Best Affordable Pellet Grill: Buying Guide And Reviews

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.