Best Affordable Pellet Grill: Buying Guide And Reviews

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Pellet grills are a popular choice for cooking outdoors. They are easy to use and produce impressive results. But with so many choices on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.  

In this article, we will look at the best affordable pellet grills on the market and help you decide which is the right one for you. We will also provide an overview of what to look for when buying a pellets grill and offer some tips for getting the most out of your purchase. So, if you are in the market for a new pellet grill, read on! 

Our Top Picks

What is a pellet grill? 

The pellet grill is the latest technology in the outdoor cooking market. It combines electricity to power its heating element, fuel (pellets) to feed its firebox and automated controls that do everything except cook your food for you. This leaves you free to enjoy yourself while your meal gets cooked perfectly.  

Pellets are made by taking the scrap wood left over from lumber mills and converting it into a little 1/4 inch or so pieces. Because the pellet grill is automated, there are no flames visible outside of the cooking chamber. This gives pellet grills an advantage over other types of outdoor cookers in that heat loss is minimized since all heat stays inside the cooking chamber. 

Which means, there is no chance of your house burning down or causing damage to your neighbor’s property if it gets out of control. Also, the smell associated with “real” BBQing is eliminated since all you are cooking is wood and meat, not paprika, pepper, salt, spices, and other seasonings. 

Why Should You Choose a Pellet Grill? 

Pellet grills are an excellent choice if you want to cook healthy food with less hassle. They can be used for roasting, smoking, and baking and they tend to be convenient and easy-to-use. 

A pellet grill can burn wood pellets to cook your food. You may wonder why you should choose a pellet grilled over the traditional charcoal or gas grills. Here are some reasons why: 

They can be used for smoking, roasting, baking, and barbecuing 

  • They provide an alternative to charcoal and gas grills 
  • Pellet grills tend to be more efficient than other kinds of cookers 
  • They are practically set-and-forgotten. Once you start the grill, there is no need for interference until your food is ready 
  • Pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel, making them very eco-friendly 
  • Pellet grills tend to be easy and convenient to use. You can set the temperature and walk away without having to worry about flare-ups or controlling the heat 
  • Are versatile – pellet grills can be used for many kinds of cooking such as roasting, baking and smoking. 
  • They tend to be more affordable than other types of grills that offer the same benefits 

If you are still on the fence about buying a pellet grill, then look no further! We have something for everyone: quality and affordability. Look at our pellet grills and discover the difference! 

10 Best Affordable Pellet Grill Reviews

Are you looking for the best affordable pellet grill? If so, you are in the right place. In this article, we will provide you with a buying guide and reviews of some of the best budget-friendly models on the market. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced griller, read on to find the perfect pellet grill for your needs. 

1. Best Overall: Z GRILLS ZPG-450A Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill

Z Grills upgraded the ZPG-450A pellet grill to make it suitable for novice grillers. Improvements were made to the temperature control and pellet feeding systems. Now, the digital control board automatically ignites the grill and provides temperatures between 180 and 450 degrees for various cooking methods. A large front table that folds down and out of the way offers ample space for food, plates, and tools. 

The LED display makes it easy to monitor the temperature, while the automatic feed adds pellets as needed to maintain the selected temperature. The cast iron grates provide a total of 452 square inches of cooking space and are coated with porcelain. With a 15-pound hopper capacity, this can accommodate multiple cooking sessions without refilling or up to 15 hours at a time. The bronze color of the lids is visually appealing, and the two large wheels make it simple to relocate. 

Our tester utilized this grill to prepare hamburgers, steak, pulled pork, and even pizza. The flavor of the meat and the grill’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature impressed her. Although this grill won’t get hot enough to sear and it takes a while to preheat, our reviewer deemed it “unbeatable value.” It is ideal for someone new to grilling due to its straightforward and efficient controls. 

Key Features 
  • Advanced Wood Fire Technology 
  • Z Grills Technology 
  • Consistent & Precisely 
  • Huge Grilling Area & Hopper Capacity 
  • Cost-Effective 
  • Versatility 
  • Designed for Small Families, yet Big on Flavor 
PROS
  • Affordable
  • Food is extremely flavorful
  • Maintains consistent heat within +/- 15 degrees
  • Includes cover
CONS
  • Takes longer than expected to preheat
  • Prep tables are too small
  • Doesn't get hot enough to sear

2. Best Traeger: Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill

Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, Black

★★★★★
Amazon.com
 

For a good reason, Traeger is one of the most well-known pellet grill bands. Its grills are generally dependable, well-constructed, and user-friendly. However, they are on the pricier side, so if you’re shopping on a budget, the Traeger Tailgater 20 is one of the brand’s most affordable options. Although technically designed for tailgating, the 300 square inches of cooking space can be utilized on a small patio or while camping. Our lab tester noted that it could hold enough food for several people, as it could accommodate up to four 8-ounce steaks simultaneously. 

The previous version of this grill’s interface was straightforward and has become even simpler. Our laboratory personnel set the digital controls to the desired temperature and let the system take over. While it quickly reaches temperature, it does not reach 500 degrees, which is a problem if you frequently sear food. It can hold up to 8 pounds of pellets in its hopper, so you will need to carefully monitor it during long smoking sessions, as we discovered during a 7-hour test with a pork butt roast. 

After setting up the grill, our home tester experienced sporadic temperature fluctuations, whereas our lab team only observed higher temperatures in the grill’s rear. This is a highly versatile, compact grill. Additionally, the lightweight (for a pellet grill) design with collapsible legs for storage is unrivaled, although we found it a bit cumbersome to transport during home testing. 

Key Features 
  • Never Use Gas Or Charcoal Again 
  • Precision Temperature Control 
  • Take your grill and your wood-fired BBQ wherever you go. 
  • EZ fold legs, a grill capacity of 300 sq inches, and capacity for 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs or 2 whole chickens 
  • 6-in-1 versatility to grill, smoke, braise, roast, bake, or BBQ 
PROS
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Good for grilling and smoking
CONS
  • Prone to temperature swings
  • Small hopper

3. Most Compact: Oklahoma Joe's Rider 600 Pellet Grill

Oklahoma Joe's 20202114 Rider 600 sq in Electric Pellet Grill, Black

★★★★★
Amazon.com
 

If you typically cook for one or two people, you likely do not require a large grill. Consider the Rider 600 Pellet Grill from Oklahoma Joe’s, which has a smaller footprint without sacrificing features. This grill has a primary cooking area that is 380 inches deep and a removable warming rack. When tested in the lab, the team reported that it could accommodate at least four pork shoulders or two large beef briskets. Its hopper can hold up to 20 pounds of pellets and does not need to be refilled frequently. 

The grill has two operating modes: smoking between 175 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit and grilling on low, medium, or high heat. When tested, it quickly reached the desired temperature and performed well when baked and grilled. The last batch of chicken wings from the 18 pellet grills we fired up that day was the best. 

The Oklahoma Joe’s Pellet Grill has relatively simple features. It has a built-in timer and can be equipped with two temperature probes to alert you when the internal temperature of your meat reaches the desired level. There is a removable ash cup on the bottom of the cooking chamber for easy cleanup, although the grates require a bit of scrubbing after testing, and it comes with a pellet storage bin that hangs underneath the hopper. Our lab discovered that if the container is lifted incorrectly, the pellets will spill out if there are no handles. 

Key Features 
  • Pit Control System offers smarter cooking with two distinct guidance features. Timer Mode – Indicates when you’ve reached a set amount of time at your desired grill temp. Temp-Probe Mode – Indicates when your food has reached its target internal temp. 
  • Flex Racks System integrates easily for added versatility, allowing for a wide variety of configuration options (additional racks sold separately) 
  • 617 square inches of capacity means enough space for main dishes and sides 
  • QuickDraw Hopper with 20-pound capacity enables simple removal, storage and swapping of pellet flavors 
  • Fueled by all-natural hardwood pellets for rich wood-fired flavor 
PROS
  • Ideal for smaller households
  • Separate mode for searing
  • Enough space to smoke 4 pork shoulders at once
  • Includes pellet storage bin
CONS
  • No handles to help move
  • Slightly hard to clean

4. Best Easy Cleaning: Camp Chef SmokePro SE Pellet Grill

Camp Chef SmokePro SE 24" Pellet Grill, Black

★★★★★
Amazon.com
 

Camp Chef is a well-known brand of grills, smokers, and pellet grills. This model features a temperature range of 160 to 500 degrees and two meat probes for monitoring roasts when you prefer smoking to grill; the adjustable chimney top and innovative smoke technology help to maintain the ideal temperature. 

It has a lever-operated ash cleanout system and a grease management system for easy cleaning and maintenance. The roller wheels make it easy to position in any desired location. The spacious cooking area and 18-pound pellet hopper make it simple to prepare meals for the family or a large gathering. Additional warming racks and front shelves are available for purchase separately. 

Key Features 
  • Digital Controls – Electronic auto-ignition, Easy temperature setting system 
  • Automatic auger dispenses pellets as needed for improved smoker efficiency 
  • Built-in temperature gauge controls internal cooking temperature, Grease management system 
  • Patented Ash Cleanout System, Roller wheels for convenience, Utility rack included 
  • Hopper capacity: 18lbs of pellets – Product weight: 106lbs 
PROS
  • Lever-operated ash cleaning system
  • Includes meat probe
  • Easy maintenance
CONS
  • Low level of smoke

5. Z GRILLS ZPG-7002BPro Wood Pellet Grill

Z GRILLS ZPG-7002BPro Wood Pellet Grill BBQ Smoker for Outdoor Cooking with Meat Probe and Cover

★★★★★
Amazon.com
 

Z GRILLS offers a wide variety of sizes, with a few bells and whistles thrown in for good measure. The 7002B Party Wood Pellet BBQ Grill & Smoker is among their most significant models. It is intended for individuals and families who need to simultaneously produce large quantities of food. 

It features a digital elite controller dial with a digital LED display. The internal hopper and fan adjust their rates to either increase or decrease the fire according to the temperature setting. The internal temperature will approach the desired setting within +/- 20 degrees in a relatively short time. Placing the grill in a location that will not be affected by wind or cold will also improve temperature accuracy. 

The Z Grills 7002B also features a high-capacity, heavy-duty wood pellet hopper. This may not seem significant, but the average bag of wood pellets weighs 20 pounds. Therefore, if your unit has a capacity of 15 to 18 pounds, you will always have to fiddle with the small amount that won’t fit in the hopper. 

The Z Grills 7002B drip bucket solves a common, albeit minor, a problem with wood pellet grills. Some wood pellet grills include a reusable metal cup that simply hangs from a small hook. After each use, you must pour out the grease and wash the cup by hand, which some people find inconvenient. Other manufacturers of wood pellet grills will only provide a hanging cage. Then, a disposable cup is placed inside, and the container is discarded when the grilling is complete. This causes some individuals to complain that they would feel they are getting more for their money if a reusable metal cup were included. 

Key Features 
  • Protective Grate 
  • Advanced Wood-Fired Technology 
  • Extra Bottom Shelf for Storage 
  • Digital Wireless Meat Thermometer 
  • Versatility 8-in-1 Pellet Grill 
  • Huge Grilling Area & Hopper Capacity 
  • Easy to Use and Clean 
PROS
  • Has a reusable or disposable grease cup
  • A built-in grease management system
CONS
  • Quality materials
  • Large enough to prepare a lot of food

6. PIT BOSS 71700FB Pellet Grill

PIT BOSS 71700FB Pellet Grill, 700 Square Inches, Black

★★★★★
Amazon.com
 

This model, with 700 square inches of cooking space, is among the largest on our list. It has a lower shelf, porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids, and a temperature range between 180 and 500 degrees. The cooking chamber is made of heavy-gauge steel, and the structure is bulky and sturdy. The only disadvantage? On the lower shelf are large enough holes for small items to pass through. This may not be an issue if the shelf is used primarily for pellet storage, but it is worth mentioning. 

The Pit Boss 700FB is an excellent choice if you frequently entertain or enjoy grilling large quantities of food simultaneously. There is even a built-in flame broiler for giving steaks that crucial char at the end of cooking. 

Be aware that the performance of this model is diminished when you use generic pellets or pellets from a brand other than Pit Boss. Fortunately, their pellets are of superior quality and produce flavorful smoke. With the purchase of the 700FB, Pit Boss provides consumers with a five-year warranty. 

Key Features 
  • 700 sq. in. total cooking surface. 
  • Porcelain coated wire grids with upper cooking rack 
  • Digitally controlled burn system. 
  • Fueled by 100% natural Pit Boss wood pellets. 
  • Perfect for family cookouts and small gatherings 
PROS
  • Smoke adjustment feature
  • Versatile unit
  • Large cooking surface
CONS
  • No side shelfs
  • Flimsy lower shelf
  • Requires Pit Boss pellets in order to function properly

7. Green Mountain Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill

Green Mountain Davy Crockett Sense Mate Electric Wi-Fi Control Foldable Portable Wood Pellet Tailgating Grill with Meat Probe, Black

★★★★★
Amazon.com
 

Green Mountain’s Davy Crockett grill is portable, versatile, and high-tech. With a 219-square-inch cooking surface and a 9-pound hopper capacity, this grill is compact enough to fit in the trunk or backseat of your vehicle. It weighs only 57 pounds, and its foldable legs can be used as carrying handles. This makes the Davy Crockett the ideal option for tailgating and beach picnics. 13-gauge steel is utilized for both the main body and cooking grids. 

This unit is equipped with WiFi, allowing you to control the temperature from a distance. The “Sense-Mate” thermal sensor provides precise readings throughout grilling. It has a temperature range of 150 to 550 degrees, making it suitable for various cooking methods. The purchase price includes an all-weather cover and a two-year limited warranty. 

Key Features 
  • Features Sense-Mate, a thermal sensor which constantly monitors grill temperature 
  • Includes a meat probe, peaked lid for rib racks, convenience tray 
  • Weighs 68 lbs. and folds to fits in nearly any trunk, making it the ultimate Tailgating Grill 
  • 110V or 12V with adapters for 3 power options 
PROS
  • Portable unit
  • Very affordable
  • All-weather cover included with purchase
  • WiFi capability
CONS
  • Construction is a bit on the flimsy side
  • Some shipping issues reported
  • Erratic temperature control

8. Louisiana Grills LG700 Pellet Grill

The LG700 has 707 square inches of cooking space, including a steel cooking grid coated with porcelain. The primary cooking surface is constructed of porcelain-enameled cast iron, while the main body is heavy-duty steel. The cart-like design has four wheels for maneuverability and a lower storage shelf. 

This grill’s temperature range of 170 to 600 degrees allows it to be used for various foods. There is also an integrated flame broiler for searing. The digital control panel includes an interface for a programmable meat probe. Although the company advertises precise temperature control, the control panel is somewhat inconsistent. In addition, the 14-pound hopper capacity is inadequate for a grill with this much cooking space. 

Key Features 
  • Lg 700 Series wood pellet grill 
  • 707 sq. In cooking surface (497 main 210 upper) 
  • Porcelain cast iron main grids 
  • Porcelain steel removable upper cooking grid 
  • Digital control center 
PROS
  • Generously sized
  • Excellent temperature range
  • Built-in flame broiler
  • Exceptional versatility
CONS
  • Relatively expensive for a budget option
  • Small drip bucket
  • Some minor components can be damaged in transit
  • Small hopper

9. Camp Chef 24 in. WIFI Woodwind Pellet Grill

The Camp Chef 24″ Woodwind offers many of the same features as the Recteq but without the same ultra-high-quality construction. Please do not misunderstand; it is still a robust grill. You are looking at a primarily powder-coated steel design with a stainless steel lid and enamel-coated grates instead of an entirely stainless-steel construction. 

WiFi, a PID-style controller, and a wide temperature range remain, allowing you to smoke, grill, sear, and bake. But what we love most about all Camp Chefs is the slide n’ grill feature. Instead of grilling over high indirect heat, you can push a lever to move the heat deflector out of the way and grill directly over the pellet fire. It brings you to the next level of flavor and crunchiness. 

And another great feature of the Camp Chef Woodwind 24 is the ability to adjust the smoke level without affecting the cooking temperature. 

The Woodwind 24’s 800 square inches of cooking space is divided between two racks, and its 22-pound pellet hopper is adequate. Adding to the value of Camp Chef Woodwind 24 includes: 

  • Four meat probes. 
  • A sweet ash removal system. 
  • A controller with a full-color display. 

There is also the option to add a gas-powered sidekick grill for a small additional fee. 

Key Features 
  • ALL NEW WIFI & Bluetooth PID controller automatically maintains cooking temperature with 4 meat probe ports and meat probes. 
  • 160 F to 500 F temperature range from slow smoking to grilling (25,000 BTU). 
  • Dial in your smoke level with our Smoke Control with settings 1 – 10. 
  • Slide and Grill technology that allows for direct flame cooking with temps up to 650 F. 
  • Patented Ash Kickin’ Cleanout system that allows you to dump the ash after every co 
PROS
  • Smart Wi-Fi technology
  • Easy to clean due to the ash cleanout system
  • 4 temperature probes included - most pellet smokers come with 1 or 2
  • Direct flame slider rod if you’re not going to buy the sear box
CONS
  • Temperature can be a little inaccurate
  • The storage shelf has no door

10. Best Pellet Smoker Grill Combo: Cuisinart CPG-4000 Wood BBQ Grill & Smoker

When you think of the brand name “Cuisinart,” grilling and smoking are probably not the first things that come to mind. If you purchase this highly efficient and adaptable pellet grill and smoker combo, that will quickly change. The unit provides 450 square inches of cooking space, sufficient for a typical family. The hopper can hold 15 pounds of pellets, which is not excessively large but should be adequate for a machine of this size. 

This grill is simple to assemble and exceptionally user-friendly, making it a good option for those who want to try pellet grilling but are wary of the technology. The price is also reasonable, particularly in comparison to the competition. This unit comes with a complimentary weather-resistant grill cover from Cuisinart. 

Key Features 
  • Free weather resistant grill cover included in purchase. This cover is the perfect combination of durability and convenience. 
  • Product Dimensions: 39.4″ L x 18.1″ W x 22.8″ H | Weight: 103.6 lb 
  • Enjoy the wood pellet BBQ grill & smoker’s large 450 Square inch cooking area and 15 pounds of hopper capacity 
  • Super versatile! Grill, smoke, roast, braise, barbecue and even bake 
  • With wind and water resistant fabric, your grill will stand the test of time and be safe from the elements and even UV rays. 
  • Shelves included! Comes with a stationary side shelf and collapsible front shelf 
PROS
  • Easy to assemble
  • Affordable price point
  • Good choice for beginners
CONS
  • Side shelf is small and awkwardly positioned
  • Relatively small hopper capacity
  • Low-quality welds on legs and shelving

Factors to consider when purchasing a pellet grill? 

Purchasing a pellet grill is not an easy task. To ensure that you buy the best one for your needs, there are numerous factors to consider. The following are ten of those things to take into consideration. 

  1. Price – As with any purchase, before buying anything, price should be one of your main concerns. A cheap grill with bad reviews is not a bargain. 

  1. Quality – There are several pellet grills available on the market. This means that there are different qualities too, so you need to find one that has enough power to meet your needs and lasts long enough before it starts developing problems. 

  1. Type of fuel – Pellet grills come in different types: electric, gas and propane. Each type has its pros and cons. 

  1. Warranty – This is especially important as it tells you what to expect from the product if anything goes wrong after purchase or during use. It also shows how confident the manufacturer is about the quality of its product. 

  1. Cooking space – This is particularly important if you regularly cook for big gatherings of people or extensively use the grill for cooking several things at once. A bigger one will allow you to do this easily.  

  1. Temperature Range – It should be capable of maintaining low temperatures, especially when slow-cooking, and high temperatures for searing. 

  1. Ease of use – A pellet grill, which is difficult to operate will only frustrate you, so it should be easy to use. 

  1. Additional features – These could include racks or shelves for warming food or placing your utensils on; wheels to make it more portable; and ash removal systems for easier clean-up. 

  1. Mobility – Will you be moving it around or leaving it in one place? If it is the latter, choose a model that comes with wheels so you can easily move it around for convenience. 

  1.  Appearance – If you do not like the look of the grill, you will not be motivated to use it. Choose one that is stylish and complements your home décor. 

FAQs about pellet grill

A pellet grill is an outdoor cooking appliance that runs on electricity or gas and uses small cylindrical shaped compressed hardwood pellets as fuel to cook the food.  

Pellets are fed automatically from a hopper into a burn pot, where they are ignited by an igniter rod that glows like a heating element. 

Pellet grills can be divided into two main groups – the horizontal offset smoker type and vertical type; Each group is further sub-divided into various price ranges according to features, construction, quality, capacity, size etc. 

Pellet grills have similar features to other types of outdoor cooking appliances such as charcoal grills, barbecues etc.  

Some benefits of using one include:  

  • Smoke-free and extremely low emission compared with other conventional grills. 
  • Faster cooking time, up to 6 times faster than using charcoal grills. 
  • Precise temperature control of an electric grill is achieved using thermostatic control, or by electronic means. They are usually equipped with a temperature gauge that enables you to monitor the temperature inside the grill throughout the cooking process. 
  • Pellet grills can be used for a variety of cooking styles, such as grilling, roasting, baking, barbecuing, and smoking – just like any other outdoor cooking appliance. 

Price range:  

  • There is a wide price range among different types of pellet grills depending on features and quality, however in general it is more expensive than charcoal grills. 
  • An excellent quality pellet grill starts from over $500, while a cheap charcoal one can be found for less than $100. Operating cost: – Pellets are much more expensive compared with other types of wood or charcoal fuels used in grills and smokers. 

Construction 

  • Pellet grills are usually heavier than other types of outdoor cooking appliances due to the heavier steel construction. 

A smoker is defined as an outdoor cooking appliance used to smoke foods with indirect heat, whereas a grill has direct heat from either electricity or gas.  

A pellet grill is a combination of both a smoker and a grill where the food is cooked with indirect heat from the hot pellets and direct heat from either electricity or gas. 

Electric 

  • Electric grills need to be plugged into power supply while cooking whereas propane grills need to be connected to the cylinder with a hose.  
  • Electric pellet grills are more expensive than gas grills.  

Propane 

  • Propane burns more cleanly, producing less smoke and ash compared with electric types. This makes it easier to grill using wood chips without creating too much of a mess. 
  • Propane canisters are cheaper than electricity and require less maintenance compared to electronic ignition systems in pellet grills. 

Electric 

  • There is a risk for electric grills to be left plugged in when unattended; if the cord/plug is damaged and the grill falls over, fire or electric shock may occur. 
  • Using an electric grill indoors is not advisable to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning if using it without proper ventilation; ensure to always keep flammable materials away from it.  

Propane 

  • Gases from propane cylinders can be hazardous compared with other gases such as natural gas. Ensure to always use a proper cylinder that is designed for outdoor cooking appliances and connected to the grill with the correct hose gauges; do not refill or tamper with propane cylinders. 
  • Propane canisters are recommended to be replaced every 2 years and safety inspections of grills should be done regularly by professional service technicians. 
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to safety guidelines on the use of the appliance; ensure that another flammable material such as a garden hose or paper is not close by, in case it gets too hot and starts a fire. 
  • Ensure the area around the appliance is free from debris and flammable objects, to prevent it from catching fire. – Ensure to keep children away from pellet grills when in use, as there may be small parts that can pose a choking hazard.  
  • Keep pets away too, so they do not get injured or escape if running towards it. 
  • Do not stand too close to the grill when in use, as there is a chance that sparks from the burners can fly out and cause harm.  
  • Keep flammable objects away from the appliance when in use. For example, keep outdoor furniture or decorations at least 2 feet away from it. 
  • If the pellet grill is not handled properly and it catches fire, there is a risk of injury or damage to property.  
  • Ensure to keep flammable objects at a safe distance away from the appliance when in use, as sparks can fly out and cause harm if the flammable object gets too close. – If the appliance starts to smoke, leaving it unattended can increase the chances of a fire starting.  
  • Many pellet grills have an automatic shut-off mechanism that turns off the burners when it detects a lack of oxygen or if heat levels are too high; however, if the smoke alarms do not go off and the smoke accumulates, there is a risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. 
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to safety guidelines on the use of the appliance; avoid stacking or placing items that may catch fire too close to it, to prevent it from catching fire. – Keep children and pets away when in use, as particles can catch fire if the grill is handled without care.  
  • Dispose of ashes properly after each use; do not dispose of hot ashes by throwing them into a pail or pool of water.  
  • Ensure replacing the pellet hopper every 2 years, as wear and tear from everyday use may cause a risk of fire.  
  • If the pellets catch fire while they are being used, do not try to extinguish it with water. This can spread burning pellets far more easily, potentially causing injuries or property damage even further away. Instead, turn off the grill if possible and use a fire extinguisher to put it out. 
  • Do not attempt to move a grill that is hot as this can cause serious burns or damage property. If the appliance is too heavy, do not try moving it alone as this increases the risk of injury.  
  • Pellet grills are more energy efficient than other cooking appliances, which means they produce less carbon monoxide and burn hot at lower temperatures.  
  • When used correctly, pellet grills can be one of the safest cooking appliances to use in both homes and outdoor spaces. This is because it has many built-in safety features, including an automatic shut-off mechanism in case of low oxygen levels inside it. 
  • Ensure to keep the exterior clean by removing any ashes that have fallen on it after each use.  
  • Always use a brush or scraper to remove food particles left on the grill after cooking as this can keep heat levels down and prevent the burners from working. 
  • Dispose of ashes properly after each use to ensure they do not leave stains on the appliance, especially if it is used indoors.  
  • Clean out the vents and grease trays after every use to ensure ventilation remains clear and efficient; replace the grease trays every 6 months or so for maximum efficiency. 
  • Replace the pellets in the hopper every two years when the appliance is not in use, to ensure it continues operating at its best when in use.  
  • Clean out all thermocouples regularly to ensure they do not corrode; remove all carbon deposits with fine-grain sandpaper to keep the grill efficient.  
  • Always keep the exterior clean and dry, avoiding leaving salty water on it that can cause corrosion; wipe down excess moisture with paper towels after rinsing the appliance off.  

The lifespan of a pellet grill depends on the type and brand. Some can last more than ten years with regular use, while others begin to rust sooner. 

  • Leaving water or moisture inside the appliance is one way for it to start rusting, especially if it is used outdoors.  
  • Leaving salt deposits on the exterior or allowing them to build up inside the appliance can also cause corrosion over time. 

Conclusion

With a pellet grill, you can cook meat to perfection. The best affordable pellet grills are reviewed and compared in this article for your convenience.  With so many options available, it can be hard to find a grill that is affordable yet offers all the features you need to cook your favorite foods with ease.  

This buying guide should help you narrow down which pellet grill will work best for your needs based on what kind of cooking experience you’re looking for.  After reading our reviews, we hope you feel confident about choosing an option from one of these top brands! 

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