Pellet grills, also known as pellet smoker, are popular outdoor cooking devices that combine components of gas grills, charcoal grills, and wood camp ovens. This type of grill has many advantages over other types of grills and is the choice of professional chefs as well as weekend warriors. Pellet grills allow smoking foods at a low temperature and produce an intense heat that requires charcoal or wood to burn. This allows a person to smoke meats, fish, vegetables, breads and a host of other foods. Pellet grilling is so versatile that it is the preferred method of cooking for many outdoorsmen.
There are two types of outdoor grills; those that have a built in hopper and those that do not. The built in hopper type of grill only produces a certain amount of pellets at a time. When these are needed, the hopper must be emptied and the cooking process restarted. A good feature of this type of grill is that it will not overheat due to the limited amount of pellets that it produces. This is good for people who like to smoke a variety of foods and do not mind the slight discomfort of a hot grill. This type of grill can also be used for browning meat and for roasting marshmallows.
The gas powered pellet grill, on the other hand, operates on electricity and produces the maximum amount of flames and heat for a given set of cooking surfaces. To control the temperature, you simply adjust the temperature knob to accommodate the desired level of cooking. Depending on the model, there are a temperature gauge and a timer that will alert you when the desired temperature is met. This is an advanced type of model that requires charcoal or wood to be used in its operation. Gas prices have been rising and this is not a cost effective way to go when quality, safety and versatility are at stake.
The built-in hopper offers a convenient way to store the food while it is cooking. You can save time by not having to manually go back and retrieve it every few hours. This model features a retractable lid that is easily removed for cleaning. Some of the portable models come with separate shelves located on the right and left side of the unit. This allows for more storage space and even allows you to cook larger quantities of food at once. Built-in or external shelves can be expensive, but many find this convenience cost-effective and worth the extra cash.
There are two main types of outdoor pellet grills. There are the portable models that are easy to bring along as long as the fuel source is provided. The fixed models are permanently mounted and provide a consistent temperature range. Both provide flexibility in terms of movement. The fixed models are typically more expensive than portable models, but they will provide you with exceptional value for your money.
Another important consideration when buying one of these portable pellet grills is what type of wood you plan on using. Most models come with two interchangeable racks that allow you to store large pieces of wood without taking up valuable room in your grill. However, some models do include a smoker attachment that uses wood chips to create smoke instead of wood. Smoked wood is known to have a higher smoke concentration than un-smoked wood and is recommended for any BBQ smoker enthusiast.
The final feature to consider when purchasing a portable, as well as stationary, pellet grill is the temperature control. Most models have a control knob located somewhere on the handle that allows you to quickly and accurately adjust the temperature. This feature is extremely important to those who enjoy barbecuing in the winter months. The ideal goal is to maintain a desirable temperature range no matter what the outside weather is. The temperature range is set by a PID controller and a programmable probe that monitors the temperature and cycles on and off based on the desired temperature.
Pellet burners are available in a variety of styles and prices. From the very basic to the very advanced, there is a model of pellet grill that is right for everyone. From a very simple single stage small grill, to a heavy duty industrial model, there is a model for just about everyone. A digital control knob is a great feature for any user and ensures that you always get the optimal use from your pellet grill. From a single position single rack to a multi-position six-rack rotisserie system, a Pellet Grill can fit into almost any kitchen.