affects temperature control and smoke output. A high quality pellet will provide good flavor and control.
3. Different wood imparts different flavors. I use mesquite or hickory for beef. I like to use apple for ribs.
4. Cleanup of a pellet grill is required to get rid of ash. You have to do the same with an offset, it is part of cooking with wood.
5. I check my pellet grill regularly during a cook, usually when I spritz. I make sure pellets are not channeling and that there are enough pellets in the hopper.
6. You have to make sure the meat is always over the deflector shield, if not, you can burn the overhanging meat, and grease will get down in the pit and collect there. It makes a mess, and could start a fire.
I really enjoy cooking on my pellet grill, and tending to it during a cook. It is definitely easier than an offset to manage. It is also more conducive to use in a suburban area, where you don't necessarily have the room to store firewood.
These are the things I have learned after using pellet grills for the last year and a half. The higher end pellet grills will last longer and cook a little bit better, but starting with a lower priced unit is not a bad idea if you want to crawl before you walk, and make sure you like using a pellet grill.
You can also use it like an oven, and having another oven outside is a nice thing to have when you have big crowds and need the extra space.
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