When it comes to grilling food, would you prefer a gas grill with a taste of charcoal grill? Then think about pellet grill.
Using a pellet grill, you can easily barbeque or smoke meals while still preserving the taste of firewood in your own backyard.
Keep reading to learn about pellet grills, how much they cost, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding pellet grills.
What Are Pellet Grills?
Pellet grills, also known as pellet smokers, are outdoor grills that run on food-graded wood which has been compacted into pellets.
These grills combine convection ovens, gas and charcoal grills into one. They can roast, smoke, sear, and bake, giving them the adaptability and performance to satisfy the needs of every griller.
Pellet grills are hot – pun intended – but they’re still new to the majority of grillers. While thousands of grillers are acquainted with the operation of gas and charcoal grills, just a handful of grillers can reliably tell you how pellet grills work.
How Do Pellet Grills Work?
Pellet grills use food-grade wood pellets to produce heat and smoke to sear and flavor whatever you’re cooking.
History of Pellet Grills
The origin of pellet grills actually goes back to the early 1970s during the oil price crisis when people were looking beyond oil and gas for more cheap ways to warm their homes.
Small wood pellets, derived from compacted sawdust, were introduced together with wood pellet heaters.
The basic setup utilized a motorized auger to gradually feed the pellets from a hopper to a firebox. A modest fan would blow warm air out of the stove to heat the house.
This design is pretty similar to a pellet grill. However, the pellet grill did not come until 1985 when Joe Traeger invented the first pellet grill.
So…
What Is The Average Cost Of Pellet Grills?
Pellet grills range from a few $100 to $3000 in price. Metal is used in creating all of them. However the price varies greatly depending on the design and thickness.
Low-cost grills have fewer features and are made of less durable materials. For easy mobility, the most expensive grills have robust frames and big rubber wheels. In addition, quality grills are more airtight, reducing temperature fluctuations.
Most grills may be ordered online, although they will almost certainly require assembly once they are delivered.
Most grill merchants, such as hardware stores and home centers sell pellet grills. Also, many places sell assembled barbecues for no extra charge, while others will deliver them.
Price Consideration When Buying Pellet Grills
A low-cost pellet grill could save you money in the short term, but it will cost you more in the long run. Its components will rust, and you’ll have to start replacing some or all of that cheap grill in far less than 5 years.
A high-quality pellet grill will provide reliable results for many years. Pellet grills that are less expensive are not only less capable, but they are also more likely to break down.
Regardless of price, look for a pellet grill that consistently performs. Look for the warranty’s duration and scope of cover, which is typically 2 years.
Are Pellet Grills Expensive?
Pellet grills can cost a fortune. But in my opinion, they’re incredibly economical to operate and maintain. But what about the additional costs?
“Expensive” is a relative adjective that varies depending on who you ask and how often you grill. Here are some things to think about, particularly if you’re just getting started with pellet grills:
- Grill Cover
- Tongs
- Non-Stick Spray
- Digital Thermometer
- Cooking Pellets
Your pellet grill will require electricity to operate. It does, however, work with a regular 120 VAC. Simply plug it in and you’re ready to go.
Looking for something different? A power inverter or even a portable power station can be used. However, these may be as expensive as your grill, but they could provide you with unmatched flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Advantages of Pellet Grill?
Wood pellet grills create a consistent amount of heat and smoke that is easy to control. Anything you cook will have a true wood-fired flavor thanks to the smoke. Because the flame is confined away from the food, there are no flare-ups.
Additionally, a pellet grill will eliminate the need for monitoring of temperature because the temperature remains constant for long, making it perfect for slow cooking. The taste of your beloved meat is enhanced when you cook with all-natural hardwood.
Flavor delivery – nothing compares to the taste of savory smoke – and convenience of use – achieving that smokey flavor the traditional way is time-consuming and messy, but it’s never been simpler or safer than with a pellet grill.
2. Do Pellet Grills Consume A Lot of Power?
Although pellet grills require energy for their basic functioning, they consume very little power in the grand scheme of things. For the first few minutes, it uses 300-500 watts to power the igniter. 50 watts for the rest of the cooking to keep the fans, digital display and auger running.
3. Do Pellets Cost More Than Propane?
Yes. Propane is more expensive than wood pellets with or without subsidies.
4. Do Pellets Cost More Than Charcoal?
Grilling with pellets is indeed more expensive than grilling with charcoal. Many pellet grills are approaching $1000, and some are considerably more (but there are plenty of pellet grills under $500).
5. Does A Pellet Grill Cook Like A Gas Grill?
Sort of! But for different fundamental reasons, you should not perceive your pellet grill as a gas grill. Gas grills feature several burners and heat up quickly.
Your pellet grill heats up similarly to a regular oven: it will reach the desired temperature, but it will take longer. Pre-heating is one of the most critical aspects of the grill.
Verdict
Remember that, like anything else, a quality grill doesn’t come without a price to pay. So, when you step out to buy your pellet grill, make sure to go for the most pocket-friendly.