Oklahoma Joe’s Pit Control System Pellet Grill

Go to any decent backyard cookout and the only thing more heated than the brisket will be the debate about what kind of grill to use. The longer a barbecue die-hard has been cooking, the more set their opinions will be on what kind of meats, fuel and grill setup to use. Still, there’s no denying the popularity of the pellet grill, a relatively recent innovation that has changed the game for outdoor grilling since the 1980s.

So what is a pellet grill, and how does it differ from an old reliable charcoal setup? The difference is all about the fuel. Where more traditional grills might burn briquettes or wood logs to produce smoke and heat, pellet grills use tiny bits of compressed hardwood. These pellets are stored in a hopper and fed into a “burn box” at a rate determined by the temperature you choose.

This combination of a controlled feed and the uniform size of the pellets means that the grill can maintain a more consistent temperature as you cook. That’s a crucial advantage for chefs trying to hit that sweet spot for their meats, and it’s especially well suited for the “slow and low” style that suits most styles of barbecue. Mind you, while pellet grills can hold a uniform temperature much better, they do typically take a bit longer to heat up. Performance will vary widely by brand, of course.

In order to heat up those pellets, the grill does need a power source. Typically, that’s going to be electricity from a standard outlet. That means that most pellet grills are going to be best suited for home use. If you’ve got a more compact pellet smoker, make sure that you invest in an extension cord to allow for a little more portability — and check the manufacturer’s specs about power needs.

Even though pellet grills are the cooker of choice for many competitive pitmasters, the great thing about them is how easy they are for beginners to use. Firing them up is usually as easy as pushing a button once you’ve fed the hopper with enough pellets.

Temperature control is just as easy, though the precision and range is going to vary depending on the quality of your grill. Units on the cheaper end of the spectrum might only have a low, medium and high setting. Higher quality grills will allow you to set a target temperature, which the burn box will regulate. Some can even help account for fluctuations in exterior temperature or wind. One big perk on modern pellet grills is Wi-Fi connectivity that will let you monitor your temperature and can even alert you when it’s time to turn over your steaks.

That’s just the beginning of the bells and whistles you can get as the price goes up, though the ones you can actually use are going to be determined by the dishes you typically cook. One big addition that will increase your grill’s versatility is a sear box. These consist of a flat surface somewhere off to the side of the main grill area, heated by a separate burner. This burner heats up quicker and higher than the main grill area, allowing you to put a nice char onto your meats.

Additional racks are another common (but no less useful) feature. Pellet grills heat up the main grilling area by convection, which keeps the temperature relatively uniform when the cover is down. Still, you can expect higher areas to run a little cooler. “Stacking your racks” and putting side dishes above the main dish lets you multitask on big meals.

Also, don’t overlook the usefulness of a grill cover. Many pellet grills come with an insulated blanket that helps the cooker maintain that crucial uniform temperature. When not in use, it protects the grill from the elements, though a full-fledged grill cover that shrouds the entire grill is preferable. These are a must if you plan on storing your grill on uncovered patio areas, though it’s advised that you cover things up even if you don’t expect any direct rainfall.

Speaking of maintenance, pellet grills can spoil a cook with their ease of use. Just remember that they do need to be cleaned between uses, and some models make that easier than others. Burn boxes will need to be emptied out of the ash that accumulates there, and that can be as easy as opening a compartment once things have cooled down. You may also want to keep the interior areas wiped down, especially the heat deflection plate and the grill grates.

Pellet grills make almost everything easier when it comes to cooking, but it’s the pellets themselves that can make a big difference when it comes to the final product. Once you start looking for your first bag of fuel, it can be a little intimidating to discover the sheer variety of pellet types. Each of them can enhance your flavor in different ways. For steak, you might want to go with traditional mesquite or hickory pellets to impart that signature smokiness. The longer you smoke your meats, the more that flavor will come through. For fish, try a milder pellet like cherrywood or apple. Poultry or pork will play well with just about any kind of pellet, and you can find “competition blends” for nearly every grill that combine different kinds of wood. Feel free to experiment with different pellets as you progress. It’s half the fun of owning a pellet grill.

One caveat, though: Make sure that you use a pellet brand that’s approved for your model of grill, or at least make sure the size is the same. Using pellets that are too large or too small can throw off the calibration on your hopper and affect the grilling temperature.